My story, hope this helps!

stephanieharms1290

Hi everyone!

I have been on MFP for close to two years, but have slacked on and off with it. I am back, and with new intentions. I am 25 years old, 5' 7' and 130lbs. Two & a half years ago, I began my weight loss journey. I was over weight mostly throughout high school. It was such an awful feeling to go shopping, try on bathing suits, and think clothes that were not flattering, were. All of my friends growing up were beautiful with these amazing bodies, and I always dreamed of fitting in. I also do not have the best genetics, which also were not in my favor. My father had a triple by-pass surgery at age 45 due to extremely high cholesterol. I was tested at age 15, and headed in that direction. I could NOT let this happen to me. All I ate was pizza, bagels, pasta, and fast food daily. I had zero desire to eat any fruits/veggies/salad etc. Anything remotely healthy was not for me.

One day I woke up, and was mortified that I stepped on the scale and weighed close to 170lbs when just a few short years ago I was a size 3. I was in college, and lazier than ever. I decided something had to give. I had no money to get a personal trainer/nutritionist, so I knew I had to do this on my own.

I took the initiative to join a gym, and thankfully had a friend who LOVED to workout. The first few months she showed me the ropes and I started to get the hang of it. Although, I still had to be extremely strict on myself with what I was eating.

Fast forward to now, it is AMAZING what a little Internet research can do for someone. It has been quite the journey, with many bumps along the road. In the first few months, I always wanted to quit, I am just so happy I never did. I have spent the past year researching, reading, watching video, and teaching myself all about nutrition and proper gym etiquette. I have dedicated most of my days to working out in the AM and PM, and prepping food for the week. I honestly have to say working out has became a hobby. I love to push myself to try new workouts, and try challenges I never thought I could stick with. I fell in love with cooking, and looking for new healthy recipes all the time.

I will not sit here and lie and say I do not indulge every so often. We all know we need that cheat meal, or we will go crazy. I LOVE white wine, and can never deprive myself totally from a nice glass of wine every now and than. It is completely normal, you have to know your limits, and never fall of course.

I have just completed a 12 week workout/diet plan and cannot believe my results. It was extremely hard, but I loved pushing myself. I had extremely intense workouts, and a very strict meal plan. I put on lean muscle and never thought I could actually look so cut. Most importantly, my cholesterol has dropped 147 points!

Besides losing weight, and bettering myself in multiple ways along my journey, I have to say I love how knowledgeable I have become in this lifestyle. I would love to be able to take what I have learned, and pass it on to others who are in the same boat as I. I know when you start out, you know very little/close to nothing about nutrition, dieting, the gym, or proper workouts. This is what we are here for! Every single day is such a struggle, but you can certainly get through and achieve your goals. You just have to want it that bad. It is possible, so do not ever think it is not.

Please feel free to add me/message me for any advice, help, tips, support etc. I would love to pass on anything little thing to help

Renegade770

Great post! And congrats , you look amazing!