I love food and I love eating. But, I don’t love dieting. Although I have always been a mostly healthy eater, I’m not one to turn down a piece of birthday cake or a glass of wine during cocktail hour. But indulging a little too much and a little too often resulted in a slow gain of 25 pounds by my early 20s.
When I was younger, I’d managed to maintain my weight of 130 pounds by being active. I belonged to the dance team and played intramural sports, so it wasn’t difficult for me to motivate myself to exercise. After college, I started a desk job, and with that came long hours, pizza lunches, and plenty of happy hours. I continued to exercise almost every day, but it wasn’t enough—and my weight climbed to 153 pounds, which was too much for my 5-foot-4-inch frame.
My Tipping Point
I wasn’t happy at my heaviest, but I wasn’t really motivated to do anything about it until a ski trip with friends in 2004 put things in perspective. The vacation was a blast, but I quickly lost my getaway glow when I saw photos from our trip. Looking at the physical proof, I was embarrassed by how much weight I had gained. Every photo was a “bad” photo of me. I was so depressed that I threw most of them away.
Soon after the ski trip, I left my desk job to pursue graduate school and took a part-time job working at the front desk of an upscale health club. One of the perks was a free membership, which was the motivation I needed to take control of my weight. I started exercising at the health club most mornings, taking Body Pump and spinning classes on a regular basis. Finding workout buddies helped too. I made some new friends who were avid runners and I began training for and participating in road races with them.
Even though I was burning plenty of calories through exercise, I knew my eating habits were preventing me from losing weight. I wasn’t eating unhealthy foods—I stuck with salads, turkey sandwiches, and stir-fry dishes—I was just eating too much of everything. I started tracking my daily calories online at fitday.com. Counting calories really helped me understand my overblown portion sizes and just how many calories I was consuming.
A New Life
Almost a year and a half later, in the summer of 2005, I finally reached my goal weight of 130 pounds. My weight loss didn’t happen overnight—in fact it took a pretty long time—but that was because I wasn’t “dieting.” Through trial and error and figuring out what worked best for me, I made lifestyle changes, which have stuck with me to today. For example, I almost always have oatmeal with nut butter and a piece of fruit for breakfast. It helps set a healthy tone for my whole day, plus it keeps me full until lunchtime.
Now I’m committed to maintaining my weight without missing out on any fun, like birthday celebrations or nights out with friends, which is the main philosophy behind Carrots ‘N’ Cake. Hopefully, my tips and tricks are helpful to you and you’ll share some of your own secrets and successes with me too.
BEFORE
December 2003
August 2003
AFTER
July 2008
July 2010
What Worked for Me: My Weight Loss Tips
Make an appointment to exercise
Every Sunday I jot down my exercise goals on my Google calendar. Sometimes last-minute plans get in the way, but I generally stick to my schedule once I’ve put it in ink.
Count calories—at least in the beginning
I didn’t realize just how many calories I was consuming, so tracking what I ate helped keep me aware of what I was putting in my mouth. I don’t count calories anymore, but I track what I eat (and when I exercise) on my blog, which keeps me accountable.
Eat fresh fruit with breakfast
It’s such a small thing to do, but it sets a healthy tone for my whole day. Plus, fruit is low in calories and good for you!
Reduce portion sizes
This might seem like a “duh” tip, but just eating less of my usual servings helped me lose weight.
Read a lot of health and fitness magazines
These types of magazines are constant motivation and keep healthy eating and fitness interesting, especially when I really don’t want to get on the elliptical! Plus, I get tons of a great ideas for meals and workouts from them.
Meal plan
Every Sunday I sit down and plan a week’s worth of meals. I almost always make my own lunch, which means I have more control over how many calories are in my meal. I’m also able to save money by making sure I use up all of my fresh produce.
Keep truckin’
Maintaining my weight is all about balance. If I overindulge at a weekend barbecue or mindlessly munch throughout the afternoon, I don’t throw in the towel. I make sure my next meal is healthy and move on.
{ 93 comments… read them below or add one }
Next Comments →
Thanks for the inspiring story! It’s so wonderful to read your blog because it offers a healthy, balanced way of approaching eating and living. Thank you for sharing your story and the daily ups and downs of your healthy lifestyle!
such an inspiring story! and i think the best part is that you’re honest about it taking a while…changing your entire life will take some time but it’s so worth it!
