Before and After: The Life-Changing Opportunity That Helped Christine Lose 180 Pounds

Looking for New Year's resolution inspiration? Christine's dramatic weight-loss story may help keep your goals in perspective. Christine started her journey in a unique way: she won a contest held by a local personal trainer, Brent Brothers of The Den Fitness Center in Canterville, IL. "In December 2012 my best friend entered me in a contest for free personal training for life," she told us. "I started training with Brent on February 11, 2013, and I haven't looked back." While Christine may have had help losing weight with a trainer, her determination and results will still resonate if you've ever wanted to drop the pounds for good. Check out Christine's story below, and read more of our before and after weight-loss stories here!

POPSUGAR: What made you decide to start?

Christine Lipe: I decided to start my weight-loss journey because I won a contest to receive free training for life. If not for that, I'm afraid that I wouldn't have made the choice.

PS: What's your favorite way to work out?

CL: My favorite way to work out is with free weights, because I can do cardio and weight training at the same time.

PS: What's your weekly exercise schedule?

CL: I work out three to four days a week. My trainer is really good about switching up my workouts, so that helps to keep my workouts exciting.

PS: How much weight have you lost?

CL: When I started, I weighed 443 pounds. Since then, I've lost 180 pounds. I still have some weight to lose, but my life has completely changed for the better.

PS: What was the first big difference, other than the number on the scale, that really made you feel proud and excited?

CL: It was when I could wear jeans purchased from a store. Before I had to buy my jeans online.

PS: How often do you weigh yourself?

CL: I weigh in once a week. I also measure about once a month.

PS: What's a typical day of meals and snacks?

CL: Breakfast: whole wheat English muffin with peanut butter. Snack: protein bar. Lunch: a wrap with meat, cheese, and veggies and a piece of fruit. Snack: protein powder in water. Dinner: eggs with ground turkey and cheese.

PS: How many calories do you eat per day?

CL: I really don't know how many calories I eat per day. I don't count them. I just try to stick to some carbs in the day and little to no carbs at night.

PS: What healthy staples are always in your fridge?

CL: Eggs, broccoli, fruit, and whole wheat English muffins.

PS: What advice do you have for anyone starting out on a weight-loss journey?

CL: Stick with it. It's going to be difficult, and you're going to want to give up, but the end result is well worth it. I will never go back to how I used to be.