"I will do today what others won't, so I can live tomorrow like others can't."
healthy diet plans
This quote by Zig Ziglar means exactly what it says: I will make sacrifices when other people out there won't. This is a quote I live by. My perspective on life is that I can do anything I put my mind to. I am a very goal–oriented person, and when I set a goal, I mean it! I will do whatever it takes to reach that goal. So by nature, I always strive to be the best at everything in life. I try to be Superwoman.
Hi, I'm Tiffany ("Tiff–in–TX" on the boards), a 25–year–old Texan working as a Unit Coordinator for a medical research department. This is my weight loss story.
The only challenge I could never conquer was my weight. I have pretty much always had self–image issues as long as I can recall. I remember having my picture taken in first grade, and in the photo I was wearing a pink dress that showed the outline of my belly sticking out. I remember thinking that I was fat even back then.
Through the rest of my time growing up, I always felt that I was bigger than most of the other girls my age—and that really put a damper on my self–esteem. In high school, I was in sports and I always had to get the extra large jerseys while most of the other girls wore smalls and mediums, so that always made me self–conscious about my weight. I have always thought I was fat, no matter what my size was.
My weight has affected my life in several other ways, too. For example, despite being a lifelong resident of Texas, I never wore shorts in public—ever. I also never used to wear anything sleeveless. I probably got a lot of weird looks when I was wearing pants in 100 degree weather, but I didn't mind because I would rather be hot than be seen in shorts. Emotionally, my weight played a big part in my self–esteem and self–image (neither of which were good). When I was bigger, I was shier and would keep to myself a lot.
I grew tired of feeling that way. I knew I had to do something. One day, I was talking to a college friend and I found out about NutriSystem. She had lost weight on the program and recommended it to me when I told her I wanted to lose weight. Basically, I chose the program because I had seen living proof that it worked. I started in April of 2005.
When I used to eat whatever I wanted, I never thought about calories or fat or how the food I was eating would affect me. After I began NutriSystem, though, I started thinking about everything that hit my mouth (which I still do today). It was hard to say "no" to myself sometimes, but each time I did, I felt great about it because that was an obstacle I overcame that I knew would help me later on.
And it worked. Less than five months later, I lost 25 lbs.* and reached my goal weight of 140 lbs. (I'm 5'7 ½"). I felt such a sense of accomplishment!
It helped that there was such a variety of foods to choose from, and that the program didn't eliminate any certain food group. The fact that I could eat things like pizza and chocolate and still lose weight was a great thing! I didn't feel deprived or like I couldn't enjoy foods I love. I could feast on Chicken Cacciatore at lunch, enjoy tacos for dinner, and still treat myself to the Chocolate Peanut Butter Dessert Bar or the NutriCrunch Chocolates.
The NutriSystem Bulletin Board has also been a big key to my success, hands down. If it weren't for all those wonderful people giving me encouragement and compliments, I know that I would not be where I am today. There were so many times where I didn't feel like working out one day or I would want to eat something off–plan and I would go to the Bulletin Board and have someone tell me that I looked great. That immediately changed my mind and made me want to work out that day or resist that food temptation. I credit so much of my success to the members on the Bulletin Board, and I have made many life–long friends there.
My family and friends have been awesome throughout my journey, too. They were always very supportive and congratulatory, which helped me to stay on track and make it to my goal.
By far, the most rewarding thing about my weight loss journey has been the confidence and self–esteem it has given me. I feel like a new person, and my newfound confidence has allowed me to make new friends and enjoy life far more than I could have before. In fact, now that I have lost the weight, I'm not afraid to be the first person to strike up a conversation, and my self–esteem is soaring. I feel so much better about myself and I have tons of confidence. I am loving life.
Here's the ultimate proof: I now have a closet full of tank tops and I'm not afraid to show off my arms in public. Plus, I can now wear sizes that I haven't worn in 10 years. I feel comfortable in my clothes and my new confidence has worked wonders in my social life.
I'm not a bodybuilder, but I love the way toned muscles look. I believe that exercise is a very important part of my weight loss and maintenance, but I definitely needed NutriSystem to achieve the results I desired. Before I joined NutriSystem, I was working out for 5–6 days a week and couldn't lose a single pound (probably because I was gaining muscle). After I started the program, the pounds started to drop and my body took on a whole new shape as I shed fat. I am so happy that I found NutriSystem, because it was the main factor in transforming my body from my "before" to now.
I guess that's where the whole "flex" pose came into play. Each time I have pictures taken, I always have one taken of me flexing. Several of the girls on the Bulletin Board have taken pictures of themselves flexing also, and they'll put "This one's for Tiff!" in the caption. The fact that I can be a motivation and encouragement to them means the world to me. I absolutely LOVE helping others achieve their goals in any way I can.
Now running into people I haven't seen in years is a great thing, because I look so much better than I used to. People I haven't seen in a while always shower me with compliments when they see me. They tell me how great I look and that is such an awesome feeling. I have never had so many people give me compliments before.
I reached my goal several months ago, and I have maintained my weight thus far. I intend to keep it off by applying the knowledge I have learned from the NutriSystem program and continuing to exercise and lift weights. I am confident about keeping it off for life, because NutriSystem has given me the tools and information I need to lose weight and maintain my weight loss. I'm definitely prepared for a lifetime of healthy eating. I wouldn't mind losing another 5 pounds, but I'm not going to sweat it; I'm far happier about my body than I was several months ago.
I want to tell everyone out there that there IS an answer, and NutriSystem and exercise is it. I had never been successful at losing weight in the past until I found NutriSystem. NutriSystem has made it easy for anyone to lose weight, because it is so convenient and you don't have to constantly measure food or count calories, fat, points or carbs. The program involves healthy portions and offers a variety of foods and guidelines on WHEN to eat them. NutriSystem has taken all the hard work out of losing weight, so I believe that anyone can be successful with NutriSystem. The resources available to everyone are also the reason that everyone can reach their goals. The Bulletin Board and the ability to contact counselors and nutritionists are keys to everyone's success.
I would just like to encourage anyone out there who is contemplating ordering to just jump in and do it! NutriSystem totally works, whether you have 25 lbs. or 125 lbs. to lose, and the knowledge and support you'll receive are priceless. Thank you, NutriSystem, for helping me change my life!
—Tiffany
*Results not typical
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