Health & Fitness
The Weight Loss Chronicles: Angela
The rise of a woman’s waistline-- it’s a familiar story and one many of us have experienced first-hand. But it’s the triumphant tales of weight loss so many of us are interested in reading about. Here's a story of someone who is winning the battle of the buldge.
Angela Weighs In Every Week
Weight loss has been a constant struggle for 39-year-old Angela Kocher. As a child, Angela was not overweight-- the pounds came on during college and continued after marriage and the birth of her son. After several years of unhealthy and emotional eating-- Angela went from a healthy 150 pounds to her highest weight of 244. It’s not number she’s not proud of but hopes revealing something so personal will continue to inspire her and others.
Angela started her weight loss journey in September at 244 pounds
To date she has lost 37.5 pounds and 22-inches!!!
* If you have a comment, a weight loss story or would like to be considered for The Weight Loss Chronicles, drop us a line This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Monday, December 14th
By Friday Angela had already lost 4 pounds! But when she weighed in on Monday she realized a weekend of holiday celebration took a toll on her progress. When Angela stepped on the scale her loss came in at a half of a pound--bringing her total weight loss to 38 pounds. Discouraged by the set back Angela realized she made bad food choices while eating out with friends. She admits having an active social life makes weight loss a little more difficult-- but it's a learning process. The set back has actually motivated Angela to do more. Her goal this week is to lose 12 pounds by the new year.
For almost four months Angela has been following a plan set up by Medi Weight Loss Clinic . She follows a low calorie diet with lean proteins, fruits and vegetables. She also receives vitamin-B shots, vitamins and even appetite suppressants. It's certainly not a traditional plan but the clinic is one of many of its kind popping up across the country. The clinics sell themselves as medically managed weight loss plans. To start the program Angela had to have an EKG to test her heart health, she also underwent blood and urine analysis. The plan is not cheap but for Angela it's a plan that is worth the price.
ANGELA TODAY = 38 POUNDS LIGHTER
ANGELA AT 244 POUNDS
* If you have a comment, a weight loss story or would like to be considered for The Weight Loss Chronicles, drop us a line This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Monday, December 21st
During the holidays Angela's weight loss numbers seem to be slowing down-- she's still losing but for her, "It's not enough" says Angela. This week our good friend lost 1 pound, bringing her total weight loss to 39 pounds.
Angela says her social life is still getting in the way a bit-- but she also says she has made better choices when dining out. You see, Angela is a bit of a party girl-- she loves to go out with friends, eat out and attend a party here and there. The challenge is maintaining the fun without the fat. She's already given up beer, salt and Diet Coke-- all things that have contributed to her weight gain.
WEIGHT LOSS TOTAL = 39 POUNDS
A picture of Angela's ring finger. Her recent weight loss has finally enabled her to take off her wedding ring for the first time in years!
Although she is shedding weight during the holiday season, which is a triumph in itself, Angela says she knows what she has to do. After this week's one-pound loss Angela says she's throwing down the gauntlet. Until now she has not started an exercise routine, "I've just been lazy" admits Angela. But the possibility of not reaching her goal is motivating Angela to hit the pavement. This week Angela is going start up a walking routine. She plans to get a friend and get moving at least three times a week. Will she do it? We'll check in next week to find out.
LOG ON NEXT WEEK: Find out if Angela hit the road
Monday, December 28th
Angela had a good week this week and seems to be on a roll-- she lost 4 pounds bringing her total weight loss to 43 pounds! Angela did put on her walking shoes and hit the road for two 30 minute walks. Although her goal was to do three walks-- she says she realizes the exercise is what got her back on track. But also Angela admits getting into an exercise routine is going to be a big challenge. Over the New Year's Eve holiday Angela is traveling and attending some big social events-- she knows she's going to struggle to find the time to walk.
WEIGHT LOSS TOTAL = 43 POUNDS
The good news is Angela is still motivated and has the numbers to prove it. Her measurements reveal her success. She's lost 5.5-inches from her breasts. She's gone from a 42DD bra to a 38D!!!
