Laura Shuler

I have so much to be thankful for in my life, and so many people to thank for helping me in so many ways.  I would first of all like to thank God for putting me in the lives of so many wonderful people and for letting me share my journey with the Accent Gwinnett Readers.  It has been my privilege to take a public journey and I want to offer a heartfelt thanks to the Accent Gwinnett Publisher, Pam Ledbetter, for allowing me to be in the magazine.  Pam, who is my dearest friend, saw me struggle with my weight over the years and suggested this as a tool for motivation.  As usual, Pam knew just what to do to help me - she has the most amazing instincts and I am blessed that she is in my life.  I would also like to say, from the bottom of my heart, that I could not have accomplished this type of transformation without the encouragement and support of Alyte Piedra of Xtreme Transformations.  She has been absolutely wonderful in every way - coaching, nutrition counseling and just knowing when to push me hard and when to encourage me.  I would also like to thank the numerous people who have noticed my new appearance and been bold enough to say, “You look great” or “WOW” or “What did you do?” I have even gotten a few “You look Hot!” comments, which really seem to put a smile on my face because it’s been a LONG time since I heard that!  Of course the one that I have to crack up laughing is, “You have really changed - you look great!”  I know that person meant well, but it just sounded funny.  My friends and family have also been especially encouraging including my daughter who went to numerous workouts with me and tells me often how proud she is of me.  And my parents who are so happy that I lost weight for my health - they suffer from a combination of diabetes and heart problems that they hope I will be able to avoid.  Last, but certainly not least, I would like to thank you - the Accent Gwinnett readers who have sent encouraging emails and posts.  A lot of my motivation came from the fact that I knew you’d be watching, and so you too have played an important part in my accomplishments to date.  

I didn’t mean for this post to be so long, and I don’t mean to ramble like I’ve just won a Grammy or something, but again, I have a lot to be thankful for and I just thought you ought to know it!  Have a wonderful day, week, year and life.  

 Please post or email me at laura@accentgwinnett.com to let me know how you are doing!

 Laura  

What a difference 6 months and 40 pounds can make!!!

I cannot begin to convey how much my life has changed in the last six months.  When I started this journey in mid June, I set a goal to lose 50 pounds and buy myself a “little black dress” for New Year’s Eve.  In my mind, I was conjuring up how I would look and the response I would get.  At that time, I had no idea that the real results of a dramatic weight loss would have little to do with looks, or a “little black dress.”

I have been on the weight roller coaster for several years, dieting and losing weight only to gain it back again. However, about seven years ago, I got off the roller coaster.  The problem was I got off at my peak and had pretty much given up hope that I was ever going to coast back down again. There were times that I was inspired for a week or two, only to get off track and find myself right back to the same old routines.  Each time, it only lessened my enthusiasm to try again. 

The good thing about being overweight was that it let me accept myself for who I am, regardless of my weight.  The problem with that was that I was putting myself at risk physically for heart disease, diabetes and other health related problems, and I also didn’t feel good about how I looked or how I was perceived by others – family, friends, business associates or even strangers.  The bottom line was that on the surface, I was content to continue on the same path, but in my heart, I knew that I wanted something more – I wanted to feel the way I felt before I gained so much weight.  But how?  Was it even possible?

Absolutely!!! Here are the keys to my success:  Hope, Coaching, and Accountability.

I had pretty much given up hope.  When Accent Gwinnett approached me about doing this article, I was totally enthusiastic, AND petrified.  However, I consulted with Alyte Piedra at Xtreme Transformation, and she said not to worry, I would lose the weight.  She said it with confidence. She was convinced. She wasn’t worried at all.  It’s amazing what happens to you when someone else truly believes in you. So, finally, after so long, I had Hope. 

The problem was I didn’t know what to do, how much to do, or how to stay focused.  I needed to retrain my brain on diet and exercise – what I needed was Alyte.  She counseled me on my diet, made me keep a food journal and really discussed the ups and downs of what was going on with me and what I ate. Plus, Alyte does a fantastic work- out combining just the right amount of cardio, weight training and other exercises to keep it interesting and efficient. She also encouraged me to do the Boot Camps and the Circuit Training during the last 3 months and I can tell you that those were hard, but I saw incredible results.  Alyte of Xtreme Transformation has been an incredible coach and inspiration.  I will be forever grateful for her guidance and the confidence she placed in me. 

So with Hope, and a great Coach, what I found to be the third key to success was being accountable to someone besides myself. Being somewhat of a private person, I put myself in the public’s eye committing to lose weight, and even put a profile shot of myself out there.  Some of my friends and family were a little surprised to see that!!!  Nonetheless, this gave me the accountability that I needed.  All the sudden, not following through meant letting other people down instead of just myself.  I also got accountability from Alyte.  I knew there would be weigh-ins, and she would ask questions about my food journal.  So there was the weekly accountability with the Alyte, and the longer term accountability with reporting in this article.  The combination was powerful!

