By restricting her calorie intake and exercising regularly, Tracey's weight loss goal is just a few pounds away

December 10 2006

Tracey

-City & country: Martinsburg, West Virginia USA
-Age: 29
-Weight before diet: 290 lbs.
-Weight now: 180 lbs.
-Target weight: 175 lbs.

Boosting her self-image was what prompted Tracey to lose weight. Along the way, she learned many other things about the importance of mental and physical discipline. Now she not only looks better, she feels better as well! Read on for how Tracy eats, exercises, and thinks her way to better health.

-What finally made you decide to start with a weight loss program? 
My decision came from within myself, not those around me.  I was never made fun of or taunted as I went through school.  I was actually well-known and involved in many school groups.  But it was my own self-image that I battled with as I grew up and as an adult.  I wanted to be happier when I looked in the mirror and shop at regular clothing stores.  So personal frustration finally made me start a weight loss program.

-What type of weight loss program are you following?
Restricted calorie and exercise

-Why did you choose this weight loss program?
It was recommended to me by my family doctor.  At first, I thought I was incapable of losing weight and, because I thought this, I went to several doctors asking for a weight loss pill to help me - but they wouldn't prescribe it to me, encouraging me to do it on my own accord.

-How long have you been on your weight loss program?
I began counting calories and implementing exercise in 2000.  I lost most of my weight in a three-year time span.  I still keep a food diary, count calories, measure out portions and exercise today - almost seven years later.

-What kinds of physical activities do you like doing to help you lose weight and stay fit?
I go to the gym five to six times a week.  I do strength training (weights) and cardiovascular activities such as incline treadmill, elliptical, bike and various other machines.
 
-What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome or are still overcoming?
At first, the most difficult obstacle was the complete change of eating habits.  It really is a complete lifestyle change and requires some research.   It is time consuming putting effort into planning a grocery trip or your meal plan for the day/week - let alone workouts!  It was also an obstacle to not rely on fast foods and learn to prepare healthy meals for yourself.  Another obstacle is explaining to those closest to me that "I really don't need that piece of pizza!" or "No, I am not getting too skinny!"
 
-How do you keep yourself motivated?
Seeing myself gradually change and improve.  The "before" pictures also highly motivate me!  I will never be that person again.  Another motivation is just how much my general health has improved.  Before I started the weight loss journey, I was taking medicine for high blood pressure - now I am medicine-free!  I am also motivated by compliments I receive and reactions from people I haven't seen in a while.

-Do you have any weight loss tips for our readers?
Remain consistent and DO NOT GIVE UP! It takes time.  This is what a lot of people fail to recognize.  It will not happen immediately.

Eat right and exercise regularly.  It's actually a very simple concept but very hard to do.

-Do you think it will be easy to fall back into your old lifestyle pattern? How do you prevent this from happening?
I think it would be very easy to fall back into an old lifestyle. But I refuse to! It really is just a mental battle that you must face if you are going to lose weight and keep it off.  It's hard to always "watch what you eat."  I would love to go out with my friends all the time and order the big cheesy pasta dish, but I know it is not worth it.  I have maintained my healthy eating lifestyle for seven years now.  Just be rational and strong!  Surround yourself with others who value the same lifestyle.  
 
-Do you have a favorite Web site or blog that helps or inspires you to lose weight?
I have recently become a member of www.vivalafitness.com.  I was featured there as a Transformation showcase.  It is a great community of fitness-minded people.  You can see my story at this link: http://www.vivalafitness.com/index.php/magazine/article/transformation_showcase_tracey_wygal

I also use as reference www.calorieking.com for caloric information, as well as several other books.

I have also met many people in the fitness industry or who just love the gym through www.myspace.com; they have been extremely motivating and supportive.