This post hasn’t been an easy one for me to write. It’s actually well overdue. I finally have the words to put down on paper er, scratch that, the computer screen. I am finally ready to write about my extreme weight loss journey… (update Jan 19, 2016 – I’ve finally written a more in depth account of my weight loss journey in my new eBook Happy & Whole Again – click here for more info)
Edited to add –
My weight loss journey was recently featured in Woman’s World Magazine on November 28th, 2016!
You see, when I had my youngest son, Baby L, in September 2013, I was huge. I am only 5 feet 2 inches tall, so when I weighed in at well over 200 pounds after giving birth, I knew things had to change.
My extreme weight loss journey. How I lost nearly 100 pounds in 9 months after having 3 babies in less than 3 years!
The weight gain didn’t happen over night though. It was a very gradual process over a few years. I gave birth to 3 boys within a span of 25 months. Unfortunately, our first born son was stillborn (you can read our full story here) in August of 2011. That was obviously very devastating. I was in a pretty deep depression, and losing weight was just about the last thing on my mind. All I cared about was becoming pregnant again, and I did just 2 and a half months later.
I was immediately put on modified bed rest (or “couch-rest” as we called it) for the entire first trimester. Then, I was allowed light activity…which usually meant going out of the house to get something to eat. Thankfully, we welcomed our beautiful, healthy, living son Little J in July of 2012. I was so happy. I did start an exercise program as soon as I was allowed to, and lost some weight. However, I never made it back down to my goal weight before finding out that I was pregnant again just a few months later. So, the weight loss came to a halt…and the weight gain started again!
I didn’t skip any indulgences when I was pregnant. Much of the eating was, of course, due to anxiety. Worrying if I would lose another baby and if the baby would be born alive. Food is my drug of choice, I guess you could say. When Baby L came in September 2013, I was at my largest point in my entire life.
I was terrified. Scared at the number on the scale. Scared at the number on my pants size. Scared for my overall health. How could I keep up with two little boys, who are only 13.5 months apart, being in such poor health?! I knew I had to lose a drastic amount of weight. Not enough to be on the Biggest Loser (well, maybe in retrospect it was enough!), but enough that it was going to change my whole life…and that’s what I did.
At the end of December 2013, I was getting some lunch at Moe’s (a burrito place – Mexican is a weakness of mine, apparently!) Conveniently located next to the restaurant, there is an Orange Theory Fitness. As I carried my huge, sour-cream filled burrito and deep fried tortilla chips in a to-go bag out of Moe’s, while also drinking a Diet Coke, I stopped and thought “Hm, I wonder if I should start going to the gym after the New Year?” (and after the burrito!)
My OB/GYN was a devout Orange Theory fan. Every time I went in for a check-up, she would rave about the amazing workouts all throughout my pregnancies. No lie, when I was in labor with Baby L, she said “I’ll be back in an hour, I have a workout scheduled at OTF. When I get back, the baby will be ready to come out.” I was kind of like “HUH?!” – but sure enough, she came back after her workout (and a shower!) and Baby L was born. I was very curious about this gym. So, with my burrito in hand, I walked into the Orange Theory Fitness, and signed up for a free class!
My first class was on January 2, 2014. I was really hesitant to go. I was a little intimidated by all the very in shape humans coming out of the classes dripping in sweat! It was also great motivation to know that the workouts were working for people! So, I did a free class, and then signed up for a membership right after. I also signed up for their Ultimate Weight Loss Challenge.
The Ultimate Weight Loss Challenge began on January 15, 2014. I went in and got weighed. Thankfully, I had already lost a few pounds from the first 2 weeks at the gym. I thought to myself that if I was going to enter the WLC, I wasn’t just going to lose a few pounds for fun…I was going to WIN the whole challenge. I worked like an animal over the next 6 weeks. I dragged my exhausted butt into that gym nearly 5 or 6 days a week. I asked for help from my coaches. I relied on my husband and my mom to watch the babies at night. I ate super duper clean & healthy. I took advantage of every resource available to me to make sure that I was going to win…and I DID!!
Orange Theory Fitness Weight Loss Challenge weigh in picture – WLC winner at final weigh in
After the weight loss challenge, I still wasn’t at my goal weight. I was close though. So, I worked even harder, and within a 9 month time frame from giving birth for the third time in 25 months, I was back at my wedding weight!! Oh, happy day!
