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Name: Melissa
Age: 27
Height: 5'1"
Before Weight: 215 pounds
How I Gained It: Over the last seven years I gained 80 pounds, between the stress of college, finding a job, my father going through a quadruple bypass and losing two grandparents and my childhood dog.
I always knew I had to do something about the weight gain and I tried numerous diets. I'd go to the gym for a week, but then give up.
Breaking Point: One day in June, my world was turned upside down. It was my birthday, and my boyfriend of seven years completely did not acknowledge it. To make the story short, I found out he cheated on me. I thought my world was over. I realized I needed to do something for myself and set a goal of loosing 80 pounds.
How I Lost It: I stopped snacking and cut down on portions and stopped dining out at chains like Applebee's and Macaroni Grill. I joined a gym and did Spin class three to four times a week. Then, I hired a trainer and worked with him once a week for a half hour. At first I was hesitant because he was so pricey, but it was worth every penny, because he kept me motivated.
I also created a healthy way of eating. For breakfast I started to eat egg whites on whole-wheat toast with a glass of milk, rather then two waffles loaded with syrup. For lunch, I'd have a turkey sandwich on wheat bread with tomato or a salad, rather than two slices of pizza. And for dinner I began to eat lots of lean protein, like chicken and fish, and controlled my portion sizes. When I felt the urge to snack, I'd have watermelon and cantaloupe, and I limited pasta to only once a week.
Within weeks, the pounds were falling off before my eyes. At the start, it seemed like it was impossible, but thanks to many supporters at home and at my job, especially a dear friend Kathy who got me started on my weight-loss journey, I now have stuck to my fitness and diet plan for six months and have lost 60 pounds. I have 20 more to go until I reach my goal. With the support of friends and loved ones and a solid plan, as long as you are dedicated to you, anything is possible.
After Weight: 155 pounds
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