Weight Loss Success: Cory Ayers Started Exercising To Boost Her Mood And Lost 125 Pounds

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Name: Cory Ayers
Age: 27
Height: 5'10"
Before Weight: I was 294 pounds at my heaviest

How I Gained It: In September of 2010, I was more than 100 pounds overweight and had been obese for about six years. I gained most of the weight in a very short period of time between the winter of 2004 and the fall of 2005, after a severe depressive episode that caused a lot of upheaval in my life and for my family. I didn't know how to deal with my emotions in a positive way. Eating was one way I dealt with my feelings; eating when I was dealing with major emotions became a habit and to a certain extent, an addiction.

I come from a family that loves real, wholesome food, but due to issues with portion control, most of us have weight problems. I always liked nutritious foods like vegetables and whole grains and lean meats, but I ate too much of them. My really poor food choices happened in the privacy of my home when no one was around. In private, I could eat an entire bag of chips or candy in one sitting.

I was only 26, but I felt closer to 50. I was tired all of the time. My feet were always swollen and my joints ached. I was seriously depressed. I had approximately 56 percent body fat. I wore size 24 pants, double-extra-large shirts and size 20 dresses.

Breaking Point: I probably would have continued on in exactly the same ways, but I went to the doctor for my depression. She recommended that I do a little exercise to release some endorphins. I figured if I had to exercise to get my mind healthy, I might as well go all out and get the rest of me healthy, too.

How I Lost It: I stocked up on fresh fruits and veggies, lean proteins, healthy fats, whole grains and other nutritious foods. I started drinking water instead of chugging lemonade and learned to practice portion control. It was tough to get my body moving; I was in such terrible shape that all I could manage was a walk around my neighborhood.

It was also hard to give up the junk food, but when I was tempted, I reminded myself that every choice I made about what I put in my body and how I moved it would either put me one step closer to good health or one step further away.

Gradually, things got easier. I started learning (and, surprisingly, enjoying!) new recipes and finding ways to make old favorites healthier. I increased my endurance and speed when walking and eventually tried some new exercises like Zumba, yoga and strength training. I learned if you find something you like doing, you're less likely to skip your workout.

Then my body started to change. First, it wasn't that noticeable. My feet stopped swelling, and my double chin started shrinking. It was easier to tie my shoes. Then I was out of the plus-size section at stores. I had more energy in fitness classes. I kept going, focusing on getting healthy, getting fit and setting a good example for my family.

Today, I'm a completely different person. I've shed about 125 pounds. I have a little over 23 percent body fat, I wear a size six or eight in pants, small (or sometimes extra-small!) shirts and a size four or six in dresses. I'm so glad I made the decision to change the way I live my life, to replace my unhealthy habits with regular exercise and proper nutrition and portion sizes.

Now, I love to exercise! I try to incorporate being active into my everyday life, so I will do a few jumping jacks or pushups whenever I get a chance at work, and I sometimes jump on the trampoline with my nine-year-old son. I'm not a strong runner, but I have participated in several 5K races, and I plan to do more soon. I love eating healthy foods and making nutritious meals. I am fit, healthy and have a ton of energy. In losing weight, I have also gained some things: good health, confidence and the knowledge that I am setting a positive example for my family and friends!

After Weight: 168 pounds

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Comments

[guest123456789]

07:03 PM on 04/12/2012

I am going to use your self-reminder everytime I go to pick up that snack! I started my weight loss journey at 170 and I am now fighting to get the last 10 pounds off to hit my goal weight. These stories are such an inspiration to me :)

[eventhorizon11]

11:34 AM on 04/08/2012

Who cares what size she wears? She looks amazing!

[B Noneofyourbusiness]

02:10 AM on 03/19/2012

I'm 5'9", 150lbs and I wear a size 10 at the smallest (usually a 12). I think wherever you're shopping is doing some major vanity sizing. What size do you wear at Target?

[B Noneofyourbusiness]

02:06 AM on 03/19/2012

Congratulations! In regard to the sizing issue: I'm the same height as you, I weigh about 15 pounds less, I exercise regularly so have a decent muscle to fat ratio, and I'm a size 10 at the very smallest. Generally more like a 12. I could never squeeze into an 8. I think that wherever you're shopping they are doing some big time vanity sizing. Go into Target and see what size you fit there.

