My Story - Marisa

by Marisa
(Alexandria, VA, USA)

I was always an overweight girl and hated it. It seems like I have started and stopped dieting for most of my life. What finally motivated me to truly focus on building and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is when my weight reached 225.

I realized this is just too much. And then I found out one of my cousins was getting married in just over a year. I had bought a dress several years before that was too small vowing that someday it would fit. I thought, what better chance is there. So I began an exercise routine and eating better.

My exercise consisted of workout videos that combined cardio exercise and weight lifting. I changed my eating habits to include leaner meats, cutting out some (not all) carbs, and eating more fruits and vegetables. I was successful and by the time the wedding arrived I weighed 170 and looked amazing in that dress!

Now I am still working on reaching my goal weight of 150. I added running to my exercise routine and feel my self getting stronger everyday. I vow never to go back to my starting weight.