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73 Search Results for "diet"
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Happy Friday
- From: bridge92
-
Description:
Good morning and Happy Friday!
Sorry for the silence yesterday. But, got a little tied up and couldn't get on here to send out my usual daily blog. But, I am back today! This will probably be my last blog for a few days. I'll be busy next week with travel and Thanksgiving plans. So, look for me again on next Friday! We'll have a lot to catch up on by then for sure.
So, next week is the big week.....Thanksgiving Day celebrations begin! So, read all my blogs that gave you some good tips on what to do during those holiday celebrations. At the end of this blog, I'll list them again for you. Just be prepared and you'll do fine. Don't let anyone or any food sabatoge your progress....it is not worth it. Just keep that in mind and you'll be fine. I am telling myself the same thing too. Also, check out my Turkey Day Recipe blog and get some great ideas on what to bring or serve at the celebrations. Remember, this holiday is about family, friends and sharing, so a lot of food does not have to be the main attraction. Keep the bigger picture in mind.
Here are the reminder tips:
• Have a game plan in mind before you go. Enjoy a light snack or meal at least 30 minutes before arriving to the dinner. You won’t be hungry and it will keep you in control. If you can, ask what will be served and then offer to bring something along. Bringing a dish will give assurance there will be at least one healthy offering as well as show the host or hostess your thoughtfulness.
• Scan then choose. Before anything hits your plate, look at what is presented, then decide. Go for veggie platters, steamed or roasted vegetables, turkey breast or chicken (skin removed), and fruit for dessert. Steer clear of the creamy based salads, such as potato or pasta salad. Watch out for the stuffing and cheesy casseroles too. These items are often loaded with calories and fats that can potentially derail your weight loss and healthy eating goals. You may sample a small taste of one item that may not be as healthy, but watch those portion sizes.• Stay in control. Sometimes peer pressure can play a vital role in this situation. If people do not see you eating as much as they are, they can feel as though you are not joining in on the fun. So, the key is to be prepared and have something already in your hand. An ice filled cup of water or diet soda won’t add any additional calories and won’t leave you standing there idle. If someone still pressures you, just be polite, and say no thank you.
• Get involved. Remember, the holiday should be about getting together and sharing in the joy of the holiday season. Food is not the only way to get involved in the party. So, be sociable and mingle. A good discussion and even a card game are good distractions that can keep you on track. However, when you do engage in conversations, keep away from the food table. If you engage too long in front of the table, you may not only find yourself engaging in good conversation, but also some mindless nibbling.
Have a healthy Thanksgiving holiday! See you next Friday online!!
Bridgette
- Blog post
- 7 hours ago
- Views: 21
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Reflection - Defining the mome
- From: bridge92
-
Description:
Good morning all!
Being a full-time working Mom and wife, I don’t get much “me” time. You know, that time to just sit and think…..no noise, no distractions. So, this morning, before starting my usual busy day, I decided to take that extra time and do just that. I did some reflecting. I thought about my journey and how far I have come. I thought about my “wake-up” call and what it took for me to get started on my journey that has led me to where I am today.
January 3, 2007 was the first day I took those steps. It was tough, but I had a made up mind and was determined to do something about ME. My health was bad and I was taking three different pills daily. I was 35 years old and didn’t want to continue on medication for the rest of my life. I wanted to stop the constant shortness of breath and be able to keep up with my daughter. I wanted to change not just my weight, but my self-esteem, my drive, my passion….the discovery of the real me trapped inside a 215 pound body. This was my wake-up call. What is your wake-up call?
Losing weight is not an easy task. Keeping it off, is even harder, but I am learning each day, that it can be done. Most of you have gotten your own personal wake-up call too. You have decided to take those first steps to a new life. I believe that is why you found this community and joined. We are all looking for inspiration as well as answers.
Here is a checklist that I used when I first started out. It helped me to stay focused and get to my goal. So, now I am reflecting on it.
1. Decide in your mind that this is something you really want to do. This truly has to be a commitment in order for you to succeed.
2. Take it one day at a time. Change takes time. No one gains weight overnight. It may seem like one day you were eating a slice a pizza and the next day it stuck to your thighs. No, it actually took some time to gain the weight. So, as a result, it will be a process to take the weight off. It will not just melt away on its own. It will be a lot of work, but well worth it. Give yourself time. Change one habit a week; take it day by day.
