It’s one thing to weigh yourself, then look at the scale and say “I’ve got some work to do.” But it’s another thing when you’re so heavy that the scale can’t even read your weight! But that’s exactly what happened to Natasha when she stepped on the scale.
“ERROR!! That is what my scale said when I stepped on it,” Natasha tells ShapeFit.com. “I was devastated. I read the instruction manual and the maximum weight for the scale was 330 pounds. How could it be that I weighed more than 330 pounds. So I searched for a scale with a 400 pound capacity. I ordered it and when it came in the mail, I ripped it open, placed it on the floor and stepped on it. I couldn’t believe my eyes, 350 pounds (my max weight in January, 2004). My spirit was broken and my heart shattered, how could I let this happen. With those 350 pounds came low self-esteem, emotional chaos, bad health and a suffering relationship.”
“Since I can remember I was always a “Big Girl”. Throughout my school years I was known as “fatty” or “tons of fun”. There were times when I would prepare myself for school by looking in the mirror or drawing a picture and calling myself names, in an effort to get as many tears out as possible, so that I would not cry when the name calling started. I didn’t want to give them the satisfaction of seeing my tears.”
“My journey was filled with victories, milestones and of course some obstacles. However, knowing that God was with me and making the commitment to myself and accepting the challenge to change was my motivation to push on.”
“As the weight began to come off, I was so excited! Size 22, 20, 18, 16, 14…My passion for working out and eating healthier grew as I lost the pounds. The scale became my motivator instead of my enemy.”
“Now I am happier than I have ever been in my life, weighing in at 170 pounds. I have lost a total of 132 pounds and now wear a size 8/10. I can’t believe it. I finally made it, not only to my goal but past my goal. The feeling is indescribable, being able to shop on the “other side” of the store. Then not being able to fit the smallest size of some of my all-time favorite stores. My mind has not completely processed the fact that I am a new woman, with a new self-esteem and not at all afraid to look in the mirror anymore. After 10-15 years of struggling, I finally made it! If I can do it, anyone can do it.”
“My faith in God, focus, discipline, and commitment were all key elements in my journey to weight loss success. Not to mention the support of my awesome husband, who also followed the program and lost 80 pounds.”
What made you decide to lose weight?
“I have been trying to lose weight for 10 years. I finally hit a wall after I had my son and weighed more after my maternity leave than after I gave birth. It really hurt to gain more weight than when I was carrying my baby.”
What were the most important changes you made to lose weight?
The most important change was that I was doing it for myself. Not for anyone else but myself. Also ensuring that I only kept healthy food in the house and not allowing unhealthy things to even get in the cart. Also being more disciplined and setting intermittent goals. I set 6 week goals so that I wouldn’t be overwhelmed by the total amount that I was aiming to lose.
How long did it take you to start to see results?
“I started to see results within the first six weeks. I was able to lose 32 pounds the first 6 weeks because I stuck with it and ate vegetables, fruits and lean meats and worked out 5-7 days per week. All on my own, my husband and I created our own 6 week boot camp and followed it together. We have also built our own gym in our home.”
What was most challenging about losing weight?
“The most challenging part was staying dedicated to eating right and working out through the holiday season especially. I have always started, worked out hard for weeks and then just stopped. However, pushing yourself to do it when you don’t feel like it was the most challenging. Even when life events make you want to just stop and eat whatever, pushing through all those things is very hard.”
How long did it take for you to reach your current weight?
It took 9 months for me to reach my goal.
If you want to know how to lose weight like Natasha, here are some of her weight loss tips
Weight loss tip #1:
Make sure that you are doing it for yourself.
Weight loss tip #2:
Set short-term goals that will lead you to your ultimate goal.
Weight loss tip #3:
Take it one choice at a time (food options).
Weight loss tip #4:
Find a partner that will stick by you and motivate you.
Weight loss tip #5:
Set yourself up for success by only having healthy items available to eat in your home.
And for meals, here’s what Natasha ate:
Breakfast:
Fiber cereal or oatmeal, fruit and water.
Lunch:
Salad with lean meat (or no meat) and light dressing.
Dinner:
Baked fish and vegetables.
Snacks or Mini Meals:
Fruit, yogurt, light ice cream.