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Name: Pamela D.
Age: 42
Height: 5'4"
Before Weight: 224 pounds
How I Gained It: I joined the military right out of high school and always struggled to be within a healthy weight. I wasn't overweight in high school, but always two or four pounds over what the Army wanted me to be. After I got out of the Army, my weight began to increase because I didn't have those regular weigh-ins to hold me accountable. By 26 years old, I was about 40 pounds overweight. By 34, I was 60 pounds overweight and joined Weight Watchers and lost 44 pounds. When I left the teaching field to work for a non-profit, I began to regain the weight I lost and more. By the age of 40, I was weighing in at 224 pounds on a 5'4" frame. I was embarrassed and depressed and feeling like I could do nothing to change this. I ate lots of takeout in large quantities. I wasn't aware that I was an emotional eater.
Breaking Point: In May 2010, after seeing a photo of myself, I said "no more" and rejoined Weight Watchers. I was just so depressed. I couldn't believe how I had let myself go and I knew I had to do something.
How I Lost It: Over the course of two years, I have lost 75 pounds using the plan and working out diligently. Now, I try to eat food that isn't processed. I eat fish and lean meats, like chicken, and try to stay away from red meat and take out. I do indulge occasionally, but I try to do it sensibly. It is still a struggle, but I am in a better place with it now.
I work out six days a week. I do three days of strength training and cardio, and three days of high-intensity cardio (running, incline walking, elliptical). Being more fit now and watching my body tone and muscles develop is just an empowering and awesome feeling. I have lost 11 inches off my hips and 11 off my waist. I am now a healthy size 4/6, down from a 16.
I still struggle with making good food choices, which is why I continue to go to my meetings, but I am focused on living a healthy, happy and adventurous life. I feel younger than ever and more at peace.
After Weight: 146 pounds
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