Weight Loss Stories – Christina Lost 97 Pounds in 18 Months

Name: Christina
Age: 41
Family Status: Single
Occupation: Foster Parent
Hometown: Stamford, New York
Pounds or Inches Lost: I have lost 97 pounds and 30% body fat!
Starting Weight: 214 pounds
Current Weight: 117 pounds

Christina’s Weight Loss Story!

When did you become unhappy with your weight?
I have always been unhappy with my weight. I have been overweight since I was in grade school and it always held me back. I finally couldn’t stand it anymore.

What made you decide to lose weight?
I was watching Dr. Oz on Discovery Channel and they showed an open heart surgery and he pointed out the amount of fat the heart had on it. I decided then, and there, that I was changing my life. I didn’t want to be the woman with that heart!

What were the most important changes you made to lose weight?
I first added lots of veggies, fruits, and whole grains. I cut out high fructose corn syrup and hydrogenated fats. Every few months, I would tweak something new. I also made a commitment to exercise.

What was most challenging about losing weight?
The food. The exercise doesn’t bother me as much as the fact that I can’t always eat what I want or how much I want.

How long did it take you to start to see results?
I started seeing results in a couple of months. I started feeling results pretty quickly.

How long did it take for you to reach your current weight?
I started on 1/26/06 and I officially decided to maintain where I was, 120 pounds, on 6/1/07.

How long have you maintained your weight loss and how do you do it?
I have maintained for two months now and, actually, lost 3 pounds while learning maintenance! I still watch calories and exercise. Nothing really changed from when I was losing weight. I just get to eat a little more now and can have a treat every now and then.

How has your life changed now that you’ve lost weight?
Everything has changed! It would take forever to explain. The main things are that I have a ton more energy, people treat me differently, and I have a lot more self-confidence.

How did ShapeFit help you reach your weight loss goals?
I read each and every ShapeFit article. I used whatever resources they offered to learn more about fitness and nutrition. I think ShapeFit is a lifesaver. It has helped me tremendously!

Christina’s Weight Loss Tips!

Weight loss tip #1:
Take it one step at a time so you don’t get discouraged.

Weight loss tip #2:
Start exercising right away!

Weight loss tip #3:
Don’t start out too low with the calories or you’ll have nowhere to go.

Weight loss tip #4:
Plateaus happen! Think of them as practice for maintenance and ride them out.

Weight loss tip #5:
Days speed by and you can either keep waiting to start tomorrow or start today and see a huge difference next week, month, or year.

Christina’s Weight Loss Eating Plan!

Breakfast:
Protein Shake and Cheerios.

Lunch:
Chicken on whole wheat tortilla, spinach salad, tomato, cucumber, apple, and a small piece of 70% dark chocolate.

Dinner:
Low sodium vegetable soups with added chicken.

Snacks or Mini Meals:
Cottage cheese and grapefruit with 1/2 whole wheat bagel and natural jelly. 1 oz almonds and a yogurt with fruit.

Christina’s Weight Loss Workouts!

Weight Training:
I do weights 3 times a week religiously for 30-45 minutes each time. I switch up reps, exercises, anything I can to keep it new and to prevent adaptation.

Cardiovascular:
I run, walk, bike, or do the elliptical for a total of 60 minutes at least 5 days a week. Cardio keeps me able to eat at a higher calorie level and I love to eat!

1. Prev:Weight Loss Stories – Christine Lost 146 Pounds in 12 Months
2. Next:Weight Loss Stories – Christiane Lost 150 Pounds in 12 Months