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Name: Lorraine Lorio
Age: 51
Height: 5'1"
Before Weight: 205 pounds
How I Gained It: I was an athlete in my teens and early 20s, but when I reached my 30s, I began to have health issues. I had a hysterectomy at 33, as well as knee and ankle surgeries. This slowed me down a little, but then when I reached my 40s, more health issues arose. I injured my back, neck and shoulder at work, developed a thyroid condition and was diagnosed borderline diabetic and had high cholesterol. I tried all the fad diets and tried to resume an exercise regime, but finally accepted the fact that I could not recapture my athletic ways. I began to cope with those feelings of inadequacy with food, eating my feelings until I went from 125 to 205 pounds.
Breaking Point: When the economy took a turn for worse, I got laid off from my high-tech job, my relationships suffered and my health became worse. I became a full-blown type 2 diabetic and fell into a deep depression. From the years of not loving myself enough, my partner of 25 years fell out of love with me, had an affair and left me.
I had decided when I turned 50 that I really needed to make a lot of changes, as I knew I was not happy with myself. When the rug got pulled out from under me, I had to regain my balance and take the first steps.
How I Lost It: I started walking and practicing yoga. I didn't "diet," but changed my portion sizes and made better food choices. The weight started to come off. I joined a bootcamp class and learned how to plan my meals and rediscover my inner athlete again. I tracked every calorie and activity using a FitBit. I then joined a gym and a Bikram yoga studio. I took up hiking and mountain biking and eating cleaner, organic foods. I began to love myself again, seeing how strong I was not only physically, but emotionally and spiritually. I felt more balanced and at peace.
I recently joined a CrossFit gym and am diligently trying to follow the paleo eating lifestyle. I have lots to do on my fitness and fun bucket lists, like rock climbing, running a 10K and jumping out of a plane. I never thought that I would or could do those things, but I am going to do it! At this point, I am not so concerned with the numbers on the scale, but with how my clothes fit me. I hope to get into a size 6, which I haven't worn since I was a sophomore in high school!
I also have plans to get certified as a personal trainer, as so many of my family and friends have told me what an inspiration I have been to them. I want to pay forward what I have learned along my journey. I am definitely not done yet! I feel the best I have ever felt, now my outside matches my inside.
After Weight: 145 pounds
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