Well it's my turn to join this thread.
How Did I Do It? I started out by having a Slim Fast shake every morning for breakfast. I recalled this site that I'd signed up for years ago (3FC) and re-found it. I read about everyone's successes, tips, hints, tricks, obsessions, bad times and good times. I read and read and learned and learned. I was only willing to make a lifestyle change that I could handle for the rest of my life. I wasn't willing to cut out carbs or eat anything fat free. I wasn't willing to eat a ton of fish for the rest of my life or eat tons of veggies (I eat my fair share, but far from what I should!)....I started counting calories, learned about fiber and sodium and started counting those as well. I started going to the gym 3 nights/week and increasing my time doing cardio...with some weight lifting. I eventually increased my gym time to 5 nights/week always doing cardio and weight training. I'd spend about 2 hours/night in the gym...and I loved it.
How long did it take? a whopping 10 months! I say that as a joke cause I think it's crazy that that was all it took....who knew something that took me 6 years to put on would only take 10 months to take off??!!?
What am I doing now? I'm still at the gym 5-6 nights/week. I've switched from only doing the elliptical (when I started I could only do 5 minutes!) to only using the treadmill (had to strenthen up my legs/knees/shins over time) and run between 3-5 miles/night. I lift weights focusing on my legs and arms and am just now getting into the dreaded abdominal muscles (really, it's just an exercise that I hate!...but I'm doing it now!), I practice both Yoga & Pilates a few times a week (except during the summer when my classes are difficult to get to due to scheduling conflicts)....I'm still eating healthy...I love to get lots of fiber in every day...upwards of 80 grams/day when I can. I eat lots of yummy cereals that I once thought tasted like cardboard. I love fresh fruits and yogurts and pasta. I even love potatoes (hey...another one of those things I just couldn't say no to!) and eat them a few times a week in various forms.
What does my future look like? If it is up to me, I'll be eating healthy for the rest of my life and helping others make smarter decisions as well. I'm hoping to run competitively eventually and tone up all over my body. Even though I've lifted weights during my entire weight loss, the toning that I'd like to achieve is definitely going to take more time. I plan on spending lots of time at the gym and not cutting back on my time there. I truly love being there.
I'd finally like to say thank you to all of my support system at 3FC. I don't even "speak" to many of you, yet so many of you have helped just by posting information for me to read. I truly appreciate everyone's support here and hope that what I've just written can help someone else along their journey!
