Each month, we provide MyFitnessPal recommendations to inspire you as you embark on your own weight loss journey.
Name: Bridget M.
age: 39
hometown: Birmingham (Alabama)
MyFitnessPal users from: year 2013
Meet Bridget, a single mom from Birmingham, Alabama, whose weight loss journey, like many, hasn’t been a linear one.
Bridgett was inspired to try MyFitnessPal after meeting with a nutritionist. But she maintained her motivation by tying her “what” (losing weight) to her “why”: for the health of herself and her daughter.
Through food journaling, patience, and persistence, Bridgette has seen results she never imagined. Read on to learn more about Bridgett’s journey from 385 pounds to 184 pounds*.
Growing up, what was your relationship with food?
Food is my best friend! I ate a lot emotionally growing up.
What does your weight have to do with your weight?
I feel like my self-worth is tied to my weight. I feel like my weight is holding me back from everything I want in life, but food is a complete comfort to me. I feel trapped. I can’t go to theme parks because I’m too big for the rides. I always need a seatbelt extender when I fly. I don’t like clothes in my size.
What motivated you to start changing?
I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes when I was 27 years old. It was very devastating and life-changing.
What goals did you set for yourself at the beginning of your journey?
I just want to get down to under 200 pounds. I chose this number because it seemed unattainable at the time.
When and how did you discover the MyFitnessPal app? What made you decide to use it?
The nutritionist encouraged me to track my food so I could understand my calorie intake and track any habits. I don’t like writing everything down, so I looked for an app to help me keep track.
Can you describe a specific moment or experience that was a turning point in your health journey—one that made you realize you were on the right path?
I truly felt empowered when I dropped below 200 pounds! I had bariatric surgery, but went through childbirth, divorce, and then transitioned to being a single mom in a very short period of time. I started reverting to emotional eating but realized that not only did I need to be healthy for myself, but I needed to be healthy for my daughter as well.
How does tracking your food affect your eating habits, food choices, and/or your relationship with food and body image?
Tracking is now part of my daily routine—it’s a habit, like taking a shower.
Think back to the goals you set for yourself at the beginning of your journey, what goals did you achieve? (In other words, where are you now on your health journey?)
I’m the smallest I’ve ever been, but also the healthiest I’ve ever been! My doctor is proud of me and my blood work results speak for themselves.
I recently celebrated my birthday by hiking in the rainforest of Belize and going snorkeling. It feels great! These are things I never thought of doing before losing weight because I would be too tired.
What do you want to achieve next?
I’m currently working on overall conditioning and drinking more water. Maintaining healthy eating and fitness habits is also a permanent goal of mine.
What have you learned about yourself so far on your health journey?
I discovered that I am much stronger than I thought! Healthy living is truly one decision at a time. I feel stronger, healthier, happier, physically and mentally better. I am finally the woman I always knew I was!
How has this journey impacted your physical and mental health and well-being?
My outlook on life has always been a “glass half full”. I no longer equate my self-worth with the number on the scale.
What have you learned on your health and weight journey that you want to pass on to your daughters?
As I embarked on my weight loss journey, I also embarked on a self-love journey. I start each day with gratitude, but it’s something I’ve had to learn over the years. I had to learn to love 385 pounds of Brigitte to become the person I am today. This journey of self-love will definitely be passed on to my daughter, especially teaching her to not only speak kindly about others, but also to speak kindly about herself.
Finally, what advice would you give to others considering using MyFitnessPal? Please feel free to add any food journaling tips you may discover.
please try! I never thought documenting food would be a part of my life, but now it’s second nature.
Are you ready to follow in Bridget’s footsteps? Download the free MyFitnessPal app now
**As always, everyone’s weight loss story is different. Losing weight is hard work and requires a healthy diet and exercise. Most people can expect to lose 1-2 pounds per week.
