When Alicia Roman, the familiar face of NBC 5 Chicago’s weather forecasts, shared her weight loss journey, it was not just another “how I did it” story. It was a journey full of sweat, tears, and breakthroughs—a story of struggle, self-discovery, and ultimate transformation. In 2024, Alicia shed 40 pounds, dropping from 185 pounds to 145 pounds. But this wasn’t just about the number on the scale. This was about reclaiming her confidence, her health, and ultimately, her life.
Breaking Through the Mental Blocks
Alicia’s weight loss journey didn’t begin with the announcement of a diet plan or a fitness routine. It began with a simple realization. She was tired—tired of feeling sluggish, tired of not being her best self. Like so many others, the demands of her high-profile job as a meteorologist kept her busy. There was always a deadline, a forecast to prepare for, an event to cover. Time for herself seemed like an afterthought.
In a heartfelt conversation, Alicia confided, “I spent years focusing on everything but myself. I was constantly on the go, but I wasn’t going anywhere. I had to change that.” Her emotional breakthrough came when she realized she could no longer ignore her health. “I wasn’t just physically tired, I was emotionally drained,” she explained. “I had to take control.”
The First Step: Small Changes with Big Impact
Alicia’s first step was not a drastic diet overhaul or an extreme workout regimen. It was about small, consistent changes that would eventually lead to significant results. “It wasn’t about doing everything right at once,” Alicia shared. “It was about setting achievable goals and tackling them one by one.”
She started with what she knew best—her relationship with food. As a self-proclaimed food lover, Alicia knew that an all-or-nothing approach to eating would be a quick path to failure. Instead, she made small adjustments to her diet. “I didn’t want to deprive myself. I wanted to enjoy food but make healthier choices. So, I started replacing some of my usual meals with more nutrient-dense options.”
She cut back on processed foods, incorporated more vegetables, and chose lean proteins. But what Alicia found most effective was cutting back on sugars. “Sugar was my biggest enemy. I didn’t realize how much it affected my energy levels until I started cutting back. It was an eye-opener.”
Exercise: Finding Joy in Movement
Of course, diet alone wouldn’t get her the results she wanted. Alicia knew she had to get moving, but she wasn’t interested in grueling gym sessions that felt more like punishment than progress. Her approach to fitness was all about finding joy in movement, which led her to dance fitness workouts.
“Exercise has to be fun for it to stick,” Alicia explained with a laugh. “I hate the gym, but I love dancing. So, I took up dance fitness, and it became my go-to. It didn’t feel like exercise; it felt like a celebration of what my body could do.”
Alicia’s energy levels soared as she began incorporating regular dance workouts into her routine. “Every time I danced, I felt stronger and more confident. It wasn’t about the weight loss at first—it was about feeling good.”
The Role of Mental Health in Her Transformation
One of the most significant aspects of Alicia’s journey was her commitment to mental health. “I’ve always been a big advocate for mental well-being, but I never realized just how much my mental state was influencing my physical health,” she shared.
As part of her transformation, Alicia made sure to prioritize self-care and mindfulness. “I started journaling, meditating, and just taking time to reflect on my emotions. It helped me stay grounded.” Mental health played a crucial role in her success, as it helped her keep her motivation up and remain focused on her goals, even when progress seemed slow.
She admitted that there were moments when she doubted herself. “I remember getting on the scale at one point and feeling like I wasn’t making progress. But then I’d remember how much better I felt emotionally and mentally. That kept me going.”
Tracking Progress: From 185 Pounds to 145 Pounds
The scale was only part of the story. Alicia’s weight loss wasn’t just a matter of losing pounds; it was a matter of gaining back control of her life. At the start of her journey, Alicia weighed 185 pounds, and by early 2024, she had lost 40 pounds, bringing her down to 145 pounds. But for Alicia, the number on the scale wasn’t as important as the emotional shift that accompanied her weight loss. “I didn’t just lose weight; I gained confidence. I gained energy. I gained back a part of me that I had lost.”
Breaking Through the Plateau: When Progress Slows Down
As Alicia progressed on her weight loss journey, she inevitably hit a plateau. “There were times when I wasn’t seeing the scale move. It was frustrating, to say the least,” she admitted. “But I knew this was part of the process. This wasn’t a quick fix—it was a lifestyle change.”
To break through the plateau, Alicia made subtle changes to her routine. “I switched up my workouts to keep my body guessing and adjusted my meal plan to avoid any habits creeping back in,” she said. This was the moment where her mental resilience truly shined. “I had to remind myself that this was a marathon, not a sprint.”
The Emotional Side of Weight Loss: Beyond the Physical
Weight loss is often portrayed as a purely physical journey, but Alicia’s transformation proves that it’s just as much about the emotional and psychological aspects. “The hardest part for me was facing the emotional triggers that led to my unhealthy habits,” she explained. “Food had become a comfort, a way to deal with stress. But once I started tackling the emotional side of things, everything else started falling into place.”
Alicia found strength in sharing her story with her followers on social media. “There were so many people who reached out and shared their own struggles with me. That support kept me going.” She also sought guidance from fitness experts and joined weight loss communities online, finding strength in shared experiences.
Advice for Others: Building a Sustainable Plan
Alicia’s weight loss success didn’t just come from dieting and exercising—it was about creating a sustainable plan that worked for her life. Her advice to others who are embarking on a similar journey is clear: “Start small. Don’t aim for perfection, aim for progress. And remember, you’re not alone in this.”
She emphasizes the importance of self-compassion along the way. “There will be setbacks, but that doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It’s all part of the journey.”
Alicia also stresses the importance of emotional well-being throughout the process. “Take care of your mind as much as you take care of your body. They go hand in hand.”
A Journey of Confidence and Health
Alicia Roman’s weight loss journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, self-care, and mental resilience. Through emotional breakthroughs, small yet impactful changes in her routine, and a mindset shift that prioritized health over perfection, she was able to lose 40 pounds—and, more importantly, reclaim a sense of self.
Her story isn’t just about weight loss; it’s about embracing change, finding strength in vulnerability, and recognizing the importance of mental and physical health. Alicia’s journey continues to inspire those around her, showing that with the right mindset, anything is possible.
