Last week during a very uneventful evening, I took a stroll through some older Facebook pictures of friends and came across pictures from a wedding I was in two years ago. The wedding, the bride, and the day were beautiful, but I was astounded by what I had looked like. I knew I was heavier then, but hadn’t really put it into perspective until now.
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| Left: 204lbs, size 14, unhealthy and unhappy Right: Size 4, healthy, and happy |
A little background on me. I am 32 years old and have struggled with my weight my whole life. I was never athletic or naturally thin or health conscience. I always ate a little too much and stayed inside reading a little too much.
I can remember as early as kindergarten being teased for my weight. I can vividly recall times of being called too fat, gross, and my favorite catcall of ‘whale’ as I stepped up to the diving board at a swimming pool.
I can remember as early as kindergarten hating the way I looked. Wanting to destroy pictures I was in, unable to look at myself in the mirror, or being filled with shame when I needed to ask my mom to buy a bigger jean size were everyday struggles.
By the time I reached high school I was 6 feet tall and over 220 pounds. I can’t remember the exact number; I’m sure I’ve blocked it out by now. With impending college life and prom just around the corner, I knew I needed a change. The only problem was that I was uneducated on nutrition. For the next 8 years I tried every diet and diet food out. I lost 40 lbs, gained 15 back. I lost 55 pounds, gained 25 back. It was a vicious cycle and ended up with me being back at 204 pounds on the eve of 2012. I was in bed, sick, and depressed. I knew there had to be a better way so I began to research proper nutrition and not just believe what every girl is taught – eat less, get skinny, be happy.
What I’m wearing: Free People Skirt // Low Back Bodysuit
HOW I DID IT
Two years and a ton of nutritional information later, I lost 65 pounds and have kept it off for over 4 years now. Thanks to consistent macros and exercise, I am not starving or binging or having my weight yo-yo.
MY WORKOUTS
The core of my workouts revolves around my Holiday Trinity of spin class, weight lifting & yoga. The balance of these 3 really helps to keep me toned, strong, flexible & healthy.
MY DIET
I don’t really follow any diet specifically. Through a ton of trial & error, I have found that macros that work best for me and try to follow them as closely as possible. I don’t cut out any food groups either. I eat a small amount of dairy, a medium amount of animal products & a ton of fibrous veggies and grains. I have definitely found that my sweet spot in dieting contains a good amount of fiber (about 30 grams per day) to keep my weight steady.
I stick to eating healthy 80% of the time and find new ways to challenge myself physically. I am happy and healthy and only regret just how long it took to get me to this point.
Related:
—120 Low Carb Recipes – All 5 Ingredients & 5 Carbs or Fewer!
—Ditch the Carbs: Why You Need to Try the Keto Diet NOW!
Do you have a transformation story you would like featured? Email me at lauren.rabadi@gmail.com with your progress pictures and story!!
How do you track your macros?
I use MyFitnessPal!
Hi Lauren! Your transformation is awesome! I’m considering the keto diet… do youstill somewhat follow those macros? Also, I am on My Fitness Pal and I’d love to “friend” you on there! My name on mfp is jbheller14, just in case you get a chance to friend me! Thanks Lauren!
Julie in Texas
Hi Julie! Macros-wise, I don’t track every day like I used to. I kind of know now what foods have what macros (since I eat a lot of repeat foods and meals lol)
Lauren, I love your story! Thank you for sharing and you look absolutely amazing. I wanted to first say that I see so much beauty in the picture where you were heavier at a friends wedding. Same beautiful smile and all but I’m so happy you found what works for you and feel so much better! I am on my own weight loss journey where I just began a low carb approach. I’ve been consistent so far and have lost 10 lbs in 3 weeks to my complete astonishment. I still have a ways to go but I appreciate your encouraging story!
Hi Jess, thank you so much for the kind words! Congrats on your lifestyle change and weight loss so far, definitely keep me updated as your progress!!