How Meagan Carter Lost 100+ Pounds

How does someone lose over 100 pounds without surgery, a celebrity trainer, or a live-in chef? How is it possible to lose this much weight and keep it off? I am sure that we could ask over 100 questions just like these, but I wanted to focus on a few of the most incredible, inspiring insights of Meagan Carter. This beautiful, charming, and fantastic wife, and mother of 3 boys shared her Sweet 16 Tidbits about her personal transformation.

Tell us your total weight loss to date.

I am down 127 lbs

Tell us about yourself, and your previous dieting/weight loss efforts.

I am a mother of 3 very active, very different, young men. They are my world. My youngest son has autism, and other special needs, along with food allergies. I am a stay at home mom. I have tried every “diet” you can think of. We also eat a lot healthier than most people would think. I’ve tried multiple meals, and only eating three meals. I went to one gym that had me on this crazy diet, and I lost weight. After a month I couldn’t stand it anymore, and I broke down, and gained it all right back. None of them worked.

How did you find out about Mamavation, & how long have you been a member?

I found out about Mamavation during a twitter party many moons ago, and I have been a member for about 3 years.

What Mamavation tools have been the most helpful for you?

The support is the best tool. We have members from every walk of life, different backgrounds, and areas of expertise that we can lean on and learn from each other.

How did you keep going?

I struggled to keep going at times, but being accountable was the best tool for me. It helped to have certain people reminding me along the way of how far I’ve come, and to just keep moving. It’s a daily struggle, and it will be a life long journey. Small, attainable goals keep me motivated along the way.

What did you do about plateaus?

Plateaus are the absolute worst ever! I’m working through one right now. They can be so detrimental for me because I start to want to give up, and feel like “alright, this is all I’m gonna get.” In the past, this would end all of my progress, and I’d start gaining. Over time I have learned that plateaus will happen, and I can use them to restart. I will take 1-3 days off, look at my eating, my steps, workouts, and make a plan to change things. Lately it’s been to try a new class, or new foods, to maybe figure out a way to get new steps in.

What has been the most challenging part of your journey?

I needed to change my thinking. The mental aspects of this journey are very mind warping. I’ve always struggled with food and eating enough. I thought  that I could “eat less, and lose more.” I was very overweight and my brain would say “eat less, weigh less” and that just isn’t the how it works at all.

How are you balancing your health and fitness goals with your normal day to day life?

Most days I really don’t feel like I’m doing a good job at balancing this at all. I typically wake up early, and I am up late doing my best to fit it all in. Trying to schedule helps. I’ve been using the boys’ swim team practice to fit my workouts in, or jumping in the pool and swimming while they swim. I try making meal plans for at least a few days out, so that I have healthy food. This makes it a lot easier to stay on track.

What are your typical food choices? Were there any trigger foods? If so, how do you work around them?

We eat fresh or frozen, but not out of a box. Sweet, salty and alcohol were major triggers for me. I limit them when we have them in the house. If I’m going to splurge, I’m going to make it worth it. For example, if I’m desperate for chocolate, I am going to have a small piece of my FAVORITE chocolate rather than a handful of whatever I can find. If the trigger foods aren’t in the house, I’m not willing to run to the store just to buy them.

Did your previous weight and health affect your family life? If so, how?

The old and new me are completely different. I could move around with the boys before the weight loss, but I didn’t experience life with them the way that I do now. My joints don’t hurt half as much as they did before. I am enjoying basketball, soccer, and swimming with my boys so much more. I’m capable and willing to get up and play rather than having to stand on the side and watch.

How have the recent changes affected family life?

We are able to do so much more and I’m not hurting like I was. The boys are enjoying this new lifestyle. Some things have been a struggle, but they have adapted very well.

 What was the first item of clothing you purchased upon reaching this new weight?

I’m really not sure because until I hit my ultimate goal, I’m just piecing things together, hitting up goodwill, thrift shops, and clearance racks. The first thing I want to get when I hit my goal clothing wise is a bra and panty set from Victoria Secret.

What is the most daring thing that you plan to do at this new weight?

I have plans to go to Carowinds or Kings Dominion in September with the family, and I plan to ride a ton of Roller Coasters. I’ve always been too scared to even try because I didn’t want to be told I couldn’t fit because of my size. I am SO EXCITED!

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Is there another, or an ultimate weight loss goal?

I have 2 more goals to hit. First is to hit “Onederland,” then to reach 178, which is what the BMI says is my “healthy” weight. I will go from Morbidly Obese to Healthy.

What would you say to your former self about taking the steps to changing your life?

It’s a roller coaster ride of a journey. You have to learn to take the good with the bad, but just keep up with the baby steps. You will have to take it slow and steady, and it’s okay to trip and fall. Tomorrow is always a clean slate. Just pick one small thing, and build from there. Most importantly find things you love!

 What would you say to anyone contemplating a health & fitness overhaul?

You have to change your mental aspect just as much as everything else. Find things you enjoy, and do them. Start small, and only tackle one change at a time. It’s not a quick journey. You can’t compare your story success or failures with anyone else’s journey because your story is not anyone else’s. You have to do this for yourself and no one else.

You can continue to follow Meagan’s journey, on her personal blog the ExposedMom, Twitter @NcCarterFamily, and Facebook.

Thank so much, Meagan, for sharing your story with us![/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]