Weight Loss Success Story - Krista P.

Weight Loss Success Story: Krista P.

Tell Us A Little Bit About Your Weight Struggle
This is a weight loss story, but with a twist. A bit different than others.

Before my daughter's birth in 2003, I knew I had a weight issue. I had to do something after her birth. And when I did become pregnant, I almost used that as an excuse to eat EVERYTHING.

About 4-6 weeks after her birth, I was in a shopping mall with my mom and sister and there was a clothing store they went into. I just sat on the bench outside as I knew there was nothing I would be able to fit into. (I was 5'1", 220 pounds, size 18-20).

At that moment I decided that I needed to do something. I began walking that week. I walked up large hills pushing that stroller—the first week I lost 5 lbs. I was seeing results. I then began eating more carefully.

After 14 months I was down 93 pounds. (My right hip became very painful at this point, still pushed through.)

I made an appointment and found out that I have osteoarthritis at 25. I worked through the pain and denial for years, until it became much worse. At age 29, I was told I had a hip worse than most 87 year olds.

I had a total right hip replacement done April 11th 2008. The surgery was longer than expected due to other minor complications, my nerve in leg was upset and lost some feeling.

The interesting part of this is that my son Tyson was born April 11th 2009, exactly one year from my hip replacement. My pregnancy was great. I'm a water-fit instructor and was also personal trainer (Kenora Recreation Centre) still continuing to work, right up until he was born.

Years later my leg is still weak and my weight has been fluctuating. I've gained some and lost some. From August 2017 - January 2018, I lost another 35 lbs.

I wanted to run. I know it's not advised but I wanted to do it. I took up jogging a few years ago. I ran my first 5km, 2 years ago. Just recently, on May 12th, I ran my first 7.5 km. (I do it responsibly and ensure healthy check-ups with my doctor.) Not to mention I also have foot issues.

I've been running more than what "anyone" thought possible. (Despite all my barriers & challenges.)

I just wanted to share my story, as I think motivation is the key to losing weight and staying on track. Through my foot issues, hip replacement and limp, when people ask me "can you do that," "does that hurt," etc, I'm able to get through with the motivation of showing people that I can make it, even though I have barriers.

It's about not giving up, it's knowing that life is short and I want to see and know what my body is capable of before it's my time to leave this earth. (After all life is limited.)

I always try my best, I never stop. We never know what we can accomplish if we don't try.

Walking is how I lost the weight, and simply eating much better. I have a lot of simple recipes I use. I'm a snack-lover, sweet-lover, chocolate, you name it...

Thanks for listening,
Your Canadian friend

What Was Your Wake-Up Call Or "A-Ha Moment" That Caused You To Really Commit Yourself To Succeeding?
Sitting outside a clothing store that my mom and sister went into, and I didn't go in because nothing would have fit me.

How Have Your Eating Habits Changed Since Beginning Your Journey? What Did You Eat Before And What Are You Eating Now?
I used to eat big helpings of food. My portion sizes were huge. I snacked all night—literally!

I now eat proper portions, revamped where necessary and have a little dessert, for example, greek yogurt mixed with non-fat pudding powder, or Jello with whipped cream.

What Is The Difference In Your Fitness Before You Started And Now?
I did nothing before and blamed it on my hip. But then I got active and my hip improved. I can even run now!

What Has Been The Biggest Change/Payoff For You So Far?
I can run, and wear cute outfits!! I can stay active with my kids.

How Much Weight Have You Lost? How Long Did It Take You To Lose It?
I lost 94 pounds in 14 months.

My Favorite Recipe for 2-Ingredient Pizza Dough
Ingredients:

• ½ cup flour
• ½ cup (or little less) Greek yogurt
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• little salt
• little garlic seasoning

Instructions:
Mix the dough in a medium mixing bowl until combined. On a floured surface, roll out the dough and add your toppings. Bake at 325F degrees for 12-15 minutes until done.

Any Advice and/or Words of Wisdom for Others Who Are Struggling?
Keep at it. Don't give up or stop just because you ate "two cookies"—try to shift away from the "all or nothing attitude."

If you have health barriers / physical limitations like myself, then try to break up exercises / activities into 10 mins, 3x daily.

More Weight Loss Success Stories on Simple Nourished Living:

• Tabatha J.
• Melissa S.
• Alexis E.