Super Slimmer Valerie Lost 50 Pounds!

I first met Valerie on the Bee Healthy forum. Valerie is now one of my Facebook friends who has lost a lot of weight and looks amazing! Fortunately for us, she is willing to share her story here! She has her own business, Valerie Custom Quilting, and I wish I had her skill when it comes to quilting! She is talented and smart, and I hope you find her weight loss interview as inpirational as I do!



Name: Valerie Bradley

Age: 36

Starting weight: 160 lbs.

Current Weight: 110 lbs.

Amount of weight lost: 50 lbs.

Time it took to reach: 3 years

Time maintaining it: 1 year

Goal weight: 110 lbs.

About yourself: My name is Valerie Bradley, I'm currently 36 years old. I am a mother to two beautiful girls age 9 and 6, and wife to a fantastic husband. I grew up in Illinois, went to college in Indiana, and ended up moving to Oregon for my job after college. I met the man who I eventually married my first day on the job. I have many hobbies, including quilting, knitting, hiking (we have lots of awesome trails here in Oregon!), and Taekwondo. I have my own quilting business, which also keeps me quite busy.

How did you go about losing the weight? Was there any specific plan? I knew that I was not eating right. I had been doing Taekwondo for several years, which is great exercise, and the weight wasn't coming off. It had to be my eating habits. I started tracking my eating with paper, pencil, and a calculator. Once I realized just how much I was overeating, I adjusted my food intake and the weight finally started to come off. I discovered SparkPeople.com after a few months and I've been tracking my food and exercise there ever since.



After a while I hit a plateau (as we all do) and needed to shake things up a bit, I joined a gym and started to work with a personal trainer that my husband had recommended to me. I still use the routines he gave me when I go to the gym. I also started doing the Couch To 5K program, which is a running program for non-runners. I started that in Spring 2010 and I ran my first 5K race in July 2010.

What motivated you to lose the weight? What were your reasons for wanting to lose it? Did you have a particular moment that gave you the final push to start or was it more gradual? At first, though I was disappointed with the weight gain, I thought to myself "Well, I'm a mom, and moms are supposed to be heavy, right?" I deluded myself into believing that it was not just OK, but normal for me to gain weight. That changed the day I was preparing for my morning shower and found I had the beginning of a belly overhang starting. In my mind, I wasn't "fat" until I noticed that. Only "fat" people have a belly overhang... so if I had one starting, I had to be "fat", right? That was the day I realized that I needed to make changes. That was the day the paper, pencil, and calculator became a permanent fixture on my kitchen counter.

What struggles and problems did you endure while at your heaviest weight? What, if any, health problems were present? I was fortunate in that I didn't have any health issues while I was overweight.

How has your life changed since losing the weight? How have you changed? Do you feel like your overall health has improved? I do feel like my overall health has improved. I know my cardiovascular system is healthier as I can now run up to 4 miles, and I'm working on increasing that distance. I can do better in my Taekwondo class, I don't get tired as quickly. I can keep up with my children better. I'm even going to start taking gymnastics lessons as the gym where they take lessons! My confidence has gone through the roof and I enjoy trying on clothes now.

Have the people in your life been supportive of you on your weight loss journey? Have there been any challenges created by others in your life? My husband has been very supportive. In fact, my successes have encouraged him to get to the gym and get healthier too. He isn't overweight or unhealthy... he just says he needs to keep up with me now. I like that! In fact, I've been fortunate in that nobody tried to sabotage my efforts.

What are a typical day’s meals for you?
Breakfast: 1 small banana, 2 turkey sausage patties, 1 cup of coffee. Approximately 260 calories.

Lunch: Leftovers from dinner usually, or some mini deep dish pizzas from Schwan's. Approximately 350 - 400 calories.

Afternoon snack: 1 cup of coffee, a piece of fruit or a granola bar. Approximately 200 calories.

Dinner: Various. Usually a meat of some sort (most often chicken), rice or cous cous, a vegetable. Approximately 350 - 450 calories.

Dessert: If I have room in my calorie budget, I'll have a small dessert. A small scoop of ice cream, a couple cookies, a mini chocolate bar... whatever will fit. I find that a small treat at the end of the day really helps me to keep up with being "good" the rest of the time. And since it's within my calorie budget, I don't feel guilty at all.



Total daily caloric intake: Between 1200 - 1500 calories.

