Michelle lost 33 pounds

Michelle lost 33 pounds by watching what she eats and working out. She began her weight loss journey after being diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes in 2019. She didn’t want to have to prick her finger every day to monitor her blood sugar. Despite some ups and downs, she is determined to reach her goals.

I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes in January 2019. I was at my highest weight of 291 pounds (This is super close to my pregnancy weight of 293 pounds in 2018 when I had my daughter). Diabetes runs in my family, but I knew I did not want to prick my finger every day. 

I immediately started working out at the gym at my job. I tried Keto and intermittent fasting. I also started drinking a gallon of water a day. As a result, I lost some weight and got my A1C level down from 6.5 to 5.4. 

At the gym, I mainly did cardio on the treadmill and row machine. I love the rowing machine. Eventually, I ventured into weight training. I love the leg press machine and got up to pressing 100 pounds before Covid-19 hit. I was working out four days a week. 

However, I’m not going to lie. I was slacking off, especially nutritionally. So, I only lost about 20 pounds during the first year of my weight loss journey (and gained some back). 

In April 2020, I was diagnosed with General Anxiety Disorder after finding myself in the ER after waking up with shortness of breath. It was the thing that kicked me back into gear for focusing on both my physical and mental health. 

I started working out again, doing a jumping jack/high knees challenge. I also started watching what I ate. I lost 11 pounds between April and early June. 

Food-wise, I haven’t really cut anything out, but I make sure my plate is more veggies than anything. I also pay attention to serving sizes. I went back to drinking a gallon of water, and I started doing intermittent fasting again: 14:10.

Now, I work out every day (or try to with a five year old and a two year old) using my mini-trampoline. I also do jump rope challenges and use small weights.

Starting weight/Current weight: I started at 291 pounds, and I currently weigh 258 pounds. 

Height: I am 5’6″. 

Biggest Lesson: The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that this truly is a journey. I didn’t gain all this weight overnight, and it won’t disappear overnight. I just have to be consistent. 

Advice: My advice to women on their weight loss journey is to remember that this is YOUR journey. Consistency is key. If you fall off track, don’t beat yourself up about it. Just get back to it.

Instagram: @mzmerrimac_102