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Name: Christy Caby
Age: 26
Height: 5'10"
Before Weight: 264
How I Gained It: Food was plentiful in my house growing up. My parents never encouraged exercise or portion control. We were allowed to eat freely and snack often while watching lots of TV and playing video games. I was a size 14 by junior high. After my parents divorced, my mom got down to a size 6 and tried to force my sister and me to exercise and eat healthy with her. I wasn't ready. Whenever I got away from her and was out of the house or in my room, I binged. I'll never forget the day in high school when I was a size 20 and noticed that my butt was hanging off of the sides of my chair, while thinner girls had room to spare. I couldn't shop in the trendy stores. It was hard to find something anywhere that fit an overweight, tall person. I fatigued easily when it came to attempting exercise. I went as high as a size 26. I was just plain miserable.
Breaking Point: I started my weight loss journey the day my son was born. (I actually got up to 295 pounds when I was pregnant, but didn't count that as my heaviest weight. I consider it 264, which was unaffected by pregnancy weight, in July 2010.) I started counting the calories in the hospital food. I did not want my son to grow up to learn my bad habits with overeating and being plain lazy. I started out with my son in mind and what I had to do to be the best mom I could be to him.
How I Lost It: After I lost my first 20 pounds by counting calories, I was still on maternity leave and started going for walks. Once I started to notice changes in my body, I began focusing on weight loss for me as well. I wanted to lose weight to feel better, be healthier and look better for myself and my husband.
I have focused on counting my calories and exercise on SparkPeople.com and getting in as much exercise as time allows. I have adjusted my schedule to where I wake up before my husband and son to get my workout in. I love that time to myself. That person on the couch who hated the thought of getting outside and working out or going for a hike now loves exercise. I feel sluggish in the mornings now if I miss my workout for some reason. Recently I have started focusing on not just my calories, but nutritional content. I want to make sure that I am fueling my body properly for running.
I wasn't always good at tracking my calories and exercise, but I have definitely learned to get better at doing so. I love setting goals with Spark, and checking my different goals and exercise minutes every day. I am a competitive person, and I can't stand to not reach a goal. It has helped to push me to keep going at times, when I didn't always want to. I have also made several amazing Spark friends, whom I check in with daily. I love that I have been able to meet these wonderful people and have their support in my journey, and to give them support in theirs.
It hasn't been easy, especially since my husband is not as dedicated to nutrition and exercise as I have become. He's 6'6" and about 350 pounds. He hasn't fully jumped on board with my healthy lifestyle, but has never tried to sabotage me. If he wants to eat junk, he does it away from me and never offers me any. I appreciate that he is supportive of me, and mindful of what we feed our son.
I have definitely had setbacks, and have reverted back to binge eating after bad day or getting frustrated in my journey. But all in all, I'm amazed that I am in a size 8 and closing in on a 6. I can shop at any store and find clothes that I love and look great on me. I feel so much better and have so much more endurance. I can work out much longer and do more intense workouts than I have ever done in my life. I am actually running, when I never thought I could ever be a runner. I love hiking now, when before I would cry when my mom would make me go on a hike with her in my teen years. A year ago, there was no way I could have done jumping jacks (with full intensity and correct form) for a solid minute. I would have given up and keeled over. Knowing that my endurance and stamina are so strong gives me an amazing sense of accomplishment.
Current Weight: 169 pounds
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