I gave up soda and fast food first, and then, I simply watched my portion size, and incorporated exercise into my daily routine.

I became pregnant with my son in 1999. At that point in time I weighed roughly 130 pounds. I had always been active, and enjoyed working out, so I assumed that because I was in good shape, I would only gain 25-30 pounds. I also believed that because I was “with child”, I could and should eat for two. Boy, was I wrong!

Throughout my pregnancy, I gained an inordinate amount of weight, topping the scales at 200 pounds! With all of my weight gain, I was sure I was having a 10 pound baby, (or so I had hoped). But when my son arrived weighing a measly 6 pounds, I was disappointed that I wouldn’t be leaving the hospital a little lighter.

I had always planned on breast-feeding, and I figured that would help burn off some of the excess weight gain (I calculated maybe 10-20 pounds). However, again, my assumption for the number of pounds I would lose simply by breast-feeding, was sadly underestimated. To my disappointment, I could only contribute a 5-7-pound weight loss to nursing. Although it is hard to say, given that my bra size increased from a C cup to an E cup. Maybe that’s where the additional 10 pounds were.

It wasn’t until I went back to work when my son was 6 months old, that I realized how unhappy I was with my physical appearance. My body was no longer toned and fit, my chest started to sag, and the clothes that I longed to wear just didn’t fit properly. In addition, working in the sales and marketing field, I needed to feel confident, in order to better represent my myself and my product to consumers. I knew I had to do something, but what?

I made a promise to myself that I was going to change my physical appearance, and my overall lifestyle. I was going to lose weight and feel better about myself. I began by working out, slowly but surely, starting with a day or two a week; sometimes for only 30 minutes per day, sometimes longer. Taking my son for walks throughout the neighborhood, and up and down the hills at the National Zoo were my most enjoyable forms of exercise. I also cut out fast food and soda altogether, and began watching not only what I consumed at each meal, but the overall portion size. I did not go on a “diet” per say, I simply eliminated a few things, and began watching how much I ate.

Immediately, I lost weight; a lot of weight. By the time my son was 18 months old (roughly 1 year from the start of my eating right and exercise commitment), I was down to 115 pounds and I felt great. I could hardly recognize myself. My confidence level had sky-rocketed, my overall energy level was at a record high, and I was able to fit into the designer clothes that I had longed to wear. And who knew, they fit better than they did before I was pregnant.

Making a personal commitment to change my life 7 years ago, is one of the best things I have ever done for myself!

STATS:
How much did you weigh at your heaviest? 200 pounds
How much weight have you lost? 80 pounds
How long have you kept it off? 7 years
What size were you and what size are you now ? Size 10-12 after pregnancy and now I am between a 0 and 2
How often do you work out? 2-3 times per week on average

QUESTIONS:
When did your moment of truth come? When I went back to work after having my son. Being in a sales position, selfconfidence plays a major role in selling the product.. Being overweight did not allow me to exude that confidence. I wanted to be that successful, outgoing, energetic, and vivacious woman,I pictured myself to be.

How did you do it? I changed my lifestyle, I gave up soda and fast food first, and then, I simply watched my portion size, and incorporated exercise into my daily routine. I have never deprived myself of good food,and if I don’t get to the gym 4 days a week, I don’t freak out. I pack my lunch almost every day so I can control what I eat during the day, and I incorporate exercise into my daily routine in some way or another.

Any secrets or crazy things that worked for you? Like most moms, I stay extremely busy. Between work, family, charitable organizations I work with, and activities my son is involved in (cub scouts, Tae Kwon Do, baseball, and school), it is really important to pack healthy snacks and water versus stopping for a quick fix of French fries and a coke, when on the road. I keep granola bars, chocolate protein shakes, and water in my car at all times, so if I get hungry, I can quickly down a shake instead of stopping at a fast food restaurant.

How did you stay motivated? There were, and are still today many motivating factors to keeping my weight at a level I am proud of. Being healthy and having a high level of energy so I can keep up with my son, and my life, are the most important factors. Plus, I’d be lying if I didn’t mention that looking good in a bathing suit and feeling more attractive for my better half, were major contributing factors, as well.

Did you ever give up? If yes, what made you get back on the wagon? I’ve absolutely fallen off the bandwagon, but I’ve never given up, that’s not my personality. Some days and weeks are harder than others, especially on vacation. Occasionally I get the urge for a cheeseburger and fries, so I’ll eat them, but I’m not too hard on myself... If getting back on the wagon proves to be difficult, I just pull out the photo album, or dig deep into my suppressed memories of when I was overweight and unhappy, and poof, I’m back on the wagon.

How do you maintain the loss? Maintaining my ideal weight has been easier than I ever thought it would be, I changed my overall lifestyle, I didn’t simply choose the diet of the week, so I don’t feel like I’m missing out on anything. Eating right and exercising are simply part of my daily routine.

Your favorite eating tips. Don’t deprive yourself of your favorite foods, even if they aren’t always the healthiest. I love food, the smells, the tastes, and the social aspects that come with food, but like anything, moderation and portion control is key.

Your favorite exercises. In general I enjoy to exercise, however doing the same circuit exercises, or weight training routines day after day gets old, so I try to incorporate different forms of exercise into my routine such as belly dancing, Bikram yoga, or spin classes, and working out with a personal trainer ensures a new favorite exercise at least once a week.

What does your family think? They are extremely supportive of my health and fitness regimens. We all look back at photographs now and can laugh at the difference in my overall appearance.

How do you make time for exercise? Making time for exercise is no easy task, being a single mom who works full time, I am extremely fortunate that my company (Van Metre) provides employees with a corporate wellness program two days a week. The corporate wellness program allows me to workout with a personal trainer two days per week, and then I continue my workout regimen with morning stretches and abdominal exercises each morning before getting my son ready for school. I also attend a gym on my own 1 to 2 days per week.

A few of her favorite things:

Favorite NoVA restaurant
Depends on what I’m in the mood to eat, Anothai or Bonefish if in Gainesville, Coastal Flats, or Ruth’s Chris in Fair Lakes, Lightfoot if in Leesburg.

Favorite NoVa hangout for outdoor fitness
Manassas Battlefield for hiking, and always the pool.

Favorite gym
Currently, Van Metre Companies & World Gym (the two I attend regularly. Also, Worldgate Sport & Health)

(if you have one) Personal trainer John Lytle, Van Metre Companies Corporate Personal Trainer – why…he’s great at multitasking, he kicks my behind and motivates me all at the same time.

Favorite summer getaway
Southern CA to visit family (Santa Barbara or San Diego)

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