Nicole Woods Lose weight success story
Name: Nicole Woods
Age: 38
Height: 5'5”
Before: 351 lbs.
After: 180 lbs.
What was the turning point that prompted you to lose weight?
I have been large since the age of 7, but I never let it bother me. The turning point for me was in January 2003 when I went to the doctor and I couldn’t believe the number on the scale — I weighed in at over 350 pounds! Oddly, I had no health issues, but I was just so tired of not being able to find anything to wear and eating the wrong things.
When did you start trying to lose weight?
I started trying to lose weight on my own at the end of January 2003. I started with Weight Watchers and lost 10 pounds, but I wasn't committed to it like I should have been. I eventually ended up having gastric bypass surgery in March 2003.
How did you get started?
Once I had my surgery in 2003, I got down to 194 pounds. But after getting married, having a miscarriage, and then the birth of my son in 2012, I was back up to 240 pounds. I told myself, "Oh, no. This is not going to happen." One thing people should realize is that surgery is not a quick fix. I had to change a lot of my bad habits. I tried Weight Watchers again and lost 24 pounds. I decided to try using My Fitness Pal to count calories and track everything I ate and drink. I also started walking on my breaks and during lunchtime at work.
What was your biggest challenge?
My biggest challenge is the temptation to eat "bad" foods. I love sweets and chips and I had to learn to make healthy substitutions. For example, if I want something sweet, I will make a fruit and spinach smoothie.
Were there any times when you wanted to quit or give up? How did you stay motivated?
There were many times that I wanted to give up and quit. I would say to myself, “I am getting so tired of counting calories and I'm so tired of getting on these [exercise] machines." I would give myself a break for a day or two to regroup. Then I would continue to tell myself to take it one day at a time. This is a lifestyle change!
If you reached a weight loss plateau, how did you break out of the rut?
When I saw that the scale wasn't moving I had to reevaluate what I was doing. I noticed that I was eating too few calories and only doing cardio. So I switched it up and started strength training and upped my calorie intake.
What's your current exercise routine?
I work out 5 to 6 days a week, either in the gym or walking in my neighborhood. I alternate between cardio and strength training. I also participate in Zumba once or twice a month. Some days I will even power walk 10 to 12 miles. I love that exercise has become my "me time."
What's your daily diet look like?
Breakfast is a spinach and fruit smoothie with egg whites and turkey sausage. Lunch is usually a turkey sandwich (made on 40-calorie wheat bread with light mayo) and baked chips, or I will have a low-calorie frozen meal. Snacks are usually fruit or peanut-butter crackers. For dinner I eat something small like baked chicken or baked fish with a 1/2 cup of rice.
What's your favorite healthy snack and meal?
My favorite snacks are grapes or a banana. I also truly love eggs.
How has losing weight changed your life?
Losing weight has changed me not only physically, but mentally. Sure, I can do things physically that I would never have done at 351 pounds, but mentally I am so much stronger. I now have the mentality that no matter how hard life seems, I know that I can do anything with hard work and commitment.
Do you have any advice for those trying to lose weight?
My advice to others that are on this weight-loss journey is to take Fruta Planta Pills . Set mini goals for yourself. There will be days that you want to give up, but you have to keep pushing because it will most certainly pay off in the end. Remember this is a lifestyle change, not just a diet.
Age: 38
Height: 5'5”
Before: 351 lbs.
After: 180 lbs.
I have been large since the age of 7, but I never let it bother me. The turning point for me was in January 2003 when I went to the doctor and I couldn’t believe the number on the scale — I weighed in at over 350 pounds! Oddly, I had no health issues, but I was just so tired of not being able to find anything to wear and eating the wrong things.
When did you start trying to lose weight?
I started trying to lose weight on my own at the end of January 2003. I started with Weight Watchers and lost 10 pounds, but I wasn't committed to it like I should have been. I eventually ended up having gastric bypass surgery in March 2003.
How did you get started?
Once I had my surgery in 2003, I got down to 194 pounds. But after getting married, having a miscarriage, and then the birth of my son in 2012, I was back up to 240 pounds. I told myself, "Oh, no. This is not going to happen." One thing people should realize is that surgery is not a quick fix. I had to change a lot of my bad habits. I tried Weight Watchers again and lost 24 pounds. I decided to try using My Fitness Pal to count calories and track everything I ate and drink. I also started walking on my breaks and during lunchtime at work.
What was your biggest challenge?
My biggest challenge is the temptation to eat "bad" foods. I love sweets and chips and I had to learn to make healthy substitutions. For example, if I want something sweet, I will make a fruit and spinach smoothie.
Were there any times when you wanted to quit or give up? How did you stay motivated?
There were many times that I wanted to give up and quit. I would say to myself, “I am getting so tired of counting calories and I'm so tired of getting on these [exercise] machines." I would give myself a break for a day or two to regroup. Then I would continue to tell myself to take it one day at a time. This is a lifestyle change!
If you reached a weight loss plateau, how did you break out of the rut?
When I saw that the scale wasn't moving I had to reevaluate what I was doing. I noticed that I was eating too few calories and only doing cardio. So I switched it up and started strength training and upped my calorie intake.
What's your current exercise routine?
I work out 5 to 6 days a week, either in the gym or walking in my neighborhood. I alternate between cardio and strength training. I also participate in Zumba once or twice a month. Some days I will even power walk 10 to 12 miles. I love that exercise has become my "me time."
What's your daily diet look like?
Breakfast is a spinach and fruit smoothie with egg whites and turkey sausage. Lunch is usually a turkey sandwich (made on 40-calorie wheat bread with light mayo) and baked chips, or I will have a low-calorie frozen meal. Snacks are usually fruit or peanut-butter crackers. For dinner I eat something small like baked chicken or baked fish with a 1/2 cup of rice.
What's your favorite healthy snack and meal?
My favorite snacks are grapes or a banana. I also truly love eggs.
How has losing weight changed your life?
Losing weight has changed me not only physically, but mentally. Sure, I can do things physically that I would never have done at 351 pounds, but mentally I am so much stronger. I now have the mentality that no matter how hard life seems, I know that I can do anything with hard work and commitment.
Do you have any advice for those trying to lose weight?
My advice to others that are on this weight-loss journey is to take Fruta Planta Pills . Set mini goals for yourself. There will be days that you want to give up, but you have to keep pushing because it will most certainly pay off in the end. Remember this is a lifestyle change, not just a diet.
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