Hi everyone, we're so excited to be sharing another great REAL Weight Watchers success story with you. This one comes from Kasey T, a newer Weight Watchers member who has lost 24 pounds in just 6 months.
I hope reading her story motivates and inspires you as much as it did us!
Weight Watchers Weight Loss Success Story #3: Kasey T.
Tell us a little bit about your weight struggle:
I have never struggled with weight until I was 19. I stayed active and I did sports throughout childhood into high school. I always ate what I wanted and never worried about it. Once I became inactive and started dating my ex, I started packing on the pounds. 5 pounds here and there seemed like nothing until I gained about 50 pounds.
At my heaviest I was 194/195 pounds. I distinctively remember bathing suit shopping and sitting in the dressing room literally crying because I couldn't find anything; I walked out of the store that day with a $200 bathing suit because it's all that fit me.
I hated getting dressed (and undressed) because it was a constant reminder of how I failed my body. I let myself spiral out of control and it haunted me everyday. I have made several attempts to lose weight, but the smallest distraction always sent me backwards.
Finally, last July I made the decision to quit smoking after being a smoker for eight years. I quit cold turkey and was extremely focused. As the weeks went on, I started noticing more weight getting piled on (as much as I tried to avoid the inevitable.)
I saw a picture of myself from my sister-in-law's baby shower and was so disappointed in myself. One morning, while getting ready for work, I couldn't button my jeans and I knew right there that was it.
I signed up for Weight Watchers the very next day and attended meetings, followed the Simply Filling technique and have lost 24 pounds since September 14, 2014. I've gained my confidence and my happiness back and I'm FINALLY for the first time successful in my weight loss journey.
What was your wake-up call or "A-ha moment" that caused you to sign-up with Weight Watchers?
The morning I couldn't button my jeans. I've felt this moment far too often and this time, this time was different.
I had quit smoking and had a very determined attitude. If I could quit smoking, what was stopping me from losing weight?!
I was at my heaviest at 194 pounds and was the unhappiest I've ever been with my body. I went online and signed up for Weight Watchers the next day and have been attending meetings since!
How have your eating habits changed since Weight Watchers? What did you eat before and what are you eating now?
I love to snack. I love to eat. I would go out to eat and order a plate of loaded waffle fries and eat the entire thing by myself in one sitting. I would order fast food and devour three slices of meat lovers pizza.
Carbs was (and still is) my best friend. Chicken with crispy skin, deep fried with a side of macaroni and cheese? Yes please.
NOW, I'm all about the nutrients that healthy food has to offer. I often make my own flatbread pizzas with veggies. I eat whole wheat pastas and organic veggie-based sauces, load up the fruits and veggies, incorporat lots of lean proteins such as turkey, chicken, and fish.
I make my own tortilla chips and crackers from power foods. I've found ways to make my favorite dishes my own (Greek yogurt macaroni and cheese, lettuce wrap tacos).
I started taking a multivitamin. It's amazing how good food can change the way you feel.
What is the difference in your fitness before Weight Watchers and now?
I HATED the gym before Weight Watchers. Partly because I had smoker's lungs and couldn't breathe through my workouts.
I signed up for the gym again when I signed up for WW. I started off slow and finally increased my strength and resistance on the cardio machines. I love how I feel when I leave!
I also signed up for kickboxing in October and shed a lot of inches through that. It's so hard, but it's something I never would have (or could have) done pre-WeightWatchers.
What has been the biggest change/payoff for you so far?
Finally feeling comfortable in my own skin. Dating is always a struggle because I'm always like, "He doesn't want to date me because I'm huge" or "No one wants to be with someone who doesn't take care of her body".
Throughout my journey, I've realized that I'm doing this for no one but ME! I'm the happiest I've ever been right now and I feel amazing. It's helped relationships with family, friends, and most importantly, myself.
My Favorite Recipe
I don't typically follow recipes, I usually gather ingredients and throw things together myself. One of my favorites though is my beef veggie lo mein that I created. It's delicious and so much better than the real thing! I'm a sucker for Chinese food!
Kasey's Beef and Veggie Lo Mein
Ingredients
- Lean Beef I use first cut top round
- Sunbird Beef and Broccoli Seasoning packet They have it at Market Basket in the soy sauce aisle - you'll need low-sodium soy sauce to make it
- White Pepper
- Oriental Vegetables I buy the Oriental frozen bag of veggies at Market Basket
- Mushrooms
- Onion diced
- Whole Wheat Spaghetti cooked
Instructions
- In a big sautee pan, heat olive oil and add onions, mushrooms, and beef. Sautee until beef is a little more than halfway cooked through.
- Make up the mix for the sauce (instructions are on the back of the seasoning packet) and set aside.
- Add the frozen veggies and stir. Cook for a bit.
- Add the sauce and the spaghetti. Stir and simmer for a little.
- Add white pepper/garlic/any other seasoning you want!
Recipe Notes
How much weight have you lost? How long did it take you to lose it?
Right now, I'm at about 24 pounds lost. I started September 14, 2014. So about 6 months so far.
I maintained throughout the holidays and have had a few weeks of gains, but I always think to myself, "Where would I be if I gave up or didn't start this" and it gets me through the tougher weeks.
Any advice and/or words of wisdom you'd like to share?
Don't give up. It's not an easy journey, but once your head is in the game, you're good to go.
If I can do this, anyone can. Set small goals. Don't beat yourself up when you make a mistake or slip up; it's going to happen so many times.
You need to remember why you're doing this and how you're going to feel. You're already one step ahead! Good luck!
Follow Kasey on Instagram: https://instagram.com/kaseydilla425/
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Amanda
Hi There,
My name is Amanda and i work for a commercial casting agency in Los Angeles. We are currently casting a Weight Watchers commercial and looking for real people who are current WW members.
Please contact me if you are interested in taking part in this or if you would like any further information.
Thanks and have a great day!
Amanda