Her 90 Pound Weight Loss Started With a Long Walk

THE LONGEST WALK OF MY LIFE by Cathryn Park

You've heard my story before.  Chubby child grows up into a chubbier adult.  I had always been overweight.  But when I was 22 years old, my scale hit 220 pounds and the label chubby" just didn't describe me anymore at 5'7". 

About 7 years ago, I used to be obese, unemployed, living with family, and miserable.  I ate like a mack truck and remember a time eating a whole box of cereal because everything else in the cupboard had already been devoured.  I wore a size 18 and I didn't know how to stop.  Hate is a strong word, but I hated my body and worse yet, I hated myself.

So there I was, a plus size young woman dozing in front of the TV after having indulged a midafternoon snack.  Disgusted by my laziness, I rose to my feet and found the biggest park nearby.  I went there immediately and had the longest walk of my life.  I reflected on what
had become of my life so far and how I could have become so utterly unhappy. 

After my cathartic experience, I resolved to change my life and I did. I started walking everyday and began eating less.  When I was able to jog, I jogged.  Then when I was able to run, I ran.  I got down to a respectable 160 pounds and wore a size 11.  But I still felt chubby.  I gave myself some credit for dropping 60 pounds, but I knew I wanted more.

That plateau weight of 160 lingered for 4 more years.  I was working out at the gym and alternated with some boxing, cycling, and rollerblading for good measure.  But I could not break through. 

I was frustrated.  In fact, there had been regression moments when I felt more exasperated than usual and I'd yo-yo around 160 to 175.  See, I had the workout down, but I never really "dieted".

In January 2006, I decided to keep a log of my calories.  I began using an online diet diary to log my daily caloric intake and exercise.  I was shocked by how much I ate!  So I created an actual eating plan and the pounds started melting off. 

Then, the next month, I discovered cardio kickboxing and it accelerated my weight loss.  In 5 months, I lost 30 pounds and I was stronger, leaner, and healthier than I'd ever been!

Now, I eat sensibly and work out just as much as before.  Maintaining my weight can be difficult at times, but I listen to my body because you only get one chance in life to make the most of things.  So you want to know the secret to my success? 

Losing weight is hard and it's not easy.  But by understanding what you eat, being active, and some good ol' fashion discipline and will power, you can do it!  Hey, it sounds like a lot, but it's not rocket science! Just start walking...