Weight Loss Success Story: Christine O.
Here's another incredible story of perseverance and the power of external support some of us are lucky enough to receive in helping us reach our goals.
Christine found that special someone who constantly encouraged her and wouldn't let her give up on herself. She has learned that weight loss and weight maintenance are a marathon, not a sprint, and Christine even completed a real 26.2 mile marathon in 2017.
Take it away Christine...
Tell Us A Little Bit About Your Weight Struggle
For over 30 years I tried to lose weight. I tried every diet imaginable....I would lose 20 - 30 pounds then put it back on, plus 10 more.
I always wanted a quick fix...a quick way to lose weight and I thought it was working. I had clothes in my closet from size 14 to size 22....it was very discouraging!
What Was Your Wake-Up Call Or "A-Ha Moment" That Caused You To Really Commit Yourself To Succeeding?
After my 42nd birthday, I made a phone call...my husband had been bugging me for almost two years to call this trainer to help me. He was very concerned about me because I was so overweight. I looked at pictures from my birthday out with friends and knew it was time.
How Have Your Eating Habits Changed Since Beginning Your Journey? What Did You Eat Before And What Are You Eating Now?
Yes...my eating habits have completely changed. I used to eat until I could not eat anymore. I thought this won't hurt me...I will just start over on Monday.
I used to eat EVERYTHING. Now I am very conscious of what I eat. I eat protein and good carbs and vegetables and realize it has to be a healthy mix.
For one year, I wrote down and calculated everything I ate. When I slipped up, I got right back on track. I had ratios of Carbs/Proteins/Fat and 1200 calories and had to stay within the right percentages.
What Is The Difference In Your Fitness Before You Started And Now?
The difference in my fitness is I feel GREAT when I exercise...my family knows it is part of my daily routine. They know I go to the gym, do my cardio and run 1-2 times a week. They know that this is my time. I feel like I have so much more energy to do things.
What Has Been The Biggest Change/Payoff For You So Far?
The biggest payoff is I feel sooooo much better. I feel healthier, I look better, I can move around so much better and I was able to run a marathon.
The biggest change is my family wants to be healthy too. Now that I have worked on my self, I know I need to help them, because I do not want my son or daughter to have the same struggles with weight I had for so many years.
It made me realize that if you truly set your mind to something and you have someone encouraging you along the way, anything is possible.
How Much Weight Have You Lost? How Long Did It Take You To Lose It?
I have lost 75 pounds...It took me 9 months to lose it. I lost 2 pounds a week and I have kept it off for a year, mid-June 2018.
Any Advice and/or Words of Wisdom for Others Who Are Struggling?
If you are lucky enough to find someone, or the right person, who is willing to encourage and help you every day, make sure you jump on the opportunity.
1N1 Fitness encouraged me and checked on me everyday to make sure I didn't give up even when I wanted to.
It would have been so much easier to take that one bite of cake, but now I know it is not even worth it. While there are special occasions, I have learned that food is fuel for your body and you need to eat to live, not live to eat if you want to be healthy.
It is also a combination of being active. You can eat right, but it is critical you have exercise both cardio and strength training.
On this journey of losing weight, I was able to run and I have never run in my life. I used to look at people who ran and say I will never run.
In December 2017, I ran a MARATHON 26.2 miles. My goal was to finish.....so look at losing/maintaining weight as a Marathon, not a sprint. Both running and losing weight is all in your head and if you want it, anything is possible.
More Weight Loss Success Stories on Simple Nourished Living:
Subscribe to Get: Top 10 Reader Favorite Recipes
The Top 10 Most Popular Recipes (PDF) on Simple Nourished Living + Weekly Support Emails with Tips & Easy Healthy Recipes Not Found Anywhere Else!
Robin @rkosully
Congratulations, Christine! I'm so impressed that you lost all that weight _and_ ran a marathon. Thanks for sharing your story. Keep up the awesome work!