MY WEIGHT LOSS STORY

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I know this is a lot but please take a couple minutes to read this and feel free to share, I would like to inspire others :)

HOW I LOST 50 POUNDS IN 6 MONTHS (35 pounds this summer) AND CHANGED MY LIFESTYLE.

Hello everyone! Some of you may know that I am currently going through a weight loss journey. Six months ago is when I started to change my lifestyle. I realized I needed to change my lifestyle because diabetes and cancer runs in my family. Also, my health was falling and lacking the needs of what it takes to be healthy. I'm not afraid to admit it, because it is the truth, my highest weight was 235. I faced the fact that I was obese. Ever since I was younger, I didn’t have very good eating habits. About six months ago, I simply started going on walks and watching what I eat. I easily lost about five pounds in March, April, and May. The thing was, I didn't even realize I was losing weight. June came rolling around, school ended, and it was finally summer. I really wanted to change my lifestyle, be active and feel healthy. In the beginning of June, I weighed around 220. I started walking a mile everyday, being more active, started to really watch my calorie intake, and watch what I was putting in my body. I lost about six pounds in the month of June. One thing I could have done better was looking over the food I was still was eating. In the month of July, is really when I started researching and got going! I started to walk more, not one mile extra a day but two miles and I was trying to be more active. I lost about eight pounds in the month of July, but something in me on July 22nd just kicked and boom! I was so motivated to change myself a lot more! My research got going and I was so determined to learn more about the human body. Your body's health is the #1 thing you should be concerned about each and everyday. I got going, started researching, and started to write down information. This is what I have spent my time researching on.

-Proper Nutrition -Healthy Sources of Protein, Fats, Carbs, Fiber, Sugar, Dairy, Caffeine -How to Boost Your Metabolism -Foods that Boost Your Metabolism -Benefits of Healthy Foods -Importance of Water -Ways to Reduce Your Chances of Diabetes -Ways to Reduce Your Chances of Cancer/Other Health Problems -Ways to Increase Your Physical Activity -Calories in Daily Healthy Foods -Simple Exercises to Lose Weight -How to Use Yoga for Weight Loss -Different Workouts to Try -The Importance of Stretching -Healthy Eating Out Habits -Healthier Dessert Options for Eating Out -Healthy Recipes/Baking/Desserts to Make -Healthy Snacks Under 100 Calories -Smoothie Recipes -Healthy Sugar Substitutes -Simple Ways to Cut Calories -Ways to Get Proper/Better Sleep -Foods Not to Eat Before Bet -Foods People Are Eating Probably Eating Everyday with Lots of Sugar -How to Maintain a Healthy Diet at School/Work -Detox Waters -How to Read a Nutrition Label -How to Create Healthy Habits, a Schedule or Routine -How to Stay Confident and Make Progress -How to Gain/Have Proper Cooking Skills -The Importance of Fruits and Vegetables -Best Fat Burning Foods -Todays Food and All the Toxins and Chemicals in Foods -Proper Posture -Proper Digestion -Proper Bowel Movements -Proper Urine -How Not to Regain Weight Back -How to Avoid Cravings -Portion Control -How to Make Healthy Food Choice Options When Grocery Shopping -How to Store Fruits and Vegetables -How to Set Goals -How to Have a Healthy Kitchen and Stock it Appropriately -How to Avoid Eating Out and Cooking at Home Instead -How to Improve Your Muscles and Strengthen Yourself -What isn't Proper to Be Putting In Your Body -Importance of our Internal Organs -Importance of Vitamins and Minerals -Different Spices and Cooking Alternatives -Benefits of Teas -How to Prep Meals -Daily Yoga Stretches -HOW TO FEEL GOOD ABOUT YOURSELF AND FEEL HAPPY!

Yes, that is a lot of research! All this research took me over probably a course of two weeks, but it is going to benefit me for the rest of my life. Everyday I use something new and I learn something new. I'm so glad now that I have all this stored in my brain.

Things I noticed about myself was that my body was starting to take harder challenges, I was interested in trying new things, setting goals is easier for me, I am not interested in lying around or going on my phone, bones feel stronger, I push myself a little harder each day, I feel good about myself with my confidence, daily task got easier, I don't have cravings, I am drinking over probably 100oz of water a day, I don't really like eating out anymore, I really only like to drink water or almond milk, I am looking forward to school and the future, cooking skills are amazing, my taste buds changed, faster reflexes, my memory improved, organization level is very high, I like what I see in the mirror, I was definitely detoxing my body(I got acne/zits on my face and body) but in this case this was a good thing, mood is much more happier, I am wanting to be much more social, and I WANT TO LIVE TO BE HEALTHY. Still everyday, I am experiencing new feelings in my body or I notice things, even getting used to walking is different but let me tell you it feels so marvelous.

In the month of July on the 22nd, when I really got going, I started to include a 25 min cardio workout and about a 1.3-1.5 mile walk until the 22nd of August (I decided to set a goal of doing it for one month). Also, this summer I didn't miss one single day of getting that extra mile or two in, even when it was raining, or it was hot and muggy and the horse flies would attack me. Seven days a week. No cheat days. I never stopped.