Maintaining the weight loss has been one of the more interesting parts of this journey. Being at your goal weight doesn’t mean that the battle is over. I still have to make sure that my eating stays in balance and my workouts are regular. I am human though, and I must admit that I have gained about 7 pounds. I feel comfortable though, and like my life is in a better harmony. I still go to the gym, and I still eat pretty healthy. I am happy and I am healthy, and I haven’t felt this good in a while! 🙂 Most importantly, I am able to be an active, healthy mother to my little boys and that is priceless!
My 30th birthday party at Jazziz at Mizner Place in Boca Raton Florida
Get your copy of my new weight loss eBook for more detailed information about my weight loss transformation! Click here!
((FAT BURNING SOUP RECIPES FOR WEIGHT LOSS –>> Click Here! ))
Over the course of my extreme weight loss journey,
here are the keys that I have learned to making sure that your weight loss is a success:
1. MAKE A GOAL, MAKE A PLAN, & SET YOUR MIND TO IT
I knew that I was not happy being heavy. I knew I wanted to win the weight loss challenge. I knew I wanted to be fit again. So, I made those goals, and set out to achieve them. Sounds silly, but it’s important to know what you want, and how you’re going to go get it!
2. GET MOVING!
So, part of the story that I left out is that I asked my husband to buy me a treadmill for my birthday in November 2013. I really didn’t love working out alone, but it was enough motivation to get me moving! From there, I joined the gym, and the rest is history! The bottom line is, you have to start somewhere. Get outside and go for a walk around your neighborhood. Take a bike ride. Do anything. Any amount of physical activity will get you moving in the right direction!
Orange Theory Fitness bike winner and weight loss challenge winner in orange OTF sunglasses
3. IT TAKES A VILLAGE
I believe that one of the true keys to my success was turning to other people for support. There’s no way possible that I could’ve achieved the success that I did, in such a short amount of time, without help. Help from my family to take care of the kids. Help from my husband for continuous moral support. Advice and input from my coaches and trainers.
I am amazingly lucky that my Weight Loss Challenge coach was beyond helpful to me with words of encouragement, diet advice, and overall health related input. I also relied on another trainer who is an IFBB pro, for diet input, and additional strength training workouts. With everyone’s efforts together, my body was able to bounce back to the best shape since before having children.
4. BE CONSISTENT
Once you start, stick with it. Don’t give up. You can do it.
So easy to type those words, I know. But, really, stick with it, and your weight loss efforts WILL pay off!
(PS – you can read all of the details of my weight loss journey in my new eBook Healthy & Whole Again)
My extreme weight loss journey – I love exercising with my BOB jogging stroller with my baby!
5. DIET IS KEY – EAT CLEAN
For me, eating healthy was the hardest part of losing weight. I am a serious food lover. I mean, serious! Don’t believe me? Well, at the end of my pregnancy with Baby L, I went to the Cheesecake Factory for lunch. Ordered 2 meals, an appetizer, and dessert, and ate it all…by myself. Yea. Tasted amazing at the time, but not a good idea.
So, changing my eating habits was a pain in the you know what. Eating clean is key. I cut out the burritos, of course, no soda, no candy, no eating two entrees at the Cheesecake Factory. (By the way, in my eBook Healthy & Whole Again, I outline my sample meal plan and meal prep! Click here to get your copy.)
Instead, I turned to very healthy foods, like fresh fruits and vegetables (this Detox Diet Soup Cleanse Recipe is a go-to for me before starting a weight loss program!), lean proteins like chicken and fish, lots of eggs, nuts, leafy greens, and tons of water.
((FAT BURNING SOUP RECIPES FOR WEIGHT LOSS –>> Click Here! ))
I also didn’t deprive myself…which brings me to my next key…
6. TREAT YO’ SELF
If I had a craving for pasta, and I wanted all of the flavor without the carbs, I would turn to a meal like Zucchini Faux-ghetti.
If I hit a milestone in my weight loss, I would go out for a date night with my husband and have a drink (I cut alcohol out of my diet, too, so a drink was a “treat”).
I also rewarded myself with new clothes when I needed them, and it felt amazing to buy lower sizes each time!
