Body Transformation: Melissa Durling Body Transformation

Lifestyle Prior To Change

Before my change I was lazy. I just thought I had tried to lose weight so many times and failed, that this was just how I was going to be - fat and miserable.

What was your turning point?

I was disgusted to look in a mirror - I knew I could be so much prettier if I could just lose the weight. The turning point was when my size 16 jeans were getting too tight to wear. I started to have to wear nylons under my pants just to squeeze in my fat!

What Was Your Exercise Plan?

To start, I stopped eating fried food and started walking. Once I got comfortable with walking, I pushed myself to jog as far as I could before my lungs felt like they would burst...then I would slow down and walk again. Once I caught my breath I would start running again. I began to LOVE running and built up my distance daily. Before long I was pushing myself to make it to the next corner or sign...it was like a competition with myself!

What does your current training approach look like?

I still love jogging! But I wish someone told me when I started the weight loss process that I should run AND lift weights. I dropped 57 lbs, but was still flabby. Now I'm focused on weight lifting and cardio! I do a split between upper body one day, lower body the next, then a day off. I do cardio sessions after every work out for 30 minutes which varies on treadmill, bike, elliptical or playing racquetball. I started by cutting out fried food. Then as the weight started coming off I started tracking my food on fitday.com and realized I still needed a lot of help. I was on major carb overload, too many calories and way too low protein! I amped my diet and tracked my food and depended on those numbers as the weight dropped.

What is your current eating plan look like?

I eat oatmeal with fruit for breakfast, Kashi cereal, or a bagel. My snacks are yogurt, almonds, and fresh fruit. Lunch is usually a turkey wrap or salad. Dinner was usually chicken, tilapia, or salmon with veggies on the side. I never deprive myself of treats though - If I want something sweet I allowed it once a day...in small amounts!

What supplements did you use during your transformation?

Xenadrine RFA-1, Freak Fix protein powders, NaNo Vapor.

What Is Your Life Like Now?

I'm comfortable now. I love my body and I appreciate how I was able to transform it and I never want to go back to being fat again. I love being able to buy smaller clothes right off the rack and they fit! I can actually wear a bikini and not worry about wearing shorts to cover my butt.

I went from a size 16 to a 6!

Advice For Others

Take one step at a time, literally. When you can walk take the next step and push to jog as far as you can. Try to make progress daily! Make the time for exercise, don't try to squeeze it in - it should be a priority! LIFT WEIGHTS! You'll be much happier to combine weights with cardio - and don't be afraid of them! Seeing a muscle pop-out is worth a thousand words! And give up the silly diets! Eat like a person should - track your food and see for yourself!

More From Melissa Durling

Do it for yourself! Love yourself!  And reward yourself!