How To Find The Fat Loss Formula That Works

Allison LaPrelle had tried and failed on so many diets, but this is how she finally found the formula that works.

Before

Age: 30

Weight: 225lb

Height: 5ft 7in

After

Age: 30

Weight: 189lb

Height: 5ft 7in

Overcoming emotional eating

Before starting this lifestyle change, I had tried many diets and lost and gained weight several times. I could not keep it off once I had lost it, and would get so frustrated with myself because I was addicted to food. The problem was I wasn’t looking at it as a forever lifestyle change.

Living a different life

Just five days before my wedding, my mom fell and broke her pelvis and back in several places. She was eventually diagnosed with brittle bone disease and osteoporosis, and was told she would never walk again. I knew I wanted to live a different life to that and be a whole stronger and healthier when I got older.

Becoming a role model

When I received my wedding photos, I was disappointed with how heavy I looked. I was happy and radiant, but deep down I was sad I had to buy a wedding dress in the plus size section. I knew my husband and I would want to try and start a family soon, so finally I knew I wanted to be a role model to my own kids some day.

Strength and health > Being skinny

This time around, my goals looked very different because in the past it was all about the number on the scale and the size dress I wanted to fit into. Setting my goals this time I wanted to be stronger and healthier looking, not just skinny.

The specifics

I wanted to be in a healthier BMI range so the first step was to drink more water and eat lots more vegetables. Physically I wanted
to be able to do a push-up and a squat correctly. All of these goals were simple, yet it was an effective starting point.

A little better each day

I stayed determined by looking at my “before” picture several times when I would feel tempted to go off track. My trainer, Andy, was a big motivator as well. He would push me and helped me believe I could actually succeed at this. His motto was “1% better each day.” I had to overcome the mental battle as well as the physical one, and understand that this would all take time and hard work in order for my weight to come off.

The gallon challenge

The beginning of my journey started with the gallon challenge – drinking a gallon of water a day. I started working out with Andy twice a week and walking 30 minutes on the other days, and it was definitely a difficult change because of the time I needed to dedicate to it.

Sundays are for shopping

I stuck to my meal regime by planning, shopping and cooking for the week every Sunday. This meant I would have no excuse to cheat or be lazy. There was also one cheat meal a week, which definitely helped with the cravings. I learned how to order at restaurants by speaking up about substitutions.

Cooking versus convenience

In the beginning it was hard to give up sweets and fast foods. I have busy days, so it was faster and more convenient to just go through the drive-thru. It was hard to have to cook every meal and eat at home, and eating out was also a challenge in the beginning because I was overwhelmed and did not know how to order healthy options.

The support team

There is no such thing as a quick fix: it takes dedication and commitment to enact a lifestyle change. I realized that I am more capable than I thought and I would encourage others that they can do it, too. My mother-in-law and I would also work out together. Having a support team is key because I have tried doing this on my own before and always failed. It is a slow process but so worth it, because I am truly learning how to eat better for the rest of my life.

Morning meals

Meal 1 : Protein pancakes and turkey bacon, agave syrup and apple juice

Meal 2 : String cheese and apples or chicken wrap with apples

Afternoon meals

Meal 3: Chicken sandwich and veggies

Meal 4: Protein shake with one scoop whey, almond milk or fruit smoothie

Evening meals

Meal 5: Wheat pasta with ground turkey