WHO: Julie Piette, works in accounts receivable
AGE: 30
CITY: Deux-Montagnes, Que.
By The Numbers: 235 at my heaviest, currently 135, for a total weight loss of 100 pounds
The Weight Gain: I was skinny up until the age of eight — that's when I started putting on weight. I grew an appetite, and it didn't take long for the extra weight to set in. I remember going to the pediatrician and him telling my mom I was overweight, that I needed to start exercising and being careful with what I eat and when. But I was already eating out of boredom and becoming more and more lazy.
The only diets I tried were to not eat junk. At this point I was 13 and well into my teen years. Trust me, the world made it a point to tell me that I was fat. Throughout high school I managed to lose weight but it was always a yoyo. By the time I was 25, I went on the scale and was so disgusted with myself. I tried multiple diets, like a naturopath, dietitians, and fitness classes. I just was not into it, and of course like all things, we expect immediate results, which only discouraged me more.
The Final Straw: When I found out I was pregnant with child number two, I was so worried about how much more weight I would gain. It was then that I decided the minute I gave birth that I'm going to do it once and for all. For me, for my kids. Being overweight takes a lot out of you. Self-worth, self-confidence, self-esteem, not to mention health issues. I hated myself and it was affecting my home life. It wasn't fair to myself or the people around me.
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