My Weight Loss Journey {How I Misplaced 100 Kilos}

May 8, 2024

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As we speak, I’m 100 kilos lighter than I used to be after I began my weight reduction journey.

My profitable weight reduction story shouldn’t be one among in a single day success. I didn’t take a magic capsule. My outcomes weren’t from a fad weight loss plan or a product from an infomercial. My wholesome weight reduction journey has been extra like a curler coaster experience of trials, many errors, and a set of small milestones alongside the best way, finally resulting in greater than I ever anticipated to realize.

I used to be an sad woman with no shallowness, trapped beneath dishevelled t-shirt and stretchy denims and determined to shed weight to only be regular. I had no concept that it might flip right into a journey of self-discovery, freedom, and discovering pleasure.

Oh yeah, and 100-pound weight reduction. A fats loss journey I’ll without end treasure! As a result of not solely did it change me from the surface, it reworked me from the within out.

A bit of extra confession with a spoiler alert earlier than we try my pictures: Little did I do know, that it might evolve into a way of life change, guided by intermittent fasting, common bodily exercise, and a dedication to incorporating wholesome meals. Via power coaching and train applications, I’ve witnessed long-term weight reduction outcomes which have positively impacted my total well being and high quality of life. This journey has taught me that one of the best ways to attain lasting success is thru reasonable targets and sustainable consuming patterns, tailor-made to suit my complete life. As I proceed on this path, I’m reminded that it’s not simply in regards to the quantity on the dimensions; it’s about embracing a way of life that helps my well-being for the remainder of my life.

On the finish of the day, each time I replicate on my weight-loss journey (oh these weight reduction efforts too), and the grace of God that has accompanied me each step of the best way, I understand that I’ve realized so many necessary issues that reach far past mere weight targets. My subsequent step is to assist girls who’re struggling to develop weight-loss plans and are ready to make among the finest choices of their grownup life, leading to higher well being circumstances.

Earlier than and After Weight Loss Photos

This is my weight loss journey - how I lost 100 pounds naturally, going from an insecure fat kid to a thriving, confident, healthy adult.

Diets I Tried On My Weight Loss Journey

Over a few years of attempting to shed weight, I attempted a whole lot of totally different weight reduction diets, applications, and even some gimmicks.

I want I had been running a blog whereas I’d been on all of them, however I attempted lots of them after I was fairly younger, so there is no such thing as a written file of my expertise (fortuitously, I by no means thought-about weight reduction surgical procedure).

Listed here are only a few of the numerous issues I attempted:

One Small Change

I misplaced 100 kilos one small change at a time. Sure, it wasn’t like a fast weight reduction factor.

My meals consumption and consuming habits have been utterly unmanageable! There was a lot trial and error (a LOT of error).

I cherished junk meals, watching TV, and being as lazy as doable, in order interesting as the intense diets have been, they by no means caught.

For me, the important thing to success was one small change at a time.

A big conduct change occurred as I transitioned from soda to lemonade, then it progressed to gentle lemonade, flavored water, fruit-infused water, and eventually plain water.

I stayed on observe, transferring in the proper path. Going from no greens to hiding greens to a couple microwaved frozen greens then studying to cook dinner contemporary greens and now I pack my meals stuffed with greens.

I may offer you a whole bunch of examples of 1 small change at work in my life.

Each weight loss plan I attempted or train program I joined, I realized one thing from it that I carried on with me to create a wholesome way of life I genuinely love dwelling.

Learn extra in regards to the life-changing energy of 1 small change.

Rising Up As The Fats Child

I used to be a cute child. A extremely, actually cute child (that’s me being cute in between my two older sisters within the image beneath)….till 1st grade.

That’s after I began to develop into the chubby child.

After which I turned the fats child (that’s me on the underside proper within the big blue poncho).

I don’t actually know why I began overeating within the first place.

Perhaps as a result of I used to be a daddy’s woman and I wished to maintain up together with his portion sizes to be similar to him.
Probably as a result of I used to be cussed and knew my mom wished to eat healthily, so I rebelled by sneaking junk meals, ensuing to a lot weight.
Maybe I simply actually cherished meals (and nonetheless do!). On the day after I used to be born, my mother wrote, “It looks like you simply need to eat ALL the time!” <- Yup.

Regardless of the cause, I began overeating and simply couldn’t cease.

I keep in mind my grandmother making a remark as soon as about how shocked she was that I may eat so many slices of pizza.

And I keep in mind feeling proud of having the ability to take action.

I cherished junk meals and would sneak into the kitchen late at evening and discover the unhealthiest meals my mother had hiding within the kitchen…and I’d eat it multi functional sitting.

Whether or not it was a field of Nutty Bars, a bag of chips, or some actually scrumptious leftovers, I’d devour them, not caring about my physique weight or caloric consumption in any respect.

