On Halloween of 2013, Johnson City, Tennessee native, Sophia "Sophie" Gaudiano fell down a set of stairs at school, breaking her tibia and fibula. Sophie spent the rest of the school year in a wheelchair, home-bound. Before her accident, Sophie had trouble with her weight, but she began to gain weight more rapidly due to her immobility after the injury. At 11, Sophie was a size 20 and unhappy with her appearance and inability to participate in her favorite activity, clogging.
A year after the accident and a couple of leg surgeries later, Sophie was out of the wheelchair and ready to make a difference in her life. However, Sophie continued to struggle with everyday activities such as walking. It wasn't until fall 2015 that Sophie was sitting in her eighth grade language arts class watching the documentary "Fed Up" that she knew that she had to change her lifestyle. In less than a year, Sophie lost 100 pounds with a strict diet and exercise.
What is your secret to losing weight?
[Sophie] "I started making small changes in my diet by first cutting out sodas and fried foods. Then I was dedicated to cutting out refined sugars from my diet and eating small, appropriate portions after learning from the documentary that sugar makes it hard for people to lose weight. I then began to add cardio and dance back into my life. I exercise every day, whether it's going to my clogging class, walking the dogs or just doing sit ups and push ups before bed."
How do you feel about your weight loss?
[Sophie] "I am very proud of my weight loss and I actually like the way I look now. I feel healthier and stronger. And I am able to do more activities I couldn't do before. I went from a size 20 to a size 6 in less than a year and I love the freedom I have to buy more cute and stylish clothes. My weight loss makes me feel like I can do anything if I put my mind to it."
What advice do you have for others struggling to lose weight?
[Sophie] "Don't starve yourself because that can cause you to gain weight. Treat yourself occasionally... I like to get frozen yogurt at Sweet Frogs. Be aware of the foods you eat. You won't lose 100 pounds in one night, however, let one pound a day be a victory because it will add up. Don't be discouraged and keep working for your goals."
Sophie became an inspiration for many with her hard work and determination. Several Instagram weight loss sites have posted her success with over 1,000 likes. She's also been a source of encouragement to friends and family.
Sophie is no longer working on weight loss, but is working on maintaining her weight, toning and continuing to eat healthy. Sophie enjoys sharing her weight loss success and hopes her story can be a testament to help others.
