328lbs to 190lbs

You certainly have come a long way and you look beautiful. Tell us a little more about yourself; what was your wake-up moment? What diet and exercise plan did you use? You look amazing and your experience can truly motivate others.

I was 26 years old.. and I was facing diabetes and high blood pressure. I fell down a flight of stairs and completely demolished my ankle. The damage wouldn't have been so bad if I wasn't as heavy as I was. I was extremely depressed and eventually I told myself to either do something about it or I will be dead in my 30s.

I started with water aerobics and then moved to a recumbent bike and conditioned my body from there. I dropped a lot of bad habits. I got my emotional eating under control. I stopped eating fast food and had to learn to cook for myself. I had to teach myself about nutrition and strength training. I had tried personal trainers but I was never with one long enough to get into a routine, so I took their knowledge and kind of made my own meal plan and work out regiment.

I eat high protein meals and vegetables. Limited carbs and dairy. If I plateau, which is every few weeks anymore, I will either juice or eat more carbs for a few days then go back to my high protein diet.

When I started working out it was very light, moderate exercise. I didn't want to hurt myself and running at 328lbs wasn't an option for me with my ankle. Water aerobics --> recumbent bike --> treadmill --> elliptical. Strength training on circuit machines is a good way to start.

I have been lifting heavier lately with free weights, dead lifts and focusing on my *problem* areas like my arms, belly and thighs. Overall, I feel better and I can accomplish more and I see myself trying things I would have never thought of before - like a 5k or playing roller derby.

It has been two years and to lose the equivalent of another human being in such a short time and without surgery - worth it. It can be done.