3. As most of us are learning, diets don’t work. Weight Watchers has told us this message many times over and over again. So, prepare your mind to trade in all your old habits and replace them with good habits. As you develop new eating habits, your body will start to fall in line with how you are thinking about food. This journey is a lifestyle change. So, you are in it to win it. You don’t want to lose the weight then gain it back. Ultimately, the goal should be to lose it for good.
4. Be selfish. That’s right….selfish. Take time out for yourself and learn about what you need to do to get yourself on the path to healthy eating and exercise. Carve out some “me” time in your daily schedule to make sure you are getting enough rest, eating the proper foods and exercising your body. It is not only good for you, but also those around you. The people around you need you to be at your best. Taking that much needed time for yourself is important.
5. When choosing to go with a weight loss program, choose a plan or program that works best for you. Research all of your options. There are so many programs and plans to follow these days. So, take your time and find what fits with your plans for your new lifestyle.
6. Lastly, it is always advisable to consult with your doctor or healthcare professional before changing your diet or starting any exercise program.
Whether the decision has been made or the process of making the decision is still underway, define your moment and own it. Freeze that moment in time, then, start using it as a self-motivator to get the ball rolling forward. Once the decision has been made, it will not be easy, but when you remember why you are doing it, it will be at those tough times that you know you have started a journey that has defined your success.
Until tomorrow……take it one step at a time and live in the moment! Enjoy your day!
Bridgette
- Blog post
- 3 days ago
- Views: 101
- Not yet rated
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MartiJBrown
- Views: 32
- Since: 4 days ago
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411 on Holiday eating
- From: bridge92
-
Description:
Whew…..we are almost to Friday!!
As we continue gearing up for Thanksgiving, I wanted to continue sharing strategies and of course, recipes that will get you through the holiday eating frenzy. Whether you are planning to eat out at a restaurant (Oh yes, many restaurants and hotels will be serving Thanksgiving dinner on Thanksgiving day!) or with your family and friends at home, if you are planning to splurge this Thanksgiving holiday, here a few tips on how to burn off those extra calories.
Burn Off Extra Thanksgiving Calories
But for those of us who want to stay on course and away from the next dress or pants size, here are some great tips to help this holiday season as well as any party or event you may attend.
• Have a game plan in mind before you go. Enjoy a light snack or meal at least 30 minutes before arriving to the dinner. You won’t be hungry and it will keep you in control. If you can, ask what will be served and then offer to bring something along. Bringing a dish will give assurance there will be at least one healthy offering as well as show the host or hostess your thoughtfulness.
• Scan then choose. Before anything hits your plate, look at what is presented, then decide. Go for veggie platters, steamed or roasted vegetables, turkey breast or chicken (skin removed), and fruit for dessert. Steer clear of the creamy based salads, such as potato or pasta salad. Watch out for the stuffing and cheesy casseroles too. These items are often loaded with calories and fats that can potentially derail your weight loss and healthy eating goals. You may sample a small taste of one item that may not be as healthy, but watch those portion sizes.• Stay in control. Sometimes peer pressure can play a vital role in this situation. If people do not see you eating as much as they are, they can feel as though you are not joining in on the fun. So, the key is to be prepared and have something already in your hand. An ice filled cup of water or diet soda won’t add any additional calories and won’t leave you standing there idle. If someone still pressures you, just be polite, and say no thank you.
• Get involved. Remember, the holiday should be about getting together and sharing in the joy of the holiday season. Food is not the only way to get involved in the party. So, be sociable and mingle. A good discussion and even a card game are good distractions that can keep you on track. However, when you do engage in conversations, keep away from the food table. If you engage too long in front of the table, you may not only find yourself engaging in good conversation, but also some mindless nibbling.
Now, to add on to the recipes that I shared in yesterday’s blog, here are a few more!
Here is an awesome pumpkin cake recipe that I discovered while searching online! I have made this cake numerous times. It is SO good! No one will believe it is low in calories and fat! Shhh! Don’t tell anyone! Just sit back and hear all the compliments of how delicious it is.
Oh, and one more link……here are TONS of recipes for some healthy holiday eating: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/thanksgiving-recipes/NU00643
That’s all for now! Have a great day!
Bridgette
- Blog post
- 1 week ago
- Views: 77
- Not yet rated
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It's time....
