http://health.msn.com/weight-loss/we...ocumentid=1002
02030>1=31036
Caroline J. Washington, DC
Occupation:Consultant
Height:5 ft. 2 in.
Starting weight:272 lbs
Lowest weight:148 lbs.
Current weight:154 lbs.
Began weight loss program:September 2004
Length at current weight:3 years and 8 months
Weight and Me
On a 5'2" frame, I was close to being 300 pounds in middle school! There
were several things occurring and that had occurred in my life that caused
me to look to food as a remedy, including my parents' divorce and the death
of my two teenage cousins in a car accident (I looked to them as sisters).
I also had issues with believing that my dark skin was beautiful.
The Last Straw
There was no major incident that caused me to have an "aha moment" really.
One day I was in my bedroom on a visit home from college, and I said to
myself, "I want to see myself skinny." Even more than skinny, I wanted to
see myself healthy. So I went to see a doctor about weight loss and
changing my eating habits and started to walking in hilly areas every day
for at first 30 minutes, then 45 minutes and then 60.
How I Did It
My weight loss and keeping it off has been a result of diet and exercise.
On the diet side, I continue to eat what I like, including Popeye's Chicken
and cheesecake. However, I don't eat it as much or as often and I've
learned to make substitutions where I can.
When I first started to lose weight, I just did moderate walking outside.
However, I started to crave more of a challenge. So I joined a gym and used
machines like the elliptical fitness trainer for 45-60 minutes six days a
week with weight training every other day.
The Key To Success
No carbs for dinner, the metabolism is much too slow around this time.
Exercising six days a week, even if it's a walk or bike ride, I get
something in! Replace white bread, white rice or pasta with whole grain
versions when I do eat them.
I eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a pauper!
Eating your heaviest meal early allows you to burn it off t/o the day.
Derailers and Strategies
Sometimes I do get a little upset when something doesn't fit me properly.
Or I have to wear girdles to deal with some of the sagging skin from my
weight loss. Surrounding myself with good and positive people has helped.
Also, my mom is my personal cheerleader. If I'm having a "down day" for
whatever reason my mom is truly a cup of espresso in human form!
When I Slip...
I handle any stress in life by getting on my treadmill!
When I Soar...
People telling me that I should model! It still shocks me, and I'm always
like, "Who me?!?!"
MSN: She lost 124 pounds 
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