I’ve Got a Painful Secret to Share – I Got Fat!
We had not had a family portrait made and it was something that was important to me – while everyone grumbled all the way, they did mom the huge favor of slapping on a smile and allowing me the one thing I wanted for Christmas. When our proofs came back, I locked them up and have not looked at them again. I cried because I didn’t know the person in them that was wearing my shirt.
It wasn’t until the proofs came in that I realized just how much weight I’d put on. All my life I was one of those girls who was pencil thin. I never thought I’d ever have to worry about my weight – and never did. In fact, I didn’t own a scale simply because it was never a major concern.
Three years ago I quit smoking – over the course of time, I honestly didn’t realize how much weight I was packing on. I’d always wondered how fat people could NOT see how fat they’d become if they owned even one single mirror. Suddenly I knew, I was one of them. I was just under 200 pounds. How the hell did THAT happen?
It’s true! It’s far too painful for me to share the photos at this point, but I will – once I reach my goal weight of 135.
Quickly I jumped into proactive, I’m going to starve myself mode and began eating ONLY Lean Cuisine. That worked for a while and in fact, by early February, I’d lost 20 pounds.
I couldn’t afford Nutrisystem or Jenny Craig – that was out of the question and knew there had to be a better, more affordable way.
It was in March that I realized that was no longer working and I had to do something different. That’s when I went to see a nutritionist. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.
The fruits I’d been eating, while good for the most part, they were working against me. I learned that when I ate fruit, if I would each a chunk of cheese or a teaspoon of peanut butter with it, it would work together to keep from working against my goal.
What I learned was how to eat the right foods that work together to reduce my weight instead of working against me and packing it on.
Two habits that I have changed and do every single day are:
I drink my 100% Whey Protein – Gold Standard in Chocolate
I also eat a few High Protein Energy Snack bars
These drinks and bars can be purchased near the pharmacy of any Walmart for a fraction of the cost and is a much more effective and realistic approach to losing weight – as far as I’m concerned.
I’m happy to report that I’m now at 153 and dropping steadily. For 5′7″ that’s not bad and the doctor says to go to about 140 but I just don’t feel comfortable there. I’m going back to my usual weight.
I don’t really do much exercise and can only imagine if I were to combine what I’m doing with a little workout – just how far I’d be.
I can’t tell you how easy it’s been to drop the 45 pounds I have and I can’t encourage others enough to try it.
I don’t take medications, I don’t do anything else besides curb my diet with a lot of protein. That’s it.
One of my favorite habits has been to drink the protein drink about 15 minutes before a family meal – that alone helps reduce the intake during that meal.
If you’ve tried dieting before and have found a method that works, why not share it here? I’m sure those going into the holiday season would appreciate the tips on keeping off the winter wool.
image: stock.xchng
I recently went up 15 pounds after losing my day job. I am back on the treadmill at least 10 miles a week and am trying to cut back on food, but so far not much luck besides 5 or so pounds. I also have trouble with protein intake – I am not getting enough. I have tried the high protein Slim Fast shakes, but I’m thinking a quality 100% whey shake would be better. I’ll have to try it. I’m also trying to tell myself that it’ll take a couple two or three weeks of being on the treadmill before I stop gaining muscle and the scale starts showing a decline because of fat loss. It’s a frustrating 2-3 weeks to have to get through, but I’m telling myself “slow and steady..”
I’m 5′7″ also, but the lowest I can get is about 150..especially with working out and gaining muscle. My mom is the same height, but because her bone structure is smaller, she can get down to 135 or so…
Thanks for sharing your story.
I need all the inspiration I can get to keep going!
You know I was doing a take out soda and replace it with water or juice and that was working for me. That is until a very stressful day. Way to go, I’m rooting for you.
Congratulations on the weight loss! I’ve never been a pencil thin person and have to admit I’m annoyed at those that can stop through the McD’s drive thru and not gain a pound and then act like the rest of us just need to cut back a little. I tried WW last year, but couldn’t afford it. It was $40/month for the membership and then all those special foods I was buying were really adding up. I need to do something though!!!!
The only way I can lose weight is by exercise. When I run 20 miles a week, I can eat pretty much anything, within reason, of course.
I’m out of the 20 mile a week habit, but I’m climbing back up there again.
Keep up the good work. Losing weight is important for overall health, in addition to making you look better.
@Michelle S
I’ve noticed I need to exercise lately, too. I don’t get it, so I figured my metabolism must be taking a dump. I’m on some supplements to help my low thyroid for that as well. And um, speaking of dumps, I find that weighing everyday is bad for me. I take medication that tends to make me constipated, so weighing once a week is best for some people. And if you have the problem I do – I found taking 6 grams of fiber supp. 3x a day works great.
Sorry if that was TMI!
You have inspired me. I turned 50 a week ago, and I’m appalled at the pictures from a surprise party my family gave me. I am about 50 pounds overweight. I’m going to get the whey protein and try it. Congrats on your success!
Gayla – that is awesome!! I am so proud of you. I have had the same findings with the protein drinks – they do work. Now, I need to start drinking them again. You’re an inspiration.
Keep up the great work!!! xoxox