Nancy Cordes, the Chief Congressional Correspondent for CBS News, has inspired many with her incredible weight loss transformation. Over the past few years, Nancy has lost over 50 pounds through diet and exercise. Her weight loss journey demonstrates that with determination and perseverance, it's possible to lead a healthier lifestyle at any age.
Introduction to Nancy Cordes Weight Loss Story
Nancy Cordes has been a correspondent at CBS News since 2007. She covered Capitol Hill for 9 years before becoming the network's Chief Congressional Correspondent in 2016.
In 2017, at the age of 46, Nancy decided it was time to take control of her health and lose weight. She had struggled with her weight her entire life and wanted to make a change.
At her heaviest, Nancy weighed nearly 200 pounds and was considered obese for her height of 5'5". She realized that being overweight was impacting her energy levels and making her more prone to illnesses like diabetes and heart disease.
Nancy spoke openly about wanting to get healthy and set a good example for her two young daughters. She was determined to lose weight through diet and exercise and completely transform her lifestyle.
Nancy Cordes Weight Loss Plan
Nancy took a multi-pronged approach to lose the excess weight. Here are the main pillars of her successful weight loss plan:
Adopting a Low-Carb, High-Protein Diet
Nancy worked with a nutritionist to craft a healthy diet lower in carbohydrates and higher in protein. This type of diet helps stabilize blood sugar levels and prevents energy crashes.
She cut out refined carbohydrates like bread, pasta, and baked goods and began eating more vegetables, lean protein, nuts, seeds, and dairy. Nancy learned to shop the perimeter of the grocery store focusing on whole, unprocessed foods.
Starting an Exercise Routine
Along with eating healthier, Nancy knew she had to become more active. She began doing cardio and strength training 4-5 times a week.
Nancy worked with a personal trainer to create an exercise plan that mixed aerobic activity like walking, swimming, and using the elliptical with weightlifting and bodyweight exercises.
Tracking Calories
Nancy carefully tracked her food intake each day, paying close attention to portion sizes. She used a calorie counting app to stay accountable and ensure she was eating at a calorie deficit to lose weight.
Intermittent Fasting
In addition to her diet, Nancy adopted an intermittent fasting schedule. She would fast for 16 hours each day, only eating within an 8 hour window.
Intermittent fasting helped accelerate Nancy's weight loss and improve her metabolism. Her fasting schedule often involved skipping breakfast and eating between 12pm-8pm.
Nancy Cordes Weight Loss Results
Nancy's diligent diet and exercise regimen paid off in a big way. Within 7 months, she lost 50 pounds and completely transformed her figure.
She went from a size 14 dress to a trim size 6. At 133 pounds, Nancy had reached a healthy weight for the first time in her adult life.
The weight loss required sacrifices, but Nancy says it was all worth it. "There were days when it was really hard, but I kept reminding myself of the big picture," she said.
Nancy feels better physically and mentally and has much more energy to keep up with her daughters. Her impressive slim down has inspired many people to work on their own health and wellness.
How Nancy Cordes Lost 50 Pounds
Nancy Cordes relied on several effective weight loss strategies to go from 197 pounds to 147 pounds. Here are some of the key factors in her weight loss success:
1. Cutting Out Added Sugars
One of the first dietary changes Nancy made was eliminating added sugar from her diet. She stopped consuming sugary sodas, packaged snacks, desserts, and condiments with added sugar. This single change cut out hundreds of empty calories each day.
2. Fat Loss, Not Weight Loss
Rather than focusing solely on the numbers on the scale, Nancy concentrated on losing body fat. She adds strength training to build lean muscle and boost her metabolism. The combination of cardio, weights and a high protein diet helped Nancy's body composition transform as she got leaner.
3. Accountability Partners
Nancy knew she needed support to stay on track with her diet and exercise goals. She found accountability partners including her husband, personal trainer and coworkers. They helped motivate Nancy, answered questions and provided social support.
4. Relief from Joint Pain
One of Nancy's motivations for losing weight was relieving the joint pain she experienced from being obese. The excess weight stressed her knees, hips and back. As the pounds came off, her pain dissipated and mobility improved.
