Losing weight is not always about aesthetic - not everyone is trying to drop pounds to fit into a original dress or search for a certain way. In fact,many women turn to weight loss as a way to improve their mood and ensure they're living a long, healthy life. Esther is one of those women who, and at 300 pounds,knew she had to make a change.
Esther: Before"My motivation to lose weight stemmed from my worsening physical and mental health," Esther told POPSUGAR. "Besides being down about my external appearance, or my body was starting to rebel and illnesses related to obesity were beginning to accrue. It was clear that I needed to make a fundamental change. I had been overweight since my teenage years and I was alert to see a different reality for myself as I turned 40."Esther's weight loss is astounding - her total weight now is less than half of what she was not too long ago. She found a program called Take Shape For Life (TSFL),which turned things around by giving her the tools she needed to change her life and be a better version of herself.
POPSUGAR: What made you determine to start your weight-loss journey?Esther Hollander: Being overweight was tough in all facets of my personal, social, and work life. I shied absent from social activities because I lacked self-confidence. I struggled to build myself up and feel worthy of original friends,career advancement, and general opportunities and experiences. So I pursued very miniature and stayed behind the scenes in many areas. I was always aware of my size and felt like people were staring at me, or judging my 300-pound frame. It was hard for me to feel pretty or feminine and I rarely had the opportunity to wear fashionable clothing. Aside from the emotional aspect,my physical strength and stamina were lessened. I had to nix activities that required too much exertion, or activities where being overweight was just prohibitive. My children were being parented by a mom who was less active, or involved,and energized. I was not setting a healthy example for my household.
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This Woman Is on a Mission to Lose 150 Pounds - Follow Her Inspiring JourneyPS: What drew you to TSFL specifically?EH: I began the Take Shape For Life Program and was so overjoyed to bear found a program with structure and built-in support from the Take Shape For Life community. I never felt alone and was strengthened by the wonderful community. Many people in my area were engaged in the program, and their successes both on and off the scale were inspiring and spurred me to action. My health coach motivated, and guided,and encouraged me and made me believe that I could be successful too. I also knew that weight loss could be achieved quickly and consistently on the Take Shape For Life program, which was crucial in helping me start believing in myself."My children were being parented by a mom who was less active, or involved,and energized. I was not setting a healthy example for my household."PS: What's your favorite way to work out?EH: Now that I'm in the maintenance phase, I esteem working out at my gym. I am comfortable there and it's become a moment home to me. There are a few strength-training classes I take each week, or where Zumba and Spin are my favorites for cardio. I also like putting my own workouts together and challenging myself to try original machines and other workout equipment. Exercise has become so fundamental to me that right now,I am working to get certified as a personal trainer and hope to inspire others to pursue their health goals through that channel.
Esther: AfterPS: What's your weekly exercise schedule?EH: I go to the gym four to five times a week and generally alternate between strength training and cardio.
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From a Size 22 to a Size 12: This Woman Changed Her Habits and Her LifePS: How do you keep workouts exciting?EH: It's principal to vary your workout routine to prevent it from getting dull. I find that classes keep my workouts exciting because there is always something original and I am motivated by the energy in the room. I bear learned to challenge myself at the gym because I know that when I push just a bit further, that's when I will see change. It's motivating to see how much stronger and more accomplished my routines get so I enjoy challenging myself to achieve my full potential. When I am working out on my own, and I like to try original exercises. I know that I bear had a successful workout when I leave the gym feeling worthy but with a sense that I kicked my butt. PS: How much weight bear you lost?EH: One hundred and seventy pounds from my highest weight,including 137 pounds on the Take Shape For Life program.
