Hello, I am new here and wanted to just outline my own weight loss story, perhaps it can inspire people out there who still have a ways to go.
6 years ago I weighed in at 21st 7 pounds (301 pounds) I am 5'8" and so, needless to say, my BMI was off the charts. I was 26 years old and should have been enjoying my youth and fitness, instead I could not really exercise, my BP was high and I got breathless just walking up the stairs.
One day I finally had an epiphany (probably when I went to the specialist about my weight laden knees and someone thought I was heavily pregnant!) and realised I could not go on. There was a cross roads; either my weight would increase dramatically and my health woes would deteriorate further or I put the leg work in and actually REALLY work towards changing my life.
Thankfully, I went for the latter. It was not easy, at a UK size 24/26, I was a big girl and so exercise was hard to begin with. Walking, cycling and some gentle gym work started and there were plenty of tears and frustration along the way. I cut down on the calories and reduced the fat.
To cut a long and rather painful journey short, it is June 2011 and I have shed over 90 inches from my body and have maintained my weightloss for 4 years. It was bloody hard work and there were times when I wanted to give up but I am now a true advocate of exercise and a healthier diet. I have run a half marathon, plan on running a marathon later on in the year and enjoy my food still, knowing that I am doing enough to not have to worry too much about ballooning.
I know there are people out there who are beginning their journey but, believe me, it is SO worth it. Dedication, self belief and hard work are required but you can do it when you put your mind to it. It is, by far, the hardest thing I am ever going to have to do I think and the time and energy I have put into changing my health has really paid off.
Good luck to you all, I really hope my story can inspire you
x
6 years ago I weighed in at 21st 7 pounds (301 pounds) I am 5'8" and so, needless to say, my BMI was off the charts. I was 26 years old and should have been enjoying my youth and fitness, instead I could not really exercise, my BP was high and I got breathless just walking up the stairs.
One day I finally had an epiphany (probably when I went to the specialist about my weight laden knees and someone thought I was heavily pregnant!) and realised I could not go on. There was a cross roads; either my weight would increase dramatically and my health woes would deteriorate further or I put the leg work in and actually REALLY work towards changing my life.
Thankfully, I went for the latter. It was not easy, at a UK size 24/26, I was a big girl and so exercise was hard to begin with. Walking, cycling and some gentle gym work started and there were plenty of tears and frustration along the way. I cut down on the calories and reduced the fat.
To cut a long and rather painful journey short, it is June 2011 and I have shed over 90 inches from my body and have maintained my weightloss for 4 years. It was bloody hard work and there were times when I wanted to give up but I am now a true advocate of exercise and a healthier diet. I have run a half marathon, plan on running a marathon later on in the year and enjoy my food still, knowing that I am doing enough to not have to worry too much about ballooning.
I know there are people out there who are beginning their journey but, believe me, it is SO worth it. Dedication, self belief and hard work are required but you can do it when you put your mind to it. It is, by far, the hardest thing I am ever going to have to do I think and the time and energy I have put into changing my health has really paid off.
Good luck to you all, I really hope my story can inspire you
x