I love hearing people’s stories- so inspiring! I share the same healthy outlook of moderation and occasional indulgence… makes for a happy, healthy life
I love your story, I don’t think I ever knew about it start to finish. Very inspiring and very realistic too!
Thanks for this post. I have about 95 more lbs to lose and it’s just so hard to keep trucking.
It’s all about finding the right balance. You look fantastic!
The thing I love about your blog is, yes, you had a healthy-eating epiphany but you’re not afraid to have a beer or DQ Blizzard once in a while.
ahh you’re so inspiring! thank you for this post, it was exactly what i needed to read today when i am feeling down and dumpy about myself.
Aww Tina you look so great! Your arms are so buff in your honeymoon pic, lol!
yesyesyes to everything! i used to count calories and it really showed me that my afternoons of grazing were causing me to pack on the pounds.
and i definitely agree with starting your morning off right. a good breakfast and some exercise (even if it’s just 20 minutes of yoga in my living room) sets the right tone for the whole day.
ps-i don’t know if this or just the picture or not, but i’ve always wondered if you have your belly button pierced? it kind of looks like you do in your first after picture.
Thanks for this! I definitely needed some inspiration today.
Great to read all the way through! And…it made me put away my giant bag of pretzels. Sigh.
I think your story is so inspiring and I’m sure a lot of people wish they could lead a healthy lifestyle the way that you do:) You have such incredible discipline !! (oh- are those your real boobs?! They look amazing!) x
I love your healthy approach to eating and working out. Never turn down cake….ever
love this post! your blog is hands down one of my favorites because you don’t restrict or eliminate any food groups but you seem to enjoy food and savor tastes! this includes a few drinks or brownies, etc. i love that your lifestyle is not a diet but a lifestyle, so this way it is easy (or at least easier) to maintain since there are no weird rules that are impossible to sustain over time. i think living healthy shouldn’t be a chore which it often is for me. love the tips – i think reading blogs also helps learn new fitness and health tips in addition to magazines.
One of the reasons I love your blog is because it’s about balance. That’s the right way to do it. Thanks for sharing your story and great tips!
i “needed” this post today! thank you! it is such a struggle and i’ve been feeling so discouraged lately. seeing this reminds me being healthy is all about having the right balance.
I’m all for the mostly healthy lifestyle
It definitely helped me lose a lot of weight, without losing my sanity at the same time.
I still have trouble finding time to exercise properly, but I do try to be active. Walking everywhere, taking the stairs, a brisk walk during lunch break, etc … There’s nothing small, as long as you do something!
Your journey sounds MUCH like mine. While I still enjoy the indulgences like wine and cake, i am sure to focus on well rounded healthy meals and exercise. it’s always good to hear people losing and maintaining their weight through simple calorie awareness and exercise. Thanks for sharing!
loved reading your story! thanks for typing it all out for us!
Very motivating! I think a lot of us can relate!
I love your attitude towards food – no restriction, eat healthy but also eat what you feel like and if you happen to slip up you don’t freak out over it!
You look awesome in those after pics!!!
Great tips! You look amazing and you are proof that you can eat delicious food, have a glass of wine and still be incredibly healthy. And that is awesome.
Awesome post, thanks so much for sharing.
I am on a weight loss journey right now, 100lbs very scary. Reading blogs like yours are very motivational
Great tips! You’re very right- losing weight doesn’t happen overnight by any means – congrats on getting to your goal!
Loads of good tips – I bet they’re helping so many people out there.
I have to say – you look stunning!
Thank you so much for this post! I am really struggling to lose about 20 pounds. I have gained 10 since last summer and I was still shy of my goal then. I am really trying to find the motivation I need to get healthy and back to the gym like I was last year. I felt SO much better mentally and physically. It is interesting that it is still so hard to motivate myself when I KNOW how much better I feel when I eat healthy and exercise. I love your blog and read everyday. Thanks for all of your motivation and knowledge! And cute pug pictures
Tina said: “Read a lot of health and fitness magazines”—don’t forget to add “Read Carrots N Cake blog” to this idea! Food blogs have definitely helped me be more creative in my food preparation, which results in more overall variety in my eating habits. Yes!
Nice post! It’s great to make goals and stick to them.
This is an awesome post! Thanks for sharing! I’ve been reading your blog for a long time, but it’s inspiring to see all this info about your weight-loss journy in one single updated post.