- From: MLC512
-
Description:
I've finally hit a wall, so to speak, with my weight. I've tried everything and found that nothing works. I even tried the "Clean Eating" way of life, but I can't deny myself some foods that I LOVE. When I do, I feel horrible, so now it's time to teach myself how to eat correctly. I won't lie, I LOVE Smart Ones food. Everything is delicious and the portions are perfect. I've even started eating the breakfast meals, which I really like. I also love the fact that Diet Coke isn't a HUGE no no. Although it's NOT the best to have, it curbs if not completely removes any cravings for sweets or sugar. Maybe it's my crutch - so be it.
I've upped my activity level and started running 3 miles a day and 45 mintues of weight training. I'm really hoping with WW/Smart Ones and my activity level, I'll be able to shed the 20lbs I've gained over the last few years.
- Blog post
- 2 weeks ago
- Views: 117
- Not yet rated
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Bridgette Wilson - The Journey
- From: bridge92
-
Description:
Long as I could remember. I was the “cute, but chubby” girl. In the first grade, I weighed 90 pounds!! I was the one that adults would say, “She has such a pretty face, if only she could lose a little weight…..”
Fast food was my obsession. I loved French fries…..they were everything. I never met a French fry I didn’t like. When I was in Middle school, every Friday Mom treated us to somewhere special. I would get off the bus and no matter what had happened that day, I knew we were going to go and eat later that evening. There was a place where I grew up in Houston, called “Master Burger”. They had small orders of fries: four for 25 cent with a coupon. I would get the Master Burger with Cheese and four orders of fries and sometimes onion rings as well. I would eat it all!!
College was where I had my first wake up call to do something about my weight. One of my mother’s friends was into fitness and losing weight. She recommended I try Slim-Fast. I did it for about two weeks and lost 14 pounds. I was hooked. So, then I started exercising, watching what I ate and really giving it my all. I went from 194 to 130!! I was wearing a size 8 and thought I was the queen of the world. But the part I didn’t learn was HOW to eat and WHAT to do after the diet is over. I was finally thinner, but very unhealthy. I realized that you can’t live on shakes for the rest of your life. So, before long, I put the weight back on and was heavier than when I first started out.
In spite of my weight challenges over the years, I met a wonderful man in the fall of 1997. Shawn and I were married on May 20, 2000. On our wedding day, I weighed 175, which I had accomplished to fit into my wedding dress. Before I got pregnant, I had swarmed up to 210 pounds. We had our daughter in 2004, which surprisingly, I only gained 30 pounds, so that took me to about 240 pounds. After Kayla was born, I dropped 25 pounds just like that. I thought to myself, hey, let’s try losing some more. So, I did finally get down to 188 and was feeling pretty good. I got on a 1500 calorie diet plan on my own. I exercised and was feeling pretty good about my accomplishment. But then, the yo-yo dieting started all over again for me. I returned to my old habits and the weight returned as well. I was back up to 215 pounds.
A job offer came to me in November 2006. We moved to Austin, TX. I continued with my bad eating habits, rebelling on being healthy. I tried to convince myself that since I keep going back to the 200 pound range, maybe this is just where I was meant to remain.
Finally, my turning point came. I had to get self-employment insurance because my consulting firm was not going to be able to provide group insurance to the Texas employees. So, that meant every consultant for my company working in Texas had to get their own insurance. Once the agent found out how much I weighed, they put me in a high risk category, which meant my rate changed so drastically. This was the wakeup call I needed.
On December 28, 2006, I started my weight loss journey, weighing 215 pounds. For once in my life, I realized, it was an addiction with me and fatty foods. I didn’t want to go back this time, but go forward. I didn’t need to be skinny, just healthy. I started changing the way I was eating and got into exercise. After a year, I got to my ultimate goal of losing 92 pounds!
I have been maintaining my weight loss (between 121-124) since March 2008, which is over a year and half. I am now a size 4-6 Petite in pants and skirts and small in tops! I use to be a size 22W pants and XXL in tops. This makes shopping so much easier and more fun now!
But the three things that are the key to my success are:
- You must make it a lifestyle change.
- You can not return to old habits.
- You must do it for YOU.
I have learned to find sensible alternatives and still get the same satisfaction as the high fat foods gave me. Some people want to challenge me to see if I will stick to my new way of eating. I use this as a tool to make me stronger. I have adopted a new way of thinking and along with it came a new life.