5. Small, Sustainable Changes
Nancy focused on making small, manageable tweaks to her lifestyle instead of attempting a radical overhaul. She gradually phased out unhealthy foods while adding more activity. This sustainable approach made her weight loss more achievable in the long run.
Benefits Nancy Cordes Experienced After Losing 50 Pounds
By losing over 50 pounds, Nancy Cordes improved her health in many measurable ways:
- Lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels
- Reduced inflammation throughout her body
- Higher energy levels and improved mood
- Less joint pain and discomfort
- Better sleep quality
- Increased confidence and self-esteem
- Able to be more active with her kids
- Decreased risk for obesity-related diseases
- Fitter into clothes she hadn't worn in years
- Inspiration for friends and family to get healthier
Nancy says losing the weight has been life-changing. She plans to maintain her healthy habits and keep the weight off long-term.
Nancy Cordes Best Weight Loss Tips
After her dramatic slim down, Nancy Cordes shared advice for others trying to lose weight:
Find accountability partners - Enlist friends, family or colleagues to support you on your weight loss journey. Share your goals and progress.
Take progress photos - Documenting your slim down with photos can motivate you to keep going during challenging times.
Be patient - Remember that weight loss takes time. Stick with it even if you hit plateaus. Consistency is key.
Schedule workouts - Just like important meetings, put exercise on your calendar. You're more likely to follow through if it's planned.
Meal prep - Spend time prepping healthy meals and snacks for the week ahead. It makes eating well so much easier.
Listen to your body - Don't deprive yourself. Nourish your body with whole, energizing foods it truly needs.
Focus on how you feel - The improved energy, reduced pain and confidence you gain will keep you motivated.
How Nancy Cordes Avoided Weight Regain
Losing weight is one thing, but keeping it off long-term is a bigger challenge. Nancy Cordes used these strategies to avoid regaining the 50 pounds she lost:
- Stuck with her high protein, lower carb diet
- Kept weighing herself weekly
- Continued doing cardio and strength training 4-5 times a week
- Held herself accountable by sharing her weight with family/friends
- Prepared meals and snacks in advance to prevent impulsive eating
- Allowed occasional treats in moderation without guilt
- Stayed hydrated by drinking water throughout the day
- Got 7-8 hours of sleep per night
- Managed stress with yoga, meditation and relaxing baths
- Remained focused on maintaining her health rather than the number on the scale
By making her weight loss habits a permanent lifestyle, Nancy has kept the weight off for over 3 years and counting!
Common Weight Loss Struggles Nancy Cordes Faced
While Nancy Cordes weight loss journey was ultimately successful, it wasn't without its struggles. Here are some of the challenges she faced along the way:
Plateaus
Like many people trying to lose weight, Nancy hit plateaus where her weight didn't budge for weeks at a time. She combatted them by changing up her workouts, increasing activity, and ensuring she wasn't consuming hidden calories.
Self-Doubt
Nancy admits there were many times she questioned if she could really make the necessary lifestyle changes. Whenever self-doubt crept in, she reminded herself how far she'd already come.
Missing Favorite Foods
Giving up comfort foods and baked goods was difficult for Nancy, especially when cravings struck. She found healthier substitutes when possible or allowed small portions.
Social Pressures
Dining out, parties and work functions are challenging when you're watching your weight. Nancy planned ahead as much as possible and didn't beat herself up over occasional indulgences.
Lack of Energy
Between her busy job and caring for kids, Nancy's energy levels were depleted. She combatted fatigue by meal prepping, going to bed earlier and drinking lots of water.
By persevering through the obstacles, Nancy was able to reach her weight loss goal and maintain her results long-term.
How Nancy Cordes Handled Loose Skin After Weight Loss
Losing 50+ pounds can sometimes result in loose, sagging skin. Nancy Cordes took some proactive steps to help tighten her skin after slimming down:
- She lost weight slowly over 7 months, which gave her skin more time to snap back.
- Nancy incorporated weight training into her regimen to build muscle and naturally fill out skin.
- She used creams with collagen, retinol, and antioxidants to improve skin elasticity.
- Treatments like ultrasound, radiofrequency and massage helped tighten and smooth skin.
- Drinking lots of water kept Nancy's skin hydrated and supple.