We took a weekend getaway to Eden Roc Miami Beach, and that was a great treat for our anniversary! I let myself eat, drink, and be merry! Then, when we got home it was back to business 🙂
At Eden Roc Miami Beach celebrating our anniversary and enjoying the beautiful beach view
7. DON’T BEAT YOURSELF UP
Some days the scale will go up, not down. That’s ok. Don’t run to the fridge and drown your sorrows in a pint of Ben N Jerry’s. That’s only making the problem much worse! You’ll feel like crap after and the scale will keep going up. Instead, find a way to focus on something else. Get outside and do something fun. Focus on a hobby, go see a movie, or squeeze in an extra workout…but do not beat yourself up if you slip up.
Just get your butt back on track and moving in the right direction again! 🙂
jogging on the beach at the Deerfield Beach Pier in Florida
Due to the overwhelming and awesome amount of questions and comments I’ve received about my weight loss journey, I wrote an eBook outlining my weight loss more in depth.
ARE YOU READY TO START YOUR WEIGHT LOSS JOURNEY?
Get details about my new eBook Healthy & Whole Again by clicking here.
Click here for details about what’s inside and how to get a copy of my eBook.
((FAT BURNING SOUP RECIPES FOR WEIGHT LOSS –>> Click Here! ))
So amazing! Congratulations!!
Thank you, Jennifer! 🙂
Congratulations !!!! Amazing work!!! Thank you for sharing your journey with us!
Thank you so much, Elia! <3
This is so inspiring to me! My kids are 2 years apart, so not nearly as close as yours, but I feel like I’ve put myself on hold for the last almost 4 years. I used to work out and eat healthy and now, it’s ridiculous. I’m nearing 40 and decided this is the year I’m getting back into shape. I may not enjoy it at first, but it’s happening. We have a pool, this year I’m going to be able to buy a bathing suit and enjoy being outside every day with my kids!
You can do it, Claire! I’m so happy to hear that you’re ready to take the steps to make it happen. Best of luck on your journey, you’ll look great in that bathing suit! 🙂
This is INCREDIBLY motivating. I am supposed to be on a diet very high in fat and extremely low in carbohydrates due to some insulin and hormone issues I have. I haven’t done the diet since I got pregnant with #2 at the end of 2008. I was on bed rest with her for 3 months and gained 100lbs. I lost about 60 of it when I started the Paleo diet, but I have been on and off the wagon, and Paleo is great – as long as you don’t make honey-laden, carb-filled treats all the time, which I have done. I’m confident in the SHAPE of my body (I have a very small waist and an enormous butt, always have), but I want to be smaller and healthier so I’m back on the diet as of yesterday. I’ve been a gym rat my whole life, even in the last few years, but since we moved back to Florida, I haven’t done much of anything active. I need to get back to it in a big way! You look AMAZING, thanks for the kick in the butt!
Hi Summer,
Thank you! You can totally do it!
I read your blog too, and you’re so beautiful! I have confidence in you, and know you’ll rock those extra pounds right off. Small waist and a big butt is always a blessing, in my book! 🙂
Congrats for getting back on track! Can’t wait to see your progress.
xo
Congratulations for reaching your goal. You look spectacular!
Thank you so much, Kay! 🙂
Thanks for sharing!! I’m totally where you were and I need to get my butt in gear. I KNOW what to do just haven’t had the motivation to do it. Rather in a slump. We are actually around the same height and I can relate to EVERYTHING you wrote, down to being a foodie. I also use food as comfort (lots of issues to deal with on a regular) and I used food to make me feel better for a moment (but then it really is making things worse). We can’t change LIFE but we can change how we handle things and I know what I need to do. I totally wish you could come drag me out the house for a workout!!!
