That AHA moment: What made you start?

hneagle1

1.What was the turning point for you?
Honestly, I was very tired of being tired. I had very little energy when I started my journey. I was tired of never being able to run or eat healthy. I had tried diets in the past and was very disappointed in the results. I made a commitment to be a little better each day and add small incremental steps to the process.

2. When did you start this journey?
I started really focusing on my diet and fitness in April of 2016. I had a few minor bumps during the holiday season, but starting to get more focused.

4. Where are you now?
I'm so much happier now! I love life. Within the past six months, I have gotten more intense with running. I'm doing my first half marathon this Saturday and the plan is to do a full marathon in October. Also, I have made it my goal to complete a Ironman competition before I turn 30. In terms of weight loss, I'm down around 45 pounds. But, the weight does not matter as much as the increased energy or the sense of purpose in my fitness journey. I eventually want to become a personal trainer so I'm using this time to practice and experiment on myself before I ever take on clients.

4. What keeps you going?
Honestly, my faith keeps me going. I believe I was given this body to achieve greatness. I also believe that inspiring others is my calling and my fitness journey has allowed me to give back to others. Also, I keep burning and living healthy to have a vibrant and active lifestyle. It's weird how your entire prospective on health and fitness changes as you get into the year or more mark!

MichaelRow

1. What was the turning point for you? It's ok if it was a series of events

My wife and I had our second daughter Nov 2016. I realized that I didn't have enough energy for my girls. That sucked because my older daughter is really fun. My younger's still a potato, but you can't blame a 4 month old for that. She does help out, though, as she loves being in the ergo-baby with me.

2. When did you start this journey?

I've tried off and on with MFP for about 5 years ago, but I keep falling off. For Christmas I got an Apple Watch S1 and didn't want its capabilities to go to waste. I restarted logging and bought some dumbbells and watched Youtube videos on weights. Yesterday I even bought a cheap rower. When I started on Jan 1 I was 283.2. My highest weight last year was 290.

3. Where are you now?

I have energy to get through the day while playing more. I don't feel like falling apart after mowing the lawn. My older daughter and I started some gardening outside to grow herbs and flowers from seed. This morning I weighed in at 259.9, 23.3 lbs down in 100 days. The goal is to lose 100 lbs.

4. What keeps you going?

My little girls. They are cute, funny, and so very smart.

Bekah7482

1.What was the turning point for you? It's ok if it was a series of events
There were a few things that led up to my turning point. I have always been obese but always very active so even though I needed to lose weight, it was also not stopping me from things in life. As I continued to gain things that I enjoyed like hiking became less enjoyable and more of a chore. Lingerie wasn't as fun to wear. Things that I always wanted to do, I was now past the weight limit (sky diving, zip lining, kayaking, etc). Things I used to enjoy, I now couldnt do (got kicked off a few roller coasters, so embarrassing). These things made me start considering my weight as a problem.

It wasn't until I was diagnosed with fatty liver disease that I really hit my turning point. I was diagnosed in November when I had a lot of stomach pains and I was always nauseous. Doctor said I just had to deal with the pains until I lose the weight. That's when I became serious about weight loss.

2. When did you start this journey?
1/1/17 super cliche but I started on New Years Day

3. Where are you now?
I am down 53lbs as of right now.

4. What keeps you going?
The thought of being able to do the things that I was over the weight limit to do. My partner and I want to start a family soon and I can't be the mom I want to be in the body I have now. And the thought of fitting into a wedding dress I will like. I have always thought that I would look at my wedding pictures and hate them. I want to love my wedding pictures and fitting into a dress I will love will make me proud of my wedding pictures.

mcginger1

1.What was the turning point for you? It's ok if it was a series of events
Like many, I have always battled my weight; however, the switch was flipped when I was diagnosed with breast cancer at 40. Being told my diagnosis was likely "environmental" and not genetic, the only culprit could have been my weight and the food I was consuming.

2. When did you start this journey?
I've been on MFP for over 4 years, but in January 2016 I finally "got it". I realized the excess chemicals, fat, sugar and additives in the foods I was consuming were slowly killing me. I started seriously reading labels, eating whole foods (not processed), and adding more fruits & vegetables to bulk up my meals. Then in April 2016, I joined ClassPass and started exercising regularly.

3. Where are you now?
I'm now cancer-free, almost 30 lbs down from my starting weight in Jan 2016, and still working out 6-7x/week. I actually enjoy exercise now, and would rather be moving than being a couch potato.

4. What keeps you going?
It's been a very eye-opening experience, going through all of this. I feel SO MUCH BETTER! I am not lethargic and dragging from overeating a bunch of crap, I can eat a few bites of goodies and not over-do it, and I don't feel deprived. Knowing how it feels being overweight & out of control has kept me on this path. I've changed my lifestyle for the better, and I refuse to go back.

creepy_unicorn

1.What was the turning point for you?
I've been on off dieting for too long, but I've always tried to skimp on weight loss by doing fad diets. I was a fool

2. When did you start this journey?
New years day 2017. I have always made a resolution to lose weight when coming into a new year, and I usually fail. But I finally seem to be in the right mindset after building myself up for years. I've learnt that if you want something you actually have to work for it!