Before I go out to a restaurant, I research online for calorie and fat counts. I know what to order before I get there. I only eat out twice a month, and I make Smart Ones part of my lunch menu at least 3 times a week!
I have learned on my journey that you must plan or you will fail. I have finally learned that I am a food addict and I have to be aware of that or I will end up back in the plus-size department. But with a little planning ahead, I believe I will make it this time.
The surprising conclusion is that I don’t even like the way those fatting foods made me feel. I know that I didn’t like the way they made me look. So, do I miss it?? Not one bit, because when I look in a mirror, I am so grateful to God for helping me to find a new life.
- Blog post
- 3 weeks ago
- Views: 650
- Not yet rated
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Diva
- Views: 35
- Since: 4 weeks ago
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misterman23
- Views: 19
- Since: 1 month ago
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"I'm fat" no longer exists in
- From: zarie786
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Description:style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica;"style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica;"style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"
I hated my body for as long as I can remember. I would always look into the mirror and say “I look so fat” or “My stomach looks so big”. To make it worse, when I was 13, I had a medical problem and had to take medicine which had a side effect of weight gain and increased appetite. In the following months, the weighing scale always made my heart sink to my stomach, and I thought I just couldn’t control cravings. When I was 17, I decided to try Weight Watchers Smart Ones. Within 3 months, I lost 32 pounds. Everyone noticed and asked how I did it, they were all impressed. All I did was replace 2 meals with Smarts Ones and walked for 30 minutes a day. Before I bought my first one, I was skeptic of the efficacy and if it would taste good. After I tried it, I thought it tasted awesome and it was unlike any other frozen food. When you make it, it actually looks like what’s printed on the box. They’re so satisfying, and a lot cheaper than eating out. My favorites are the Chicken Quesadillas, Steak and ranch grilled flatbread, and shrimp marinara. My friends and I now skip ordering pizza and eat Smart Ones. Delicious, and no guilt in the morning. I rave about this to everyone when they ask me how I lost my weight and they love it also. I recommend this to any one, whether you’re trying to lose a couple vanity pounds or going for a bigger weight loss goal. This really, really works. Don’t waste your money on diet pills and gimmicks-none of that works. For half the price of what I’d eat at a fast food place, I can eat something healthy with variety. There’s something for everyone. Vegetarians, meat-lovers, people with a sweet tooth. They’re ideal for college kids- it’s healthier, faster, more convenient, and cheaper than cafeterias. When I went to college I used it to combat the freshman 15. In fact, I lost another 5 pounds my first year because of all the walking to class along with a healthy diet. Now I can look in the mirror with higher self-esteem and with pride of knowing that I did this by myself without surgery or diet pills. So take my advice, and buy Smart Ones-if they worked for me, they can work for you!
- Audio blog post
- 1 month ago
- Views: 215
- Not yet rated
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Weight Loss Success
- From: jrs1980
-
Description:
In August of 2004, I was about to turn 24 years old. I was 375 lbs and very unhappy. I did not have a college education, and I worked the graveyard shift at a local hospital. I ate out of vendint machines and slept all day, avoiding working out. When I turned 24, I decided that I needed to make a change. I began working out slowly and eating healthier, thanks to Weight Watchers. With a healthier diet and regualr exercise plan, I began to slowly see the difference in my appearance. Now, 5 years later, I am down to 205 lbs, a 170 lbs difference. I love Weight Watchers products, and Weight Watchers Smart Ones are great. I'm a new man, thanks to a new plan which included Weight Watchers.
- Blog post
- 2 months ago
- Views: 343
- Not yet rated
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My Weight Loss Journey
- From: cspliedt
-
Description:
Hi! My name is Corinne Spliedt and I have been a lifetime member for about 20 months. I had always been fit, exercising three times a week, since I was 30 years old. It wasn’t until I reached age 40 that the weight started creeping up. When I turned 40, I gained 5 lbs which translated to increasing by 2 sizes. I thought there was something wrong with me so I mentioned it at my physical. My doctor replied that I had to “eat less and exercise more”. I was infuriated! Didn’t he know that I exercised faithfully and I thought I ate healthy foods?
