Brittany Smith, 30, Fort Lauderdale, FL, Credit Officer
How much weight have you lost? 65 pounds
Tell us what the “old you” used to be like. Tired, lazy, afraid to go out and have fun. I put on a lot of weight after high school and was always afraid of seeing people who knew me before, always worrying what they would think. I didn’t want to go anywhere because nothing fit right. Not to mention I would not let anyone get a full body picture of me, which I now regret because I wish I had more before pictures. Mostly, I just wasn’t comfortable in my own skin.
What prompted your weight loss? I have tried to lose weight plenty of times. I had actually succeeded a few of those times but ended up gaining it back. This time though, a friend was getting married in the Dominican Republic and I wanted to look good for the wedding. I wanted to look better, at least. So I decided at that point I would set a goal to lose 50 pounds before then. Sadly, I never ended up making it to the wedding, but I did end up reaching my goal!
How did you lose the weight? I started off by walking around parks or on the treadmill. I took multiple classes at the gym: kickboxing, spin and boot camp. I started paying more attention to portion control and trying not to get too crazy on weekends with drinking or eating out. I would still go out on Friday nights and have a few drinks but changed what I was drinking, so I would be consuming fewer calories.
How long did it take?
I started in March of 2012 and lost 55 pounds in six months. After that, I slowly lost another 10. I have been maintaining that weight (give or take five pounds) ever since. I still have about 35 pounds to go and although it’s a slow process I am proud of the weight I have lost and even more proud that I haven’t gained it back.
What was the hardest part? The hardest part would have to be finding self-control when it comes to food!
Most fun part of your weight loss? Seeing the changes in myself and feeling more confident. It’s always fun to do things you never thought you could.
Most rewarding experience?I think the whole experience has been rewarding. I’d have to say the most rewarding though, would probably have to be motivating other people. When someone tells you that you are the reason they started losing weight or the reason they keep going, well, there is simply nothing better.
Who/what inspires you when you feel like quitting? My friends and family help keep me going. The people who I have inspired to lose weight and are now doing the same inspire me a great deal. I have a few friends who I text when I am lazy and they motivate me to get going. Even just seeing them get their workout in helps.
How has this weight loss changed your life? I don’t even know if I can put into words how weight loss has changed my life. I am not really big into shopping, but it is definitely more fun now. I go out and do more things. I am more confident. I ran my first half marathon in February of 2013 and six more since then. I am also training for my first marathon coming up in January! I NEVER thought I would be saying that.
Have any advice for others who’d like to lose weight? Losing weight is not easy. If it were, everyone would do it and they would do it quickly. It won’t happen overnight and you will most likely make mistakes, but it is worth it. Remember to take progress pictures so on those days when you feel like you aren’t getting anywhere you will be reminded of how far you have come. Most importantly, NEVER GIVE UP! Feel free to follow my journey on Instagram and message me with any questions – 2Britterz0427
Your must-have fitness equipment. I would have to say my heart rate monitor. I love seeing how many calories I burn during a workout, but it also makes me push just a little harder. That, and my running shoes!
Favorite training song: My all-time favorite would have to be Eye of The Tiger, but there are a lot of different songs that get/keep me going.
Favorite healthy food: Chicken lettuce wraps
Favorite not-so-healthy food: Pizza!! Tacos are a close second
Funniest /weirdest/most awkward experience during your weight loss journey.
The funniest thing that has happened to me would probably have to be the time there was a water bottle filled with vodka in the fridge and I grabbed it by mistake before heading to the gym. Nothing gets you going like taking a nice big gulp of grape vodka while you are on the treadmill first thing in the morning.
Future goals: To complete my first marathon and to lose the last 35 pounds. I would also like to get more into strength training so I can tone up this body of mine.
Brittany, we love your story and are so excited for you. It’s refreshing to read about folks losing weight the RIGHT way, which gives us confidence you’ll keep it off for the long run. Congrats on your half-marathons and your upcoming LONG RUN! Send us updates! Fitz and the entire team at Fitzness.com
