Follow Csilla to drop 55 Pounds
What was the turning point that prompted you to lose weight?
In April 2015, I put on my favorite blouse and realized it didn’t fit. I
managed to get it on, but I couldn’t take it off. In fact, my husband
had to cut it off me with scissors! I was devastated. I had a very
emotional connection to that blouse because it made me feel beautiful,
and I received tons of compliments every time I wore it. When my husband
had to cut it off of me, I didn’t feel beautiful; I felt overweight and
ugly. I couldn’t believe I had lost my last pretty blouse that made me
look gorgeous.
When did you start trying to lose weight? My journey began a few months later, in July 2015, when I downloaded the MyFitnessPal app.
How did you get started? I logged everything I ate and started eating more fresh vegetables, fruits (especially in smoothies), fish, and kefir. Previously, I ate a lot of junk food and was a big smoker and drinker. I didn’t deprive myself of anything, but I ate everything in moderation. MyFitnessPal allows you to scan bar codes, so logging food was simple and quick. I was consuming way fewer calories than I normally did — and I was eating more nutritious foods. What started as a diet quickly became a nourishment program. I got my energy back and was feeling and looking good. It was wonderful to witness how my body was changing. I’d tried lots of diets in the past, but nothing worked because deprivation and strict meal plans were impossible for me to follow with my busy life.
What was your biggest challenge? My biggest challenge was, and still is, eating healthy at restaurants and on road trips. Very few restaurants share the calorie content of meals, so I often have no idea how many calories I’m eating. I usually try to order a salad with some protein and dressing on the side. On road trips, I take along a bag of sunflower seeds, some fruits, and lots of water. I also like to bring homemade coffee. I only put a little bit of milk and stevia in it, so it’s much healthier than a latte at a coffee shop.
Were there any times when you wanted to quit or give up? How did you stay motivated? Yes, many times, but I kept my eye on the prize. My motivation was usually an upcoming event or trip. I would give myself a deadline to achieve a mini goal, and that helped me stay focused.
If you reached a weight-loss plateau, how did you break out of the rut? When I got to 140 pounds, I somehow stopped losing weight. Our bodies are incredibly good at adapting to new diets. I read somewhere that changing your routine — even in little ways, like what time you eat or what you eat and how much — can speed up your metabolism. That’s what I did, and it worked for me.
What is your current exercise routine? I exercise every other day for 30 minutes or an hour. I rest and heal my muscles the next day. I found a YouTube channel called FitnessBlender that has lots of 30-minute strength and cardio workouts. The best part is that it’s completely free.
What does your daily diet look like? I believe in variety, so I like to change things up every now and then. For breakfast, I usually have fruit or a smoothie. For lunch, I eat salmon, tuna, ham, and occasionally pork or beef with a salad, beans, or rice. For dinner, I like to have a ham sandwich or salad.
What’s your favorite healthy snack and meal? My favorite snack is carrots with hummus, and my favorite healthy meal is oven roasted salmon with Italian herbs and Caesar salad.
How has losing weight changed your life? My heart is healthier, my body is thriving, I’m full of energy, and I can finally shop for clothes I really want! I feel a lot younger and more confident.
Do you have any advice for those who are trying to lose weight? Some people will support you on your journey. Some will not. Either way, it’s important to remember that how people treat you is a reflection of how they feel about themselves. It has little to do with you. Also: It’s important to log every single food you eat. We tend to underestimate how much we eat and forget to factor in extras like sauces, which make a big difference.
When did you start trying to lose weight? My journey began a few months later, in July 2015, when I downloaded the MyFitnessPal app.
How did you get started? I logged everything I ate and started eating more fresh vegetables, fruits (especially in smoothies), fish, and kefir. Previously, I ate a lot of junk food and was a big smoker and drinker. I didn’t deprive myself of anything, but I ate everything in moderation. MyFitnessPal allows you to scan bar codes, so logging food was simple and quick. I was consuming way fewer calories than I normally did — and I was eating more nutritious foods. What started as a diet quickly became a nourishment program. I got my energy back and was feeling and looking good. It was wonderful to witness how my body was changing. I’d tried lots of diets in the past, but nothing worked because deprivation and strict meal plans were impossible for me to follow with my busy life.
What was your biggest challenge? My biggest challenge was, and still is, eating healthy at restaurants and on road trips. Very few restaurants share the calorie content of meals, so I often have no idea how many calories I’m eating. I usually try to order a salad with some protein and dressing on the side. On road trips, I take along a bag of sunflower seeds, some fruits, and lots of water. I also like to bring homemade coffee. I only put a little bit of milk and stevia in it, so it’s much healthier than a latte at a coffee shop.
Were there any times when you wanted to quit or give up? How did you stay motivated? Yes, many times, but I kept my eye on the prize. My motivation was usually an upcoming event or trip. I would give myself a deadline to achieve a mini goal, and that helped me stay focused.
If you reached a weight-loss plateau, how did you break out of the rut? When I got to 140 pounds, I somehow stopped losing weight. Our bodies are incredibly good at adapting to new diets. I read somewhere that changing your routine — even in little ways, like what time you eat or what you eat and how much — can speed up your metabolism. That’s what I did, and it worked for me.
What is your current exercise routine? I exercise every other day for 30 minutes or an hour. I rest and heal my muscles the next day. I found a YouTube channel called FitnessBlender that has lots of 30-minute strength and cardio workouts. The best part is that it’s completely free.
What does your daily diet look like? I believe in variety, so I like to change things up every now and then. For breakfast, I usually have fruit or a smoothie. For lunch, I eat salmon, tuna, ham, and occasionally pork or beef with a salad, beans, or rice. For dinner, I like to have a ham sandwich or salad.
What’s your favorite healthy snack and meal? My favorite snack is carrots with hummus, and my favorite healthy meal is oven roasted salmon with Italian herbs and Caesar salad.
How has losing weight changed your life? My heart is healthier, my body is thriving, I’m full of energy, and I can finally shop for clothes I really want! I feel a lot younger and more confident.
Do you have any advice for those who are trying to lose weight? Some people will support you on your journey. Some will not. Either way, it’s important to remember that how people treat you is a reflection of how they feel about themselves. It has little to do with you. Also: It’s important to log every single food you eat. We tend to underestimate how much we eat and forget to factor in extras like sauces, which make a big difference.
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