3 Fat Chicks on a Diet Weight Loss Community

After being overweight for years and years (since I was about 8 years old) I am now below goal. From my highest weight I have lost almost 104lbs and since I joined Weight Watchers I have lost 91lbs on the nose!!! I am so happy when I saw my weight I swear I was jumping up and down. My leader kept hugging me and the rest of the women in the meeting could tell why I was so happy since I had been going for so long. I ran to go and call my mom, it was so exciting! Getting my 90lbs ribbon and my star was so exciting! So for fun, I'll give a little FAQ about my weight-loss :D

Ali's FAQ on Her Weight-Loss Journey

1- Why did you lose weight?

Hmm, I was pretty much sick of being fat, of not having any energy, of having 3 stores to shop at that had plus sized clothes that looked nice on 20-somethings. I also lost weight because I was ready to, I knew it would be easier to lose weight at 20 (I am now 23, I started WW when I was 22, but my first attempt was under a dietician when I was 20 <actually I had an attempt when I was 15, but I was not ready then>). I was also happy with myself and realized that losing weight would not change who I was as a person (though to be honest it has soo helped boost my confidence levels, something else people have noticed).

2- From what size to what size?

I am a size 6-8, a 7 in the stores with the odd-sizes. I started off as a size 22W. I doubt I'll get any smaller (than the 6-8), the place clothes are tight on me is my ribcage, that won't shrink;)

3- Wow you don't look like you weigh THAT much ?

Yes, I am above 150lbs (for all you WW you know this is a good thing; higher points range), but I am also naturally muscular (my dad is too, I am not bulking muscular though) and have a medium frame, I am also trying to add more weight training to tone up a little more. The fact is though, I am a size 6-8, that's pretty small in my books, so hey if I weigh a lot at the same time, c'est la vie right:) Remember weight is just a number, don't become too obsessed by the scale.

4- Do you exercise?

Yes and yes! I love it now too, I want to try lots of new sports and be outside all of the time. I do cardio at least 5 days a week and though I have been bad with the toning for the past couple of weeks, try to do that at least 3 times a week. I love the increased energy that I get though, it's great. I will try a yoga class in the fall most likely. I generally keep moving and don't like to be too sedentary.

5- Do you ever cheat on your diet?

I hate this question, I really do, but I seem to get it a lot. No, I don't "cheat", because I feel having the odd treat is essential for any weight-loss plan(for me, greasy and salty french fries mmmmmmmm oh and chocolate). I also hate calling it a "diet", but rather a sensible eating plan.

6- Did you shrink where you wanted to shrink?

Hmmm, no one can spot reduce really, the fact is, where you lose fat will be where you lose fat. My butt was absolutely huge before (I was very pear-shaped), but now it's actually fairly small and my shoulders are wider than my hips. This suprised me actually, but alas, my body did what it did. My thighs and legs are still fairly thick, but that's okay, they're muscular. The one place I am SUPER happy the weight came off of though was my face!!!! I also have a long neck, I had no clue about this:)

7- How long did it take you?

A very often asked and a legitimate question, from my first attempt it has taken me three years, but on WW I lose 91lbs in 9 months, yes it was fast I know, we all lose weight at different rates. Losing weight is a very personal journey.

8- Has losing weight taught you anything?

Yes! I have learned so much about myself on my journey. I learned my triggers for overeating (STRESS!!!!!) and what foods I crave when (fatty-sweet carbs when I am stressed, fatty foods when I am happy, no appetite when I am sad). I have learned to treat my body with more respect. I have learned a lot about who I am on this journey as well and I feel I have matured along this as well. I am both physically and emotionally a much stronger person now who has a wonderful life ahead of her.

9- What about loose skin?

hmmm, if ya really want to know, PM me:)

If any of you have any more questions feel free to ask!! I know this sounds sooo cliche, but honestly if I can do this I am sure all of you can!! Good Luck to all of you:)

I also want to thank this board for being here! Thanks to all the WW 20-somthings and to Suzanne, Jennifer and Amy for having a place we can all come to.

Take Care!

Ali