What exercise, if any, do you do?
Taekwondo: 1 class Mondays, 2 classes Thursdays, 2 classes Fridays.

Gym (running and weights): I try to go 3x per week, running for 30 minutes and weights for 30-45 minutes. Lately, due to the holiday season I haven't been able to go as much, but I will be back to it as soon as my other obligations calm down.

Gymnastics: Beginning in January 2010, 1 90-minute class once a week.

What was the most difficult for you while losing the weight? At first, it was trying to make separate meals for myself and for the rest of the family. I had (have) picky kids and a hubby who likes what he likes. I soon became tired of being a short-order chef and began figuring out how to make a single meal that we all could enjoy. I learned how to make flavorful food that wasn't full of calories and fat, so we all could benefit.



What helped you the most? Tracking my food. Without a doubt, this was the most important aspect for me. When you don't know how much you're eating, you don't know how much exercise you need to work it off and not gain weight. I am living proof of that! I had been taking Taekwondo for 3-4 years and hadn't lost weight at all, despite going to class up to 6 times per week!

Any tips for others trying to lose weight? IMHO, staying away from overly processed foods, foods that are "low fat" or "non fat" (other than those which are naturally low fat like skim milk), have helped my body to maintain itself. All those chemicals that are put into processed foods to replace the fat that has been taken out seem to confuse our bodies. I've seen this in other family members who have tried to lose weight by following programs that encourage eating mostly highly processed "low fat" and "fat free" foods... and they have not lost the weight.

So my advice is this:
Track your food. Eat whole foods, food you prepare yourself as much as you can (or make healthy choices when you eat out), and leave the processed "low fat" foods behind. There are plenty of alternatives that are naturally low in fat, your body knows how to use them, and in the end you'll have a much easier time losing the weight and maintaining your weight.



The weight loss tool I swear by:
Spark People

If Valerie's story has inspired and impressed you, please take a moment to let her know in the comments below.


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Super Slimmer Jill Lost 100 Pounds!

I found Jill's story while browsing the web, and she was kind enough to answer my interview questions so that I could share her story with you here! She is a diabetes advocate and the topic is dear to my heart because my dad has diabetes.



Name: Jill Knapp

Age: 43

Starting weight & ending weight: I started at 237 lbs. (16 stone 13 lbs) and now weigh 137 lbs. (9 stone 11 lbs.)

Amount of weight lost: 100 pounds

Time it took to reach: 2 years

Time maintaining it: 1 year 6 mo.

Goal weight: I am at it.

About yourself (i.e. age, occupation, number of children, married or single, hobbies, interests, anything else): I have been married for 16 years to my very supportive husband, and I have 3 wonderful kids.

How did you go about losing the weight? Was there any specific plan? I created my own. I did study up on what I should be eating. I eat 6 small meals a day. I buy my produce from Idaho farms. It tastes so much better.

What motivated you to lose the weight? What were your reasons for wanting to lose it? Unfortunately the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. I wanted to lose the weight to be a healthier person. I really want to watch all of my kids grow up and see my grandkids.

Did you have a particular moment that gave you the final push to start or was it more gradual? Right at the Doctor's office, after being diagnosed, I knew I needed to change my lifestyle. I was depressed for about 24 hours, and then I started the foot work for a very big change.

What struggles and problems did you endure while at your heaviest weight? What, if any, health problems were present? I felt tired when I was overweight. I did not have the energy to keep up with my kids. I lost my self in motherhood and lost my identity.

How has your life changed since losing the weight? How have you changed? Do you feel like your overall health has improved? I have changed. I am healthy and happy. I have found a passion to share my story to help others. I have become a diabetes advocate. I also am a motivational speaker and I've educated myself in speaking to the youth. I love speaking to our kids and youth about healthy eating and getting lots of exercise. I have been so blessed to have so many doors open up for me to share my journey with others and inspire others. I hope for change.

Have the people in your life been supportive of you on your weight loss journey? Have there been any challenges created by others in your life? My family is very supportive, bioth while I was losing the weight and now while I am out in the public spreading my message and sharing my journey.

What are a typical day’s meals for you? I eat six small meals a day.

What exercise, if any, do you do? I work out 5 days a week, cardio daily with 2 to 3 days of weight training after my cardio.

What was the most difficult for you while losing the weight? I broke my ankle slipping on black ice walking to my mail box. I broke my fibula and my tibia. It was horrible and took 9 months to heal fully. I did not let it stop me from losing weight. I was so determined I was able to reach my goal shortly after my ankle healed.

