Michelle Lee, 24, Personal Support Worker for the Elderly and Disabled, Victoria, Australia
How much weight have you lost? At my heaviest (that I know of) I weighed 240 pounds/109 kg , currently I weigh 154 lbs/70 kg . (Folks – Michelle is from Australia. She weighs in kilograms – be patient. We’ll keep converting for you!)
Tell us what the “old you” used to be like. The old me would eat A LOT of takeaway foods. I’d eat the so-called “bad foods “out of sight from anyone else. I’d hide the wrappers so no one knew I was eating it. I didn’t feel comfortable, but food was more important. I made really poor food choices every day and my portion control was simply unheard of.
Wha
t prompted your weight loss? My weight loss was initially prompted by a trip to my doctor where I asked a simple question and he said to step on the scale. When I did, it said 240 lbs/109 kg. I laughed and said I’m sorry that’s wrong. So….we went to four different consulting rooms where each scale said the same. I came home and had a cry and started my meal replacement shakes that day.
How did you lose the weight? As mentioned I started with the meal replacement shakes and that shifted the first 33 lbs (15 kg). After that, I did it just eating smaller portions and making better food choices. I also counted calories and wrote down all my meals, snacks, drinks, everything to help keep me accountable. It didn’t always work, but for the most part it has. The shakes really helped me gain the basic knowledge and helped me through a tough time. I needed routine and structure and two shakes a day with a list of suitable snacks did it for me. In the beginning (first 33 lbs/15 kg down) I only used Wii Fit for one hour a day for exercise. After that, I gradually started using other fitness games. My current weight of 154 lbs/70 kg from that point on has all been a result of fitness, fitness, fitness…walking, running, dumbbells and workout DVDs,
How long did it take? I started my weight loss journey in 2008/2009.
What was the hardest part? The hardest part would be going out for dinners and lunches, not knowing the calories and feeling like a pain when I ask that we please go somewhere healthier. Gaining the support from my family has been hard. I still don’t fully have it, but this is about me and my health.
Most fun part of your weight loss? The most fun part would have to be dancing around and getting my heart up for my workout DVDs. I say to myself “anything to burn a calorie”, it makes me laugh and I’m having fun.
Most rewarding experience? Motivating other people along the way and buying clothes in smaller sizes, that for me, feels quite rewarding.
Who/what inspires you when you feel like quitting? I’m inspired by fitness magazines and celebrities I like. I don’t idealize them, but it does inspire me to be the best I can be. When I look at old pictures of myself, I am also inspired by how far I’ve come.
How has this weight loss changed your life? My life has changed tremendously. I would like to think I’ve added years onto my life. I am most certainly healthier and I am happier with myself. I still have a long way to go, but it’s nice to feel like I am getting somewhere.
Have any advice for others who’d like to lose weight? My advice for anyone would be don’t give up, it won’t happen overnight. Be consistent and do what feels best for you and your body. Be kind to your body and to yourself. Don’t stop enjoying life along the way.
Your must-have fitness equipment. Dumbbells and a stability ball are my personal favorites. They are just a few of the many things that I have incorporated. But mostly just my body, you can sure do a lot with body weight!
Favorite training song: My favorite training song would be….Magic by B.O.B. and Timber by Kesha. I love my country music, but these are great for letting loose in the moment which always results in more calories being burnt!
Favorite healthy food: My favorite healthy food would be more so a healthy meal. I am addicted to: Greek yogurt with raspberries and whole grain oats sprinkled over it. So pleasing to my eye and taste buds.
Favorite not-so-healthy food: My favorite not so healthy food would have to be high-carb foods such as pastas, potatoes, chips.
Funniest/weirdest/most awkward experience during your weight loss journey. My funniest/weirdest experience in my journey would be RUNNING. It’s gotten better and these days … there’s less to rock ’n ’roll as I run, but when I started I’d have 3-4 layers on just to hold it all in place. I’d forever be pulling things down/up as I walked and ran which is most annoying.
Future goals: I’d like to lose about 22 lbs/10 more kilos while tightening and toning my body and lowering my body fat percentage. I’d like to be in great shape by the time I’m ready to start a family. I’d like to be able to comfortably wear shorts this summer and buy my first ever two-piece bathing suit.
Congratulations Michelle! We’re thrilled for you and confident your great habits and superb attitude will lead you all the way to the finish line. Thank you for letting us share your truly inspirational story of hard work and discipline. Fitz and the entire team at Fitzness.com