So now you know it can be done.  For me, it was Hope, Coaching and Accountability. I  am happy to report that as of this writing, I have lost a total 40 pounds and I am striving to finish up the year as close to 50 pounds as possible although with the holidays here, I know this will be a challenge.  I will say this though, no matter how long it takes, I will reach my goal, and then some because I plan to continue my new lifestyle.  It just feels soooooooo good! 

I said in the beginning of this article that so many changes have occurred. Of course there is the obvious – I look better and my health has definitely improved.  But what has really been amazing is the transformation inside.  I have a renewed spirit. I have a positive attitude. There is more pep in my step, more excitement in my future. I smile more, laugh more, and am spending more time with friends and family. My business has grown as my confidence has increased. I wake up feeling good, not achy.  I sleep sound (and my husband says I don’t snore so much anymore!!!).  I get excited to shop for clothes – size 10 fits now and I actually buy high heels again!!! I enjoy eating salads and protein shakes and I look forward to working out. I don’t mind having my picture made.  Generally speaking, I have a passion for life that I didn’t even realize was missing. But I will say it takes time. I hope you’ll embark on a journey of your own.  Give yourself six months to a year because change doesn’t happen overnight, but it CAN happen.  So go for it.  It’s a new year, time for a new You.  I’ll tell you just like Alyte told me, YOU CAN DO IT.

Date      Weight    %Body Fat   L Arm  R Arm  Chest   Waist    L Leg   R Leg    Hips

6/7            183         40.1     12.25      11.5       47      41        24.5     25.5     44.5 

8/9            170

9/20           165        33.7      12.0       12.25     43.75   37.5     23.5     24.25   41.25

12/20        143         29.1      10.75     10.5       41.25   33.0    22.5      22.75    38.5

Hello AG Readers! Well, I know it’s been a while – sorry I haven’t updated sooner. So this is going to be a long post.

I am happy to report that I am a total of 38 pounds lighter!!! I couldn’t believe it the other day, my husband actually said, “hey skinny!” This was huge because it was probably the first compliment he’s handed out since I started this journey. A wave of pride, and embarrassment for some reason, flushed through me. Of course I’m not skinny, but it is amazing what 38 pounds has done for my self esteem, health, appearance, attitude and butt! I am actually having fun getting out of the house, going to the mall and, believe it or not, working out.

I will have to say though, that this has been the hardest time I have ever had trying to lose weight. I have been riding the weight loss / weight gain roller coaster for about 20 years. During that time, I have lost a lot of weight (primarily through dieting) at different points of my life, only to gain it back again when the diet is over. And I can tell you that this 38 pounds has come off slower than ever. Everybody told me that after 40, it’s harder to lose weight. And now I totally believe it. But it is coming off!!

My trainer, Alyte Piedro at Xtreme Fitness, continues to push me and give me confidence. I absolutely believe I would not have been able to accomplish what I have so far if it wasn’t for her. Alyte has been so supportive, encouraging, positive and motivating. Even through periods of time where I didn’t lose, or even gained weight, Alyte has never given up on me even though I felt like it myself. Having been obese for 6-7 years, I had almost given up hope that I could ever be thinner again, without the use of diet pills or stomach surgery (don’t get me wrong – I don’t judge anyone for going one of those routes, I just hoped for me that I could lose the weight through diet and exercise).

The other thing that has kept me going has been YOU! Knowing that people are looking, waiting, and watching has been supportive, and encouraging. I have met so many people throughout this process that are on the same journey and I can tell you that they are some of the most awesome people I know. Everyone has had a different path and journey. Two ladies I have met at Xtreme Fitness have also been very motivating to me. One is Nicole – she has lost 102 pounds since January. She is absolutely amazing. And another lady, Tonya, has lost over 40 pounds (and by the way, she started working out at the same time as me – of course she is 27 – that’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it!!!! . All the AG readers that have sent emails or posted, thank you. You too have been such an inspiration.