What helped you the most? Motivation within. God!



Any tips for others trying to lose weight? Stay committed! Don't give up! Work hard. It did not take overnight to gain the weight; it will take some time to get it off. Be patient.

Jill has a website called Get Up & Get Moving that she runs with tons of tips and the story of her journey to help others change the way they are. She is also a health coach. You can also join her Facebook group.
Also you can say I have a facebook group if any one want's to join.


Inspired by Jill's story? Let her know in the comments below!


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Super Slimmer Morgaen Lost An Incredible 86 1/2 Pounds!

I'm excited about sharing another terrific weight loss story with you from another person who has done it through Slimming World! I lost my 140 pounds through following the Slimming World plan, so I find it extra special to share about others who have lost their excess weight the same way. Morgaen is one of my Facebook friends who has kindly offered to share her story here.



Name: Morgaen Warner

Age: 31

Starting weight: 243 lbs. (17 st 5 lbs.)

Ending weight/current weight: 156.5 lbs. (11 st 2 1/2 lbs.)

Amount of weight lost: 86.5 lbs. (6 st 2 1/2 lbs.)

Time it took to reach: 20 months so far, still losing.

Goal weight: Not sure yet, I'll stop when I feel the time is right.

About yourself (i.e. occupation, kids?, married?, interests, hobbies, etc): I am a full time carer, married to Rohan (28) and we have 3 lovely kids Daniel (9), Logan (7) & Tanya (5). We live in Brighton and when I'm not dealing with the kids or the housework, I'm either reading, gaming or spending time with Rohan and the kids. Except when they're in school, which gives Rohan and I time together. Rohan has bi-polar disorder and I'm his carer.

How did you go about losing the weight? Was there any specific plan? After trying every other diet since I was about 7 years old, I finally discoverd Slimming World in January 2009. Once I got my head around being allowed to eat and not starve, it was reasonably easy going.



What motivated you to lose the weight? What were your reasons for wanting to lose it? Did you have a particular moment that gave you the final push to start or was it more gradual? I always had weight issues since childhood. I don't remember ever not being on some form of diet, but I think the final straw was not being able to walk 5 minutes to get my kids to school without being in extreme pain.

What struggles and problems did you endure while at your heaviest weight? What, if any, health problems were present? I couldn't breathe properly, was always too hot, had severe panic attacks if leaving the house or seeing anyone, my back and knees were in agony, and I hated everything about myself. My depression and agoraphobia were really bad at the time. They've lessened now, but the depression is due to chemical imbalances and psychosis, so it will never go away completely.

How has your life changed since losing the weight? How have you changed? Do you feel like your overall health has improved? Yes, my health has improved. I can take the kids to school and go shopping, etc. without having intense panic attacks or being in a lot of pain. I'm not ill as often as I used to be. My immune system used to be really low, but all the fruit and vegetables I eat now have helped that.

Have the people in your life been supportive of you on your weight loss journey? Have there been any challenges created by others in your life? My husband and children have been absolutely fantastic. Rohan prepares and cooks all of the meals, and we all eat the same dinners. I just have to plan everything and tell him what to cook. There have been many challenges; some people are not as supportive as others, but I've worked around those and I think I'm doing alright so far.

What are a typical day’s meals for you?
Breakfast is usually 28g Muesli with fruit and fat free yoghurt. I sometimes have a cooked breakfast if time allows.
Lunches are either salads, soups, or mugshots depending what day I'm on.
Dinners are very varied; we enjoy many cuisines, such as Indian, Chinese, Thai, Cajun, Mexican, Soul food, and we also enjoy stews, pies, bolognese, lasagne, burgers, etc. It's all converted to Slimming World-friendly by Rohan.

What exercise, if any, do you do? I walk everywhere possible, and I use the Wii Fit Plus at home. I did go to the gym 3x per week but got bored with that. I am starting Spin Classes on 1st October. I need to increase my "body magic" now that I'm getting closer to target.

What was the most difficult for you while losing the weight? It was hard convincing certain people that it was the right thing to do for me. I was told, "You are what you are and can't change it," and it is not what I wanted to hear all the time. I learned that I can change it if I really want to. And I am very glad that I did.



What helped you the most?
The support from my husband and Slimming World friends from Group and those I've recently found on Facebook. (Yes Facebook actually has a use - I was shocked to find out.)

