135 pounds lost, Happy Soul found!! PICS!! Thanks Myfitnesspal!!

I’ve decided to share my weight loss story in hopes that it will help someone who is struggling with their weight and trying to live a healthier lifestyle.

In the last 4 years I have lost 135 lbs. Before starting my journey I was 270 pounds, almost type 2 diabetic, and I was morbidly obese. I was depressed and miserable in my own skin. I coped with life by taking medications and self-soothed with food and candy. Medications and doctor’s appointments became my life. I became extremely addicted to prescriptions. My weight and lifestyle were slowly killing me, and I didn’t see it until I had a BIG reality check 4 years ago. That is when my life changed. I knew it was time to change and started to rebuild my life. I decided on my own that I wanted this. I knew it was going to be hard, but I was ready to fight for it. I wanted to be healthy, I wanted to be happy again, and I wanted to be the wife and mother my family deserved. Those things combined gave me the final push I needed to change my lifestyle.

I didn’t follow a specific program or go through weight loss surgery. I swapped all my sugar loaded drinks for water, started tracking my food, and added exercise into my daily routine. I cleaned up my diet and started paying attention to labels! For exercise I started with walking and Walking off the Pounds videos at home. Adding exercise was just the mental boost that I needed. Every time I exercised I would feel balanced and happy, and for the first time I was proud of myself! I tried to exercise 5-6 times a week, even if it was only 15 min. I wanted to change my lifestyle so this would become a permanent way of life. I started with small, achievable goals so I didn’t get overwhelmed with how much weight I still had to lose. As I exercised more I increased my distance and time. Honestly, when I started I was exhausted just walking around the block. In September 2014 I finished my first half marathon!

Having support has been a huge part of my journey. My husband has been amazing through this whole process. He started tracking his food first, and I was inspired by him! I watched as he started dropping pounds, and I decided it was time to track my food! Tracking held me accountable, and I needed that! He also helped me find healthy foods to eat, and put up with all my complaining when we first started exercising together

I hit a plateau after losing 100 pounds. I joined a gym and I discovered a whole new passion for fitness. I reached out and found other ladies to work out with at the gym. We encourage each other, hold each other accountable, and have fun! When one of us struggles, we help each other. I stepped out of my comfort zone and joined in on some group classes. I also started personal training with Shane Summers and improved my strength, lost more weight, and melted away body fat. Now I train 3 times a week, and do cardio (running and stair stepping) 5 days a week.
Exercise and fitness have done more for me mentally than physically. Yes I have lost 134 pounds… but that is nothing compared to the happy soul and big smile I have these days! I have overcoming depression and addiction… that alone is priceless. Exercise helps keep me grounded. It’s the perfect outlet for me and I am so thankful that I gave it a chance, it has 100% changed my life!

I had to change my lifestyle to lose weight and keep it off. My old habits had to change, my old foods had to change, and my old ways of coping with life had to change. I had to be willing to try new things, push myself out of my comfort zone and DO THE WORK. It’s not easy. There will be days that you want to give up. What separates YOU from the others is the ability to GET BACK UP and keep pushing forward. I have had bad days… and I have days where I don’t feel like exercising. You have to learn self control and push through the times that your mind plays tricks on you. Please know that weight loss is a journey… it takes time and patience. It’s okay to have a cheat meal or two! Just don’t make it a cheat month  If I can do this, you can do this! The best shape of my life at 33 years old? I’ll take it!!

Tips:

Track your food… everyday!
-Don’t drink your calories… Drink water instead (lots of water!)
-Get up and move! Even if it’s 10 minutes a day… get some exercise! Anything is better than nothing!
-Eat your veggies, the greener the better!
-Add protein into your diet. Chicken, Turkey, and Tilapia are some of my favorites.
-Limit your sugar… and if you have sugar, do it in the morning.
-Don’t let yourself get hungry, and don’t get to full…
-Prep as much food as you can on your weekends… it’s easier to make healthy choices that way!

Instagram:katiehugfitness (I share food ideas and inspiration here if you’re interested! And… I don’t sell anything. Lol!)