“Almost exactly 4 years ago, I reached my highest recorded weight of 231 pounds. 4 years later I’ve dropped & kept off nearly 100 pounds. Some days I feel as this is my new normal, and other days I revert back to my old eating habits and feel like the old me. I feel like finding that balance will be a lifelong mental battle despite losing 100 pounds.
What’s kept me at maintenance? Not beating myself up; moving on and starting fresh on my very next meal; not letting a few days turn into a few months or a few years. Having a positive attitude will get you so far. You can absolutely accomplish anything you set your mind to!
How did I start? I took a leap and joined Weight Watchers, a program I had success with many times but often lost quite a bit of weight and decided I could do it on my own without the support and accountability of others. I couldn’t. I gained all the weight I lost plus more, putting me at 231 pounds. I took a chance, betting I’d probably give up after it started to become challenging. This time I didn’t give up. I focused on small, 5 pound weight loss goals & I rewarded myself with something small at every 10 pounds lost.
I went to the gym even though I was embarrassed others would judge me. I started out slow and did what I could, and pushed myself harder every workout. My body hurt, a lot of days I didn’t want to go, it was frustrating that everyone else can eat whatever they want but I had to work so hard, I get it!! There’s no “secret”, that’s exactly what I did over and over and over and continue to do nearly 4 years later! You can do it, too!
Be Sure To Check Out Kristine Strange’s Social Media Here:
Instagram: @ilostbigandsocanyou
Facebook: fb.com/ILostBigAndSoCanYou
Weight Lost: Start weight: 231; Current weight: 130 (101 pounds lost) Inches lost: 55
Kristine Strange AKA ILostBigAndSoCanYou’s Diet:
Diet: My diet consists mainly of high protein, high fiber, low carb and low fat (that is essentially what Weight Watchers is). There are no food restrictions, but it is all about eating “Power Foods:” healthy, filling foods. I regained my weight in the past because I restricted myself from the foods I really wanted. Throughout my journey this time, I allowed myself what I wanted, when I wanted it, but in moderation… and I made sure to work it off in the gym. Moderation is key. Depriving yourself will lead to failure.
Favorite Healthy Snack: I can’t really choose one favorite healthy snack. Variety is the spice of life. I like hummus with veggies, hard boiled eggs, yogurt, cottage cheese, almonds, fruit, PB2. I keep my pantry and fridge stocked at all times! Not being prepped with food is what caused me to fail in the past. I make sure to always have something healthy on hand.
Kristine Strange’s Instagram Meals:
BBQ Chicken FlatBread
“I used a Joseph’s flatbread, BBQ sauce, shredded cheese, chicken, red onion and parsley! 40c/16f/48p. I think I may try out different variations like chicken/bacon/ranch & Buffalo chicken pizzas on here, too! I find the wraps at Walmart”
Chicken Quesadilla & Broccoli Tots
Tonight’s dinner: chicken quesadilla & cheesy broccoli tots. Our homemade broccoli tots do not even compare. Green Giant makes frozen broccoli tots & they are divine! I put them in the air fryer for about 10 minutes and they got all crispy & crunchy!
Pumpkin Spice Waffle
He’s perfected the protein waffle. The ones we’ve made are pretty dry and similar to chewing on a sponge Not today ✋ 1 scoop of pumpkin protein powder • 1/2 c applesauce • 1/4 t. pumpkin pie spice • 1/4 t. vanilla extract • 6 T egg whites • 1/2 t. baking powder 18c/2f/24p {includes 1 oz of yogurt on top}
Greek Chicken Skewers
Greek chicken skewers (I found a recipe on Pinterest for a spice mixture) I used laughing cow cheese and crumbled it on my salad which has a lot less fat than regular cheese & adds creaminess! 40c/17f/42p
Cheddar Chicken Sausage & Broccoli
Boring but delicious lunch! Can ya tell I’m trying to use up my broccoli this week?! I bought a big bag from Costco and I am about broccolied out
Sweet & Spicy Chicken
This was chicken over a bed of some fancy rice with black seeds, with pineapple and cashews
Chili & Cornbread
It’s chili season! Next weekend there is a huge chili cook off in town… it’s pretty much a big deal and had me wanting to make some. I just mix 96/4 beef, tomato sauce, beef broth, diced onions and jalapeños and chili mix (you can make your own but I buy the packet for convenience).
You can find more on Kristine’s Instagram here: @ilostbigandsocanyou and through the hashtag: #ilbascyfood
Kristine Strange AKA ILostBigAndSoCanYou’s Workout:
Workout Regime: My workout routine over the past year has consisted mainly of cardio. I am in the minority when it comes to treadmills. I actually don’t mind them and I like that I am in control. I like to challenge myself to meet new goals. I am learning to branch out of my comfort zone and plan to incorporate new activity. I am very interested in CrossFit, which I am going to check out soon. I also plan to sign up for some local races this upcoming year.
Favorite one-hour workout: 5k followed by 50 burpees, 50 air squats and 50 sit ups. You are going you feel it the next day, trust me.
Motivation: I decided once and for all it was time to make a change when my mom had mentioned I consider gastric bypass surgery. I had tried alternative routes, such as weight loss pills, shakes, speaking with nutritionists and psychiatrists along with fad diets. I had lost weight with Weight Watchers in the past, but I gained it back due to negligence of following the program. I wanted an easy route out, but there is no quick fix.
Weight Watchers worked for me before, and I knew it would work again, but it was going to require hard work. Weight loss surgery was not an option. I was determined I could do it on my own! I started for the final time in November of 2012 and have not looked back. I met my goal in November of 2013 and continue to maintain my goal weight.
Best Advice: Don’t find time, make time. Weight loss is not about finding time, you will never find it. I found a quote that has stuck with me: “Someone busier than you is running right now.” We all think we are too busy or there is never enough time. There is ALWAYS time! You are worth it, so take that 60 minutes out of your entire day to better your future self.
Instagram: @ilostbigandsocanyou
Facebook: fb.com/ILostBigAndSoCanYou
Source: Capital-Style.