I did it! Justina Lamell weight loss story

What was your breaking point?

I was scheduled for surgery on the morning of March 5, 2007. The scale showed that I weighed 240 pounds. That was my epiphany moment. I had to do something.

What was your physical condition at the time, and what was your goal?

I was 31, and 5 feet, 6 inches tall and 240 pounds. I was short of breath and was literally popping out of and squeezing into all of my clothes. I couldn't sleep. It was difficult to walk a flight of stairs, and I had no energy to participate in any activities with my children. I got tired of the television babysitting me. I needed to "live" outside of my home and stop feeling sorry and making excuses for myself.

I did this for myself and to stay active with my two children, now ages 6 and 12.

How did you achieve your goal?

I refused to buy any new clothes - bigger sizes, that is.

In May 2007, I joined a gym, Planet Fitness. I began working out three times a week with 15 minutes of cardio and 30 minutes of weight training. I also followed a diet that called for eating every two to three hours, or five or six small meals a day and drinking 100 to 120 ounces of water each day.

As of today, I do one hour of cardio daily and 45 minutes of weight training six days a week. I take flaxseed (for fiber), blue agave (a natural sweetener) and use all-natural spices and herbs and no salt in my meals.

What was the most surprising thing you learned about yourself along the way?

I learned that I did have the time and willpower to put physical activity back into my schedule.

Also, drinking lots of water was a challenge, but I found that giving up all sodas I was addicted to wasn't bad at all.

How do you continue to stay motivated?

My children are so proud of me, and I have shown them that anything is possible with time and determination.

Also, after the first two months I had lost 10 pounds and about 3 inches from my waist. My skinny jeans (every woman has them) began to get loose. Also, I never weigh myself - I only allow my doctor to weigh me.

Best advice for others?

Make time! Justina lamell wasn't always overweight. In middle school, she was curvier than most of her classmates, but average in size. Then two children and life and a desk job as a customer service representative added up to more weight on her frame than she ever imagined possible. Along with it came aches and pains and inactivity. At age 31, she declared war against her weight - and she won.