My Fitness Triumph

Kristine R. Lincoln Park, Ill.
Occupation: Nurse assistant
Height: 5 ft. 9 in.
Starting weight: 249 lbs.
Lowest weight: 179 lbs.
Current weight: 179 lbs.
Began weight-loss program: August 2006



Weight and Me
I was working 80-hour weeks with little sleep and snacking on all types of junk food to stay awake.

The Last Straw

Being newly single again and my health. I work at a hospital and I see a lot of people who have diabetes. I knew I didn't want to end up having it, so I had to make a change.

How I Did It
I got myself back to the gym and hired a personal trainer who gave me practical diet recommendations, and put me on a new exercise plan. The first thing I did was to stop drinking soda and I promised myself that I would stick-with-it this time.

The Key To Success
My trainer has been one of the keys to my success. He has helped me regain my confidence and that has helped motivate me to work out and eat right.

Derailers and Strategies
Sometimes my friends want to go out and get drinks after work, and I have to say no most of the time because I know how it makes me feel the next day. I give myself one "cheat day" a week to keep myself from doing things like that.

When I Slip...
I am still trying to lose so if I have a day when something happens, I really try not to dwell on it too much. I just do a little extra cardio and I usually feel better.

When I Soar...
When someone at work or one of my friends refers to me as the tall skinny blonde.

MSN Health & Fitness