If Stephanie Can Do It, Then So Can You!

One of the most inspirational things about the fitness magazines I read are the reader stories of success. I always think “Hey! If she can do it, then so can I”. Then, I put down whatever sweet I’m eating at the moment and grab a glass of water. Because I find these articles so inspiring, I thought that I would share the success stories of my readers.

This week, I’m featuring the success of Stephanie who blogs at: Twitter group (her twitter name is: @stephhamm154) and she has really done a great job of transforming herself. Here’s her story:

Stephanie grew up and currently lives in Winnipeg, Canada. She has one completely adorable son. As a kid she had loads of energy and couldn’t sit still but wasn’t anywhere near athletic (she claims she was the kid that should have failed gym) and had no co-ordination…at all. She was always a scrawny kid that loved to eat pizza and she still does!

Q – What was your turning point? Why did you embark on your weight loss journey?
My turning point came about a year before I got pregnant. I always figured that being thin meant I was healthy and that I didn’t need to take care of myself as long as I maintained my weight. What I discovered was that though I was “skinny”, I was more unhealthy than most people twice my size. I was what was referred to as “skinny fat”. I eat way more calories than my body needed, and they were all coming from bad sources: processed foods, high sodium foods, fast food, “convenience” foods and soda. Lots and lots of soda. I was killing my body with bad food and sedentary living. The first half of my journey was to improve my health. Once I got pregnant, I fell back into my old habits and gained 50 pounds. After my son was born, I knew I couldn’t go back to that way of living and set that kind of example for my baby.

Q – What is your #1 motivation that keeps you working to lose/maintain your weight?
My son, without a doubt is my motivation. I want him to be as healthy and happy as possible. I want him to understand proper nutrition and exercise. How can I expect him to be health conscious if I’m sitting on the couch in my sweats eating a teen burger. I have to set the example for him in the way I live my life. I also want to live long enough to watch him grow up. My old habits would have killed me by my 40th birthday.

Q – How has losing weight changed you?
It’s empowered me because it’s something I had to work for. I’ve spent my life getting by on what genetics provided me. After my son was born, I had this extra weight to lose that I was responsible for putting there. As I saw the pounds come off, I felt motivated, empowered and confident because I was responsible for the change.

Q – What have you done to lose the weight? What life-style changes have you made?
I started eating clean foods, fresh fruits and veggies, whole grains and organic as much as possible. Also, everything in moderation. I don’t deny myself a treat but I do it in moderation, and only after I eat my healthy foods (i.e. no more ice cream and chips for dinner).

Stephanie’s “Stick-With-It” secrets are:

1. Build a support system to rally around you and cheer you on in your journey.
2. Declare your goals. If you tell people what you want, you’re more accountable to make it happen.
3. Forgive yourself when you stumble. It’s going to happen, but that’s okay. Get right back up and keep going.

Great job Stephanie! You’re an inspiration to me, and you know what? If you can do it then so can I! Thanks you for sharing your story with us!

Do you want to inspire other moms? If so I want to feature you in a post on Fitness Cheerleader! Please complete my questionnaire so I can feature you!