50 pounds gone... my story and in progress pics

I had lost 80 pounds from 2007 to 2008; I had gone from a size 20 to a size 8 in 10 months and was feeling at the top of my game. With only 20 pounds left to lose, like so many of us who struggle with overeating, I let things spiral out of control after hitting the infamous plateau and no longer seeing changes on the scale. Week after week, I let the weight pile on again (i.e. I shoveled a lot of unnecessary food into my mouth and enjoyed far too many hours of reality TV), gaining what felt like a disastrous 55 pounds back over a four-year period. Clothes shopping and day-to-day tasks, like getting in and out of the car and tying my shoes became a chore again and I was embarrassed by my very visible failure.

Late March 2012, as I was coordinating the shoot for the launch video of our new corporate wellness program and listening to the testimonials of colleagues who had overcome health issues, I became inspired to regain control of my eating and exercise habits. I knew that if I could do it once, I could do it again and this time, it was going to be for life!

On April 2, 2012, I began my weight-loss journey for the second time. I started using MyFitnessPal to track my weight, my goals, my calorie-intake, my physical activity and even the reasons why some days were not as healthy as others. Within six months, I lost 50 pounds by increasing my water intake, reducing portion size, avoiding fatty foods and increasing my level of physical activity while allowing myself the occasional “treat”. I trained myself to eat only when I was hungry and to exercise even when I did not feel like it.

I learnt, among so many other things, that there is always time for a workout; that it can be tough to get started but that it feels amazing once done; sometimes (ok often!), it still takes me a full day to convince myself that a 15-minute walk is what I need to shake off the day’s stress. I learnt that one bad meal does not need to turn into a bad day and that a bad weekend into a bad week. I also learnt the importance of setting short-term (non-scale related) goals, such as running my first 10-kilometer race, which I accomplished last May.

Over a year into my second weight loss journey, I am 25 pounds away from my ultimate weight-loss goal and training to run a half-marathon in September (is this really my story?). Although I have once again reached the infamous plateau and the number on the scale has not moved since December 2012 (maybe I should check the batteries?), I remain fully motivated and optimistic. It is no longer about the number on the scale but about setting a positive example for my two teenagers, being healthy, feeling strong and confident, setting and exceeding new fitness goals (I never get enough of passing a skinny chick while out cycling or running!), and living a long, happy and active life with my incredibly supportive husband.








My tips for getting started, staying motivated and reaching your goals
•Do it for you! For me, it has never been about being a size zero; it is about feeling good and having enough energy to get through the day. It is about being the best that I can be! The truth is, it takes months before anyone even notices you are losing weight, so the motivation needs to come from within.
•Think long-term; experts say it takes 21 days to change a habit... losing weight and getting fit isn’t easy but it is worth it! Although I lost quickly in the beginning, there have been weeks (and months!) where the number on the scale refused to move.
•Take progress pictures; since the scale has stopped moving, they have been great reminders of just how far I have come.
•Track your calorie intake daily; I was shocked at how many calories are in some of my favorite foods. Did you know that one Tim Horton’s Timbit is 90 calories? And to think that I used to eat the whole box… as a SNACK!
•Measure your portions; this only takes an extra minute at mealtime and ensures that I am tracking accurately.
•Get active at your own pace and invest in a good pair of running shoes; walking is a great activity to do alone or with the entire family… over the months, as I have gotten stronger, I have been able to increase my distance and speed. I still cannot believe that I am now a runner!
•Always have water on-hand; my 32-ounce bottle keeps me feeling full, gives me a reason to step away from the computer screen for a few quick mental breaks and gives me something other than food to reach for when I am feeling antsy.
•Plan your meals! Every Sunday morning, I measure my breakfast and lunches for the week. On days when I have a social event, I make a point of getting a little more exercise in to compensate for the extra calories. I try to control what I can, when I can!
•Allow yourself rest days; there are days when my body and brain say “enough of this madness!” So I take a day or two without exercise, tracking and measuring. It helps me come back stronger!
•All in moderation… At times, when the voices in my head are simply too loud to ignore, I do indulge in a greasy pizza and fries, a Dairy Queen ice cream or an embarrassing quantity of licorice... I simply shake (or run) it off and start fresh at the next meal. I know that dwelling on it will only push me to want to give up and that is NOT an option.