Hi Tina,
Thank you for stopping by and reading. I need someone to drag me out for a workout right now, too lol 🙂
It’s not always easy to stay on track, but it’s important to just find a way to get back on track when we do fall off, right?!
xo
Wow, congratulations on all your hard work! I’m so, so, so encouraged by your story. I’m 5’7″, very large framed (always have been – was skin and bones wearing a women’s 8 dress at only 11 years old), but after 2 car accidents in 3 months this winter, on top of a preexisting (disabling, actually) back injury from highschool, I topped 300lbs for my 29th birthday last month. Four years ago I’d reached my (until now) top weight ever at 298lbs, and vowed it was over; I lost 42lbs in 5 months, and got pregnant totally by surprise – we’d lost 2 babies our first year of marriage (10 and 7 weeks pregnant) and then suffered 4 years of infertility, before falling pregnant with our Serenity. I gained only 10lbs during my pregnancy, and lost 15lbs when she was born. Unfortunately, I had moderate postpartum depression for 8 months after her birth, and between that an a messed up thyroid I gained almost 60lbs, putting all the way back up to 296lbs by her first birthday. In the two years since then, we’ve weathered several medical, economic, and family crises, and my weight just wasn’t something I could spare any thought for, if I wanted to get through my day. These past 5 months have been the worst, though, with reinjuring my back. But when I turned 29 and saw 304lbs on the scale, I knew it was time to get back with the program, and get my health under control, and my weight down. Given my height and how heavy I was with zero body fat as a preteen, I am not really sure what my goal weight is, but I’d like to get from a 22 pant down to no heavier than a 14, and I figure even the tallest and most muscular of women (of which I am neither, even being large framed) is unlikely to weight more than 200lbs, so my tentative goal weight is 180lbs. I’m currently down to 297lbs, so “only” 113lbs to go, right? #wow #ugh Anyway, you’ve inspired me, so thank you. I don’t have access to a gym (the closest one is 45 minutes away), but I do have feet and live on paved roads near a park with a walking track, and eating clean isn’t easy on a tight budget but it’s doable. I have to take it slow because of my ongoing back injury stuff, but the other day I managed to walk a .5 mile with my husband, so…it’s a start. Congrats, again!
Hi Alena,
Glad you’re on the right track and getting started! You can do it!! Keep up the great work 🙂
xo
WOW! What a motivating story! Thank you for posting this! I stumbled upon your story on Pinterest. I so needed to read this, at this exact time in my life!
I have struggled with weight since I had my daughter in 2006. In 2009, I became a stay at home mom and really packed on the pounds. I am 5’8 and weigh about 260lbs. I have done several work out plans over the years, but always manage to hurt myself, and then have a hard time getting back to the gym. My daughter is very active in sports so we are constantly on the go. I feel like I have no time for myself, which really cuts out time for working out.
However, as I sit here and type this, I see exactly what I am saying. I have so many excuses. True, I am still recovering from a bad foot injury, but that doesn’t mean I can’t do any kind of exercise. Just as you said. “Do anything. Any amount of physical activity will get you moving in the right direction!” I need to just get moving! I need to make the time for myself and just get up and do something.
I just want to say thank you so much for posting your story! I feel very motivated right now and so ready to take on my weight loss! I am ready to get healthy and feel good!!
Hi Sara,
Thank you for stopping by and reading! It makes me feel so amazing to know that my story can help to motivate others.
You can do it, too!! Stay focused, mama! 🙂
xo
i needed this motivation! What a success story! Congratulations!
i needed this motivation! What a success story! Congratulations!
Congrats on your accomplishments!…Were you breastfeeding during your time of losing weight? I am soon to be 8 weeks postpartum and I wanted to give Orange Theory a shot. I have been trying to search the web to see if anyone has been able to successfully continue to breastfeed while doing HIIT workouts. My fear is that I will lose too much weight too soon, or that I will no longer produce enough milk. How soon after childbirth did you start your first workout
This post has been a Godsend, I had a 25 weeker that lived for 18 days, and I was back to wedding weight practically right away. But I wanted, needed to be pregnant again. nine months later I had a bother boy, 13 months later I had a third boy. Both pregnancies were tough, hormones, bed rest, 3 weeks hospital bed rest for my third pregnancy. Then a baby girl two years later. I only gained 10 lbs while pregnant with our 4th, but while breastfeeding I gained 50-60 lbs. Now I’m 5’7 and 130 lbs more than my wedding day five years ago. This post has given me a bit of fire under my rear.
Hi Abbey,
Wow, we have very similar stories, it seems! I am so happy that you have found some inspiration in my story. Thank you for sharing your story, too. I’m so sorry for the loss of your baby, and it’s wonderful that you went on to have more children. Everyone goes at their own pace, so no rush 🙂 Hugs to you, mama.
