Two steps led to 59kg weight loss

WHEN 26-year-old Meghan Lenss checked her weight in January 2017, she was stunned to see that she had reached 136kg.

The Riverside, California local told Health.com she knew she had to make a dramatic lifestyle change because she "was tired of everyday activities being difficult".

"Walking to class, not being able to walk up stairs … It was embarrassing," she said.

And in 17 months, she lost an impressive 59kg.

To reach her weight-loss goal, the teacher took two main steps.

The first step was giving up fast food - which she said she ate daily - instead cooking her meals at home. Rather than burgers and chips, Meghan ate lean protein and lots of vegetables.

Secondly, she made the commitment to exercise every day.

She bought an elliptical machine and used it for an hour every night.

"It was dreadful and I struggled every night to get my butt in the garage to work out," she told Health.

"But I did it, and every day it got a little easier, and soon enough, I saw results. I realised I could do it."

She has since joined a gym.

"I actually went to the gym instead of just paying for a membership I never used," she said.

Meghan downloaded the MyFitnessPal app to keep track of her weight-loss goal, and created an Instagram account to keep herself accountable.

She said she still has her weak moments, and it hasn't been without its low points.

"I still struggle," she said.

"I ate an entire box of cookies last weekend. But you know what I did after? I accepted it, moved on, and made the next day better. Progress is a process."

While she is thrilled with her new physique, she said that she has to deal with the excess skin that comes with it.

"Loose skin? Yes, I have it," she wrote on her Instagram account.

"Was I scared of it as I lost weight? Definitely. Did I do anything specific to minimise it? Nope. I've lost 130 pounds (59kg) ... loose skin was pretty inevitable for me. Would I go back to being 300 pounds (136kg) because of the loose skin I do have? No freaking way."

She said she is hoping to have surgery to remove the loose skin one day.

"I'm going to be honest though ... if I'm ever in a place financially where I can afford to have surgery ... I'll probably do it," she wrote.

"Not because I think it'll make me a better person or because my loose skin makes me less worthy, but because I've worked damn hard to get in shape and become the healthiest version of myself and I would like to be able to see that person rather than the excess skin from my old lifestyle."

"I think so many people say they don't want to lose weight because they don't want loose skin. Loose skin is purely aesthetic whereas being obese is detrimental your quality of life. And if I'm being really real, using loose skin as a reason to not lose weight is simply another excuse as to why you can't do it."

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source  https://www.ipswichadvertiser.com.au/news/two-things-meghan-did-to-lose-59kg-in-17-months/3408384/