-88 lb
Before
After
Why did you want to lose weight?
In January 2018, I read a book on weight loss. At that point, I was already aware that I weighed too much and hadn't felt comfortable in my own skin for quite some time.
Up until then, I hadn't really thought about the consequences of being overweight.
A part of this book, however, talked about these consequences. This flipped a switch for me and I knew that I definitely needed to lose a weight and change my lifestyle.
"It doesn't matter where you're at now or whether you want to lose 10 or 50 lb, you can do it! You have the power!"
Of course, I had already tried different weight-loss methods before (low carb, metabolic typing, etc.) and was skeptical when a friend recommended YAZIO. I had already tried calorie counting before and it was extremely time consuming and annoying, but I didn't have anything to lose (except for weight).
So, I downloaded the app and got started.
Sure, I had to take some time to get to know the app, but luckily, that went pretty quickly and, in the first month, I had already lost almost 13 lb. What can I say? YAZIO saved me! :-)
What did you want to accomplish on your journey?
In general, I wanted to get back down to a healthy, normal weight since I had seen what the consequences of being overweight could be. In the beginning, I didn't have an exact end weight in mind. It was, for me, simply about losing weight and finally feeling good about myself again.
How did you reach your goals?
It all started with counting calories with YAZIO, which has, since the end of January 2018 and together with my kitchen scale, been my constant companion.
Finally, I had an overview of my calorie intake without having to calculate so much. I also had an overview of the nutrients and calories for individual foods. This helped me to identify "no-go" calories and find alternative foods.
I never followed any particular diet (e.g. low carb). Instead, I ate what I felt like eating. I simply adjusted portion sizes or looked for preparation alternatives or alternative foods.
The one thing I've held on to are my 1 to 2 cheat days per week. On these days, I eat a little more calories than I actually need.
I limit this, however, to one meal and enjoy a pizza or a burger or something else I'm craving. As long as these remain exceptions, everything is good.
Patricia’s Tips
Realize that there isn't one ultimate way to lose weight
Be open to new things and see what works best for you
Be honest when tracking and don't lie to yourself
Find a buddy to help keep you motivated
After the first 2 months, I bought the PRO version of the app. Firstly, I wanted access to all of the YAZIO recipes and secondly, with the PRO version, I can connect my smartwatch with the app. That makes it easier to subtract my burned calories from my daily calorie needs. :-)
Eventually, I didn't just want to lose weight, but I also wanted to get into better shape. So, at the end of May, I started adding workouts. However, I had to look for something where I wouldn't be able to make up excuses.
I came across my first fitness DVD by accident. I gave it a try and really liked it. For me, it was great. I didn't have to have any particular equipment and could still effectively work out at home. These days, I have a good collection of DVDs at home that I can combine in different ways.
In addition to calorie counting and exercising, I also started a weight-loss account on Instagram. These helped me to find alternative ways to prepare foods as well as new recipe ideas. Plus, it really helped to follow the success of others and to be able to exchange with "fellow sufferers".
To this day, calorie counting is a regular part of my daily routine. I work out 3 to 4 times a week with my DVDs and will soon add a few workout courses.
How did YAZIO help you?
With YAZIO, I finally have a good overview of my calorie intake. Before I started, I had no idea how many calories I was consuming. I just assumed that it wasn't that much in terms of quantity.
So, how was it that I was gaining weight instead of losing it?
Thanks to YAZIO, I now know which foods I should avoid. Plus, the app offers a variety of recipes that encourage me to try new things. Since you can always adjust your daily goals, it's easy to tailor that app to your needs. On vacation, for example, I changed my goal from "lose weight" to "maintain weight".
After vacation, I would simply change my goal back to "lose weight". It's really great to be able to be so flexible.The app made calorie counting really easy for me! You can, for example, search for foods/products by scanning their barcodes or you can create complete meals and don't always have to add each ingredient individually. It's really practical and saves time!
Did you have setbacks?
Yes, I also had times where the scale just wasn't moving or times that I even gained weight. This is, of course, disappointing at first, but these phases also pass. During these times, encouragement from my friends, family and other "sufferers" on Instagram always helped me to remember how far I'd come. I forget that pretty quickly.
That's why it's important for me to remind myself what I've accomplished with my weight loss and how. That's why the number on the scale wasn't always so critical. I had phases where my weight didn't change at all, but my clothing size did. And when I'm completely unmotivated, I look at before and after pictures of myself and create before and after pictures to remind myself where I am now and where I never want to be again.
What advice do you have for other users?
First, it's important to realize that there is no one ultimate way to lose weight. Be open to new things and experiment to find what works best for you! For some, calorie counting and exercise will do the trick, for others, they do better with a dietary change like low carb. Every person has to find their own way!
With calorie counting, you can't lie to yourself, for example, by purporsely not logging something you've eaten that you know will put you over your caloie goal. If you ate it, you should log it. One the one hand, it will remind you that these foods should be exceptions, and on the other hand, you will better be able to understand why you had a good or bad week.
Weighing myself regularly helped. Before I started losing weight, my scale was more of a dust collector than anything else. It coesn't matter how big the number looks, it's important to have the facts in front of each. I weight myself once a week. That helps me keep an eye on my progress.
In addition, my weight-loss account on Instagram and the YAZIO Facebook Group were really helpful. Talking with others was really good for me. And even if you have setbacks, don't give up!!! Remember that you're doing it for youself and your health. You have the power to change things and you will.
What are your future goals?
I want to lose a few last pounds with YAZIO. Although, even when I'm done losing weight, I will continue to count my calories to get a better feel for how much I can eat and to avoid gaining weight again.
I'd then like to focus on my figure with strength training and conditioning. Luckily, my skin regressed well, but there are still a few places where I'd like to build muscle and tighten.
Why do you want to tell your story?
I've suffered more or less with being overweight for a long time and, before YAZIO, I had plenty of weight-loss attempts behind me. So, I know it can be difficult sometimes and you aren't always sure what you should do.
With my story, I want to motivate and show others that you really can do it. It doesn't matter where you're at now or whether you want to lose 10 or 50 lb, you can do it! You have the power!
