Felicia lost 109 lbs*
*At 6 months, participants in a clinical trial of the WW weight-loss program lost an average of 9.7 lbs (5% of body weight). And, people who track their food more often lose more weight. When actual WW members track their food at least two times a week for 6 months they lose on average 16.6 lbs. (7.9% body weight). Felicia lost weight on a prior program and is continuing on WeightWatchers. Watch Felicia’s journey of getting healthy and letting her natural beauty shine through.
In Felicia’s words:
My mom raised me to be a confident woman. I’ve always felt beautiful, taking pride in my style, hair, and makeup every day. I always felt good about myself, and I never felt like I had a weight problem. Luckily, I got through most of my younger years not worrying what people thought about me. That confidence stayed with me as I moved into my 20s. I always loved the person I was.
Felicia’s path to happiness
The turning point
I met my boyfriend John over three years ago. He was the best thing to happen to me. He always makes me feel so beautiful — I love the way he looks at me. As our relationship progressed, I started to worry less and less about my appearance. We’d go out to eat often — we’d have drinks, appetizers, dinner — or we’d order in pizza, wings, and cheesy bread. We had no problem eating in front of each other. It wasn’t until we went to upstate New York to see his family that I noticed how much weight I had gained. When I saw photos after the trip, I was shocked by how I looked. I brought it up to John and we both realized that we had gained weight. Together, we decided to make some changes.
First steps
In the beginning, we made small tweaks. We decided to stop eating fast food, and we started drinking diet soda instead of regular. But even with these changes, I had no concept of how to lose weight. Then, I thought about my best friend’s grandmother who had been successful on WW, so I decided to sign up for the program on my own. John made healthy changes along with me, but it was nice to have something that was mine — it was my own journey.
Yummy creations
With takeout and fast food off the menu, I started cooking more. I began eating Greek yogurt with fruit and granola, or I’d make a sandwich with egg whites, veggies, and delicious mustard or hot sauce. For dessert, I’d make our version of a banana split: frozen berries mixed with a cup of Greek yogurt and a sugar substitute, which I’d put on top of sliced banana. John and I started going to the farmers’ market every weekend, and I began carrying a water bottle with me everywhere I went.
How Felicia’s success with WW has improved her life
Paring down prepping
As I was losing more and more weight, I started thinking about my style and beauty routine. I loved dressing up and doing my makeup, but looking back, I think it was a false confidence. Sometimes I felt that I was putting on a show to hide the actual me. Now I can leave my house without a stitch of makeup and throw my hair into a ponytail. When I think of what kinds of clothes I want to wear, I make sure that they work for me. I want to be able to move in my clothes — to be able to ride my bike, go for a walk, or hop on the bus comfortably. Heels? Not for me anymore.
Changing priorities
Throughout my journey, my life has changed. I realized that my passion wasn’t shopping, but staying active and spending time with family. I vividly remember walking to the corner market for the first time. It’s a half-mile away, and I used to always take my car. But one morning, I grabbed my backpack, laced up my tennis shoes, and started walking. One day, I rode my bike 25 miles to my mom’s house, and then spent the day walking with her. If you’re determined, strong, happy, and excited about this adventure, then you will do it. Be positive, celebrate every single triumph, and get past every failure. Yes, you can give yourself a new outlook on life.