Any tips for others trying to lose weight? If you really want it, go for it! Don't let anyone stand in your way. It's not easy, but when was anything worth having easy?



Morgaen has not yet reached her target weight, but I have no doubt that she will reach it! She has already taken great strides in becoming healthier and in losing a large amount of weight. If Morgaen's story has inspired and impressed you, please take a moment to let her know in the comments below.



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Super Slimmer David Lost 220 Pounds!

I recently met David through Twitter and Facebook and his story is an incredible story about how having the determination to reach your goals can get you through to them. He has lost an incredible amount of weight and is a wonderful example that anyone who really is willing to work for it can achieve success, no matter how far they still have to travel on their weight-loss and fitness journey.

Read on to find out more about how this amazing man has lost 220 pounds!



Name: David Fisher

Age: 42

Starting weight & ending weight:/ 425 lbs (30 st 5 lbs)

Current weight: 220 lbs (15 st 10 lbs)

Amount of weight lost: 205 lbs (14 st 9 lbs)

Time it took to reach: 12 months

Time maintaining it: 6 months

Goal weight: 210 lbs

About yourself: I started a small site which I’m still working on right now at Going For Goal and I’m on twitter @goingforgoal.

How did you go about losing the weight? Was there any specific plan? I’ve been a member of weight watchers for 5 years, and I finally decided to start following the plan.

What motivated you to lose the weight? What were your reasons for wanting to lose it? Did you have a particular moment that gave you the final push to start or was it more gradual? I was simply tired of being overweight, not able to participate in normal activities and it all came to a head in December of 2008 when my doctor pretty much yelled at me for not even making an attempt to lose weight. I decided that since I couldn’t lose the weight and live for myself, I needed to do it for my child. She needs a father and I want to be the one to raise her.



What struggles and problems did you endure while at your heaviest weight? What, if any, health problems were present? It was very hard to find clothing and I couldn’t touch my toes, let alone see them. When going to a restaurant I could never sit in a booth, only a table with chairs. I had high blood pressure, sleep apnoea, diabetes and had already had 3 strokes. I couldn’t even wear a seatbelt in a car because I was so large.

How has your life changed since losing the weight? How have you changed? Do you feel like your overall health has improved? Well I went from a 64-inch to a 38-inch waist and a tight 6xl shirt to a looser-fitting XL shirt. I can do everything my 7 year old can do and then some. My overall health has improved significantly; my doctor wrote across my medical chart, “Obesity resolved, Diabetes Resolved, Blood Pressure under control.” He also mentioned that, in over 30 years as a doctor, he had never seen anyone make such a turnaround weight-wise.

Have the people in your life been supportive of you on your weight loss journey? Have there been any challenges created by others in your life? While I have had a lot of support from family and friends, most of the support didn’t really start until I had results. That’s understandable really, since I had been telling everyone I was going to lose weight for years and never did. Most of my challenges come from my own inner demons. Since I don’t drink at all, depression breeds the munchies for me, so that was my biggest challenge I think.

What are a typical day’s meals for you? I try and have a variety of different meals on a daily basis and I never have sodas (well almost never,) never have red meat and I always eat a lot of vegetables including a lot of spinach. That’s really been my saving grace; you can eat a truckload of spinach and not even come close to your daily points limit.

What exercise, if any, do you do? I only walk and swim but to be honest, I didn’t start doing that until my weight loss had hit around 180 lbs (12 st 12 lbs).

What was the most difficult for you while losing the weight? I think snacking was the most difficult; it’s very hard to keep away from snacking on a daily basis.

What helped you the most? Weight Watchers and my leader Bev Hadley. She really gave me more encouragement than anyone. Through her encouragement I was able to win first prize in the Weight Watchers 2010 Role Model Of The Year contest.

Any tips for others trying to lose weight? In order to lose weight , you have to 1) commit yourself to losing the weight 2) find a support group, (I use Weight Watchers myself but I think any good support group will help) and 3) no matter what, believe in yourself and keep with it.



If David's story has inspired and impressed you, please take a moment to tell him so in the comments below!

About Super Slimmers

Super Slimmers has been created as a compliment to the Skinny Dreaming site. One of the best ways to help inspire and motivate others is to share the stories of amazing people who have achieved great things in the areas of health and fitness. Super Slimmers are just that - people who have beat the odds and lost large numbers of weight through their efforts at changing their lifestyles to live healthier lives.