Meet Classy Fit Gal - Nickey

SW: 233  |  GW 175  | CW 166

GOAL OBTAINED!

The Beginning 

I started my weight loss journey in June 2011. 

At the time I weighed 233 pounds and my goal was to only lose 20 pounds.  I started working out, with walking and doing “Jillian Michaels’ 30-Day Shred” four to six times a week. I found the DVD challenging (and still do) and it was my FIRST commitment test.

I learned very early in my journey that this was not going to be easy, and shredding is much more difficult than gaining. In addition to working out, I maintained a daily journal of what I ate and how many calories I consumed, this was the SECOND commitment test I had during my journey.

Sticking to my daily calorie count (1200 calories per day) became hard on the weekends and when eating out so, I downloaded an app called “My Fitness Pal.”

My Fitness Pal was an app recommended to me by a friend, and as promised it helped me target the right foods to eat to help shred the weight I was looking to lose. When used properly, this app can help you meet your weight loss goals quicker, and for me it worked, helping lose my first 20 pounds within TWO months. At the end of 2011 I weighed in at 198, surpassing my previous weight loss goal, and taking me to the next level of my weight loss journey.

I became obsessed with losing weight, not in a dangerous or unhealthy way, but certainly more aggressive than most. I cut out all fried foods (only on a cheat day which once a week did I eat anything fried) and all unhealthy sugars (pop, juice, candy, ice cream, pastries, etc.)

I consumed only lean meats (chicken, turkey, fish) and most importantly I cut the fast food out (only consuming salads and healthy lean meal options when eating out.)

I began working out less than 4-6 times a week, taking it down to 3-5 times a week, but burning more calories. My workout sessions went from 30 minutes to 60 minutes of all cardio. My goal each time I workout (I still do this) is to burn off what I ate so far that day, this is why it was important for me to keep track of what I ate and how many calories I consumed.

What Happened Next?

The SECOND phase of my journey began in 2012.

I focused on getting down to my next weight loss goal of 175 pounds, and by June 2012 I was there. After reaching my goal weight, I decided to keep it going and continue to challenge myself. I tried the pescetarian diet, which consist of eating only fish or seafood not other meats. I did this for 60 days in addition to working out.

By November of 2012 I weighed 155lbs (the smallest I have been in my adult life) and I was beyond happy about it! For the first time ever I was able to shop without trying on clothes and shop from stores that I couldn’t before (Bebe, Arden B, American Eagle etc.)

Although I was happy with my weight loss, the people around me thought differently and I heard the words “You’re getting too small, don’t lose any more weight…you look like Star Jones...” Blah blah blah… So I decided to put on some weight, not to appease others, but to continue to be and look healthy.

I put on weight in muscle, I began to strength train. This was my THIRD commitment test, and the only one that I have failed.

By March 2013, I got bored with working out, tired of weight training and just wanted to be “normal” and eat what I wanted and workout whenever I felt like it. I got lazy and complacent. THE BIGGEST MISTAKE I EVER MADE!

I lost all muscle and it turned into fat, pushing me back up the scale to 177 pounds. That weight may not be too bad to some, but for me, I was devastated. It was the first time since I stared in 2011 that I GAINED weight instead of losing it. This mistake helped me learn that my body NEEDS to exercise in order to keep my metabolism up.

"Although I felt devastated, I wasn’t defeated."

I was determined to get back down and get my muscle back! To get out of my funk, I tried new things like Zumba, Jazzercise (both extremely fun) and yoga. I began to strength train in different ways outside of the gym, by using everyday items in my home and outdoors. Jumping up and down steps (2-3 steps at a time), doing at least 20 squats every time I use the bathroom, are just a few examples of how I tried to keep it interesting.

Today, my current weight is 166 pounds! I wear medium to small tops (36-38) and size 9/10 and some size 8's (29-31) in pants, and I am happy there.

My advice to you - NEVER GIVE UP! 

If you have the fat gene in your family tree like me, you will never be “normal” and the fight against the fat gene never ends. Eating right and working out is now a way of life. Not to be skinny, but to be healthy and fight generational curses that come along with the fat gene.

Also remember this, once you reach your first goal, continue to apply the same effort plus more to get you to your next goal. Be happy with YOU no matter what the scale says, or what others may say; only you can truly be happy for you!

And finally, beware of the admirers gone wrong AKA the haters. The more weight you lose the more they come out of the wood works, so use their energy to keep going!

God speed to all of you on this journey with me!

Let's Stay Connected
Instagram @thefablifeof_fattyfaebaker.

Your Classy Fit Gal,

Nickey