158 Pounds Lost: After Trying For A Decade, Diane Maintains Her Goal For More Than 16 Years

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Realistic workouts were essential for this success story. (Photo: Diane Carbonell)

Name: Diane Carbonell
Age: 48
Location: Memphis, Tennessee
Before: 305 lbs.
After: 147 lbs.

What was the turning point that prompted you to lose weight?

After giving birth to my third child, I realized while standing on my doctor’s scale that if I did not do something about my weight, I might not live to see my children grow up.

When did you start trying to lose weight?

I tried unsuccessfully to lose weight for 10 years. My final weight loss experience started in the spring of 1997. It took me 14 months to lose 158 pounds.

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How did you get started?

I wanted something simple and sustainable. I decided to focus on three things: Portion control, watching my fat intake, and exercise. I did not want to count calories, join a group, or take supplements.

What was your biggest challenge?

My biggest challenge was breaking bad food habits that had been ingrained for years. I broke the habits of eating in the car, eating late at night, and sleeping in instead of exercising. I also had to work hard on overcoming my tendency to eat from emotions rather than from hunger.

Were there any times when you wanted to quit or give up? How did you stay motivated?

During the first three or four months I often wanted to quit. It was frustrating to have lost 30, 40, 50 pounds and have no one realize I had lost weight. I kept telling myself that every day I made good decisions was one day closer to my goal.

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If you reached a weight loss plateau, how did you break out of the rut?

I hit several weight loss plateaus during my 158 pound weight loss. Instead of getting frustrated, I reminded myself that what I was doing worked and I just needed to be consistent. I also asked myself whether I had been diligent about eating the right amount of food and exercising and made adjustments if necessary.

What’s your current exercise routine?

I believe in sustainable, realistic exercise. With seven kids, I find it difficult to go to a gym, so I work out at home. I walk three miles six days a week and strength train fairly regularly.

What’s your daily diet look like?

Every day is slightly different, but on a typical day I eat oatmeal with cinnamon for breakfast, a chicken sandwich or salad for lunch, and whatever dinner I prepare for my family. I try and eat a variety of fruits and vegetables and still watch my portion sizes carefully.

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What’s your favorite healthy snack and meal?

My favorite healthy snack is my homemade granola bar, and my favorite meal is a good soup with homemade bread.

Do you have specific suggestions for avoiding temptations?

Do not keep junk in your house. If it is not there, you will be less likely to get in your car to buy it. Also, if eating fast food is a problem for you, keep your purse or wallet in your trunk so you cannot purchase the food without physically going into the restaurant.

What’s your life like after weight loss?

I’ve kept my weight off since 1998 and my life since weight loss is fantastic. I had four more kids after I lost the weight, enjoy staying active with my family, and no longer stress about food. Losing weight was the best thing I did for myself and my family.

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If you have any suggestions for others, what would they be?

Never give up on yourself. It took me ten years of morbid obesity to get to the point where I was able to successfully lose weight. If I had given up back then, I’m not sure I would be where I am today. It is never too late to change.

Diane is the author of 150 Pounds Gone Forever: How I Lost Half My Size and You Can Too. Learn more about her weight-loss journey on her website, Fit to the Finish, like Fit to the Finish on Facebook, or follow Diane on Twitter.

Want more diet and fitness inspiration? Visit Everyday Health’s Weight Loss Success Stories.

This article originally appeared on EverydayHealth.com: 158 Pounds Lost: After Trying For a Decade, Diane Maintains Her Goal for More Than 16 Years

By Everyday Health Staff

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