Each year I packed on more pounds until I went from a size 8 to a 14 and had gained 35 lbs. I was devastated when I tried on my fall wardrobe and could not zip up a single pair of pants. That was my turning point as well as seeing my picture in my daughter’s wedding photos. I did not like what I saw.
It was very difficult to walk in the door to our local Weight Watchers facility. I was very nervous and embarrassed until I looked around and noticed members of my community, co-workers, parishioners, and people from school. I was not alone. Everyone struggles with their weight but not everyone does something positive to overcome the problem. I was a bit confused and overwhelmed initially by the points plan, but as each week went by, it became easier until it just became part of my daily routine.
The biggest lesson I learned from Weight Watchers is to look at the fat and fiber content and portion sizes. This is what caused my weight gain in the first place. I didn’t look at these things and I was not diligent on determining whether something was healthy just because it had low fat, sugar-free, or diet on the package. It was a real eye opener to see the nutrition information of my favorite dishes at local restaurants. I subscribe to HungryGirl.com which gives me a great deal of helpful information regarding food products and motivational ideas. I also know how to order when I eat out by eliminating certain items, mainly deep fried foods, creamy sauces, butter, ordering sauces on the side, and going on-line prior to the meal and look up the lowest fat menu items. It’s called being prepared.
Each day for lunch I would have a Smart Ones entrée because not only did I enjoy them but it was easy to track the point value. I keep a box of Fiber One bars in my car and one bar in my purse in case of a snack attack. I have a 48 oz. water bottle with me at all times. I have only missed 2 meetings since I joined in October 2007 due to vacations, and I believe this has kept me on track. The meetings give you ideas, support, and the opportunity to utilize the Weight Watchers products to keep you going. I make sure to include fruits and vegetables in each meal or snack. I snack on low calorie items that are recommended by WW or HG. This has been a lifesaver for me as I tend to snack when I get bored.
I have more energy now and I weigh the same as when I got married 27 years ago. I am 50 years old, and I feel much younger and vital than I did when I was 40. Since I’ve been unemployed I’ve increased my exercise regimen from three to six times a week at a gym, and do stretches and use a weighted hula-hoop for 15 minutes every other day to keep my body strong. I now enjoy exercising instead of feeling that I “have to do it because I ate too much the night before”. I went down to a size 4 and still have a hard time believing that I accomplished my goal and have maintained it for this long.
I encourage anyone who thinks that it is too hard to lose weight to try Weight Watchers and have an open mind. It will not happen overnight, but you will see a transformation if you continue attending the meetings and following the healthy food guidelines. I went from 165 to 130 lbs., and lost 32 inches total.
Thank you for the opportunity to share my story.
Sincerely,
Corinne A. Spliedt
- Blog post
- 2 months ago
- Views: 446
- Not yet rated
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my before picture
- From: cspliedt
-
Description:
Hi! My name is Corinne Spliedt and I have been a lifetime member for about 20 months. I had always been fit, exercising three times a week, since I was 30 years old. It wasn’t until I reached age 40 that the weight started creeping up. When I turned 40, I gained 5 lbs which translated to increasing by 2 sizes. I thought there was something wrong with me so I mentioned it at my physical. My doctor replied that I had to “eat less and exercise more”. I was infuriated! Didn’t he know that I exercised faithfully and I thought I ate healthy foods?
Each year I packed on more pounds until I went from a size 8 to a 14 and had gained 35 lbs. I was devastated when I tried on my fall wardrobe and could not zip up a single pair of pants. That was my turning point as well as seeing my picture in my daughter’s wedding photos. I did not like what I saw.
It was very difficult to walk in the door to our local Weight Watchers facility. I was very nervous and embarrassed until I looked around and noticed members of my community, co-workers, parishioners, and people from school. I was not alone. Everyone struggles with their weight but not everyone does something positive to overcome the problem. I was a bit confused and overwhelmed initially by the points plan, but as each week went by, it became easier until it just became part of my daily routine.
The biggest lesson I learned from Weight Watchers is to look at the fat and fiber content and portion sizes. This is what caused my weight gain in the first place. I didn’t look at these things and I was not diligent on determining whether something was healthy just because it had low fat, sugar-free, or diet on the package. It was a real eye opener to see the nutrition information of my favorite dishes at local restaurants. I subscribe to HungryGirl.com which gives me a great deal of helpful information regarding food products and motivational ideas. I also know how to order when I eat out by eliminating certain items, mainly deep fried foods, creamy sauces, butter, ordering sauces on the side, and going on-line prior to the meal and look up the lowest fat menu items. It’s called being prepared.
