NAME : Lauren
BEFORE WEIGHT : 228
AFTER WEIGHT : 176
POUNDS LOST : 52
WHEN DID YOU START DEVELOPING A WEIGHT PROBLEM?
I started gaining weight when I graduated from college. I took my first job and went from an active lifestyle to one where I sat 8 hours a day. I also worked for a company with a very unhealthy environment. Free sodas, a steady stream of free and unhealthy food, and a busy, stressful work schedule. I gained over 30 lbs in my first year on the job. Then, over the course of the next 4 years, I attempted to lose and always re-gained the weight (and more) over and over again.
HOW DID YOUR WEIGHT AFFECT ANY ASPECT(S) OF YOUR LIFE?
I remember many times, just feeling distinctively uncomfortable in my clothes. My jeans barely buttoned, until I’d convince myself I had to go buy pants in a bigger size. I had no self confidence and it was evident in the way I treated myself, my body, and the relationships I was in. Overall, I just felt unhappy and dissatisfied with myself.
WHAT WAS THE “TURNING POINT” THAT GOT YOU STARTED ON YOUR WEIGHT LOSS JOURNEY?
The turning point for me was when my personal trainer and coach helped me get started with training and an Herbalife nutrition plan. He believed in me even before I believed in myself. His faith got me started and kept me going for those first few weeks until I saw results. I now strive to have that belief for others because I know how important and impactful it can be.
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED?
I began working out for at least 30 minutes 5 days a week. I started on my Herbalife nutrition plan, drinking 2 healthy meal shakes per day, eating 1 lean, colorful meal, and snaking every 2-3 hours.
HOW LONG AFTER YOU STARTED DID YOU BEGIN TO SEE RESULTS OF YOUR WEIGHT LOSS EFFORTS?
Right away. I started feeling better after just a week. I started losing weight immediately and lost 50 lbs in 11 months.
WHAT WAS THE HARDEST PART?
I definitely did not enjoy exercise right away. It was a struggle at first – working out was hard. My best advice with fitness is to start with a type of workout you enjoy – whatever it may be. People have a tendency to go all out when they begin with fitness. For example, they start trying to run knowing they don’t enjoy running. That’s why their fitness goals don’t stick. I started with workouts I enjoyed and then worked up to other types, and now I truly love and enjoy just about every type of workout there is.
DID YOU EVER WANT TO GIVE UP? WHAT KEPT YOU GOING?
Honestly, I didn’t. My results kept me going. Once I saw success, it became a lot easier to follow my plan, until eventually it just became very natural.
DID YOU HIT ANY WEIGHT LOSS PLATEAUS? HOW DID YOU OVERCOME THEM?
I never hit a plateau. I fully attribute that to the amazing Herbalife products.
HOW LONG DID IT TAKE YOU TO LOSE MOST OF THE WEIGHT?
50 lbs in 11 months!
DID YOU HAVE ANY NON-SCALE VICTORIES?
Oh yes. Many! Clothes. All the clothes. I can shop everywhere now. I don’t have to stress about finding clothes to wear. At one point I bought a size 18 pants, but usually I hovered around the 14/16 range. I’m now in a size 8/10 and a S/M in tops. I can wear basically anything I want! Lately people have been telling me they WANT MY body. Like, they are working towards a body like mine. That blew my mind. Never in my life did I think anyone would use my body as inspiration for their own. Most importantly, feeling better and getting healthier overall. I also have self-confidence and can finally feel great about myself and my accomplishments. All my hard work was worth it.
WHAT DOES YOUR DAILY DIET LOOK LIKE COMPARED TO WHEN YOU WERE HEAVIER?
I drink 2 healthy meal shakes per day, along with 1 lean, colorful meal, and healthy snacks every 2-3 hours in between. I meal prep meals like ground turkey, chicken, salmon, etc. along with veggies and complex carbs.
HOW DOES YOUR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY COMPARE TO WHEN YOU WERE HEAVIER?
I love to workout now! I wish I could workout 4 times a day. I’ll do any type of workout opportunity that comes up. I coach boot camp type workouts every Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday. I do a mixture of running and yoga every morning. In the evenings I lift and do strength training.
MY WEIGHT LOSS TIPS & TRICKS
- Get connected with a community of people who have similar goals. This made ALL the difference for me. Build relationships, make friends, and hold one another accountable to your goals.
- Spend time strengthening your mind, as well as your body. Learn how to feed your brain with positive thoughts and energy. That will keep you focused on your goals and believing you can achieve them.
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The post 52 Pounds Lost: Change Your Mindset, Change Your Life! appeared first on The Weigh We Were.