A couple of things I have learned throughout this process so far that I want to share:

1. Losing weight is tough, but oh so worth it – NEVER GIVE UP. IT IS POSSIBLE. For so long, I had lost all hope of being in shape, until this happened. It has been one of the best things of my life since my daughter was born. Not only do I look and feel better, but the heavy burden of social pressures and self doubt is starting to lighten up also.
2. Realize that change takes time, and it’s not something that is going to happen overnight or by next month. Changing eating habits, exercise habits and focusing on yourself happens over time, not overnight. But it is amazing what has happened to me over the last 6 months. I have had to change several things to get this far, but the most important is my FOCUS. My daily thoughts have had to change to focus on healthy eating and exercise, and ME. Like many of you, I am not one to be selfish, focusing on myself or putting myself first. It has been hard to tell my husband occasionally that I don’t want to eat dinner after 7:00 pm and eat without him so that I don’t eat too late. Or take my daughter to my workouts and make her sit in the corner when she’d rather be doing something, anything else. But I can tell you this, if you don’t put yourself on the FOCUS channel, lack of time will become another excuse as it did for me for many years.
3. FOCUS on your diet. I have tons of diet tips since I’ve dieted for so many years. Too many to list, but I generally recommend Weight Watchers. I think it’s the best answer to relearning how and what to eat, especially if you have more than 20 pounds to lose.
4. EXERCISE – Another difficult thing to add to what is already your busy, overbooked schedule. I know. Now however, I am excited to work it in. I actually feel so much better, re-motivated, recharged and upbeat after a workout. I try to do 45 minutes to 1 hour of cardio 4-6 times a week, and I definitely include walking as cardio. It’s another thing that you have to make time for, and you almost have to schedule it on your calendar, or you will find another “more important” thing you need to do. I am so happy that I have been exercising so much instead of dieting alone because my body is actually becoming shapely again! And, of course, I keep telling myself that I have really lost more than 38 pounds, I’ve just gained so much muscle weight :).
5. ACCOUNTABILITY/ MOTIVATION- This one for me has been HUGE. I don’t know when I would have done this if I didn’t have people expecting me to accomplish my goal. So many times, I have let myself down (by failing to follow through and overcome the weight loss hurdles) but I am the type of person that doesn’t like to let other people down. PLEASE - DON’T GIVE UP ON YOURSELF. I had, and for a long time, nothing happened, except I got fatter, more depressed, self conscious, etc. YOU CAN DO THIS, AND I WANT TO HELP. Send me an email, and if you’ve done that in the past, send me another one cause I want to know how you are doing. I am happy to speak with anyone directly if you want me to. You can send me an email with your contact info, and I’ll give you a call. Or join me at Xtreme Transformation (They have a fabulous new workout facility in Suwannee near the park – it’s a great training environment) and there’s a new Boot Camp starting in January. Let me be part of your accountability and let me know how I can help you to start achieving goals that seem so far off, but really aren’t.

Lastly, I’ll say that I’m not sure I’m going to make the 50 lb goal by 12/31, but I’ll be pretty close, and I’m not giving up even if it takes to the end of January. I was putting a lot of pressure on myself because I was worried about not making it. I finally had to decide to just do my best and not give up even if I don’t exactly get there on time. Getting there is more important, right????

So keep tuning in and I hope to hear from you soon. I wish you a Merry Christmas. God bless you all. Laura

Hey guys,

Just wanted you to be aware of a special 1 Day BootCamp that Xtreme Transformations is putting on this Saturday, September 22nd at the Suwannee Town Center Park from 9:00 - 10:00 am.  The trainers are donating their time and 100% of the proceeds are donated directly to Breast Cancer.  They are requesting a minimum $25 donation.  If you are interested, call Pete or Alyte at  770.495.5008 t0 sign up.  It’s also a great way to find out about Boot Camp if you’ve never done one.  All you need is a mat and a good night’s rest!!!! 

 I HOPE TO SEE SOME AG READERS THERE!!!!

Hello AG readers,

It’s been a good day. We had measurements today (updated in the measurements section). So far, I have lost a total of about 12 inches and 18 pounds from my body! It feels so good to look in the mirror and see things starting to tone up although I know I still have a long way to go. It is amazing to me to see what has resulted from only about 3 months of effort.

I know that if I had worked harder on the dieting side, I would have lost more weight. But I will say that I haven’t tried to starve myself. I have eaten moderately and exercised a lot. But, because of the workouts, I am really seeing a change in my muscle tone and I’m just “feeling it”.

Enough about me, tell me about you. I’m so anxious to know if I’ve inspired anyone, and would love to know how you are doing or if you are just starting out. I’ve gotten a few emails from readers; I think it would be great if everyone posted on the blog. The more the merrier. Please post your thoughts, questions, comments, etc. or at least send me an email at laura@accentgwinnett.com. I can’t wait to hear from you!!!

I can’t believe it - I’m doing my first boot camp tomorrow. Personally, I didn’t think I was ready, but my trainer Alyte said I am. I am a little intimidated to do the boot camp, but at the same time, I can’t wait to start. A new challenge and the chance to really put my workouts in overdrive!!!

It’s not too late to join me - I’ll need all the support I can get!!!! Check the Xtreme transformation website if you want more details. Alyte said to expect a 5-15 pound loss!!!! Please pray for me to persevere!