About Shay

May 15, 2011

*stands up*

My name is Shay....and I’m a foodaholic.

*in unison*

HI SHAY!

I’m a 24 year old woman from Queens, NY. I come from a family that loves to cook and LOVES to eat. I have been overweight ever since I was a teen, even though I was an athlete in high school, my eating habits were poor. Just god awful. I love all the stuff you shouldn't have too much of; sweets, starches, heavy cheese, fried foods....shall I go on? And when I get my hands on any of my faves, I can't eat in moderation. I feel like I have to GORGE until it's hard to breathe.

I’ve tried several diets over the years: weight watchers (3 times), Atkins, cabbage soup, low cal and low carb. I even got a trainer for 6 months (my wallet STILL hates me for that one). Each time I started a regiment, I would have moderate success (the most was 30lbs) and then I would cave and revert back to my unhealthy lifestyle. But looking back, I can tell that I was never in it 100%. The most would be around 85% because I would occasionally cheat, but I never realized until it would be too late that I was cheating myself.

Around April 2011, I started to feel really self conscious about myself. I began to see myself as a 24 year old with the body of a 45 year old. I was at least 150lbs overweight, I stopped going out with my friends as often as I used to because I didn't want anyone to see me like this anymore. I didn't want to see me like this anymore. And then it happened...

My best friend got engaged.

And made me the maid of honor.

Of course I took the role because I love my friend very much and I know she'd do anything for me, just as I’d do anything for her. Anything. And one thing I know my friend wants is for me to be healthy and happy. She being a weight loss success story herself tries to get me to make good choices when we're out. In the past, I have chosen to do the opposite, not even considering the effect it could have on her maintenance. When I realized this, I felt so selfish. I know that she would love me no matter what I looked like on her big day, but I can't help but want to look healthier and happier as her maid of honor.

So, like I do in times of despair, I talked to my mom.

She told me that my grandmother had unbeknownst to me been on Jenny Craig for 5 weeks, and she was having great success with it. It’s funny that at that point, I had felt like I had tried any and everything to lose weight, but in actuality had completely forgotten about Jenny! Well I decided at that moment that not only am I going to lose weight for this wedding, but I’m going to lose weight for myself, and maintain a healthy lifestyle for life. 

So on Saturday, May 14, I went into a Jenny Craig center and signed myself up for a full year membership on the Metabolic Max program. My counselor is Michelle, and I love her. She totally gets me and is a great inspiration herself. Plus, she doesn’t let me get away with shit.

As of October 21, 2012 I have lost 109lbs and couldn't be happier!!!