Overcoming setbacks is part of Metamorphose's weight loss journey

May 07 2007

Metamorphose

City & country: Salt Lake City, Utah,  USA
Age: 26
Weight before diet: 156 lbs.
Weight now: 152 lbs.
Target weight: 130 (I had lost 13 pounds, then I gained 9 pounds back.) 

Losing weight isn't easy, as Metamorphose knows. She hasn't let a setback get in the way of her quest for better health. As she says, it's important to never give up in the face of a challenge. Read on for more about her motivations, nutrition and exercise regimen, and ways she maintains accountability for her actions.

-What finally made you decide to start with a weight loss program?
My clothes weren't fitting anymore.  I was getting fatter.  I wanted to stop getting fatter, and start getting in shape. 

-What type of weight loss program are you following?
My own.  Even though I had a setback (gaining back 9 lbs.) learning about nutrition and exercise on my own has been very helpful in achieving my own personal fitness.  When I'm on track I try to do cardio 4-5 times a week, and lift weights 2 times a week.  Diet-wise, I'm a fan of lean proteins, whole grains, fruits and veggies.  Starches, white sugar, and white flour items are out.  I'm not a huge fanatic about counting calories though. 

-Why did you choose this weight loss program?
When I was 19, I taught aerobics classes, and I used to be an Exercise Sports Science Major in college.  I know there are a lot of great programs out there (like Weight Watchers) but I feel this is a lifestyle change, not a temporary phase.  I don't like the thought of having to constantly pay money for weight loss.  I pay enough as is with my own sweat, willpower, and self-discipline. 

-How long have you been on your weight loss program?
I started my weight loss blog Girls That Eat Pizza in June of 2006.  I've been on and off the wagon through the past year, but I'm hoping to hop back on, and latch on for good.

-What kinds of physical activities do you like doing to help you lose weight and stay fit?
I hate, hate, HATE the treadmill.  And most cardio machines.  I've always been a group fitness class kind of gal.  I love taking spinning, kickboxing, and dance classes.  I also enjoy weight lifting classes as well.  I'm slowly realizing how much my body needs yoga.  I will go jogging with my boyfriend, since he's a runner.
 
I try to post on my blog different entries about my workouts (pics included!)  You can find links to the entries in the Exercise With Meta section in my sidebar.    

-What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome or are still overcoming?
Like I mentioned before: acquiring personal fitness is a lifestyle change.  It's not a temporary phase, it's not a fitness fad or trend.  It's my lifestyle.  And yet knowing this, I've had to mourn for my past lifestyle -- a lifestyle I can revisit from time to time if I find myself at a fast food drive-thru.  It's harder to let go of such edible spontaneity, like making a run to Taco Bell at 3 o'clock in the morning.  But we all have to let go, don't we?    

-How do you keep yourself motivated?
I admit, having clothes that require I lose a few pounds to fit into -- it can be pretty motivating.  But most of all, I'd have to say having a fitness blog is what keeps me most motivated.  And accountable. 

-Do you have any weight loss tips for our readers?
Since I've gained back some of the weight I've lost, I haven't felt like I'm the kind of person who should be handing out tips.  But then I've realized the important is to never give up.  We may lose some battles, but we can't give up on fighting the war.  Also, I've come to realize my own personal fitness means more than a certain dress size.  I elaborated about this on my blog in a post called, Personal Fitness Defined.
 
-Do you think it will be easy to fall back into your old lifestyle pattern? How do you prevent this from happening?
Yes, it is easy.  Since I've fallen back into my old lifestyle.  But I find what helps me crawl out of the old and jump right back into the new, is having support.  My boyfriend is very supportive of my fitness goals.  And so are the readers of my blog.  It's good to surround yourself with people who want you to succeed -all of us already have enough people in our lives who want to bring us down. 

-Do you have a favorite Web site or blog that helps or inspires you to lose weight?
Since I've already scattered links to my own blog throughout my answers, I won't bother posting the link to Girls That Eat Pizza again.  Other blogs I recommend for lifestyle changes:

Half of Me - if you're not already reading PastaQueen, then as a weight loss blogger, you must be living under a rock.  This woman's a fantastic writer, and living proof of a lifestyle changer.

The Veggie Paparazzi - even though I'm not a vegetarian, Veggie has got it going on with exotic vegetarian recipes, and a simply beaming, positive attitude.

Miss New Booty - this lady is one of my favorites, fo sho.  She's sexy, she's one of the wittiest bloggers out there, AND she's lost over 120 pounds.

My Mom Says I'm Cool - Rachel is a personal friend of mine.  I say she's pretty cool too.