Meals (extra particularly, junk meals) was a treasured commodity to me. When it was there, I felt prefer it was a useful resource that might run out at any given time, so I needed to eat all of it as quick as doable earlier than another person dared to attempt it themselves and depart much less for me.

I used to be just about like Joey from Buddies. “Becky doesn’t share meals!“

Confession – typically I nonetheless really feel like that.

It’s not like I used to be ever disadvantaged.

My mom was (and nonetheless is) a incredible cook dinner. She at all times made a ton of flavorful, wholesome, selfmade meals, however I by no means appreciated them.

I used to be at all times begging for processed meals, prepackaged meals, and quick meals.

I might have taken a Lunchable over a sandwich any day and wished I may dwell off of donuts, tater tots, and cupcakes.

I vividly keep in mind wishing somebody would exchange all water fountains with Kool-Help fountains (enjoyable reality – I didn’t begin liking plain water till I used to be 27 years outdated).

Bullying As An Obese Child

In center faculty, I used to be teased.

I used to be known as fats within the hallways.
I used to be known as fats by random strangers who noticed me serving to my greatest buddy ship her paper route.
I used to be known as fats by so-called associates not-so behind my again.

It damage. Quite a bit.

And I retreated inside myself much more, pondering if I used to be quiet and simply flew underneath the radar, then I wouldn’t draw consideration to myself and no person would discover that I used to be fats. I ate in secret.

Then I beat myself up for overeating, which drove me to eat much more. It’s actually a vicious cycle that retains you spiraling downward.

I used to be by no means in a position to put on any of the identical garments that my associates wore as a result of I couldn’t match into ladies’, and even teen, clothes. I keep in mind carrying a 24W as a 14-year-old. So, I dressed within the ever-so-fashionable stretchy denims and tremendous dishevelled t-shirt, believing that every one of that extra material would cover all of my physique fats or stomach rolls.

I Actually Hated Train

In center faculty, I performed volleyball, which helped me with weight administration at the least a bit bit.

I cherished the precise sport and even made the A group, however I hated the working.

I used to be at all times the slowest, I at all times completed final, huffing and puffing, needing tons of stroll breaks, even simply in the course of the warm-up laps. I may block, bump, and spike like no person’s enterprise, however I keep in mind at all times feeling second greatest as a result of I used to be the woman who needed to take the best variety of uniform as a result of the numbers correlated to the dimensions.

Excessive quantity = large uniform.

It was like my weight was being introduced to everybody, carrying my disgrace on the surface.

I performed tennis from my freshman by means of junior yr of highschool and, once more, actually loved the game, however abhorred the working. Our coach was a middle-aged man who may run circles round me. Your complete group would have completed their laps across the discipline, whereas I used to be nonetheless stumbling alongside subsequent to the (additionally middle-aged) assistant coach, who I’m fairly positive they despatched in as an try and get me to run sooner.

It was ineffective.

However due to the common train, I did begin shedding some weight.

The Dreaded Yo-Yo Weight-reduction plan

In highschool, the teasing had just about stopped, however I nonetheless felt as large as ever. It appeared like everybody round me was relationship and I used to be satisfied that if I simply misplaced the load, then guys would begin to discover me.

So, I used to be always attempting to weight loss plan.

Emphasis on the attempting.

I’d skip breakfast (at all times the good approach to shed weight – NOT), I’d be sure everybody may see that I used to be solely consuming bell pepper strips or half of a Slim Quick for lunch as a substitute of the pizza provided at Key Membership conferences, and I’d applaud myself when my abdomen was rumbling in starvation, as a result of, clearly, hunger=weight reduction (face-palm).

However, these efforts have been fairly non permanent, and the subsequent day, I’d be with my associates on the meals courtroom consuming an enormous burrito for lunch (and sneaking cookies into my bed room at evening).

The Freshman 15 In Reverse

After I went off to school in 2004, I used to be really in a position to reverse the freshman 15.

As a result of the rec middle was simply throughout a discipline from my dorm, there was a time that I used to be going over there twice a day to swim or elevate weights or hop on the elliptical and I used to be taking full benefit of the salad bar within the cafeteria.

I most likely may have dropped much more weight, however I used to be nonetheless ordering late-night pizza with my dorm-mates and preserving our room’s mini-fridge stocked with cookie dough and soda.

After I moved out of the dorms and off campus (away from the rec middle) the subsequent yr, my weight acquire started to slowly creep again.

I’d train often and form of attempt to watch what I ate, however I didn’t actually know how you can cook dinner, so I largely caught with boxed choices.

Macaroni and cheese and Hamburger Helper will not be the best meals for weight reduction and after I’d regained these kilos, they stayed.

And stayed.

Till late 2007.

The Reverse Excessive

That yr, I fell in love.

