The Seriously Simple Way One Woman Lost 75 Pounds

Katie Svoboda is proof that one step can totally change your life.

KATIE SVOBODA / RYAN DONNELL

Before: 220 lbs.

After: 145 lbs.

The extra pounds crept up on Katie Svoboda, 26, so slowly that it was easy for her to live in weight-gain denial. The 5'7" former athlete found herself eating fast foods and gaining 15 pounds a year for a few years straight—until in 2012, she'd hit a high of 220 lbs. When she went dress-shopping for her wedding, the reality of her unhealthy lifestyle came crashing down. "The saleswoman told me I'd need a size 20," she says. "I thought, Are you kidding?! I used to be a size 10." Katie made some drastic life changes, embraced a more active lifestyle, and is now a healthy 145 lbs. Now engaged to a new partner, Katie can't wait to wear her size-6 dream dress to their wedding.

Here's what Katie says helped change her life:

Entertain yourself. "I watch morning TV on the treadmill. It makes time go by much faster."

Take an all-for-one approach. "I try not to cook separate dishes—I make one healthy one and we all eat it, so I'm not tempted by the kids' chicken nuggets."

Eat out loud. "Crunchy foods are super satisfying: I love sliced cucumbers, celery, and nuts."

For more on Katie's incredible weight-loss journey, pick up the January/February issue of Women's Health, available now. In the meantime, check out more inspiring weight-loss success stories and healthy ways to lose weight.