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Yes, I have lost over ninety pounds!
Many readers have asked about my weight loss, so I’ve taken their top questions and answered them here. I know a ninety-pound weight loss story may sound hard to believe. So, to prove I am in fact a real human I’ve decided to share a few photos with you:) Typically I shy away from embarrassing pictures of myself for potentially millions of people to view, but in this case, I’m making an exception.
Before
Please keep in mind that before this event I had shed around twenty pounds! Yes. This “Before” picture is an after. I can’t find a photo of me before this because I dodged cameras better than bullets! I had lost about 15-20 pounds before this event. That weight loss gave me the confidence I needed to attend my friend’s wedding in this very ill-fitting short dress.
Y’all…I thought I looked so good that night.
After
This is my “After” photo! Total weight loss of around 90 pounds!!!
Why do I say around 90 pounds?
Because I do not weigh!
I hate scales! They hate me.
It’s a thing.
Typically, I get these questions from readers and friends about my weight loss. I never get tired of answering them!
Did You Have Weight Loss Surgery?
No!
No stomach stapling, no bypass! No weight loss surgery!
I have had plastic surgery to remove loose skin. (After my first go around with keto & my dramatic weight loss after pregnancy left me with gross loose belly skin.)
I’m not ashamed of that & you shouldn’t be either. It happens.
What Type of Diet Worked?
I always hesitate when I’m asked this question because there is no such thing as one perfect diet for every person. We all have different body types and individual health needs.
But this is a Q & A, so I’m going there.
I tried a few diets after I set my sights on losing weight. The first one was Weight Watchers, and it helped, but I started seeing significant changes when I switched to low carb and then even more when I went on the strict low carb ketogenic diet.
How Long Did It Take to Lose the Weight?
It took about a year to lose all of the weight. I found that once I gained momentum, it became easier to make healthier choices. If you do the keto diet, once your body enters ketosis, it’s pretty much unstoppable. You become a fat burning machine 24/7!!!
How Much Did You Exercise?
At first, not much exercise at all, because I was physically unable and I’ll admit: I was embarrassed to be seen at the gym.
Yes. I’m vain. It’s not one of my best qualities, but hey, I own it. I gradually built my stamina by walking a little each day.
Then I joined the gym and became slightly addicted to exercise.
Now I workout at home because it suits my schedule. I love Tae-bo which is like kick-boxing. I love the Billy Blanks workouts because he’s motivating and upbeat and I never get bored!
I follow these YouTube videos HITT WORKOUTS & ARM WORKOUTS in my bedroom!
Do you know what else is motivating?
Recently I was featured on FiTONIC, and they referred to me as an athlete. So, now when I think of skipping a workout or making an excuse to be lazy, I think of that & the next thing I know I’m changing into workout clothes!
Do You Have Cheat Days?
I never plan to “cheat” on my diet-I do know people who do keto-style dieting Monday – Friday and take a more relaxed approach on the weekends. Think-pizza, ice cream, whathaveyou.
And if that’s working for them then fabulous. But to me, that’s a little out of control and a lot like binge eating.
But back to the question-Yes, I’ve had my moments. I’m human!
If somebody tells you they’ve never strayed from a diet & follow it correctly every day they are lying!
The most important thing is not to let one moment of weakness allow you talk or shame yourself out of your resolve.
Like, oh well, I blew it today by eating this slice of pizza, let me eat a gallon of ice cream and punish myself for what I’ve done!
Best Advice for Someone Starting from Square One?
Start right now. Don’t wait until tomorrow or the time is right or when you feel like it.
Spoiler Alert: YOU’RE NEVER GOING TO FEEL LIKE IT!!!!!!!!!!
Just do it now!!!
Do something today that your future self will thank you for!
Is Word to Your Mother a Weight Loss Blog?
Yes.
And no.
I don’t write about losing weight every day. Nobody wants to hear my story over & over.
I do write about healthy recipes, fitness, and all kinds of diets-not just keto-to help women who may be struggling in one or more of those areas. In January of 2019, I enrolled in nutrition school to become a Certified Health Coach so I can provide the most accurate information and individualized health plans to my readers.
As of now, I offer meal plans for six diets: Keto, Low Carb, Paleo, Whole30, Clean Eating, and Weight Watchers. That may sound like a lot, but there are over 150 diets, so I have my work cut out for me!
Links:
The Hungry Girl’s Guide to Keto: 7-Day Meal Plan
The Ultimate Low Carb Diet for Women
Beginner’s Guide to the Paleo Diet
21 Day Healthy Eating Meal Plan for Weight Loss
55 Weight Watchers Recipes with SmartPoints
For the latest from Word to Your Mother follow Heather on Pinterest!
If you would like to be featured here please contact me at heather@WordtoYourMotherBlog.com
Heather, this was beautiful. I can so relate. I struggled with binge eating disorder for over 30 years. I stuffed every feeling I ever owned. Finally at age 50, I put it behind me. You’re right – its never too late.
I am so very proud of you Heather Joy. Your godmother, gina
Hi Heather, what a moving story. Sometimes it takes something, something drastic to kickstart us into doing something. I bet in a funny sort of way you are pleased you got that bout of pneumonia, just think if you hadn’t you may still be that unhappy and depressed person. I admire you and your strength. I doubt it was easy to change your life, but you have and that says a lot about you.
Thank you for linking up with the #MMBC.
xx
Debbie, I am glad I got pneumonia…sometimes you need a wake up call & it was mine!
I’m glad your writing is hilarious enough that I got to page 5 to read this :). I woke up at 35 and realized fear was driving all my decisions. Pretty severe anxiety and a year of insomnia were the best things that ever happened me because they forced me to get some help and talk to a therapist. 41 now, self-aware, and life is awesome. Well done us! 🙂 🙂
Daragh, I am so glad to hear that! Insomnia is the worst! (Trust me-I know!) I’m happy you got to page 5 too!!! I’m thinking about restructuring the blog so that it is easier to navigate!
You write so well. I really take in everything you say and describe. Thanks for sharing with #GlobalBlogging
Oh hun so sorry to read this post and hear your story. It must have been so hard and it great to hear you had the help you needed. I think it’s easy to bury ourselves in cheeseburgers and food to escape what’s actually happening. I’m really pleased that everything turned around for you. Thanks so much for linking up at #fortheloveofBLOG. Claire x
This is beautiful Heather! You are right, sometimes that wake up call is all we need to change our lives. Thanks for sharing with us! #globalblogging
powerful words Heather. Thanks for sharing, I’m sure there are those out there nodding along, needing to hear this.
That is a very inspiring story! For me, I think of others who are less fortunate than me and are in need of help. That usually helps me through my depression but these days I also allow myself a day – just a day- to feel the sadness inside then the next day I am back at my life and ready to take on the world. I’m so glad you found the motivation you needed to move forward and be happy:)
I feel a bit guilty reading this as i’m tucking away a McDonalds, but congrats on turning your life around!! It sounds like your low forced your hand, but you didnt have to turn your life around. Your determination won and I’m so pleased you’re in a better place now! #fortheloveofBLOG
Don’t feel guilty!!! It’s a daily struggle/effort/choice!!! wasn’t easy-but I am definitely in a better place now because of it!!!
Beautifully written and very touching. Thank you for sharing xxx #BrilliantBlogPosts
Thank you!