Each day for lunch I would have a Smart Ones entrée because not only did I enjoy them but it was easy to track the point value. I keep a box of Fiber One bars in my car and one bar in my purse in case of a snack attack. I have a 48 oz. water bottle with me at all times. I have only missed 2 meetings since I joined in October 2007 due to vacations, and I believe this has kept me on track. The meetings give you ideas, support, and the opportunity to utilize the Weight Watchers products to keep you going. I make sure to include fruits and vegetables in each meal or snack. I snack on low calorie items that are recommended by WW or HG. This has been a lifesaver for me as I tend to snack when I get bored.
I have more energy now and I weigh the same as when I got married 27 years ago. I am 50 years old, and I feel much younger and vital than I did when I was 40. Since I’ve been unemployed I’ve increased my exercise regimen from three to six times a week at a gym, and do stretches and use a weighted hula-hoop for 15 minutes every other day to keep my body strong. I now enjoy exercising instead of feeling that I “have to do it because I ate too much the night before”. I went down to a size 4 and still have a hard time believing that I accomplished my goal and have maintained it for this long.
I encourage anyone who thinks that it is too hard to lose weight to try Weight Watchers and have an open mind. It will not happen overnight, but you will see a transformation if you continue attending the meetings and following the healthy food guidelines. I went from 165 to 130 lbs., and lost 32 inches total.
Thank you for the opportunity to share my story.
Sincerely,
Corinne A. Spliedt
- 2 months ago
- Views: 343
- Not yet rated
-
my weight loss success
- From: desautell
-
Description:
WHY I DID IT: I was always the fat girl, the one who was picked last for everything in school. When I graduated high school, I married a year later and had two children by age 23. Taking care of two little ones, there was never any time for me. I ate fast food, and the weight just kept piling on. I made several attempts to get healthy. When my youngest was 3, I joined Weight Watchers. I worked hard at it and lost 86 pounds, but when my marriage fell apart and I became a single mom, I made poor food choices, went out to eat all the time, and the weight came right back on and then some. I just kept on eating junk food and didn't care how I looked. I developed high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol. My doctor told me that I'd better do something or I'd be dead by the time I was 60. Then a new man came into my life, and he asked me to marry him. I wanted to lose 50 pounds before the wedding, which I did. But after the wedding I went right back to my old ways of eating. At 38, I became a grandmother and my granddaughter has been such a wonderful joy to me, but I continued eating poorly, dining at McDonald's and Burger King for breakfast and lunch. I was probably eating more than 5,000 calories a day at that point and washing it all down with Diet Coke. At dinnertime I would eat, then I would also snack all night long. I had gained so much weight that I was at the heaviest I had ever been 242 pounds. Then one day when my granddaughter was 3, she looked at me and said, "Memere, why can't you go and play at the park with me, like the other kids' grandmothers?" I then decided that I wanted to live and be healthy. I needed to be here for her. HOW I DID IT: I started working for Cybex in Medway, which makes exercise equipment. And in November 2007, I went back to Weight Watchers. Our CEO at Cybex paid half of the membership. Donna Gill, an employee of Cybex in Medway, lost 90 pounds thanks to hard work, support from her boss and a strict diet before her weight loss.
Since then, I have lost a total of 90 pounds. I hit the gym five days a week and work out early in the morning at Planet Fitness in Woonsocket, R.I., or in the company gym during lunch time. The company gym has treadmills, arc trainers, bikes and strength equipment. I generally walk on the treadmill, setting it at a steep incline, for 35 to 40 minutes and then I'll use the arc trainer for 10 minutes. With a steep incline you can burn just as many calories walking as if you were running. I also do strength training. Most days I'm in the gym at 5 a.m. My husband thinks I'm nuts. I attend Weight Watchers meetings once a week on Saturdays in North Smithfield, R.I. The support group and leader help keep me motivated. SECRET TIP: Sometimes I sleep in shorts and a T-shirt so I can just get up, put on my sneakers and go. HURDLES: I gave pizza up for a year. At Weight Watchers, they call it a "red light" food. I couldn't eat just two pieces I'd eat th whole thing. Now I can eat just two pieces and fit it into my Weight Watchers plan. The holidays are the toughest because you never know what someone is going to have at their house if you're visiting. Now I eat something small at home so I can eat just a little when I go out. Often I make my own holiday meals and invite people to my house instead. I'll make a sweet potato for myself rather than eat mashed potatoes. I adjust desserts to make them low-sugar and low-fat. When I go out to eat, to Medway Cafe or Applebees for instance, I'll have a grilled chicken salad and ask them to put the dressing on the side. Or, I'll have fish, baked potato and broccoli. GOING THE DISTANCE: Today, I no longer have diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol. I no longer take medication of any kind, when before I was taking pills for everything. I went from a size 22 to a size 8/10. I have about 10 pounds to go to reach my goal, which my doctor and I have decided is a good weight for me. If it had not been for Weight Watchers and the support group that we have, I don't know if I could have done it. I have to say that I have made the best lifestyle change I could have Donna Gill, a Blackstone resident who works at Cybex in Medway, before her weight loss.
