My name is Krystal White (@krystalgetsfit_), and I am 25 years old. I live in Seattle, Washington, and work as a paraeducator with students with disabilities. I decided to change my lifestyle after not being able to fit into the clothes I liked—and I’ve now lost 70 pounds.
Before I began my weight-loss journey, I had been heavy my entire life. But I never really thought about how important eating healthy and exercising was until about two years ago. I ate portions big enough for three people and wouldn’t stop eating, even when I was no longer hungry. When I wanted something sweet, I wouldn’t just eat a couple pieces of candy—I would eat the whole bag.
But I was also active growing up—and I was comfortable in my skin. I played soccer as a kid and fast-pitch softball and basketball in my teen years.
But a big reality check came on a trip to Universal Studios with my fiancé a couple summers ago.
I almost passed out from walking more than I was used to (as well as dealing with the heat). And when we went to get on the Harry Potter ride, they pulled us out of line and walked us over to tester seats to make sure we would fit on the ride. We did fit (barely) but I was mortified. At my heaviest, I weighed 250 pounds.
My official turning point came in September 2018. I go to a lot of festivals and concerts and love picking out outfits for them. I was so excited when a company I loved started selling plus-size clothing. I ordered the most beautiful outfit I have ever seen in their largest size (2XL). But when the outfit arrived in the mail and I tried it on, it wouldn’t even fit over my belly. I cried so much and was devastated. I knew it was time to make a change.
My fiancé was so supportive and told me we could get gym memberships and lose weight.
We got memberships to Planet Fitness and loved how low-key it was. We didn’t feel intimidated to be there.
I also changed my diet. First, I stopped buying the processed foods I usually bought at the grocery store (chips, cookies, soda). I started really looking at labels and buying low-sugar, low-fat foods.
I used the MyFitnessPal app to start tracking my calories and everything I ate. I never realized I was eating about three times the amount of calories I should have had in one day. I stayed away from treats in the break room at work and I found healthy alternatives to foods I loved to eat. MyFitnessPal really worked for me and kept me accountable. I didn’t even follow a set diet plan; I just tracked calories and watched my portion sizes.
Here’s what I typically eat in a day now:
- Breakfast: Smoothie (frozen strawberries, kale, pineapple, banana, blueberries, orange juice, and peanut butter powder)
- Lunch: Lettuce wraps with turkey, cheese, onion, and low-fat mayo
- Snacks: Almonds, low-fat string cheese, rice crackers, or cucumbers with hummus
- Dinner: Spaghetti squash with Alfredo sauce and roasted broccoli with onion
- Dessert: Sugar-free chocolate pudding or a Light & Fit yogurt
It took a while to get used to going to the gym. I started just doing what I could for 30 minutes, then heading home.
In the beginning, cardio made me feel like I really got a good workout and got my heart rate up. I now try to exercise at least four days a week. I always start with cardio on the elliptical or the StairMaster, and I get really into it with my workout playlist I made on Spotify. I’m the person who’s dancing at the gym!
After I do at least 30 minutes of cardio, I go to the machines or find a mat and do some Pinterest workouts for another 30 minutes. And I always make it a goal to get over 10,000 steps daily. If I don’t reach my step goal at work, I make sure to go to the gym after work to get them in.
These three changes helped me see the most noticeable results in my weight loss.
- Change one: I downloaded MyFitnessPal and tracked everything I ate. This made me realize how much I was eating and really made me think about the food I put in my body. It also helped me stay accountable and to make sure I don’t eat more than I should.
- Change two: I invested in my health. I got a membership to Planet Fitness to start exercising regularly and moving my body more. I also got a Fitbit for Christmas and that really helped me stay active and track my steps and exercise.
- Change three: I started eating intuitively. I finally started listening to my body instead of eating until I was stuffed. I started eating until I wasn’t hungry anymore, then stopped. I started using smaller plates, taking smaller portions, and choosing healthier meals and snacks to eat.
Now, I’ve lost 70 pounds in eight months.
I want other women to know that all it takes is a spark of inspiration and a lot of determination to get the ball rolling on becoming a healthier version of yourself. I want people to know that it’s going to be hard, and those first couple of workouts are really going to suck. But I promise I never leave the gym and think, I wish I hadn’t done that workout. I am always proud of myself and feel an adrenaline rush from my heart rate being elevated and the work I just accomplished.
