Colleen Raines: How I Lost 90 Pounds Through Simple Lifestyle Changes
- Colleen Raines is a 34-year-old stay-at-home mom from Hesperia, California.
- Simple tasks became difficult, and she felt tired, moody, and unhappy.
- In May 2020, Colleen began sharing her journey on social media for accountability.
Colleen Raines’ Weight Loss Journey
Colleen Raines is a 34-year-old stay-at-home mom from Hesperia, California. She lost 90 pounds by walking daily and following a “calories in, calories out” (CICO) eating plan.
Background
Colleen struggled with her weight from childhood. At her heaviest, she weighed 268 pounds. Simple tasks became difficult, and she felt tired, moody, and unhappy. Her turning point came when she saw surprising photos of herself in early 2020.
Starting the Journey
In May 2020, Colleen began sharing her journey on social media for accountability. She chose an eating plan based on her life as a mom of two young toddlers. She needed a simple, affordable, and sustainable approach that didn’t eliminate food groups.
Colleen started by tracking her calories. This helped her understand her eating habits and establish the CICO lifestyle. She used online calculators to determine her calorie deficit and has maintained this practice for 15 months.
Daily Eating Habits
Colleen’s meals include:
- Breakfast: Proffee (coffee with a protein shake) and a Fiber One bar.
- Lunch: A wrap, some fruit, and a salad or protein with raw veggies and yogurt ranch dip.
- Snack: Chips, popcorn, a yogurt parfait, or a protein bar.
- Dinner: Caulirice, vegetable stir-fry, and protein options like chicken or shrimp.
Exercise Routine
Colleen’s main form of exercise is walking. She aims for at least 8,000 steps daily. Walking is accessible, free, and enjoyable to do with her kids. On days she can’t walk outside, she uses YouTube workouts or rides a stationary bike.
Key Changes for Weight Loss
Colleen made three significant changes:
- Calorie Deficit: She stays within her calorie budget and maintains consistency.
- Lower-Calorie Swaps: She replaces higher-calorie items with lower-calorie options, like cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
- Food Mindset: Colleen no longer labels foods as “good” or “bad.” She believes all foods can fit into a balanced diet when consumed in moderation.
Conclusion
Colleen lost 90 pounds over 15 months through consistency and a balanced approach to eating and exercising. She emphasizes that weight loss does not have to be extreme. Enjoying foods in moderation and keeping a simple exercise routine can lead to success. Readers should focus on consistency and not rush the process. With dedication, anyone can achieve their goals.