ever made. The look in the eyes of my granddaughter, who is now 5, when she tells me how much she loves the new Memere, is priceless, and I would not change that for anything. BEST ADVICE: Don't give up. And if you have a bad day, get back on track the next. "If you always do what you always did, you're always going to get what you always got," my Weight Watchers leader used to say. She's absolutely right.
http://www.milforddailynews.com/lifestyle/columnists/x269050010/MY-DIET-STORY-Grandma-find-motivation-in-granddaughters-eyes - Blog post
- 2 months ago
- Views: 257
- Not yet rated
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Living my Best Life
- From: levanduski00
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Description:
I have struggled with weight my entire life. I have done every “fad” diet out there looking for the miracle cure to free me from my fat prison. Like so many others, I was looking for the easy way out. I never understood why this was happening to me and why I couldn’t catch a break. It never occurred to me that I was doing it to myself.
I always thought, “If I could just magically wake up at my goal weight, I could easily maintain it.” With that belief, I seriously researched gastric bypass surgery. In hindsight, it’s the one time in my life that I was grateful to not have the funds to support that whim.
After I passed 265 for the second time in my life, I stopped looking at the scale during my ob/gyn checkups at the doctor’s office. I honestly have no idea where I peaked with my second pregnancy. Frankly, I don’t really want to know. After our son was born, my weight came down into the 240’s. I stayed there for months. My gelatinous body repelled me. I kept saying, “I have to go on a diet” but did not feel the motivation to make a change. I believed that “diet” meant “deprivation” and I just wasn’t about to give up on my sweets just yet.
We moved again to California…land of opportunity. Words have never rung so true. I found an opportunity to answer a casting call from the Discovery Health channel. They were looking for people who need to lose anywhere between 30-100 pounds and take on a lifestyle makeover. That fit me perfectly. I went on the interview and miraculously, got the gig! I was going to be on TV!
That's when fear set in. I was going to share my weight issues with the world, raw and open for everyone to judge. I met Bob Greene as a part of the show and he changed my life. He has really instilled in me the tools I need to truly live my best life. I am not on a diet. I am living a healthy lifestyle.
I never exercised before. Ever. Now I am at the gym 5-6 days a week for at least 90 minutes. I have signed up for my first 5K. Exercise is non-negotiable for me. It’s a part of who I am now.
Nutritionally, I make the best decisions of my life. I used to make what was creamy, fatty, cheesy, etc. Now I long to taste the real flavors of food, without them being disguised. I used to snack all day long rather than eat meals with appropriate snacks. All that has changed. I often ate Weight Watchers Smart Ones with a salad for my lunch! It was a fast, delicious way to satisfy my hunger!
I am proud to say that I am now 165 pounds. I have 20 pounds to go to reach my goal. Since I’m not really sure where my weight was to start, I use the beginning weight of 238 pounds. That’s where I was when I answered the casting call. I have lost 73 pounds and counting! I have gone from a size 20 to a size 10 and lost countless inches!
I am now pursuing a career in motivational speaking. So many friends and family members have asked me for advice and encouragement in their own goals. I feel as though I have something to share and want to help others feel as great as I do!
I documented my weight loss journey with Bob and the Discovery Health channel on my blog, www.jlevanduski.blogspot.com. I am hoping to start web casting to help others and really need the Flip video camera to reach another goal. Thank you for reading my story!!
- Blog post
- 2 months ago
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