OLLI Fitness Ambassador
Amanda Taylor

I have never seen myself as an athletic or fit person. I had started gaining weight at the end of elementary school and continued through college when I topped out at a size 16. At college graduation, I was 4’11 and 161 lbs. As long as I can remember I have struggled with my weight. I grew up with a fairly healthy diet, but lacked exercise as I was always self-conscious about my weight and body. After graduation I hit a wall. I was fed up with being the “fat” girl and feeling like my weight controlled my life. I decided to take the first step and join Weight Watchers. I spent the next two years going to meetings and learning the proper portion sizes. Slowly, the weight began to come off. I got frustrated many times, seeing only fractions of a pound come off each week, but those fractions add up. Gradually, I began to go to the gym. I picked a goal of running a 5k and was able to complete it, about year into my weight loss journey. Eventually, I hit a plateau in my weight loss, stalling at 25 lbs. I began to realize that Weight Watchers was no longer my path. I had mastered the portion control and healthier choices with the addition of exercise. It took me a long time to realize that these changes were a life change, not a temporary fix. Over the next several years, I continued to tweak my diet. I focused more on a paleo-based diet, knowing I felt better when using these principles to guide my choices. I have now fully incorporated exercise into a daily routine. My sister, Cassie Taylor, helped me create manageable programs to follow. I have now reached a point where I rely on exercise as my “me” time and release from my busy life. I value this time for myself and know how to maintain a healthy routine, making me feel better day to day. This healthier diet and appreciation of exercise has now become my “normal” life. Of course, I indulge from time to time, but no longer feel stressed or guilty because I know it is all about balance. Six years later, I am down 35 lbs but continue to see myself as a work in progress. 

I currently work two jobs and am working on my Masters at night. I know what it’s like to struggle with time and remain healthy, but each day presents itself with choices and I constantly work to create a healthy balance in my life. I hope my tips help in your journey too.


Follow @OLLIFitness on Facebook and Twitter for Amanda's daily tips!

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