In December 2008, at the age of 34, I was at my highest weight ever, with high cholesterol and high blood pressure. I am a 9-year kidney cancer survivor and knew that my high blood pressure was dangerous due to only having one kidney. I had survived cancer but was putting my life at risk by having an unhealthy lifestyle. I knew I had to make a change. I debated between joining Weight Watchers or Weight Loss Revolution. I had done Weight Watchers in the past and was comfortable with their program. However, whenever I stopped counting points, I gained back the weight. I was honestly a bit scared to join Weight Loss Revolution. I didn’t know much about it, and wasn’t sure what to expect. In the end I decided to sign up for Weight Loss Revolution for 3 months. I could do anything for that amount of time and in the end the convenience of already being at Momentum to exercise won out over my “comfort” with Weight Watchers. That was the best decision I could have made! I have lost almost 50 pounds and my blood pressure is now within a normal range! Working with Charlene has been amazing and has changed my life and the way I think about food and exercise. In the past, I hated to sweat and wasn’t a big fan of exercise; now, I actually look forward to my time at Momentum and miss when I can’t get into the club! I’m even considering joining the Pam’s Pals’ Racing Team. My motto has always been that I don’t run unless someone is chasing me, so Lisa will have her work cut out for her! I am looking forward to the challenge and know that training to run 4 miles will be the extra push I need to reach my goal by the end of March.
As for eating, I have completely changed the way I think about food. I no longer look to food for comfort. The meal plan of Weight Loss Revolution has you eating 3 meals and 3 snacks a day. The first few weeks were a real adjustment for me, but having the structured plans kept me on track and made the new way of eating a habit. I couldn’t believe that I was “dieting”! I wasn’t hungry and didn’t feel deprived at all. The best thing about following the WLR program is that it has taught me how to eat healthy. I’m not on a diet, I’ve changed my lifestyle!
Of course, life sometimes has a way of interrupting progress. I have been struggling over the past 3 months, only losing 2 pounds. My work schedule has been crazy and I have been sick multiple times which has kept me from regularly coming into the club. In the past, I was a stress and emotional eater. I have had a very stressful past 3 months, and in the past I would have probably gained at least 5-10 pounds. While I’ve only lost 2 pounds since the end of September, I have maintained the majority of the time. My goal was to have lost much more weight by this point, however, I am extremely happy with the progress I have made; not just with the pounds lost, but with the changes I have made in my life. I no longer look to food for comfort, I recognize when I am full, and don’t continue to eat after feeling full. If I want something sweet I have it, but only a bite or two and have been surprised that I’m actually okay with that! The last 3 months has given me confidence that I will be able to maintain my goal weight when I get there.
Working with Charlene and following the WLR plan has had such a positive influence on my life. I have more confidence, more energy and feel happy and healthy! I no longer hide when a camera appears, I enjoy shopping and like being active. I’m even on our Christmas card this year! I’m looking forward to hitting my goal weight in 2010 and most importantly continuing to lead a healthy lifestyle!
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