Julie Martel
Lost 71 lb (35%) and maintained after 492 days
My life is beautiful!
I am beautiful!!!
What made you decide to lose weight? What was the moment that made it "real"?
In spring of 2011, I took a drive with my lover during a beautiful sunny day. Repeatedly, I noticed that he looked at girls dressed in small tight dresses on the street. This got me thinking.
At the time, I didn't have a flattering shape. I was the big person in my office. I was very unhappy. I had horrible clothes sizes, 18-20. I had no confidence. I was jealous. I was afraid of losing my place. I could not look me in a mirror because I hated my image! I was trying to convince myself that I am a big person. What a lie!!! How could I feel beautiful when I weighed 202 pounds?
I am intelligent person. I manage all my projects, my studies. I am always one of the best candidates. However, in looking at my body, I was a failure! I wanted to be beautiful. I wanted to please others, and my lover especially. I wanted to be in shape and healthy.
Enough is enough! When we returned to the house, I mentioned to my lover that my life is going to change and that he will have to help me. The next day, I began the most beautiful project of my life!
What diets or programs have you tried in the past? What results did you see with those?
In spring of 2011, I took a drive with my lover during a beautiful sunny day. Repeatedly, I noticed that he looked at girls dressed in small tight dresses on the street. This got me thinking.
At the time, I didn't have a flattering shape. I was the big person in my office. I was very unhappy. I had horrible clothes sizes, 18-20. I had no confidence. I was jealous. I was afraid of losing my place. I could not look me in a mirror because I hated my image! I was trying to convince myself that I am a big person. What a lie!!! How could I feel beautiful when I weighed 202 pounds?
I am intelligent person. I manage all my projects, my studies. I am always one of the best candidates. However, in looking at my body, I was a failure! I wanted to be beautiful. I wanted to please others, and my lover especially. I wanted to be in shape and healthy.
Enough is enough! When we returned to the house, I mentioned to my lover that my life is going to change and that he will have to help me. The next day, I began the most beautiful project of my life!
Tell us how you have made progress so far. What specific changes did you make to your daily routine and lifestyle to achieve success? What strategies did you employ to make calorie tracking work for you?
I tried several regimes in the past: Thin to life, proteins, etc. I've lost weight but I have always returned it quickly. And how much money I spent!!!
Tell us how you have made progress so far. What specific changes did you make to your daily routine and lifestyle to achieve success? What strategies did you employ to make calorie tracking work for you?
At first, I started sports. I started by walking, then gradually I incorporated running (4-5x a week). At the beginning, I walked one minute and ran 30 seconds. Gradually, I increased my time and my speed. I also incorporated exercises for my core. Presently, I can run easily 15 km. I bought a watch allowing me to calculate the spent calories. In calculating my calories expended, I found the need to work very hard and think about what I chose to eat. For example, when I run 10 km, I burn about 630 calories, which corresponds to the calories of four chocolate cookies.
Food choices are the second change that I made in my lifestyle. I started to read food labels. I weigh my food, as this is very important. Wow, what a surprise to see that I ate 2 to 3 times too big of portions! I started to realize the quantity and the quality of the food that I had in my mouth. I have reduced the number of calories I eat every day in order to lose weight. I eat all food groups, but in small portions. We must choose foods wisely in order to not be hungry.
The first weeks, I took a little more time to incorporate my foods in MyNetDiary. Over time, I learned from the experience I got from the application. I can now keep track of the number of calories consumed. I use MyNetDiary on my desktop computer, at home, on my iPod...Everywhere!
How has MyNetDiary been instrumental in your achievements so far?
MyNetDiary is an instrument to control the calories eaten and spent. It is also a source of motivation because it allows us to track our progress.
What roadblocks did you face while losing weight?
I have no particular problem in my weight loss. I always lost between one and two pounds per week. It must be said that I am meticulous and a perfectionist.
When did you start seeing results? What will be your definition of success?
After only few days I started to see results. Success is to be able to maintain my healthy weight in the future.
What do you do when you start feeling yourself slipping?
For me, I increased my physical activity. I can't spoil all the happiness that I have in my life for two minutes of pleasure to eat a dessert or cookies. I must concentrate all day on my goals.
What have been the biggest improvements in your life since losing weight?
My life changed. My life is beautiful! I am beautiful!!! I am in peace with myself. I found my self-respect. I am proud of me. I have confidence in me.
I wear fashionable clothes. I buy the clothes which I like and not the clothes which are made for me!
I overflow with health. Now, people asks me to attend sports activities. People have a different approach with me. It looks like I gained some respect. My life is so much more pleasant!
How long have you kept off your lost weight?
I've maintained my weight since March 2012.
Please share with the MyNetDiary Community your top three tips to help them on their journeys!
- Do not stay at home and do nothing. Get out and walk and move. During this time, we dpn't open the refrigerator door!
- Let restaurants be. Bring your lunch to work. You will have control on your calories!
- Plan your meals in advance and cook. Prepared meals are often less good for your health.