[guest123456789]

07:07 PM on 04/12/2012

It depends on where you carry your weight too. I am 5'5 and wear a size 6 but I weigh 152 pounds because I am a 34 E No one believes what I weigh until I step on a scale because my sister who is much smaller than I am - 135 wears a size 8

[teds623]

04:52 PM on 03/11/2012

I woke up one morning in Nov. 2011. I was 199 lbs! I feaked and made a decision to lose weight on the spot. I suffer from lupus, fibro, and heart disease so I am not very active due to the pain. Hence the weight gain. I went on south beach for 2 weeks and lost about 6 lbs. But I needed my veggies and fruits. I am not a big meat eater which south beach is sort of based on. I went out that day and joined Weight Watchers on Nov 29, 2011. I weighed in at 193 lbs. It was so easy, huge variety of food, and I decided to do it online because I have a busy life. I have lost 35 lbs. since 11/29 and am still on the plan. I will lose 20 more .I went down 2-3 pant sizes and from an XL to M top. My pain in my joints is not as painful and I forgot to mention I am a grandma! I am in my early 60s. I feel so much younger and heathier. And I walk as much as I am able. We all have our favorite weight loss programs and weight watchers is mine!

[Iam Anonymous2012]

10:50 AM on 01/07/2012

I'm taller than this woman and I weigh 18 pounds less than she does and I can't squeeze into a size 6. Maybe a size 8 on a good day. Why lie about what size she wears? She's a size 12 at best.

[cocoi84]

10:38 AM on 01/10/2012

You are welcome to go through my closet if you don't believe me. Size 12 was actually my goal and I would have been happy right there, but I was in that size when I was 15 pounds heavier than I am now. 90% of my pants are Size 8 (including the skinny jeans I'm wearing today), my skirts are all Size 6, I have dresses in 4 and 6 (and the one in my avatar is a Small), and pretty much every shirt I own is either a Small or Extra Small.
It may be vanity sizing, and that's fine. I don't really care what size I wear as long as I am healthy.
I wish people would take more out of this than just the size - the fact is, I shed 125+ pounds, changed my life, and got healthy. THAT is what people should be taking from this article.

[teds623]

04:54 PM on 03/11/2012

Congratulations. Perhaps the naysayers are simply jealous of your accomplishment...just keep up the great work!

[guest123456789]

07:09 PM on 04/12/2012

It depends on where you carry your weight. I am a size 6 but I weigh 152 pounds because I carry it all up top. My sister who is 135 pounds is a size 8 so that DOES matter :)

[KangKodosOfQueens]

12:32 AM on 01/07/2012

Congratulations, Cory! And kudos to all people fighting the good fight!

Or is it the 'food' fight?

Either way. :)

[William Anderson LMHC]

09:29 AM on 01/06/2012

Great work, Cory! You have saved your life and are a wonderful inspiration to others.

After 25 years of obesity and failure, I finally discovered the solution myself, lost 140 pounds, and I have maintained my ideal body weight for over 25 years now. If you ever want to compare notes or just trade stories with a fellow wayfarer, please contact me.

William Anderson, LMHC
Author of 'The Anderson Method - Secrets of Permanent Weight Loss'
www.TheAndersonMethod.com

[philsun73]

02:49 PM on 01/05/2012

Heck. I lost 125 pounds in one day!

[KangKodosOfQueens]

12:33 AM on 01/07/2012

Monster bowel movement, broke up with boy/girlfriend, or divorce?

[philsun73]

01:58 AM on 01/07/2012

English Gambling Boat!

[bmitche]

01:24 PM on 01/05/2012

YOU LOOK BEAUTIFUL CORY !

[shudder2think]

01:16 PM on 01/05/2012

Congrats, Cory! Keep it up and don't go back!

[Jama Lenig]

12:57 PM on 01/05/2012

Cory I love you and it inspiring that you share your story...I remember the day you lost 100 pounds I remember the pride in your posts I continue to be amazed by your transformation. And to all the neigh sayers on here get off your computers and get on the treadmill, go outside, or use those dusty weight loss DVDs. Cory is an example of what being healthy is!

[Hummzz]

12:35 PM on 01/05/2012

Way to go Cory!!! You know you've been my inspiration on My Fitness Pal since day one!!! I'm so proud of you and you continue to inspire me. Now about the size issue...I am a clothing retailer and know for a fact that different designers may have different measurements for the same size! As she state she wears anywhere between a 4-8. I'm sure this has to do with designer's sizing. Shoot you can put on the same size of the same designer and different fits because of the way it was sewn! Who cares what size she wears...She lost a whole person!!!! That is to be commended. You ROCK CORY!!!!!

[RainbowinCalifornia]

06:28 PM on 01/05/2012

I don't know anyone who can wear a size 4 and weigh 168 lbs. But Corey I am so proud of you - you have motivated others. Happy New Year, go get 'em girl!

[jannaM]

07:05 PM on 01/06/2012

She' 5'10". At that height, 168 lbs is pretty lightweight!

[gwbsucs1]

12:29 PM on 01/05/2012

she looks great - if she ever gets back the way she was - her bo will need a cattle prod to get her along -

[gwbsucs1]

12:28 PM on 01/05/2012

she looks great - its amazin what a little work can do