This was my usually routine for over the summer. Do yoga and go to bed around nine or ten (shut phone off one hour before bed) and get up at five or six, stretch in the morning, have breakfast around 6:00am-7:00am, stretch and do yoga before walk and cardio, go on walk and cardio, then usually I have a snack around 10:00am-11:00am and stay active throughout the day and I ate lunch at 2:00pm, stay active and also wrest, 4:00pm is usually when I have another snack, then around 5:00pm-6:00pm is when I have supper, then I would not eat after supper and just drink lots of water. Sometimes I would play the Wii, go get the mail, or do some other type of activity! When nighttime came rolling around, I would have a cup of organic bedtime tea and do yoga. I also would drink green tea throughout the day, do extra yoga and drink lots of water. I add organic apple cider vinegar, lemon, mint leaves sometimes an orange, kiwi, or grapefruit to my water. I measure portion sizes and I love to use different spices on my foods. My diet includes lots of fruits,vegetables and meats. Also, going through my diet, I dropped bread, milk, cheese, sauces, dressings, and lots of processed foods. When I was more heavier I averaged about 3,000-5,000 steps a day. Today I am averaging about 10,000-15,000 steps a day. Sometimes 20,000 steps! BELIEVE IT OR NOT, but one of my other accomplishments I made, I dropped pop and I haven't ate at a McDonald's in over a year! Also, since I was younger, I have always had bad back and neck troubles, but now it is much better and improving every single day.

I think the number one thing people have a hard time with trying to lose weight is they all just want fast results, WELL LET ME TELL YOU! IT TAKES TIME, EFFORT, AND PROGRESS! In my opinion, I think the best weight loss program or diet, is a natural one. You have to stick to it, set goals, and reach for them! I made posters in my room, wrought on my white board, made countdowns, made notes, bought a planner, got a meal book, recipe books, changed my kitchen, and I just made sure I never gave up and I am never giving up until I reach my goal weight.

Some people say to others "Wow, how are you so skinny?" well that person might not be entirely so healthy. They might just have a high metabolism, but are they really watching what foods they are putting in there body? Toxins? Chemicals? Like what the heck is BUTYLATED HYDROXYTOLUENE? The world is a scary place. You go to Starbucks, get a coffee with 66 grams of sugar, the recommended daily value for a women for added sugar is about 25 grams. Are you sure you want to eat the piece of pizza from that fast food restaurant with ingredients such as Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate? Which is a chemical compound that is mixed with processed foods. Pop, probably one of the most common drinks taken in daily by Americans. Let me tell you something, you’re not hydrating yourself when you're drinking it, your dehydrating yourself and drinking away unhealthy calories. And have you read a label on a pop? Some of them range from 40-80 grams of sugar or sometimes more! The average adult is about 60% water. Your body needs water to properly function. Drink water! Another thing Americans like to eat daily is processed boxed cereal. Two cups of Fruity Pebbles, 294 calories and 24 grams of added sugar. Is there much nutrition? No, probably not. It might make you feel full but not for long and it surely isn't doing your body good. You know ketchup, it's has lots of high fructose corn syrup, which is linked to weight gain, diabetes, and other diseases. I can't forget about fast food! Holy moly, fast food which people call food is highly processed, full of sodium, added sugars, high in calories, unhealthy fats, and it increases your risk for cancer or other diseases! Just try and eat at home! If you don't know what toxins and chemicals are really, well toxins or chemicals are a poisonous substance that affects our body in a harmful way. Symptoms of toxins or chemicals are fatigue, headaches, joint pain, bloating, weight gain, bad breath, your mood and more. What you put in your body really does affect you; you just have to make the right choices. Will you watch for toxins or chemicals?

I couldn't have done it without my family or friends. They all have been so supportive. I noticed that my family got a lot happier once I started to lose weight and they all are benefiting from my weightloss. Also, God has really helped me through all this, always there to listen and support me. I joined the American Cancer Society! I plan on working with them this fall! I would like to work with them and build up on how we can make a difference about healthy choices and raise money for cancer awareness. I have also started up and got more interested in my photography! I am still getting used to this new body and mind, but I am loving it! I get to buy all new clothes and keep doing so until I reach my goal weight, lol!

Overall, I plan on staying healthy and never giving up. I am so glad I am going through this weight loss journey, my life has been greatly benefitted from it and is going to do so for the rest of my life. I see a very bright and amazing future for myself. After these past three months, I plan taking it down a notch and simply start living my healthier life and make sure I eat right, make healthy choices everyday, get toned, and do some type of physical activities 3 times a week, but I am sure I will do more! Not very sure of my goal weight yet, but I am thinking maybe 150-160 by January and I want to be toned and have muscle.

If you are wanting to start to lose weight or get in shape, you can do it if I can. I believe in you.

Everybody's bodies are different and everyone has a different body frame. And for those of who don't like to exercise, just simply make healthier food options.Try going organic, measure portions, or drink water. DON’T COMPARE YOURSELF TO OTHERS. Remember PROGRESS is one of the number one things! YOU CAN DO IT!

Today, I am 185 pounds and the most happiest, and healthiest version of me. You may ask, what if I regain the weight? Let me tell you this, I do not plan on going back to my terrible eating habits and old lifestyle. I have seen and felt what it does to my body. I won't let it happen again. I went from a size range of 1XL-3XL, to a M-L. I'm not scared of what other people think, or if they want to call me names or make fun of me, they are not me, and I'm probably more toned and toxin free then them now!

Life is so much easier and less stressful when you're healthy. America needs to be healthier and I am trying to improve myself and others to do so. Will you help me? Thank you for reading about my weight loss journey. Sincerely, Mandy:)

Remember feel free to share my story to inspire others to get started on their weight loss journey or healthy lifestyle! Or maybe will you get started too?

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