Lifelong athlete Alexandra Shipper, now 26, kept up a steady exercise routine through college. Still, the New York City fashion designer could never balance her fondness for oversize dishes. "I usually ate pretty healthy, but I also ate a lot," says Alexandra. After college, her thrice-weekly 30-minute workouts weren't nearly enough. A year after graduation, Alexandra, 5'5", hit 200 pounds.
The Change
"I was in a rut until I saw bridesmaid pics from my best friend's wedding," says Alexandra. "I couldn't believe I had gotten to that point." She had always self-consciously shied away from group exercise classes. But in January 2012, with the photos in mind, Alexandra gave in and tried a kettlebell class. She was hooked. "That was my first step," she says.
The Lifestyle
With her new love for the 'bells as motivation to turn her bod around, Alexandra confronted portion distortion with a calorie-counting guide (and slowly nixed processed foods, too) to drop 30 pounds in six months. Her "paleo-ish" plan included protein-rich egg whites and fish, homemade green juices, and healthy fats like avocado.
Later in 2012, Alexandra started taking classes at her local SoulCycle studio and has saddled up at least once a week since. She also added SLT (Strength-Lengthen-Tone) and boot camp classes to her schedule, and by April 2013, she had run her first half-marathon. Now, after dropping 55 pounds in about two years, she's prepping to tackle a triathlon.
"The way I feel without processed foods is extraordinary," says Alexandra, citing clearer skin and fewer headaches. And with a newfound sense of confidence to match the killer clothes she designs, "life is just better," she says. "I don't have to settle for just any outfit that fits on my body." Plus, working out pumps her up now: "I love the sense of accomplishment when I meet a goal," she says.
Alexandra's Tips
Invest in exercise. "Pay for classes in advance—you won't skip them!"
Adjust your cravings. "I traded my old go-to frozen yogurt for a fat-free version made from fruit."
Go big. "Set daring goals, even if you're not sure you can make it. You just might surprise yourself.