Michigan Mom Makes Weight Loss a Priority
Carri Emmons gets healthy after giving birth to her fourth child in her bathtub.
April 9, 2010— -- Carri Emmons had no idea she was pregnant before giving birth to her fourth child in the family's bathtub last April.
The Michigan mom, 28, had shown none of the telltale signs of pregnancy: no morning sickness, mood swings, cravings or even major weight gain as she had with her other pregnancies. No one had even asked her about it during the nine-month pregnancy, she said.
Click HERE for more on Emmons' surprise pregnancy.
"I still question how it happens," she said. "I do think, you know, everybody has a plan in their life and this one certainly was meant to be."
Click HERE to see photos of Emmons' first pregnancies.
Since giving birth to son William Gerald Emmons, the mother of four has made it a priority to lose weight and get in shape. Below, she shares her personal journey.
What made you decide to lose weight?
I decided to lose weight mostly for health reasons. At 28 years old, I have high blood pressure and high cholesterol. I want to be around for my four kids for a long time and that probably won't happen if I don't do something now. Unfortunately, I have lost a parent and I don't want that to happen to my kids anytime soon.
How did you go about doing a weight-loss plan?
My first step was signing up for the Weight Watchers program. I started going to weekly meetings and using their online program to track my progress. Also, I purchased a few workout videos and started using them at least a few times a week.
Have you ever been on a weight-loss program?
I have tried losing weight before by just "watching what I was eating" but never had much success. Mostly, I think I needed to be better educated on nutrition and portions and how to read the labels on the foods I was eating.
Losing Weight After Surprise Pregnancy
Have you had success with dieting?
In the past, I never achieved success because, firstly, I needed to be more active. Secondly, I needed the confidence to know that there will be little failures along the way and I will only learn from these and move forward toward my goal. Exercise is definitely key to my success, too. That gives me energy and strength to keep going.
How much weight have you lost so far?
So far, I have lost about 24 pounds.
How much more do you want to lose?
I started the program on Jan. 30, 2010. I plan on losing about 40 more pounds. That will put me back to the weight I was before I had my children.
What has been the reaction of your husband? Friends? Family?
My husband has been my biggest support. He tells me all the time that I am doing a great job and that he is really proud of me. All of my friends and family have been great. My children tell me every week after I weigh in that I look great and that they knew I could do it. That means so much. I am showing them that you can do anything you put your mind to.
How do you feel, physically and mentally?
Physically, I haven't felt this great in a long time. I can go outside with my kids and play and not feel so exhausted all the time. I have much more energy than I think I ever have before. I have more self-confidence and self-esteem than ever, also.
How can busy moms find the time to exercise?
It's not easy ... especially since I've gone back to work full time. I usually try to fit it in early in the morning before everyone is awake -- Yeah, right -- or try to fit it in after the kids go to bed. I do at least two nights a week. I had to make myself a priority.
Advice to people who can't seem to get a diet and wellness program going?
For anyone that wants to lose weight or get in shape, I suggest to them first to set goals that they can achieve. Don't set the bar too high at first, start small and work your way up. Lean on your support system if you have one or find a support system like I did through a weight-loss program. I never thought I could feel this great about myself. Just know that if I can do it, so could you.