This HuffPost Canada page is maintained as part of an online archive.

Weight Lost: Tammy Ducharme Loses 136 Pounds

How This Woman Dropped 136 Pounds -- And Is Still Going
Tammy Ducharme

WHO: Tammy Ducharme, project assistant

AGE: 30

CITY: Winnipeg, Man.

By The Numbers: 369 at my heaviest, and currently 233. Height: 5'9"

The Weight Gain: As far as I can remember, I've always been bigger, even as a kid. I was active and had a lot of energy and liked to be on the go, but I've always had extra weight.

The Final Straw: In March of 2009, I was asked to be a bridesmaid. I decided I wanted to lose as much weight as I could before the wedding in October. When I started, I weighed 369 (pounds) — I will never forget that number. Fortunately for the nutrition aspect, I was able to get help from someone at the gym. She gave me tips and was extremely supportive. I don’t recall how much I weighed at the wedding, but I do remember weighing 318 pounds at the end of November that year. After that I still worked out, kept eating better, but fell off track. I was like a seesaw. I could never get exercising and eating healthier at the same time and sometimes I would just fall off both.

In March 2012, my co-worker and I researched the 17 Day Diet. It took us almost a full month to finally get the motivation to try it. I was hesitant because I hated diets and hated the thought of diets. The weekend before I started it, I had started chatting to a new friend. I was asked if I liked being bigger. My reply was along the lines of "yeah, I've learned to deal with it." Then I realized this wasn't the question. "Do I LIKE it?" I sat for a few minutes and actually thought about it — the light bulb had finally clicked. "No, I don’t like it, I hate it." I finally realized it’s not who I am, not who I want to be, and I’m strong enough to change it.

Story Continues Below Check out more of our inspiring weight loss stories:

Jamieson BEFORE

Lost It: Weight Loss Success Stories

The Plan Of Attack: On April 17, 2012, I weighed in at 346 pounds. When you start the 17 Day Diet, it starts by purging your body of sugar. We ate salad and chicken, went to the gym, but I started doing my own thing. It started working: I lost 10 pounds the first week, seven the second and I decided rather than 17 days, I was going to keep going. I did keep going until I started losing 0.8 of a pound per week, I knew I had to get help.

I went to a personal trainer who specialized in contest preparation. He gave me an exercise plan and diet plan and I went home and did it. I lasted just over a week before I was injured. After a week I decided to try find another trainer. This time I sent an email out to eight or nine different trainers in my area. I got a reply from Jordan Cieciwa of One Fit City in Winnipeg, Man. We exchanged a few emails, and I was excited. I could tell I had found someone who was genuine and was not doing it for the paycheque.

As of March 20, I am down 113 lbs in 11 months. My one year anniversary is April 16, and I’m still going strong but have more to go.

The Food Element: I eat a lot of salads, vegetables, and proteins like chicken and lean beef. I also started eating Greek yogurt and egg whites. I stay away from sugar (unless it’s the odd cheat) and processed foods.

The Exercise Factor: Currently I do circuits three days a week. I also try to get in additional workouts on evenings and weekends when I can. Some weeks I can push out six to eight workouts, while busier weeks are four or five — always above three.

The Current Day-To-Day: I feel a lot better, physically, mentally and all around completely different. I feel more alive, more energetic, and I just feel like I’m becoming the me I knew I was all along.

I know how difficult it is to try make this change, to look in the mirror and not like who you see. It’s scary and you get a sense of anxiety to try something new, especially something where people will have to watch you. The biggest obstacle, however, is yourself. In my mind I didn't like myself, so I always felt like I was being judged. But in reality, it was me and my mind that did that. Start with baby steps, and start making the changes in your life for a healthier you. I know what it’s like to be in that situation, and now I’m learning what it’s like to change it.

Have a success story of your own? Send it to us at CanadaLiving@huffingtonpost.com and you could be featured on the site.

Close
This HuffPost Canada page is maintained as part of an online archive. If you have questions or concerns, please check our FAQ or contact support@huffpost.com.