Gives me a warm and fuzzy feeling. Not only do I appreciate you sharing but the tips you mentioned are great steps for beginners and those just in a rut.
You’re such an inspiration!
I loved reading your story and especially how you did it without the diet mindset. That is by far the best way to lose. I also like that you pointed out counting calories but in the beginning. It is a useful tool to learn how much to eat, but doesn’t have to become a lifesaver clung to the rest of your life either.
I know what you mean about exercise not being enough. At one point in my job, I was attending regular meetings where the organizer brought in big platters of cookies from a nearby deli/bakery. Even though I was running 30 miles per week, I started noticing a difference in how my clothes fit because I helped myself to so many cookies during and after the meeting, when the cookies sat on a table in our breakroom! Luckily the meetings were only a short-term thing, since I would have hated having to resist the urge…
I’m just beginning (re-starting!) my weight loss journey – this is EXACTLY what I needed to read today. Thanks for the inspiration!
wow.
Was Mal with you this whole time? Or did u meet him post-loss?
Thank you for sharing your story Tina! You are a true inspiration and your methods of weight loss are great ones for many people to try.
Hi Tina–Could you talk about more meal planning? I definitely struggle with this because a) I am single so when I cook I get tired of my leftovers b) it seems when I set a plan by Wednesday I don’t feel like eating what is in my fridge.
I also have the “I don’t eat bad foods but I just eat too much in general” problem. I work out 6 days a week but portion control continues to be a struggle. How did calorie counting not drive you crazy?
Thank you very much for writing this! Like you and many others, I lost a lot of weight and was only able to do that with making a lifestyle change. For a while, I’ve been thinking about writing a blog and you have inspired me to stop saying I’m going to do it and to actually write it.
From one healthworks lover to another, Thank you
Thank you for the post! So inspiring! I am new to the blogging community but have been following your blog for about 6 months now. You have inspired me to begin my own! Thank you for your amazing outlook on life, health and exercise, I have learned so much! You have a great philosophy with food and healthy living that I am on the journey to follow! I am also in love with Murphy. Cutest, most hilarious dog faces! Thanks Again!
Great story Tina! Portion control is a big one for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Finding fun activities that don’t feel like exercise is a great one too!
Great post, Tina. I think it really helps people to see your “before” pictures, because I believe there are a lot of women out there who can relate, who are not extremely overweight but whose health might benefit from losing around 20 pounds. You are an inspiration!
@Kara: Yep, bad college decision!
Tina, Thanks so much for the tips! I have been a chronic dieter for YEARS (15 to be exact) I am not had my feel great weight and would like to be but don’t want to get back on the diet rollar coaster again. Your post gave me some goods tips and encouragement!
@theemptynutjar: We’ve been together since 2003, so awhile before I lost weight.
@Andrea: Check out this post: http://www.tradingupdowntown.com/2010/01/grocery-shopping-101-before-you-leave-your-house/ I explain my meal planning process.
You look so amazing! Congrats on your HTP and your journey!
I am currently almost at my heaviest weight…I am 5’1” and I am 129 lbs right now…and it shows. All over. I am used to being 10 pounds lighter and I am going to bust my butt to get back there!
Thanks for the great ideas on your blog.
Just last Friday I decided to lose a little weight vs buying new pants. One thing that is helping me be more accountable for the food I eat is at the end of the day my husband and I both write down what we ate that day. This morning I passed on the office donuts because I didn’t want to confess to my husband. We are holding each other accountable. Another thing I am using is “Foodpic Log” on my iphone — the person who built the app designed it for diabetics but I find taking a photo of my food also helps me stay accountable.
Thanks for doing what you do!
Thank you for this post. I have a similar story. I put college weight on and my heaviest was about 149 (in early 2009). Today I’m at 135. I’d love to lost another 5 lbs – I’ll keep your tips in mind!
I’ve used similar strategies to be at a healthy weight for years now. What I find fascinating is how each of us carries our weight, depending on body frame, musculature, etc. I’m your height and could never look so great at your weight. We each have to consider many different factors for our feel great weight, and shouldn’t compare ourselves to others (but so hard to do).
I love your story! It’s great that you are so balanced. I’ve always exercised a lot, so for me it’s the eating that’s a challenge. I enjoy healthy food, but I’m also an emotional eater, so that hurts me a little bit. I know a “bad day” won’t kill me, but they sure do add up!
Next Comments →