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Woman's Incredible Weight Loss Helped Her Fight Depression

"I was tired of slowly killing myself with food and alcohol."

Who: Nora Bock

Occupation: Student

City: Wellend, Ont.

Age: 27

By The Numbers: 315 pounds at my heaviest, currently at 195 pounds, for a total weight loss of 120 pounds.

The Weight Gain: I was always overweight or obese. I struggled immensely with it every day. It started early in elementary school — I always used food to cope with stress, and I was a very anxious and uncomfortable child.

When I was older (high school and college) I tried so many diets, most notably the Atkins diet.

"No matter what, I had to track everything I ate, and I had to get moving every single day."

Final Straw: The final straw was when I realized that I had to find a way out of depression. I had to find a light in the dark. I was tired of slowly killing myself with food and alcohol.

I realized one day how much time I had wasted feeling miserable. At that point I feared hard physical work, but I was willing to give it my all so I never wasted another moment of my life.

Looking back now, it’s clear that losing the weight was hard, but living with an obese body was 100 times more difficult.

Story continues below.

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The Plan of Attack: I opened up to my personal trainer at GoodLife Fitness about everything (and I mean everything) I had been struggling with. I had to learn to trust her, and trust myself. Consistency helped me to start losing weight. No matter what, I had to track everything I ate, and I had to get moving every single day. From there it snowballed.

It's taken about a year and a half to get where I am, and roughly one year to lose 100 pounds.

The Exercise Factor: Before going to the gym, I was not fit whatsoever besides being decently flexible. Right now I love lifting weights! My trainer at GoodLife and I are working on Olympic-style lifting preparations, and of course I get in my cardio. I always walk my dog lots every day.

I go to the gym five or six days a week for about 30 to 60 minutes a day. Even on the days I don’t get into the gym, I find a way to stay active.

"Ultimately, you’re the only one who is going down the path, but if you reach out to someone for help, it will make your journey much smoother."

The Food Element: I started adding vegetables and fruits, and healthier alternatives to some of my favourite junk foods. As time went on, the choices got easier and easier to make, and my way of eating was a lot cleaner. The hardest adjustment was cutting out alcohol — I used to drink nearly every day.

Instead of focusing on calories, I focused more on how many grams of macro nutrients I was taking in. I still allowed myself to have cheat meals here and there though.

The Current Day-to-Day: These days my days are beautiful. Every day is a gift I give to myself. I look forward to what I can accomplish, and I amaze myself with what I have become. I love and take care of myself.

I’m most proud that even though I was scared and horrified of the gym, and opening up to someone, I did it!

Losing weight is easier than remaining unhealthy and especially obese. So many have walked this road before you, and they are out there eager to help and inspire you along the way. Ultimately, you’re the only one who is going down the path, but if you reach out to someone for help, it will make your journey much smoother.

“Consistency is key” is what my trainer has drilled into my head, and she was right. Keep tracking your food no matter what. Stay active no matter how much or how little you feel like you can do that day. Hold yourself accountable, and you will learn to trust yourself.

Do you have a weight loss story to share? Send us an email at CanadaLiving@huffingtonpost.com to be featured on our Lost It series.

Note: This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

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