Saturday, October 01, 2011

Tristi's Weight Loss Journey

Me in January of this year.

Me as of last week.


At the time of this writing, I've lost 40 pounds in just over three months. I still have a little over a hundred to go, but I have every reason to believe that it will come off too.

Isn't it human nature that when we see a friend who's lost weight, we ask, "How did you do it?" And isn't it also human nature that if they talk about miracle pills, we're all ears, but if they talk about diet, exercise, water, and sleep, we zone out?

The fact is, we all know what it takes to lose weight. We all know that if we keep eating junk food, we'll never meet those goals, and yet ... it's hard to give up the junk food. It's hard to exercise. It's hard to make consistently positive choices all day long. For some of us, it's flat-out impossible to turn our lives upside down in this way. After all, it was really easy to get fat … seems unfair that it should be so hard to get un-fat.

I used to think it was flat-out impossible for me. I’d exercise my brains out and lose one pound in a month. I tried all kinds of eating plans and would lose a pound a week, which isn’t shabby, but then I’d gain it back while still following the plan. I’d up my thyroid prescription. Somewhat helpful, but not entirely.



I decided that I would need to just accept the fact that I am a large woman. There are a lot of beautiful, talented, wonderful, compassionate women of size in this world—I’d just be one of them. I know that true beauty and worth doesn’t come from the way you look, but I still wasn’t happy with this decision—I wanted to be healthy, and I knew it would never happen carrying so much weight.

Earlier this year, I was very concerned about my second son. He was losing weight, was pale, had no energy, and was having outrageous temper tantrums. We didn't know what to do, and traditional methods weren't helping. Finally we got him in to see my mom's doctor, and we learned that among various other health problems, he had severe allergies. We immediately put him on a limited diet, supplements, and regular visits, and it wasn't long at all before he was a brand-new kid. He'll be able to add some things back into his diet—he’s already added some—but we're doing it gradually and with a doctor's care.

It turns out we all needed to be put on this diet. At first, I honestly thought I was in hell. I'm not talking about the swear word—I’m talking about the geographical location. I suddenly had to figure out what to eat, how to eat it, what supplements to take with it ... for our entire family. Overload!! It was hard enough to do it for one person, but now ... for five? (Yes, I did make my husband figure out his own.) I didn't think I'd survive.

But I lost six pounds that first week.

Wow.

So I kept on, and we're slowly developing some habits that will make this all easier. We're getting into the groove. We want to be healthy. We want to overcome these illnesses that have held us back for so long.

When someone asks me, "How are you doing it?" here's my answer:

1. I am totally 100% off sugar.

2. I am totally 100% off caffeine.

3. I eat no grain or fruit of any kind. My body does not metabolize sugar, and so fruit is a no-no right now. And all carbs over our body's initial needs turn into fat - we only need 60 grams of carbs a day.

4. I eat meat, vegetables, seeds, nuts, and some raw dairy.

5. I drink 3 qts. of water every day (at least).

6. I take the supplements I've been told to take. I'm suffering from malnutrition—a lifetime of not knowing what to eat, or caring what I ate—and I need to nourish myself.

This is not easy. In fact, I've thrown at least a couple of fits, but never in my children's hearing, because I'm trying to set an example for them. There are times when I want pizza so badly I can hardly see straight. I would commit a crime for some Cherry Coke right now. But you know what? I'm not going to get some. I'm finally on the right track, and I don't want to mess it up.

I've been battling my weight my entire life. I've had some successes, and lots of failures. I never had the self-control to stay away from my favorite foods. I also needed someone to supervise me and tell me what I needed to do. I need the help of the supplements—if you're starving yourself to death because of malnutrition, and then you starve yourself to death because you're on a diet, what good are you doing? I need nutrients, and that's what I'm finally getting.

40 pounds since June 13th. It's working. It hasn’t been easy, but it's working.

Interestingly enough, we aren't approaching me from a weight-loss angle, even though by looking at me, that's clearly a need. We are approaching this from a "Let's get Tristi healthy" angle, and the things we're doing to build up my nutrition and heal my organs are, in turn, helping me lose the unhealthy weight. It's a side benefit, one I can't even tell you how glad I am to be experiencing.

I don't know how long I'll be on this tight regimen. My body was worse off than I first suspected, and we've got a lot of organ systems left to heal. But I'm going to keep at it until I'm well. I've never been so close before, and I'm certainly not giving up now.

"How are you losing your weight, Tristi?" I'm losing it by turning my entire life upside down, getting rid of old habits, creating new ones, throwing away my emotional crutches and learning to stand on my own two feet. And when I reach my goal weight and look in the mirror, I'll know that I'm a winner inside and out.