LOG ON NEXT WEEK: See Angela's New Shape
Monday, January 4th
With 43 pounds already shed, it's a new year and a new beginning for Angela. But in 2010 she's off to a rough start-- or so she says. Right now Angela is in Arizona where she's living life to the fullest in every way. According to our little party girl she has had too much champagne, salt and restaurant food. Angela says she is convinced she has put on a few pounds this week, "I feel so bloated." This trip may be a learning experience for Angela as she tries to maintain her new lifstyle while on vacation. She had not yet figured our how to include healthy eating and exercise while traveling-- a challenge many of us share.
Angela returns from her trip on Tuesday night and will weigh in Wednesday morning.
LOG ON WEDNESAY: Get Angela's Full Report -- Did She Gain Weight?
* If you have a comment, a weight loss story or would like to be considered for The Weight Loss Chronicles, drop us a line This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Wednesday, January 6th
Angela has returned from her trip and as she predicted she gained weight. The long weekend of flying, drinking and eating out had an impact on her plan-- she gained 1.7 pounds. This is the first time Angela has gained weight since she started in September. But will it happen again? It is a concern for Angela as she has a hectic week ahead of her. She'll be working 12 hour days where lunch is always catered. This may proove especially challenging as she still does not have a full work our plan or schedule in place.
Pictured here with her son Sam and husband David, Angela looks amazing!
Angela's goal now-- to just get through the week. After that she plans to join a gym-- a big step for Angela as she'll admit she's not into exercising. But according to Angela, once she joins the gym, "It's balls to the wall." That's some tough talk but will following a work out routine prove to be too much for our star weight loss participant?
LOG ON WEDNESDAY: Let's cheer Angela on and help her through this little rough patch
Tuesday, January 12th
Angela is on month 5 of her weight loss journey. Things are slowing down for her right now but she hopes to pick it up in the next couple of weeks. At her weigh-in this week Angela lost 1 pound-- so she has a little more to go to even things out from last week.
In about one week Angela plans to join a gym. Many weight loss experts agree-- without regular exercise (at least 30 minutes 3 - 5 times a week) weight loss begins to slow, come to a hault or even worse-- the pounds come back. It's a roller coaster ride many of us experience but Angela wants to avoid the ups and downs. She's still very focused on her reaching her goal by 40th birthday this summer.
Log On Next Week: See if Angela can really push her limits
Tuesday, January 19th
The Psychology of The Scale
Angela is near the end of a grueling work schedule. For the past week she’s been working 12-hour days and standing on her feet for most of that time. Maintaining her weight loss during a hectic schedule was certainly a challenge.
What helped Angela stay on track this week was a little planning. Knowing that she was going to be faced with catered lunches everyday, Angela arranged her meals in advance. Although she was able to stay on target with her food, she consumed about 1/3 less water than normal, which resulted in water retention, bloating and a water weight gain of .3 pounds.
Thanks to the scale, Angela’s weight gain didn’t seem to bother her this week. The scale at the Medi Weight Loss Clinic reveals a little more information than you’re average scale. The scales used at the clinic give a complete body composition profile: including weight, body fat, muscle mass and total body water.
For Angela the detailed measurements revealed that although she gained water weight she lost 4 pounds of fat. But it begs the question—which number really counts? For Angela the numbers were enough to keep her from being discouraged.
Where Angela really needs encouragement is in her exercise plan. One month into the New Year and Angela has not yet made it to the gym. “I’m embarrassed,” says Angela. Although she looks amazing she hasn’t gotten over the intimidation of the gym. It’s a common feeling among many weight loss devotees Angela says she try to conquer it….. starting Monday.
Log On Next Week: Wnat to see more pictures of Angela? Her first day at the gym maybe? We'll see.....
Monday, January 25th
Big News, Big Loss, The Scale Pays Off!
Last week we talked about how the numbers on the scale can have a positive or negative effect on your weight loss journey. Well, this week the scale is a good friend. Not only did Angela lose almost 6-pounds but she is now under 200-pounds! Remember, Angela started out at 244 pounds so to be under 200 is a real motivator.
