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How Erica lost 36 pounds

Monday, February 20, 2012

Name: Erica Johnson

Marital status: Married with two children

Occupation: Aesthetician/Salon manager

Height: 5 ft 3 inches

Starting weight: 186 pounds

Current weight: 150 pounds

Goal weight: 145 pounds

1. What was your turning point?

I had my two sons close together and I never really lost the weight from one baby to the next. Soon clients began asking me if I was going for number three, thinking I was pregnant again. Also when persons who hadn't seen me for a while would say "you put on weight man", I would say, "Oh I just had a baby". But when the second one was almost two, I realised I couldn't keep telling people that. I had to do something.

2. What lifestyle changes did you make?

I started by doing the Bridges HCG programme in August 2011 and continued into the maintenance phase until October. Initially that meant following a strict diet of select vegetables and fruits and watching my protein portion sizes. I then avoided anything that triggered my weight gain, like rice and sugar. Finally, I added exercise to my routine by power walking five mornings per week and doing light weights three times per week.

3. How long did it take for you to start seeing results?

With the HCG plan I saw results almost immediately. I lost at least five pounds per week during August and then up to three pounds per week thereafter. As I started to tone and increase muscle I lost less, but by then I was losing inches so it was still going great.

4. What were the challenges you had to face?

It was no longer fun making yummy burgers and cakes for my guys. The most I could have was an oatmeal cookie. And with kids ages four and two, finding time to exercise isn't easy, but my husband helps me stick to it.

5. How has your life changed since losing the weight?

I'm lighter physically, mentally and emotionally. As the weight shed I felt less bogged down. I move faster without feeling tired, keep up with the boys and get things done easily. It feels great to be back to my old self. My clients can't stop commenting. It's been so great I now promote HCG as a great jump start to any routine.

6. What is your new comfort food?

The sun mix fruit and nuts medley from Sunshine Snacks. I can eat a whole pack guilt free, cause it's so healthy!

7. What would be your weight loss advice to our readers?

1. Start by adding a little less sugar to your tea every morning. Then reduce the carbs.

2. Try limiting rice with lunch to only three times per week, then to only on Sundays.

3. Starting with little things will make it easier to go fully into a major weight loss programme.

4. Set monthly goals for yourself, whether its walking up two flights of stairs without getting tired or fitting into a pair of jeans. Meet each monthly goal until you reach your overall target.

Erica's meal plan:

Breakfast: Fruits (whatever is in season) and green tea (no sugar).

Lunch: A combination of veggies (string beans, broccoli, callaloo, pumpkin, sweet potato, plantain) and chicken or seafood.

Dinner: Whole grain cereal with soy milk or Ramen noodles with corn.

Snack: Mixed fruits and nuts.

Erica's fitness routine:

Walk/jog five mornings a week for 30 minutes.

Taebo or Gilad DVDs with arm and ankle weights three nights per week.

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How Erica lost 36 pounds