Carmen before and after her 80-pound weight loss.
I’m Carmen, and I’m thrilled to “meet” you! I’m new to DietsInReview, in the position of Chief Mom. I’d like to share my story with you, since, right now, you are probably wondering just who in the heck I am and why do I feel qualified to talk diet/exercise/weight loss/raising a family.
For most of my childhood, I was the skinny one. Now, that doesn’t mean I was thin – just that I was the thinnest one. It helped that I was very serious about my ballet classes, and training for four hours a day, five days a week doesn’t leave you much time to put on weight. Then I got married. Then I had six kids. With each child, I didn’t gain much weight during the pregnancy, but after, I rapidly put on the poundage. Every so often, I’d try to lose weight, and it never worked. I’d end each diet the same – face down in a gallon of ice cream, depressed and disgusted. I just didn’t think I’d ever be able to lose weight and resigned myself to being The Fat Mom.
When my sixth child was two years old, my oldest daughter told me that she’d been teased at school for having a fat mother. Hearing that, coupled with our latest Christmas photos, clued me in to the reality that I really WAS fat. I made a New Year’s Resolution that I was GOING to lose weight, to succeed no matter what.
It was difficult – the hardest thing I ever did – but I was finally successful. All together, I lost 80 pounds. I’ve kept almost all of it off – I was recently sidelined with a major injury and I’ve gained back about 10 pounds, but it’s COMING OFF as soon as I can get back in the gym. Maintenance is tough, probably harder than losing the weight – but I’m worth it. You are worth it, too! It’s been a very interesting journey, and I’ve discovered SO much about myself. As one example, I’m moving towards my black belt in Muay Thai boxing – me, the former couch potato!
Over the next couple of weeks, I’m going to delve into the hows and whys of how I lost weight without using any fancy plans or purchased meals. Stick with me – it promises to be a very interesting story! I can’t wait to share it with you!
Hi, Carmen! It’s refreshing to read about a New Year’s Resolution that really worked. I’m guessing that your martial arts habit has been a major factor in your success in preventing weight regain, even though you couldn’t do much more than walk for exercise when you started this journey. Can’t wait to hear more from you. —– Steve
I’m interested to read more that Carmen shares with us. How long has she kept the weight off? I resolved to lose weight as I approached my 50th birthday and have lost 117 pounds since June 1, 2008 through diet and exercise. I am almost at the point of letting go of the “losing” part and beginning the focus of maintaining through eating right and exercise.
Steve, I think that martial arts, as well as the fact that I try to go running a few times a week, really HAS been instrumental – but, more than that, I have discovered that I really love to exercise now. I’ve also discovered that eating in a more healthy manner really does give me more energy and vitality. Thanks for the warm welcome!
Laura, I made my resolution on New Year’s Day, 2006. So I’ve been working on maintaining about a year and a half. It’s definitely been a challenge!
Do you find that it’s difficult to change your mindset from “losing” to “maintaining”?
Thanks for introducing us to this website, Carmen. You rock!
Loved reading your story, Carmen!
I can’t wait to read more from a real mom!
Huzzah, Carmen!!
I need to begin this journey! I can’t wait to read more.