Even my dad said, ‘Boys don't like fat girls.’

Tina F.
Clifton Park, N.Y.
Occupation
Administrative Health and Wellness Manager
Height
5 ft. 4 in.
Starting Weight
240 lbs.
Lowest Weight
139 lbs.
Current Weight
139 lbs.
Began Weight-Loss Program
04/21/2008
Time at Current Weight
0  year(s)  2  month(s)  

Weight & Me
Since I was a young child I was teased about my "two-ton Tina" weight, and still put that smile on my face with hurt in my heart. I was still very active and overweight growing up through the years and had lots of friends. Even my dad said, "Boys don't like fat girls" —that hurt, but I think he was trying to encourage me into losing weight. I think about how that made it worse. I tried dieting for many years but lost few pounds, but then put on 15 more. Nothing seemed to work. Fortunately I met the man of my dreams. He loved me for what I was on the inside. He thought I was a beautiful person. How lucky was I? So needless to say I was comfortable and happy with my life, but not on the inside. I waitressed for 13 years. I worked 12-hour shifts, which left my eating habits unhealthy. I thought it was time for a new career.

The Last Straw
I started working for a wonderful husband and wife team of chiropractors, and they turned my world around in so many positive ways. They both have nutritional degrees as well and they knew what could help me. They bought me a 30-day nutritional cleanse program for my birthday that change my life forever! They knew I was very unhealthy and wanted me around for a long time because they loved me. At first, I thought I would be a failure and disappoint them—but thank God I was wrong!

How I Did It
I started my cleansing program in April 2008, three days after my birthday, so I ate everything in sight because I knew on the 21st I was starting the program. At a whopping 240 pounds, I didn't realize how easy the system was to follow. I had no problems sticking with it, and I lost 23 pounds in the first 30 days. I saw a real change and that kept me motivated. I had so much energy and was clear-minded for the first time in my life. I knew this was going to work, but I still doubted I could be thin and didn't have the faith in myself that I would be able to follow through. I proved myself wrong by losing 93 pounds in nine months, and then went on to lose a total of 101 pounds in 13 months. I only have 10 more pounds to lose until I reach my goal! I didn't realize how different I was treated in society until I lost all that weight. People wouldn't hold the doors as I would walk up to enter any place, now people wait for me while holding the door and greet me with a smile ... if only they knew.  

The Key to Success
The ease of this system and the rapid, dramatic results that I achieved. It works so well and I have been able to incorporate this into my lifestyle and still enjoy my cocktails when I want to. Also one thing that helped was the support of the people I work with. I was accountable to them and kept them updated on my progress. I also had a little competition with one of my bosses, and a little competition goes a long way sometimes.

Derailers & Strategies
I can’t say that there has been anything that has derailed me, although I sort of put things on hold during the holidays and enjoyed myself quite a bit. I gained about three pounds over the holidays, and got serious again in early January and I continue to have success with this program.

When I Slip...
I have learned not to beat myself up too hard, since I can do another cleanse and be right back where I was before—if not better. Since I have a system I can rely on, I really feel like I have found a secret weapon.

When I Soar...
My husband now sleeps with me because I no longer have a snoring problem. My doctor was surprised to see me for my checkup because she couldn't believe her eyes. I no longer have gastrointestinal issues, and my cholesterol and blood work came back in normal ranges instead of being dangerously high. The most fun now is shopping for new clothes, getting so many compliments, and now I like having my picture taken. It's really fun to run into old friends, they can't believe the new me, and the rolls are reversed now—they are extremely overweight and I am thin. I can't say enough about this nutritional cleansing program that I still do on a maintenance basis; in fact, I can't stop talking about it to everyone I meet. I hope I encourage others and help change their lives, like I changed mine. If I can do it, anyone can and I still had fun in the process. I didn't even have to kill myself exercising; I walked two hours every other day.