Tali Interviews Roberta on Her Health Journey (It Gets Real!)

Left: Roberta in December 2017. Right: Roberta in May 2018

Tali: Why do you want to share your weight loss journey? 

Roberta: I think its important for people to get a handle on their health before its too late. Maybe it will motivate someone else to do it as well. 

Tali: Did you have health issues caused by weight?

Roberta: Not that I know of. Genetically I do have high cholesterol and I don't want want my weight to cause more issues. 

Tali: When did you start your weight loss journey?

Roberta: March 1st.

Tali: Why did you decide to start then? 

Roberta: I turned 32 in February and looked in the mirror and knew I didn't want to look like that anymore (Side Note: Roberta doesn't have full length mirror at home and when we had mirrors installed, she had a breakdown moment. Who doesn't have a full length mirror??). 

Tali: How did you feel when you looked in the mirror?

Roberta: I didn't feel pretty.  I felt... I don't know. Like I didn't want to look at myself in the mirror. 

Tali: How much did you weigh on March 1st?

Roberta: 176 pounds.

Tali: What is your goal?

Roberta: It's changed, it is no longer a weight goal. I wanted to get down to 140 pounds, but it has changed. My goal now is just to be fit and healthy. I want things to be tight and toned. I just want to fit into my clothes. Actually, I want to put on a bikini and say man I look great. I want to wear a bikini again and feel confident.  

Tali: Why did your goal change from a weight loss goal to a overall health goal?

Roberta: Because with time I realized things differently. I saw our bride Kelsey's Facebook post. It was a photo of her from years ago weighing less than she does now. When I saw the post and her caption it made me stop and think about what is more important: weighting ___ amount or feeling better about myself. 

Bride Kelsey: 125 lbs.(June 2011) on the left  to 145 Ibs. on the right (June 2018). I'm currently the heaviest, but the healthiest and fittest I've ever been in my life. 

Tali: What was one of the first steps you made in your journey?

Roberta:I worked with Liza Glickman at 180 MedSpa and did a six week VelaShape treatment on my belly and waist. VelaShape helped me tighten my stomach more and speed up the process of accentuating my waist. It is very important for me to tone, but not loose my shape.

Tali: With a shift towards curve acceptance what is your take on brides dropping weight for their wedding day?

Roberta: Everyone just needs to be healthy. I don't believe in extreme weight loss or fad dieting. It's about changing your lifestyle. 

Tali: What is your new lifestyle like?

Roberta: I've cut back on a lot of carbs. (I've had a bunch today and I'm falling asleep). I've realized a lot of foods trigger headaches and migranes which I'm prone to. I barely eat chocolate or foods with high sugar content. I've cut out a lot of dairy products. I don't drink milk anymore. I've added more grains into my diet. I've incorporated exercises back into my life which I had stopped for 2-3 years. 

Tali: What type of exercises are you introducing to your new lifestyle?

Roberta: For me is about a commitment. I decided a personal trainer would be a good way for me to go and get started. Three times a week I work with a personal trainer. We focus on strength training and isometric exercises and cardio.  I decided to implement yoga back into my life at least once a week. I love Warrior One Yoga in Audubon. I recently tried Pure Barr in Mills Park. Next I want to try Cycle Bar in Winter Park( I'm scared!). 

Tali: What caused you to stop exercising 2-3 years ago? 

Roberta: There was an individual in my life that was not a positive influence. This person was very involved in group exercises and it caused me to have a negative outlook on exercise. I think it's a huge reminder about having positive influencers around you and not letting people effect your well being. 

Tali: You have two girls, ages 10,12.  What are things they have said during this transition?

Roberta: They have made the opposite comments like, "Mommy, you are not fat, why are you doing this? ".  I remind them it's about how I feel on the inside and health. Now they are more use to it and we talk a lot about healthy choices and ways to stay active. They are huge help in holding me accountable. 

Tali: Do you feel beautiful?

Roberta:Now I do, before I didn't. It is a work in progress.  I think there a lot of things I can do and wear that I feel cute in, but in the inside I am still working on it. 

Tali: Why do you love helping brides feel beautiful?  

Roberta: I want every bride to look at themselves on wedding day and feel beautiful. I don't want them to look in the mirror and see their insecurities. I want them to feel flawless on that day. 

Tali: Do you think it is okay to be plus size?  

Roberta: As long as you are healthy and staying active, it doesn't matter what size you are.  

Tali: When wedding vendors come up to you and compliment how great you look, how do you feel?

Roberta: I feel good. I'm flattered, but in the back of my mind there are so many things I'm still trying to work on. 

Tali: What is your top advice to brides wanting to tone before the wedding?

Tali: Have a plan. Come up with a routine and stick to it. Keep your weight consistent once you start alterations to avoid any issues. Find what works for you. Something that works for someone else may be different than what works for you.  Do your research.  

Tali: If your daughters go through a similar journey in their 30s, what would you want them to know that you didn't know before you started?

Roberta: You shouldn't let other people effect your health. You just don't.