Melanie isn’t a client, but she is a good friend who through her own dedication and perseverance, lost over 100 pounds!
She has kept the weight off for more than two years and is proof that shifting your eating habits can make all the difference in the world. I was so amazed by her progress that I interviewed her because I wanted to share her story with you to show that it really is possible and to inspire you to keep at it until you see the results you want.
Here’s Melanie’s story:
Q: What was your turning point? What helped you make the choice to lose weight?
A: My turning point came when I was 35 years old and just had my first child. I was already a disadvantage because I was already tired. As my daughter got older I had less energy. I was always tired and telling her mommy couldn’t play. I talked to my sister about going to Sono Bello and that was an easy option, but costly. But I wondered: would it really work? Would it last? Sure, it was a quick fix, but I knew it wouldn’t last with my eating habits.
Q: What are the changes that you made to your lifestyle?
A: I started walking a mile a week and I started to feel a little better but I needed more. So, I bought a gym membership. I knew that was a sure way because I was not in the business of wasting my money. So I was in the gym 4 days a week, I cut out sugar and soda. I felt good, but craved more.
Q: What obstacles did you have to overcome in your day-to-day life to make it happen (stay consistent)?
A: I had developed some health issues that were bad for my body and not a good match to have with a child who had the energy of a football team. I had to battle sleep apnea, a bad hip, degenerative arthritis, and obesity. So if I wanted to kick these things I had to lose the weight. I was not overweight as a child so I just focused on that and my daughter and that helped. But not until I started to focus more on me did it really work.
Previously, I had so much focus and time for other people that I lost me and stopped doing what made me happy which was being healthy and happy.
I used to make sure other people were happy before I was. Once I was able to say that was enough and learned how to stay focused on my goals it was easier.
This obstacle of losing weight helped me to overcome my fears of failure. Once I set my mind to losing weight and actually started doing it and seeing it, I put another goal in front of me and when I started seeing progress it felt invigorating. I finally learned how to do me and not everyone else.
Q: How long did it take?
A: This is an ongoing process. I am currently 2 and a half years healthy.
Q: How are you maintaining your weight loss?
A: I maintained my weight by watching what I eat and moderate exercise. I have to constantly remind myself of who I am doing this for…ME…and why I want to do this…FOR ME…
Q: What would you say was the best strategy that helped you stay motivated and consistent?
A: My best strategy was that now my daughter was constantly watching me and saying “mommy are we healthy yet, mommy are did you eat today”. I don’t want her to think food is bad and that being overweight is not good. I want to give her good eating and healthy habits. I stay motivated by knowing that this little girl is watching my every move.
Q: What else in your life was transformed as a result?
A: My relationship with myself was restored. I learned that I can eat without being depressed because I ate a piece of cake or some ice cream. I just learn how to have a healthier slice and healthier choices. I learned that if I don’t take care of my body it will not take care of me. I learned that no matter what I say or do in the end I have another person who will be shaped because of my choices.
Q: How did it better equip you to work on your other life goals?
It equipped me to make better life goals because I realized that if I am focused and determined I can overcome obstacles. With prayer and that little bit of mustard seed faith, I can do it. Anything is possible but hard work made it obtainable.
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