And yes, I’ll refer you to my doctor. I warn you—he’ll make you change your life. But I promise you—he’ll make you change your life. Think about it.

If you’d like me to send you his contact information, pop me an e-mail.

40 comments:

Britney {Jesses Girl} said...

Way to go! That is seriously so awesome.

My husband and I just began a new, strict eating plan. We have a one year old son and we want to get rid of our bad eating habits so that we can teach him and his future siblings healthy habits so they don't run into the same weight problems we have.

It's not easy, and I admire you! Keep up the good work!

Chantele Sedgwick said...

Congratulations on your weight loss, Tristi! That is amazing! :D

Anonymous said...

I am simply amazed at your discipline. I worked so hard in 2008 to be under 200 by my b'day. One week before my b'day I weighed in at 197. Then I had back surgery. Not once but twice and gained 40 lbs back and it has been the devil to lose it. I am a stress eater and there has been the stress of surgery, lose of my job and my husband's job, my sil in Mexico working at becoming a legal, 10 people living in my tine condo, becoming disabled and finding out that I am diabetic. I need to loose at the very least another 52 lbs. So I really have to admire you. Congratulations! Keep up the good work.

Anonymous said...

Tristi, I felt the same way when I found out about my husbands diabetes. We have turned out lives upside down as well, and the result has been wonderful. We eat freely of all fruits and veggies, and eat sparingly of grains and meats. Don't eat much dairy or fat, and no artificial sugars. It has been wonderful. Kerry has lost 30+ pounds, I have lost 10, and have started slimming, my kids have been slimming as well, and a married daughter (temporarily staying here while her husband is in basic training) has lost 18 lbs. And the best part to me is, my husbands blood sugars are under control, he has dropped 2 different medications, I am no longer tired in the afternoon and have the energy to keep up and I actually feel good! Keep up the good work! As you know, its soooo worth it!

debi said...

Excelllent direction sis. I too am a work in progress with 50 down and 50 to go :) am eating clean and running , simple as that :)

Donna K. Weaver said...

Awesome, Tristi. I hope this works for you. The challenge for most weight loss is when we lose our focus and start to regress. Keeping the weight off is the challenge. But the people who really make the commitment succeed. *hugs*

Go you!

Jewel's Gems said...

That's awesome, Tristi! You look great, but then again, you always have:-)
Congratulations!

Canda said...

You're story is incredible. I really wouldn't know what to eat or supplement or even know if I'm low on some nutrition part. When you list what you are doing, they are all things I've tried, but not together. Thanks for sharing you success.

Amie said...

Yay, Tristi, good for you!!!

Lisa Swinton said...

that sounds like seriously hard work! much harder than writing a book! Go Tristi and family GO!!!

Lisa Swinton said...

Go Tristi and family GO!!! THis sounds seriously difficult and much harder than writing a book. ;)

RaShelle Workman said...

Tristi - So glad you're getting healthy. Congrats! And keep up the good work. ;D

Diony said...

Tristi I'm so proud of you! Anything of great value tends to be hard to obtain, but so worth it. Your an inspiration!

The Blessings of Family Life said...

Wow!!! I am impressed, Tristi!!! That was one of the best writings for being healthy I have ever read!!! I hope others see your strength in this and follow your good example.
Many Hugs!!!

Lee Ann Setzer said...

You are one of the beautiful, talented, wonderful, compassionate women--of any size!

Go, you!

If I may request a follow-up to this blog, I'd love to hear how you managed to quit the sugar.

Mel Chesley said...

Holy cow! Good for you! And as a person who has had to change diet for health reasons, let me just tell you that your cravings for Cherry Coke or pizza will eventually go away. And if you give in and have a sip of that Coke...well, you won't like it because your tastes have changed and it will seem far too sweet. Trust me, you won't miss it.
My husband has diabetes and we maintained it well with diet and the like. I have lost around 20 pounds after having a hysterectomy because my body was so focused on fighting what was wrong. Now my diet and exercise is that much better.
Congratulations and go to it girl! Lose that weight! :D

Mandi Tucker Slack said...

That's amazing, Tristi! Way to go! You're a great example. I'm definitely a work in progress...it isn't easy to change your life, but it's the only way to really succeed! Great post!

kbrebes said...

Excellent! You look FAB. I'm going to email you.

Tamara Hart Heiner said...

sounds extremely similar to the Atkins diet, which was a life-saver for me when trying to lose my baby weight. 40 pounds is awesome, in 3 months! It took me a year to lose 35. You go girl!

