Got a success story of your own? Send it to us at success.stories@huffingtonpost.com and you could be featured in our I Lost Weight series!
Name: Krissie Zeutenhorst
Age: 24
Height: 5'0"
Before Weight: 260 pounds
How I Gained It: I was always active in my teens, playing sports year-round. However, when I hit high school, I decided to focus on student government. I didn't go to the gym or anything, so it was easy to gain weight. After high school, whenever I would try to diet, I did it poorly. I would either not eat much or purge whatever I ate. I was also on a medication that had me craving food, and I would eat late at night. Eventually, I didn't care that I was gaining weight anymore, I thought it was never going to come off.
Breaking Point: I started looking at pictures of myself from when I was happy. I was in good shape and that was "me." I moved in with my sister, and she was getting healthy. I wasn't going to sit around and watch her and keep getting bigger. That was not an option. In the end, I just wanted to be happy again.
How I Lost It: Simple, really: diet and exercise. I don't like to follow fads, so I didn't want a pill, I wanted to lose it on my own. I started slowly with exercise. First I did a 45-minute Spinning class. My sister told me I'd love it. I couldn't even finish a full class without getting off the bike. Then a few months later, I added in some time with a personal trainer, then a TRX class. Now, I also do a boot camp class. Outside of the gym, I like to go for walks. I like to put my headphones on and get lost in the beauty around me.
Food was tricky. I had to start eating breakfast, and I hate breakfast. But every morning I eat a breakfast bar. Then, for lunch, I have a meat with a veggie and fruit and the same for dinner. I don't eat after dinner.
I'm still working to be around 110 pounds, but I have come a long way. I can sit comfortably on an airplane. I can finally run a full mile without stopping. I can do a plank for two minutes without stopping. I can complete a full Spin class. I enjoy the gym. I always hated going before. Now, if I miss a day I get upset. I feel great and I love life.
Current Weight: 185 pounds
The Huffington Post publishes photographs as they are submitted to us by our readers.
Check out more of our inspiring weight loss stories below:
Weight Loss Success Stories
For more on weight loss, click here.