Weight wise - Success Stories

"I learned that weight training was an effective way to boost my metabolism and reach my weight-loss goals."

When I was a child, my parents owned a cafe, and I was allowed to eat whatever I wanted while was there. After a while, it showed in the form of 20 extra pounds. As a result, I was teased mercilessly for being chubby, and by the time I entered junior high school, I weighed 140 pounds. Fed up with the constant taunting, I went on a diet. I starved myself, subsisting on fruits and vegetables. In three months, I had lost 20 pounds and gained the acceptance of my peers. Although I was popular, inside I was terrified of losing my newfound status. I pasted magazine pages of 100-pound, waif like models on my bedroom walls, and they became my idols. While my friends ate steaks and cheese balls, I nibbled on crackers and exercised for four hours every day. By the time I turned 15, I was 103 pounds, which for my height of 5 feet 4 inches was too thin for me.

Before I could get help for my disordered eating habits, I took a job at a restaurant. Again, the abundance of food made it easy for me to eat and I gained 20 pounds in three months. People actually complimented me on my weight gain and thought my new figure was perfect. At 123 pounds, I thought I looked OK too. Then I started working the night shift at a convenience store. It was a slow-paced environment, and I ate cookies, chips and other junk food to pass the time. Within a year, I was another 30 pounds heavier and weighed in at 153 pounds.

The following fall, I started college and was pleasantly surprised that the university fees included a gym membership. I took advantage of this benefit and exercised three or four days a week, losing 10 pounds in six months. However, all the hard work was quickly undone when I met my future husband. Our dates usually consisted of eating out or making huge home-cooked meals. Within six months, I was back at 150 pounds. I disliked my reflection in the mirror and finally made the commitment to get rid of the extra pounds, once and for all.

First, I stopped eating out as often and began cooking with recipes from lowfat cookbooks. I reduced my portion sizes and switched to healthier foods, like whole-grain bread, skim milk and low- and nonfat versions of my usual foods. At the gym, I added more cardio to my routine and took a weight-training course. I learned that weight training was an effective way to boost my metabolism and the best way to reach my weight-loss goals. Along with the food changes, I began weight training five days a week and in two years I was 30 pounds lighter.

Last year, I flaunted the results of my hard work in a strapless wedding gown that showed off every curve. These days, I love what I see in the mirror: a strong, empowered woman.

RELATED ARTICLE: WORKOUT SCHEDULE

Elliptical training, stair climbing, cycling, walking or running: 45 minutes/5 times a week

Weight training: 45 minutes/4 times a week

MAINTENANCE TIPS

1. Learn basic weight-training techniques through a class, trainer or fitness magazine. It will improve your physique 100 percent.

2. Vary your exercise routine. Otherwise you'll get bored and stop seeing results.

3. Eat a few small meals throughout the day to keep your energy levels up and your cravings down.

NICLOE FRANK, 26, South Dakota

* Inches lost: bust 2; waist 3; hips 4; thighs 3

* Height: 5'4"

* Pounds lost: 30

COPYRIGHT 2003 Weider Publications
COPYRIGHT 2003 Gale Group