My success story...needs help to be written! lol

Originally Posted by 17681

This is what I have so far...

Beginning:
I have always been overweight since high school; I just never knew how to lose weight. It was when my boyfriend (ex now) pointed out all of the health risks associated with being overweight and obese. He suggested the lap band on several occasions but I would reject the idea. Surgery seemed risky for me, even for weight loss.
Then one day I found a Curves Member Book at a yard sale and bought it. I signed up and eventually became a member. Furthermore, I did research on the Internet looking for ways to lose weight. The book provided a diet but I knew I would not be able to sustain a low carb diet. In fact, I realized that diets would not work, I needed to make a lifestyle change and needed to be able to sustain it the rest of my life.
Nutrition and Exercise:
Finally I settled on counting calories. One mistake I made was to eat too little however. I now can explain all of the reasons why I need to eat to lose weight. Furthermore, I focus on the nutritional content of the food I eat. I aim to eat lower sodium whenever possible, and eat more fruits and vegetables than ever. At first I kept failing to stay below my sodium range, and can’t stay below each day. However I realize that any change is better than no change in the end.
I also began exercising in addition to going to Curves. Mostly I walk or do “Walk away the pounds” videos by Leslie Sansone. However I have been trying to motivate and challenge myself by trying Pilates and even Yoga. I always do what feels comfortable and if something is out of my ability, I modify or do not do that move or exercise. When I began working out, I was 280 pounds and not fit. It took me time to build up to where I am now. But I went at my own pace and took in consideration my abilities. I started out doing 1 mile with Leslie Sansone and slowly added miles to build my endurance. I also always focus on warming up, cooling down and stretching for a safe workout.
Motivation:
I am motivated by several things: healthy, clothing, feeling happy and little successes I never had before.
Staying healthy is very important. One might think paying for gym membership or healthier foods is expensive, but so is disease and medical costs. Furthermore, I want to live life and enjoy it. I do not want to die young from cancer, heart attack or something I could have prevent by eating well and exercising. I want to be able to enjoy all aspects of life and not be held back by my weight. For instance, some day I might have kids and I will want to play games outside and be able to keep up with them. If I am unfit I will not be able to do all of those things.
Clothes also motivate me. At the beginning of my journey my jean size was 26 and now I can wear size 18. I joke that I feed my closet instead of overeating, and it is true. Since I began shrinking my closet began growing!
Exercising and eating well also make me feel happy. I have fun going to Curves to work out, or working out at home. I feel better after working out, and I believe it has raised my self-esteem and confidence. I realize that many have emotional eating problems, and when life is stressful they turn to food to relax or feel better. But exercise is such a stress reliever. Furthermore, I know that food will not solve my problems.
I am also motivated by things that I can do that I couldn’t do before. For instance, I began at the 1 mile and could barely get through it. Now I can do 5 miles! I also discovered one day that my prom dress was too big for me! Little challenges, new workout DVDs or non-scale successes keep me motivated.

Overview:
I began Curves in the summer between June and July weighing in at 280 pounds. To date, I weigh 216 pounds and have lost over 64 pounds!