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Testimonials
Laura Shuler’s first article, “Journey of Transformation” appeared in the Accent Gwinnett June/July issue where Laura set a goal to lose 50 pounds by the end of the year. Here is the follow up article on her progress.
Transformation – It Feels So Good
I cannot begin to convey how much my life has changed in the last six months. When I started this journey in mid June, I set a goal to lose 50 pounds and buy myself a “little black dress” for New Year’s Eve. In my mind, I was conjuring up how I would look and the response I would get. At that time, I had no idea that the real results of a dramatic weight loss would have little to do with looks, or a “little black dress.”
I have been on the weight roller coaster for several years, dieting and losing weight only to gain it back again. However, about seven years ago, I got off the roller coaster. The problem was I got off at my peak and had pretty much given up hope that I was ever going to coast back down again. There were times that I was inspired for a week or two, only to get off track and find myself right back to the same old routines. Each time, it only lessened my enthusiasm to try again.
The good thing about being overweight was that it let me accept myself for who I am, regardless of my weight. The problem with that was that I was putting myself at risk physically for heart disease, diabetes and other health related problems, and I also didn’t feel good about how I looked or how I was perceived by others – family, friends, business associates or even strangers. The bottom line was that on the surface, I was content to continue on the same path, but in my heart, I knew that I wanted something more – I wanted to feel the way I felt before I gained so much weight. But how? Was it even possible?
Absolutely!!! Here are the keys to my success: Hope, Coaching, and Accountability.
I had pretty much given up hope. When Accent Gwinnett approached me about doing this article, I was totally enthusiastic, AND petrified. However, I consulted with Alyte Piedra at Xtreme Transformations, and she said not to worry, I would lose the weight. She said it with confidence. She was convinced. She wasn’t worried at all. It’s amazing what happens to you when someone else truly believes in you. So, finally, after so long, I had Hope.
The problem was I didn’t know what to do, how much to do, or how to stay focused. I needed to retrain my brain on diet and exercise – what I needed was Alyte. She counseled me on my diet, made me keep a food journal and really discussed the ups and downs of what was going on with me and what I ate. Plus, Alyte does a fantastic work- out combining just the right amount of cardio, weight training and other exercises to keep it interesting and efficient. She also encouraged me to do the Boot Camps and the Circuit Training during the last 3 months and I can tell you that those were hard, but I saw incredible results. Alyte of Xtreme Transformations has been an incredible coach and inspiration. I will be forever grateful for her guidance and the confidence she placed in me.
So with Hope, and a great Coach, what I found to be the third key to success was being accountable to someone besides myself. Being somewhat of a private person, I put myself in the public’s eye committing to lose weight, and even put a profile shot of myself out there. Some of my friends and family were a little surprised to see that!!! Nonetheless, this gave me the accountability that I needed. All the sudden, not following through meant letting other people down instead of just myself. I also got accountability from Alyte. I knew there would be weigh-ins, and she would ask questions about my food journal. So there was the weekly accountability with the Alyte, and the longer term accountability with reporting in this article. The combination was powerful!
So now you know it can be done. For me, it was Hope, Coaching and Accountability. I am happy to report that as of this writing, I have lost a total 40 pounds (see Laura’s Blog at www.accentgwinnett.com for the complete breakdown of the 27 inches lost from my body so far!!!), and I am striving to finish up the year as close to 50 pounds as possible although with the holidays here, I know this will be a challenge. I will say this though, no matter how long it takes, I will reach my goal, and then some because I plan to continue my new lifestyle. It just feels soooooooo good!
I said in the beginning of this article that so many changes have occurred. Of course there is the obvious – I look better and my health has definitely improved. But what has really been amazing is the transformation inside. I have a renewed spirit. I have a positive attitude. There is more pep in my step, more excitement in my future. I smile more, laugh more, and am spending more time with friends and family. My business has grown as my confidence has increased. I wake up feeling good, not achy. I sleep sound (and my husband says I don’t snore so much anymore!!!). I get excited to shop for clothes – size 10 fits now and I actually buy high heels again!!! I enjoy eating salads and protein shakes and I look forward to working out. I don’t mind having my picture made. Generally speaking, I have a passion for life that I didn’t even realize was missing. But I will say it takes time. I hope you’ll embark on a journey of your own. Give yourself six months to a year because change doesn’t happen overnight, but it CAN happen. So go for it. It’s a new year, time for a new You. I’ll tell you just like Alyte told me, YOU CAN DO IT.
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