EVERETT, Wash.—I’m 19 years old and I’ve been on my weight loss journey since September 2014. At that point, I was at my heaviest—337 pounds—and seeing
that number on the scale was enough motivation to get me moving.
Starting on September 24, 2014, I completely turned my life around. I started incorporating more fruits and vegetables into my diet, as well as lean meats. After I felt like I had my eating under control, I started adding exercise into my routine. I started going to the gym three days a week, and that included walking and lifting weights.
Starting off, walking a mile was tough for me, but now I can run three miles without any problems. Since September 2014, I have lost a total of 123 pounds and I am still slowly losing. I have improved both physically and mentally, and I get stronger every day.
I have taken up Barre3 with my sister, Kaitlin Hutchins, who is a general manager at U-Haul Moving and Storage of Ferndale (Wash.). Barre3 is a high-intensity class that incorporates yoga, Pilates and ballet. And, I am always looking for different activities that will challenge me.
My U-Haul co-workers have created a very strong support network. They are always very encouraging and motivating, and they are always cheering me on regardless of the challenges that come my way. We like to share our workout achievements as well as various healthy and yummy recipes with each other.
Not there … yet
I have about 50 more pounds to lose until I hit my goal. Keeping a healthy diet, working out regularly and having a strong support system will allow me to achieve this goal in no time!
Starting this journey made me realize what I wanted to go to college for, and that is to be a nutritionist. If I could help educate just one person to live a healthy life, that would mean so much to me.
I hope that my story helps and inspires others who are in the same position I was in two years ago. Living a healthy lifestyle and losing weight is not an easy thing, but it can be done!
Do you have a story similar to Emily’s? In the comments section, tell us about some things that have worked to help you lead a healthier lifestyle.