The Scale Dips Under 200!
After the numbers on the scale revealed a big pay off, she was inspired, "Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels," said Angela. She really seems to be turning a corner-- even the prospect of hitting the gym doesn't appear to be as daunting as it did before. Angela will meet up with her new trainer and hit the gym for the first time tomorrow-- she has even bought new sports bras.
WEIGHT LOSS TOTAL = 47.2 POUNDS
If things go well at the gym Angela should not only start to see some big changes on the scale but also on her body. Weight training combined with a cardio program can not only help to speed up the weight loss but it helps to increase muscle mass which burns more fat.
Log On Next Week: Find out what Angela's trainer has in store...
Monday, February 1st
An New Month and A New Beginning!
Angela hit the gym last week and with the help of her new trainer started a fitness program that will compliment her diet.
The trainer started her on cardio and weights—which she’ll do with him twice a week. On the other days Angela will do 30-minutes of cardio.
Although Angela was dreading the gym—her experience was so positive that she’s thrown her inhibitions out the window. In fact, Angela said she really enjoyed the workout and even looks forward to continuing the routine.
Angela’s food regime continues to be successful; as she has cut out so many of the fattening foods she once loved. Now one of her favorites is roasted broccoli—apparently it’s fabulous.
Her weigh-in this week was yet another triumph with at little more than 2-pounds lost.
WEIGHT LOSS TOTAL = 49.5 POUNDS
Although Angela started off slowly with her workout routine she plans to exercise at least 4 days next week. We're sure this will push her well over the 50-pound mark.
Log On Next Week: See NEW pictures of Angela as she sheds even more weight.
Thursday, February 11th -- The Celebration Curse
Angela was so excited about her 50-pound loss she decided to celebrate-- who wouldn't? But instead of rewarding herself with a mani-pedi or a new outfit Angela celebrated with some bubbly and some more bubbly and some more bubbly. You get the picture.....
Although she was able to work out with her trainer and even take a 45-minute power walk, the alcohol slowed her progress. She did manage to lose another 2-pounds-- which is fantastic! But Angela realizes her weight loss total could have been higher had she not indulged. "I was feeling invinsible," said Angela.
This week Angela plans to work out at least three times and also hopes to be in the 180's by next week.
Weight Loss & Alcohol Intake:
Alcohol reduces the amount of fat the body burns for energy. Together with the high caloric content of alcohol the body then stores a large amount of unburned fat calories
* A single shot of liquor (1.5 oz) can contain anywhere from 115-200 calories
* In comparison, a 4.0 oz glass of wine contains anywhere from 62-160, with 160 being on the high end
* Mixed drinks range anywhere from 280 calories for a gin and tonic to over 800 calories for some of the frozen, creamy drinks
Tips:
- Try alternating alcoholic drinks with low calorie non-alcoholic drinks or water
- Ask for low calorie / diet mixers where possible
- Make your wine into a spritzer
- Plan your alcohol into your daily calorie quota so you can enjoy a glass or two
Log On Next Week: We didn't get to see new pics, but Angela promises fabulous photos next week
Note From The Editor:
If you've been following Angela's weight loss progress you've probably noticed there have been no recent updates. I gave birth to twins a month ago and have not been able to post Angela's incredible success story. She continues to follow her plan and with a few ups and downs has been able to move further down the scale. Thank you for you patience and keep checking back for more great news!
Follow Angela on her journey as she weighs in every week.
See her latest Before/After photos, learn about her troubles and triumphs as she strives to attain her goal weight of 150 pounds! Go Angie Go!!!!
* If you have a comment, a weight loss story or would like to be considered for The Weight Loss Chronicles, drop us a line This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
DISCLAIMER: We do not promote individual weight loss plans. With each Weight Loss Chronicles participant we detail the plan they follow, the costs, the ups and the downs. Our goal is to educate those wishing to find the right plan and get inspired