My Weight Loss Journey

by Angie Newton

I chose to make a lifestyle change in August 2005! It really started on 5/23/05 when I gave up soda. That was difficult but it made a total difference. By the time August rolled around I was disgusted with my body (weighing 270 lbs). I made the choice to change my life that day, 8/21/05 and have been doing well ever since. In Sept. 2005 I started measuring (waist, bust, thigh, calf, etc) and weighing myself every month.

I do AT LEAST 5 days of exercise a week and drink AT LEAST 8 glasses of water a day. I have cut out the awful things I used to eat although tempted at times. But I had set a goal for myself and that was to lose 100 lbs by Christmas 2006 so hubby and I could go celebrate our 10th anniversary with a vow renewal at Couples Swept Away All-Inclusive resort in Jamaica, without me being disgusted of my body.

I think the thing that has helped me most was to tell everyone (friends, family, etc.) what my goal was and ask for their support. It has been great! I just set my mind to JUST DO IT! I am no longer making excuses and if I slip, that's ok, it's normal but I don't give up.

Some of the changes I have made were hard, no doubt, but in the long run will be worth it. I gave up fast food and really have no desire to step foot into one again. I did start to go with hubby to fast food places again (he still likes his burgers and french fries!) but I always get the salad (or the healthiest thing on the menu or nothing at all until I get home). Now I can't stand the smell of greasy fries and burgers. At home, he will grill himself a regular burger and I either have a garden burger or my new favorite is a turkey burger.

I carry my large Tupperware water bottle (it holds approx. 3 1/2 glasses) with me everywhere I go, even in restaurants. I fill this up approx. 3-4 times a day. My favorite food was always pizza so instead of going to my all time favorite restaurant Pizza Hut, I gave it up and we started making our own healthy pizzas at home. Some other little things I have done are changed from white to wheat pasta and bread. I eat sweet potatoes, not baked. I'm in the process of giving up mayo and other condiment type items, so in the mean time, I have really cut down on those. Trader Joe's and now many of our local grocery stores have fat free brownies called No Pudge Fudge that I make once in a blue moon if I get a chocolate craving and Trader Joe’s also has something called Better n' Peanut butter that I love.

Just cutting things out and replacing with something healthy makes a big difference (plus exercise and water!). I do a variety of exercise at least 5 days a week (usually M-F). Everything from Leslie Sansone's Walk Away the Pounds workouts, Turbo Jam, The Biggest Loser workout, Carmen Electra's Fit to Strip collection, rebounding, stability/exercise ball and more.

It's no walk in the park and it's not going to change overnight, that is for sure, especially after years of not eating right and no exercise. It's HARD but worth it!

Since Aug 05, I have lost 82.8 lbs (17.2 lbs to go to meet my first goal). I didn’t meet my goal for Christmas 2006 and I even gained a few pounds over the holidays and while on our Jamaican vacation but I am on target and moving towards my goal every day. My ultimate goal is a total loss of 130 lbs. My belief is "Slow and steady wins the race". This is a lifestyle change for me.

I am a member of a few weight loss groups and the support I get has really helped me to keep going. You just have to make a decision to change your lifestyle and you will reap great rewards.