Losing weight takes focus and commitment

Timing is everything. We all have experienced getting to a point where we’re just ready to make a change whether it involves health, weight, organization, business, family etc. The desire comes and then the willingness to do what it takes to achieve the results we want.

Kathy made that decision over a year ago and has not looked back. Sure there were discouraging times,  but she kept her eye on the goal and pushed forward.  In a little over a year, Kathy has lost 80 pounds and transformed her life!  Here is her story:

WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO START THE PROCESS?

All the usual things motivated me. I wanted to look better, feel better, and improve my health. I was tired of being overweight and not recognizing myself in the mirror! If I continued to gain weight, I was on my way to becoming a type 2 diabetic, along with having high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and arthritis. For a long time, I had placed my family and my business first. The time had come to put myself first!

WHAT DID YOU DO FOR EXERCISE?

I began going to the Y every day. I started with the elliptical machine and now I am using the arc trainer because I can burn more calories.  I have an ipad, and I listen to music and read a book during my workout to make the time go faster. I treat my time at the Y like a job – it is something I have to do everyday, no matter what.  Try to think of exercise like brushing your teeth.  It becomes part of your routine.  I also go to yoga class 3 times a week.  I was hesitant to try it because of my weight and my artificial knees.  But, I find it so relaxing. Most of the poses are modifiable if you find it difficult. I highly recommend yoga for anyone!  I also wear a pedometer. It keeps me cognizant of my steps and motivates me to walk more.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHANGE YOU MADE IN YOUR DIET?

NO MORE FAST FOOD.  Seriously, you cannot eat fast food and even maintain weight, let alone lose weight.  In our fast-paced society, it is so easy to go through the drive-thru on your lunch hour or on the way home from work.  I do go to McDonalds now, but only order coffee.  I also pack my lunch to take to work.  Portion control is an issue for me.  So, instead of taking a box of crackers to work, I count out one serving and put it in a bag.  I also eat lots of fruits and vegetables and nonfat cottage cheese and yogurt.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHANGE YOU NOTICED?

I am healthy now!  I am not on any medication for blood pressure or cholesterol. I have more energy, more stamina. I can do more without being tired.  My favorite thing is to buy new clothes in the “normal” women’s department.

WHAT IS YOUR WHY?  WHY DO YOU WANT THIS?  WHAT KEEPS YOU FOCUSED?

In looking back at my Concepts Journal, the “why” was really just wanting to look and feel better. In one entry, I wrote, “I want to change the way people treat me.” This seems depressing, but I think overweight people are treated differently. Whether is conscious or subconscious, there is an unfavorable bias.  There are some things in life you cannot change, but your weight is one thing you definitely can change.  You have total control over what you put in your mouth and what you do for exercise. This is your life!  Being overweight affects everything.  It is a long process, but getting started is the most important step.  And, it is a lifelong process.  Christie keeps reminding me that I can never stop exercising.  Being focused is a daily struggle also. The biggest help for me is accountability.  Knowing that I have to weigh in every week or every other week is a big motivator for me.  Christie always writes my next appointment on a little sticky note. I place that note on the dash of my car so I look at several times a day and am reminded.

WHAT OBSTACLES GOT IN THE WAY AND HOW DID YOU REFOCUS?

One obstacle was the dreaded weight plateau. I went for about 6 weeks during early spring and didn’t lose any weight, even though I was doing the same exercise, eating the same food, etc.  You just have to push through it and believe that it will turn around eventually. I have a mathematical mind and I like to think that weight loss is strictly calories in – calories out = weight loss. To some degree, this is true, but sometimes your body has a different agenda.  Muscle weighs more than fat, and water retention is a problem sometimes. So, even if you are doing all the right stuff, sometimes the scale doesn’t show it. This was also when my weekly sessions with Christie really helped. She helped keep my attitude positive and focused on me!

For more information on Concepts in Weight Management or Beachbody, contact Christie Ryan at 785-827-3131.