Tristi Pinkston said...

Tamara, it is similar to Atkins, except not as greasy. :) I tried Atkins for about a day and a half and nearly threw up. I just can't digest that way. With this eating plan, 3/4 of your plate is vegetables, and the other 1/4 is a protein, either egg or meat, but you don't eat bacon at all, or any pork.

Kimberly Vanderhorst said...

Tristi, you are made of awesome. You've worked hard and you're reaping the rewards - love it!

Autumn said...

You look awesome, and better yet, you FEEL awesome! You're changing so much and so fast, it's great!

I think what you're doing is one of the hardest things I could do...but haven't. I really need too. You're a true inspiration.

I work-out 6 times a week. I drink more water, but still eat the same. I haven't lost the weight like I thought I would. I was hoping that if I worked-out a bunch, I could keep eating the same. Not. I really need to reevaluate.

Keep up the SUPEBERB work, Tristi! I'm VERY proud of you!

Vicki said...

Like you said, whatever works for you! Awesome job, and it is all about getting healthier, isn't it? That's what I've been in a goal for, and I've been losing too! Woohoo!

Melissa Cunningham said...

It's funny, but this is the very same diet my husband and I started this week. Mainly because he has terrible Candida and it's totally screwing up his health in a myriad of ways. It's amazing how much better I feel when I stick to the right foods. Thank you for sharing this.

This is also the South Beach Diet. Amazing that it really works. =P

Becca said...

Tristi, you look wonderful! I've been trying something a bit similar to help me overcome my huge carb cravings. It's hard, but it feels good. Keep it up!

Rebecca Irvine said...

Way to go. Losing weight is a hard thing to do, but so worth it health wise.

Rachelle Christensen said...

Tristi--I'm so proud of you! It is really, really hard to make those changes. When I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes during my last pregnancy it turned my world upside down. I've always been a pretty healthy eater, but I still wasn't eating enough of the right things.
My whole family benefited from that and I think it's neat that your whole family is too. Keep at it!

Kathy Habel said...

Awesome!! Similar situation here. Change in diet due to a child's medical needs and we all lost weight and are healthier!

Shari said...

Congratulations on your new healthy lifestyle!

G. Parker said...

Great job, Tristi! Isn't it amazing what you can achieve?? I'm to almost a 100 pounds, but it's taken me 2 years. I still have 70 to go, so I feel your pain. We still eat wheat and grains, but we're cutting down on the processed foods, no sugar (we do use honey and some brown sugar) and no white flours. It does take a different take on how to cook and what to eat, but it works. You're amazing. You'll do it!! It would be fun to get together in a year and take an 'after' photo. ;)

Jennifer Griffith said...

Thanks so much for sharing this inspiring story. I've been wondering how you were doing it! What a fantastic thing--to finally get things going in a happy direction. I know overweight bogs us down physically, spiritually, emotionally. Way to go, losing that sugar habit. Seriously, you're inspiring. :)

Christy said...

Tristi-you look fabulous! Congrats on your success so far and keep it up! What a great lifestyle change.
I would also like to read a follow up post of quiting sugar. It's something I need to do but I understand what you need about support being crucial. What nutritional supplements are you taking?

Ruth Josse said...

Woohoo, look you at you! So awesome. I love that you're setting such a great example for your family. They're lucky to have you as their mom!

Julie Wright said...

WOW! You are amazing. I admire you lady. You've inspired me to change some of my own health habits.

Danyelle Ferguson said...

Making those hard changes has been difficult with me too. I realized at the beginning of last summer that it didn't matter how hard I worked my butt off with my personal trainer, that I wasn't going to lose any weight until I change my eating habits too. So far, I haven't been motivated or disciplined enough to do it. So a huge congrats to you Tristi! I think its awesome to hear from someone who is making really difficult changes and seeing results. Thanks for sharing your story.

Jenny said...

That is so great Tristi. Such wise advice. Now you're an inspiration in yet another way. Keep it up.

Joyce P Smith said...

Wow Tristi, you are such an inspiration! When I was in TX visiting my son & family his wife started taking me with her to YMCA for workouts. I actually was loving it, but then my feet gave up on me and I've been sitting around getting fat and sassy since. I love your motivation and willpower! You are awesome!

Josi said...

I'm counting down for your cookbook. I've made some good changes and I'm feeling better but really need to overhaul. Thanks for sharing your story.

Home Exercises said...

Great information you got here. Sharing this info to my friends. Thanks a lot. keep up the good work.

how to lose weight fast said...

Thanks for providing this type of very helpful information. I enjoyed reading it,it is excellent! Thanks a lot!

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