5. Where are you now?
20lbs down, 45lbs to go.

4. What keeps you going?
I want to finally be happy with my mental health, and being overweight is the worst thing for my confidence. I feel healthier and happier generally now that my diet and exercise habits have changed. I don't understand how I was eating and hiding away for all those years, and would never ever go back to it!

perfect_storm

my aha moment was realizing I looked 7 months pregnant and being diagnosed prediabetic I started marc h3rd and am down 10 lbs I keep going bec I do not want insulin and want my clothes to look good again

STLBADGIRL

It was a picture that I took. I could barely see my facial features.

tinamarie6624

1. What was the turning point for you?
I didn't exactly have an AHA moment but here is what happened. I decided to start eating better in January 2016. It was very simple. Once I had made that commitment I was all in, I get like that sometimes. I was 378 Lbs and could barely walk to the bathroom. I had back issues and high blood pressure. In December of 2015, I seriously thought I was too old and too fat to do anything about my issues!
2. When did you start this journey?
January 2, 2016
3. Where are you now?
I am now 196 Lbs - I am now in onederland. I have lost a grand total of 182 Lbs - I have about 81 left to go.
4. What keeps you going?
The changes keep me going. I am loving life. I love to exercise. In direct conflict with who I was before, I love to push my body to the limits of my endurance. I love to plan physical activities that are fun and beneficial to my health. Now that I've come so far, I don't how long it takes me to get to my goal and I know I will because, I am healthier, happier and loving life!

jldeange

1.What was the turning point for you? It's ok if it was a series of events
I was absolutely hating the way I looked in photos. My fat pants weren't fitting anymore. I had no energy. The final a-ha moment was when I started trying on wedding dresses and even the plus size dresses in the store were too small on me. In that moment I knew I had to change something.

2. When did you start this journey?
October 27, 2016 that's when I joined MFP and started logging everyday.

3. Where are you now?
I'm almost down 30lbs. I've dropped a pant size. I've finished a few 5K's and an 8K. I don't need to take a nap everyday (although sometimes that would still be nice).

4. What keeps you going?
Feeling better about myself. I hadn't even realized how much my self-confidence had dropped over the last few years. I completed an 8K! Before, I could barely walk from the parking lot to my desk without wheezing. Lastly, I ordered a beautiful wedding dress that I can't wait to wear on my wedding day, knowing that I'll be the healthiest I've ever been to start my lifelong journey with my partner.

Blackdawn_70631

1.What was the turning point for you?
Answer: When I felt my belly hanging over my belt, and watch the back rolls get bigger AND bigger.

2. When did you start this journey?
Answer: Well over five years ago. It was a struggle between being fit the way society sees being fit, and being fit the way I am.
For instance, after losing about 35 lbs, my pants went from a size 14, to a size 14. But they're more loose. And my shirt size went from XXXL to a medium, sometimes even a small. I'm just designed to be a BIG, FIT WOMAN.

4. Where are you now?
Still about 10-20lbs over. I'm 167-169 now. Was about 195+. But my doctor wants to see where I'm at 150-155. She said that may be a good goal weight for me.

5. What keeps you going?
My husband. He has been going through many physical ailments that have even had the doctors ban him from working. His current one is arthritis in his neck, which effects his shoulders. So he'll be laying in bed, will go to move and pain strikes him and he can't move. So here I come, hauling 240+ lbs of husband. I have to help his shoes on and help with shorts. Even have to go all th way to telling him he doesn't need to eat THAT right now.

__TMac__

MichaelRow wrote: »

My little girls. They are cute, funny, and so very smart.

*Sniffle*

Got something in my eye....

crowleyed72

My turning point.
It's a story that starts may 8 2009. I was on my second deployment, got up that morning ran 5 miles went to chow went to gym did light weight. Showered was waiting around in huts to go on mission. Started feeling like crap dry heaving shortness of breath cold sweats. A battle buddy saw me told me I needed to go to sick call, I refused, I have a mission at 1300. He left Lt showed up told me to go, I was still refusing, so he gave me a lawful order to go. He takes me to medic station as I'm walking down corridor to them I black out hit ground long story short I had a heart attack at age 35 thought I was healthy. I was medivaced to Germany then sent home. Over the next seven years I had more an more health issues lungs, shoulders, knees an to top it off cancer. In February of 2016 finally got a bipass that should of happened in 09. Physical I'm doing better, just not mentally. I gained over 100 lbs.

When journey started.
About 5 weeks ago my 18 year daughter broke down while talking to me about life and cried. Which set a flame in my soul to move me.

Where am I now.

So far I've lost 20 lbs. changed eating habits completely, being as active as I can with my doctor, membership at the YMCA got a trainer. And let's not forget MFP and the support on here.

What keeps me going.

Myself first if you don't do it for you, you won't do it for others. My family's support, friends on here and local. My mindset, values I learned in life an the Army.