- Nancy accepted that despite her best efforts, a little loose skin was inevitable and saw it as a badge of honor.
- She focused on the incredible accomplishment of weight loss rather than fixating on skin imperfections.
While Nancy was fortunate not to have extreme loose skin, she used multiple strategies to tighten what she could and had a healthy attitude about her body.
How Nancy Cordes & Her Weight Loss Inspires Others
Nancy Cordes deserves immense credit for her weight loss efforts, which have motivated so many. Here's a look at how she inspires others with her story:
Inspiring Other Busy Moms
Nancy proved that even busy working moms can make time for diet and exercise. Her tips on meal prepping and efficient workouts show moms they can put themselves first.
Inspiring People in Their 40s & Beyond
By losing significant weight in her mid-late 40s, Nancy shows that it's never too late to get healthy. Her success motivates people to take control at any age.
Inspiring Other Women
Strong, successful women like Nancy are role models for other ladies seeking to improve their health and feel confident. Her vulnerable weight loss journey is relatable and inspiring.
Inspiring People Tired of Diet Failures
For those who have tried and failed to lose weight many times, Nancy's story provides hope. Her perseverance through plateaus and struggles motivates others to keep going.
Inspiring People with Health Conditions
Nancy's dramatic weight loss significantly improved her joint pain and inflammation. Her story shows how losing weight can be life-changing for health issues.
At 50 years old, Nancy looks and feels better than ever thanks to her inspirational weight loss journey. She motivates countless others to take steps towards a happier, healthier life.
10 Tips from Nancy Cordes for Sustainable Weight Loss
After sharing her incredible weight loss success, Nancy Cordes provided these 10 tips for anyone looking to lose weight sustainably:
Keep tempting foods out of your home so unhealthy choices aren't easy.
Listen to educational podcasts about health when exercising to motivate you.
Find an eating plan you enjoy and can realistically maintain long-term.
Set mini goals along your weight loss journey to celebrate small wins.
Take progress pics to visualize your slimming down when the scale gets discouraging.
Buy a fitness tracker to stay accountable for daily activity and movement.
Schedule workouts with friends to make fitness fun and social.
Stay hydrated with water to control hunger and support your metabolism.
Treat yourself to a relaxing massage when you need some pampering and self-care.
Focus on consistency rather than perfection. Not everyday will be perfect, and that’s okay!
Nancy knows sustainable weight loss takes patience and commitment. By following her tips, you can lose weight in a healthy, maintainable way just like she did.
FAQs
How much weight did Nancy Cordes lose?
Nancy lost an impressive 50 pounds, going from 197 pounds down to 147 pounds.
How long did it take Nancy Cordes to lose the weight?
It took Nancy about 7 months to lose the 50 pounds through diet and dedicated exercise.
What was Nancy's dress size before and after?
Nancy went from wearing a size 14 dress to a size 6 after losing the weight.
What is Nancy Cordes diet?
She follows a high protein, lower carbohydrate diet with lots of lean protein and fresh produce. Nancy avoids added sugars.
What exercise does Nancy Cordes do?
She incorporates both cardio and weight training 4-5 days per week. Nancy enjoys swimming, running, Pilates and lifting weights.
What motivated Nancy Cordes to lose weight?
Nancy wanted to get healthy to keep up with her daughters and alleviate her joint pain. She was determined to lead by example.
How did Nancy Cordes deal with loose skin after weight loss?
She used creams, treatments and weight training to tighten skin. Nancy also accepted that some loose skin was inevitable.
How has weight loss changed Nancy's life?
She has more energy, less pain, improved labs, and increased confidence. Nancy feels healthier than ever in her 50s.
Conclusion
Nancy Cordes dramatic weight loss demonstrates that permanent lifestyle changes are possible when you commit to diet and exercise. Her inspiring story shows that middle age is not too late to transform your body and health for the better.
Nancy's weight loss journey reveals the importance of self-motivation, support systems, and resilience when faced with challenges. By embracing healthier habits, Nancy gained tremendous benefits beyond just a slimmer physique.
At 50 years old, Nancy looks and feels better than ever. She hopes her story inspires other women and moms to believe they too can lose weight and reclaim their health. Consistency, positivity and determination were the keys to Nancy's success.