We dated, we acquired engaged, after which he was deployed, and I lived in a relentless state of stress.

I drifted to the opposite excessive of unhealthy weight reduction.

I used to be depressing. I assumed worrying was the one factor I may supply at that time and since I couldn’t management what was occurring abroad, I made a decision to regulate my consuming. I used to be dwelling alone and, for many that yr, I most likely ate between 500-800 energy a day.

I used to be hungry so much, not exercising in any respect, had no vitality, and my abdomen was always in knots, however I misplaced 40 kilos, bringing me all the way down to 160. That was the lightest I’d been since I may keep in mind (actually. I clearly needed to have been 160 kilos sooner or later in my life as I used to be gaining the load, however I don’t know when that was).

I assumed skinny meant wholesome, however although I used to be lastly a standard weight, I used to be FAR from wholesome at that time.

I began shopping for smaller garments and noticing that issues match me so a lot better, but it surely was short-lived.

Unhealthy Relationship, Unhealthy Physique

The deployment ended, he got here residence, and we acquired married. I used to be prepared for a blissful honeymoon stage, but it surely was not a cheerful or a wholesome marriage.

I didn’t comprehend it on the time, however my deep insecurities from being the fats child combined with that desperation for consideration from guys had led me into an emotionally abusive marriage.

My weight reduction journey spiraled down and my weight shot up as soon as once more.

We a lot of quick meals, hardly ever exercised as a result of we have been glued to our TV and laptop screens, and the stress of the fixed battle between us was almost insufferable (particularly for this people-pleasing, peace-loving woman!), so I began gaining the load again shortly.

After which I saved gaining.

And gaining.

Till January 2012. I used to be 194 kilos and was frightened of creeping again up into the 200’s.

I’ll Train…In Secret.

So, talks about an train plan, I joined a fitness center.

I used to be actually solely comfy utilizing the elliptical. I used to be too scared to attempt any of the lessons provided and the load machines have been simply intimidating. Gymnasium folks at all times appear to know what they’re doing and I simply…didn’t.

I didn’t really feel like I match wherever and I particularly didn’t need folks to see my fitness center inadequacy, so I spent a whole lot of time within the cardio film room, the place all the lights are dimmed they usually projected motion pictures onto a display in entrance of the cardio tools.

I attempted a private coach for awhile and hated it.

An individual watching me train was. the. worst.

Largely as a result of I used to be so weak that I struggled with a whole lot of the workouts she gave me and as candy as this woman was, she constantly expressed how shocked she was at how little I may elevate/push/squat/no matter else. Regardless that I used to be nonetheless 55 kilos lower than my heaviest, I felt utterly insufficient and simply wished to cover.

So, I ditched the fitness center and the coach for exercises that I may do myself at residence (these are a few of my favourite residence exercises).

That’s after I determined to start out working.

Sure, working.

Working for Weight Loss

You understand, that factor I advised you I hated with a ardour? The bane of my existence? The killer of my shallowness? That. I seemed it within the metaphorical face and embraced it (sticking to facet streets with few spectators, thoughts you).

One step at a time. One gasping breath at a time.

Working was SO onerous for me.

In June 2012, I ran my first 5k (although my mom beat me. Completely embarrassing.).

If you wish to run for weight reduction, try this newbie’s information to working.

The Yr All the things Modified

After a tough begin to the yr with a devastating divorce, 2014 turned one of the crucial influential years of my life (and my weight reduction journey).

That was the yr that all the items of wholesome habits that I had been constructing through the years lastly fell into place.

Working had began to provide me confidence.

I didn’t really feel like hiding anymore. I nonetheless didn’t need all the consideration drawn to me, however I dabbled in a wide range of workouts that yr and was at all times engaged on one thing to maintain myself wholesome. Not simply prioritizing my bodily well being but in addition attending to my psychological well being, as a part of the lengthy sustainable weight reduction journey.

I attempted Zumba and cardio kickboxing lessons, which majorly pushed me out of my consolation zone, however I loved immensely!

An teacher talked to me after class and requested me my story and advisable I look into educating health. I used to be so flattered, however simply put that into the again of my thoughts.

I did some yoga, some pilates, and a few Jillian Michaels movies.

I used my Fitbit all yr, which actually motivated me to maneuver extra all through the day.

I took my border collie, Boots, for extra walks, I parked farther away from shops, I walked the great distance round each time I may – something to stand up to my 10,000 steps!

I ran on and off after I felt prefer it (and infrequently after I didn’t) and ended up working six 5ks.

Outdoors of train, my confidence was constructing, too.

As an alternative of simply serving to out with slides in our church providers, I joined the worship group and began singing in entrance of our congregation each week.

I dated. I left my teeny tiny consolation zone and went on adventures. I began placing up conversations with neighbors and folks within the grocery retailer.

