My name is Krystal White (@krystalgetsfit_), and I am 25 years old. I live in Seattle, Washington, and work as a paraeducator with students with disabilities. I decided to change my lifestyle after not being able to fit into the clothes I likedand I've now lost 70 pounds.
Before I began my weight-loss journey, I had been heavy my entire life. But I never really thought about how important eating healthy and exercising was until about two years ago. I ate portions big enough for three people and wouldn't stop eating, even when I was no longer hungry. When I wanted something sweet, I wouldnt just eat a couple pieces of candyI would eat the whole bag.
But I was also active growing upand I was comfortable in my skin. I played soccer as a kid and fast-pitch softball and basketball in my teen years.
I almost passed out from walking more than I was used to (as well as dealing with the heat). And when we went to get on the Harry Potter ride, they pulled us out of line and walked us over to tester seats to make sure we would fit on the ride. We did fit (barely) but I was mortified. At my heaviest, I weighed 250 pounds.
My official turning point came in September 2018. I go to a lot of festivals and concerts and love picking out outfits for them. I was so excited when a company I loved started selling plus-size clothing. I ordered the most beautiful outfit I have ever seen in their largest size (2XL). But when the outfit arrived in the mail and I tried it on, it wouldnt even fit over my belly. I cried so much and was devastated. I knew it was time to make a change.
We got memberships to Planet Fitness and loved how low-key it was. We didnt feel intimidated to be there.
I also changed my diet. First, I stopped buying the processed foods I usually bought at the grocery store (chips, cookies, soda). I started really looking at labels and buying low-sugar, low-fat foods.
I used the MyFitnessPal app to start tracking my calories and everything I ate. I never realized I was eating about three times the amount of calories I should have had in one day. I stayed away from treats in the break room at work and I found healthy alternatives to foods I loved to eat. MyFitnessPal really worked for me and kept me accountable. I didnt even follow a set diet plan; I just tracked calories and watched my portion sizes.
In the beginning, cardio made me feel like I really got a good workout and got my heart rate up. I now try to exercise at least four days a week. I always start with cardio on the elliptical or the StairMaster, and I get really into it with my workout playlist I made on Spotify. Im the person who's dancing at the gym!
After I do at least 30 minutes of cardio, I go to the machines or find a mat and do some Pinterest workouts for another 30 minutes. And I always make it a goal to get over 10,000 steps daily. If I dont reach my step goal at work, I make sure to go to the gym after work to get them in.
I want other women to know that all it takes is a spark of inspiration and a lot of determination to get the ball rolling on becoming a healthier version of yourself. I want people to know that its going to be hard, and those first couple of workouts are really going to suck. But I promise I never leave the gym and think, I wish I hadn't done that workout. I am always proud of myself and feel an adrenaline rush from my heart rate being elevated and the work I just accomplished.
Follow this link:
'Using This Calorie Counter App And Walking 10,000 Steps A Day Helped Me Lose 70 Pounds' - Women's Health