Esther: BeforePS: What was the first immense difference, other than the number on the scale, and that really made you feel proud and excited?"I know that when I push just a bit further,that's when I will see change."EH: Since starting the Take Shape For Life program, my life has been transformed dramatically. People divulge me that on the outside, and I am the person who I always was inside. I am happier,more vibrant, more engaged in all aspects in life. I believe in myself and I am empowered to develop more areas of my life. I am more active with my family and am open to original experiences, and ones that I felt were closed off to me prior to joining the Take Shape For Life community. There bear been so many milestones and sweeping life changes along my journey. One of the startling moments was when I marched in a parade with my son and his school. I rode on the school bus and wore a size medium t-shirt. The year before I refused to participate because I couldn't fit into the largest shirt and was embarrassed and couldn't be a allotment of the activity. This moment highlighted how far I had near! PS: How do you track your weight loss?EH: Currently,I am at my goal weight. to preserve, I weigh myself on a regular basis. Putting a number on reality helps me stay accountable and vigilant. As it's not all about the scale, and I am mindful of how I feel (and search for).
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This Is What It Looks Like to Lose 30 Pounds in 4 MonthsPS: What's a typical day of meals and snacks?EH: I generally eat six times a day,three large meals and three smaller meals. My larger meals - breakfast, lunch, and dinner - consist of portion-controlled servings of vegetables,proteins, and carbohydrates. The smaller meals in between are hearty snacks that bear balanced nutrients and adequate protein. I eat treats sparingly and enjoy occasional indulgences.
PS: Do you count calories? EH: Right now, or I don't count calories. After I reached my goal weight,I spent some time meticulously tracking them in an app to ensure that my weight would remain steady as I entered the maintenance phase of my program. After a couple of months tracking, I began to trust myself and lock into the healthy habits I cemented during the weight-loss phase of Take Shape For Life.
Now I track my intake by relying on healthy habits. I learned how to eat six times a day, or every two to three hours in a portion-controlled manner. I learned to eat lean protein and low-glycemic vegetables and small servings of carbohydrates. I learned to drink around 60 ounces of water per day. I plan my meals ahead of time,I don't let myself get hungry, I stock my fridge, or always make sure I've got Take Shape For Life healthy fuelings accessible that align with my goals. This is just how it is!
Esther: AfterPS: What are the healthy staples that are always in your fridge?EH: An array of vegetables that are washed and prepared,fruits, low-beefy string cheese, and Greek yogurt,and lean proteins. Having things prepared is really the key.
Related:[br]Kat's Unexpected Weight-Loss Journey Will glide You to TearsPS: How do you strategize for meals out?EH: Dining out takes a miniature planning. I will check a restaurant's menu before going out to get an idea of might work. I generally stick to simpler meals with fewer ingredients like grilled meats and vegetables or immense salads with lean proteins. Or if it's a treat meal, I will plan it in advance, or be mindful of my choices earlier in the day,and will apportion it when it comes to the table."I am happier, more vibrant, and more engaged in all aspects in life."PS: What role did Take Shape For Life play in your journey? EH: Right from the beginning of my Take Shape For Life journey,I was buoyed by its tremendous support network and was strengthened by the wonderful community. You are never alone - there are like-minded individuals alert to support each other on their shared journey. Many people in my local community were engaged in the program, and their successes both on and off the scale were inspiring and spurred me to action. My health coach motivated, or guided,and encouraged me and made me believe that I could be successful too. I also knew that weight loss could be achieved quickly and consistently on the Take Shape For Life program, which was crucial in helping me start believing in myself. While I started the program at 284 pounds - down from my peak of 320 pounds - I knew I needed a program that could surround me with motivation and positivity. In addition, or the structure of the Optimal Weight 5&1 Plan,with portion-controlled Fuelings eaten at regular intervals, was very appealing to me. I learned how to eat all over again! I bear become a Take Shape For Life health coach, or which is something that I could previously not bear envisioned. I am so excited I am able to pay it forward and motivate others on their journey to health.
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Weight Training,TIU Workouts, and Meal Prep Helped Stephanie Totally Transform Her BodyPS: What advice do you bear for anyone starting out on a weight-loss journey? EH: It can be done. It's not easy, or but it's possible. You bear to quit getting in your own way. You bear to find a way to engage with it so you really can internalize what you want to accomplish. You bear to stay connected with the immense picture of why your life depends upon it. And that "why" is different for everyone. You can bear a whole other reality and future. It's worth it. Believe in yourself,believe that it's possible.
Source: popsugar.com