I used to be formally finished hiding from folks, and I used to be lastly, after 27 years, for the primary time I can say with confidence, beginning to consider my price as a baby of God.

Till that yr, I had no concept that God would care about my weight reduction journey.

Oh, How I Love Meals (Apparently Wholesome Meals, Too! Who Knew?)

The opposite factor that occurred in 2014 is that my tastes began to alter. These small adjustments had added up!

I’ve at all times been a lover of all issues fried and junk food-like. As a single individual, I had the liberty to inventory my cupboards and fridge with no matter meals I wished.

I began the yr shopping for all the chocolate and chips and frozen ready meals that I like and I shortly discovered that these weren’t the meals I wished anymore.

I nonetheless saved a large number of chocolate in the home however ate it sparingly (self-control like that also feels bizarre to me!).

Surprisingly, I wished spaghetti squash, Greek yogurt, zucchini, child spinach, quinoa, and fish.

I slowly warmed as much as fish in my mid-20’s, however that yr, I craved it and ate it typically!

And, except I used to be assembly associates, I didn’t eat out.

I used to be centered on reaching a greater well being.

The humorous factor is, I used to dream about Massive Macs and Sonic’s tater tots and Freddy’s french fries after which after I really had the liberty to go to these locations each time I wished to, it turned out I actually didn’t need to.

I nonetheless eat Life Saver Gummies, chocolate, and french fries after I need to, however now, as a substitute of a field of Nutty Bars (oh, how I like them!) disappearing in a single evening, they have been lasting me a month or extra.

Nothing was off limits to me and that really was the important thing for me to eat every part moderately.

I don’t consider in forbidden meals in my weight loss plan anymore.

On account of all of these small adjustments in my wholesome consuming and train, I dropped 30 kilos that yr.

And I’ve saved it off ever since.

No extra weight-reduction plan.

No extra forcing myself to undergo the motions.

I had labored my manner, one step at a time, to meals freedom.

Now, these wholesome habits I developed in my weight reduction journey are simply my regular, a standard I occur to utterly love dwelling. I eat what I like, I’ve the vitality and stamina to do the issues I get pleasure from, and I simply really feel good.

I used to be about 250 at my heaviest, which suggests through the years, I’ve now misplaced 100 kilos.

Even Although It’s About The Weight, It’s Not Actually About The Weight

It’s actually not even about my purpose weight anymore.

It’s about freedom.

I’m doing issues I by no means thought I used to be able to. It’s about being wholesome and energetic and taking good care of myself in order that I can construct the life I need to dwell. It’s about chasing my niece and nephew and working 5ks with my associates.

It’s about seizing the day, as a substitute of attempting to cover, hoping nobody will discover me.

It’s about being assured in who I’ve develop into and embracing each my strengths and my weaknesses.

As an alternative of being scared to attempt new issues, I’m desirous to make the most of new experiences. It’s about making good selections more often than not with regards to each motion and vitamin, however not being a slave to counting energy or forbidding meals from my weight loss plan.

I might by no means have believed it in the event you would have advised me 10 years in the past that I might be the woman selecting salmon and barley over a burger and french fries, however I did simply that the opposite evening.

Breaking Free

I ran my first half marathon in 2015, and that was after I determined that I wished to one way or the other share the instruments and classes (and lots of, many errors) that I’ve realized by means of my very own journey, so I earned my private coach’s certification and my well being teaching certification (by means of ACE – the American Council on Train).

I now run a Christian weight reduction program known as Devoted End Strains 2.0 (together with my companion Sara from The Holy Mess who has additionally misplaced 100 kilos!) that lays out a step-by-step, grace-based approach to shed weight for ladies caught in their very own weight reduction journey, in that cycle of yo-yo weight-reduction plan and emotional consuming, discover freedom in Christ by constructing a wholesome way of life, one small change at a time.

My weight reduction journey has been a lot greater than 100 kilos.

It gave me freedom and such a deep pleasure.
I realized to commerce my guilt for God’s grace.
It improved my relationships.
I really feel so a lot better.
It boosted my confidence.
I realized how you can discover pleasure and satisfaction in self-control.
I improved my relationship with God and others.
It modified my life into one which I’m head over heels in love with dwelling.

And now, I need to go that on to others. I would like you to know that, it doesn’t matter what your beginning place is, you could find that freedom, too.

As a follower of Christ, you may have the facility of God in your facet, so regardless of how unimaginable or hopeless your state of affairs appears, I can guarantee you there’s a world of hope and risk ready for you.

Generally you simply want somebody to consider in you and show you how to take step one.

You can lose the load and dwell a more healthy life, regardless of how far-off you are feeling from that purpose proper now. One step, one small change at a time, rework your life.

You are able to do this!

Begin proper now.