Great story thx for sharing
What an inspiration you are! My first son, Ryder, was stillborn at 36 weeks. So, I understand all too well your feelings of not being very motivated to lose weight following that loss. 18 months after my son died, my first living son was born; 13 months later my oldest daughter was born; 20 months after that, my youngest daughter was born. And…5 years after her….I still haven’t lost the weight! However, your story has helped give me the motivation I need! So, thank you for sharing!
Oh, Simone. I’m sitting here with tears in my eyes. YOU are an inspiration. What an incredible journey you’ve been on. The weight will come off. You can do it. It hurts my heart to know that other mothers have been through such hard losses. I’m sure Ryder is with you everyday, in some way! <3
Thank you so much for sharing your story with me, and thank you for stopping by and reading my story. xoxo hugs to you.
What an inspiration! I’ve read so many people’s stories but yours really stuck with me because I can relate to everything you wrote. I’ve been battling my weight for a while, but after our first daughter was born still, weight loss was the last thing on my mind. 4 months later I was pregnant again, and just 5 weeks ago I gave birth to our second baby girl. I feel like the weight is holding me back and making me more tired than I should be, which in turn makes it so hard to care for a newborn pretty much on my own 5 days a week (my husband works very long hours). During the day I’m constantly grabbing for sugar just to keep my energy levels up, and I have no energy to meal prep. I keep saying that once I hit 6 weeks pp I will start doing something about my weight but haven’t found the proper motivation. Due to my age I am planning on becoming pregnant again within a year and would love to start even 30 lbs lighter than I am now. Your story has helped me feel like i can find that motivation if I just start somewhere. Thank you.
I just began my third week of 4x/week orange theory here in LA and I was looking to the internet for encouragement. I am so glad I discovered your blog! I started at my all time heaviest weight of 207 pounds, 5ft 7 inches and I really want my college body back, I hate walking into store and just knowing half of things I want won’t fit. I feel like I am literally only gaining weight doing OT and this really made me realize I need to focus more on my diet + be patient. Thank you for sharing your story, so inspiring!
Hi Britt,
Great job getting started at OTF! That’s awesome!
Diet is HUGE! When trying to lose weight, I personally think diet is definitely more important than exercise.
Don’t get me wrong, exercise is hugely important, too…but diet is what will shed the pounds and make your workouts way more effective.
Don’t forget to drink a ton of WATER, too.
Thanks so much for stopping by, and I wish you the best on your journey. You can do it, girl 🙂
-Melissa
(My disclaimer- I’m not a doctor, obviously, so please consult your doctor about your personal weight loss situation before/instead of relying on my information solely.)
PS – Britt, I just stopped by your blog, and WOW you’re beautiful!! Your wedding pics are STUNNING, and you look totally in love. Congratulations xo
Oh thank you so much! So sweet of you to check it out 🙂
We are very much in love. He has been such a huge support with my health goals! We are starting a The Body Coach 90 Day Challenge in a week actually, he volunteered to do it with me and help meal prep. That combined with OTF hopefully I will start to see some results soon!
Thank you again for the inspiration + motivation!
Hi Melissa!! I just started my first OT Class last night and am already obsessed!!! do you remember how much you lost in the 6 week challange??? Im going to try and go 5 days a week for Max results!!!
Wow! Amazing job losing the weight. This gives me hope. I eat very healthy, but I gained a bunch of weight after fracturing my skull a couple years ago. I’m working on losing about 50 pounds.
Thank you for sharing your story! I have battled my weight my whole life and know the struggle. I recently have been in a deep depression because my weight went up to a number that I have never seen before. I know weight is just a number but to me, it’s the end of the world. I just joined OTF last week and really enjoy the workout. I am excited to combine it with clean eating and start seeing results. Reading your story really motivated me and gave me the feeling that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Thanks again and keep up the amazing work!!!
-Christina
Wow! Your story is so inspiring. I think I need to start my own extreme weight loss journey.
I’ve been doing Orange Theory for 2 weeks – at least 4 classes a week. And keeping myself in the “orange” range burning about 575 calories/workout. I am 5’5 – 185lbs. After 2 weeks I have actually GAINED a pound! I am using “myfitnesspal” to track ALL of my food and have been keeping my calories at 1200-1400/day. Did you experience this at first? I am trying to stay motivated!
Thank you!