CaseySteenport

1.What was the turning point for you? Came back from Cancun with my then girlfriend, my brother and his wife. My brother is very fit. Saw a picture of us standing next to each other and it just hit how much I had let myself go.

2. When did you start this journey?

Late 2011. Been a rocky ride

3. Where are you now?

I'm down 70 pounds and have run 3 marathons, several half marathons, etc. Training for a couple high elevation races.

4. What keeps you going?

Eye on the prize. Not a weight goal for me, but a race goal. I want to run the Leadville 100 before I'm 40. 4 years to go.

kpb5370

1.What was the turning point for you? It's ok if it was a series of events

--I'm a college freshman and I've made a lot of close friends this year. My one friend from India looked at me and said "you need to reduce your pounds man" and from then on I've been doing great. It really helped me when my friends found out I was doing this... it gave me incentive to not quit or give up since they hold me accountable

2. When did you start this journey?

--11 Days ago

3. Where are you now?

--15.3 pounds down may not seem like much when you start at 415 but it's a great motivator

4. What keeps you going?

--My friends holding me accountable for my eating habits now and wanting to be in great shape so I can fully enjoy my last three years of college

Kclee2903

My doctor thinks being more open and finding support is how I can overcome my anxiety and improve my self opinion. So here goes being open!

1.What was the turning point for you? It's ok if it was a series of events

I started noticing that I was "ok" being obese! I made jokes and ate what I wanted because I lost my desire to feel good about myself. I avoided mirrors and cameras. My husband and I have been having marital issues over the past year or so and I guess in a way I just gave up and settled for the misery. I blamed myself for being "huge".

2. When did you start this journey?

I have been yo yo dieting since November 2016, but didn't get "serious" until March 16th.

4. Where are you now?

I am down almost 24 lbs and 1 pant size and hope to be down a couple more by September.

5. What keeps you going?

I am finally starting to feel "pretty" again and have really enjoyed the increase in energy. I just want this to continue and keep getting better. Side Note: We vacation at Disney frequently and I want to ride the rides without taking up the whole seat!!!!

inertiastrength

Sometime back in 2013 I bought a bra at Costco in the biggest standard size they stocked and it didn't fit... I was like a sausage coming out of it's casing when I looked in the mirror and even though I was 240lbs then, I was always "heavy but not out of control" in my mind... that day I was like got damn I'm fat. I literally picked up THAT DAY and started running, later found my way here, ate better... changed my plan a few times, started lifting and now it's years later I have a nice set of abs and I'm down 80lbs heheeh

Jimb376mfp

1.What was the turning point for you? It's ok if it was a series of events

My 28 yo son said "Dad, you always say you're going to do something about your weight but you just blow us off." That was Thanksgiving 2012, I was 65 yo, 376 pounds, retired and had no activities in my life. I promised him I would do something because he made me remember how I lost my Mother at age 54 because she never did anything about her drinking no matter how many times her family tried to help and it killed her.

2. When did you start this journey?
Jan 2013 I joined WW, I had tried it many times in my lifetime but never stayed with it after losing the weight. I always gained it back PLUS MORE!

4. Where are you now?
Lost 155#, active with aqua aerobics, swim 1/2 mile in laps and try to walk 10K steps several days a week.

4. What keeps you going?
Knowing that I CAN DO THIS for me, my health, my wife, my son, my family and a lifetime of seeing the weight come back on IF I QUIT.

GemstoneofHeart

1.What was the turning point for you? A five year old asked me at thanksgiving when the baby was coming. I was used to being asked that but something about an innocent 5 year old saying it made me realize "omg I really do look pregnant!!"

2. When did you start this journey? October 2016 is when I started exercising, December 2016 is when I started tracking calories

3. Where are you now? 25 pounds down! 60 more to go!

4. What keeps you going? How much better I feel and that my confidence is much higher than it used to be!

PeachesNcreamgal

I went bungee jumping in December 2014. I had reached my highest weight of 89 kgs then.The whole act was filmed and When I was being brought back to the ground, the guy helping me made a face. That was the MOST humiliating experience in my whole life but I rejoined this site in Feb 2015 and have lost 14 kgs and discovered a love for running!

kingleahnidas

I love this thread!

1.What was the turning point for you? It's ok if it was a series of events
A few different things. Buying dining chairs and worrying about the weight limit. Going to the doctor and getting scolded. My sister-in-law (age 3) telling me I was too fat to go down her slide (she was right, lol). Seeing a friend on July 4th who looked soooo different after losing 30 pounds and thinking "Pff, I can lose 30 pounds easily" (which turned out to be true lol).

2. When did you start this journey?
July 5, 2016

3. Where are you now?
down 72.8 pounds, from 319.4 to 246.6 today (I'm a 6'1" lady btw)

4. What keeps you going?
Making big goals and planning on how to get there. Focusing on losing 100 pounds by July 4th and the CRAZY thought that I could have a healthy BMI by the end of 2017. Running faster and getting stronger. The feeling I get doing something that had previously been hard and is now easy. Realizing I am capable of much more than I ever thought.