Sherry’s Weight-Loss Success Story…. A Life Changing Experience

To start with, I was always told I was "bigger boned" and to be honest, I believed it. At my "lightest", I was a 150 pound (size 10 or 12) 5 feet 1 inch tall senior year in high school. I am
currently 34 years old.
      At my yearly physical I was told that I had high-cholesterol, my blood pressure was also high, and I was at greater risk for diabetes (which runs in my family). I was border-line of needing to be put on medication. At that time, I weighed over 190 pounds and was wearing a size 16 plus. It was time for a life change.
      I had worked for Maine Pines for the past 5 years, and never took advantage of the facility and all that it offered. It was by chance I walked into the aerobics room and noticed the calender on the wall. You received a sticker for every aerobic class you took for the month of April. I loved the idea of getting a visual "reward" for working out, and asked Martha if she could do the same thing for me if I started a cardiovascular program. And that started it all....
      Every morning I would get up by 5:30am, be at the club by 6:00, and work out for 30 minutes 3-4 times a week on the elliptical trainer, bike, or treadmill. Even if I wasn't feeling well, I still had to go in even if only for 15 minutes. It did not matter the day or time. Each day I would leave Martha a note that I had been there, and I would receive a sticker for my efforts. Thirteen months later, I achieved my ultimate goal, 75 pounds less and down to a jean size 2-4.
      It was not easy. I also at the same time, continued to play tennis 2-3 times a week in addition to watching what I ate. There were no fad diets, no Aatkins, no weight watchers, just plain working out and controlling my calorie intake.
      My portions were literally cut in half. I stopped drinking regular soda and cream instead, I settled for skim milk. I no longer use butter or mayonnaise on a sandwich. I ate cereal or yogurt for breakfast instead of my usual muffin or scone. For lunch, I limited myself to salads with fat free dressing, soups, or sandwiches with wheat bread.
      I have been extremely strict with not having ice cream, cookies, or chips. After running your heart out on the treadmill to burn 300 calories, it didn't really seem worth it to put it back on for a candy bar. I would then have a sensible dinner with a cut of turkey or chicken, with plenty of vegetables. If I snacked, it was only on fruit or yogurt. Big Mac's and super-sized fries are a thing of the past.
      There were times when I would go a month, or a month and a half without losing any weight. Those were the most difficult. Honestly, the only thing that seemed to work was to change something. Anything. What you drank, the type of exercise, when you exercised..It seemed to help and stay positive!! I also weighed myself day and night. That helped me see when I had a bad or good day, and what might have affected my weight loss or gain. 
      I also for motivational purposes kept a pair of jeans on my bureau that was several sizes too small. I would try them only every now and again knowing some day they would fit. I also, as I outgrew my clothes, promptly donated them or discarded them. I would not let myself go back to where I was. If I did, I would be running around naked. I also would set small goals (every 5-10 pounds) and treated myself once they were reached. For larger milestones, (30-50 pounds), I would treat myself to something on a larger scale. I also to this day keep pictures of myself at my heaviest as a reminder how hard I worked and how easy it is to go back.
     I have since been back for a yearly checkup  and my blood pressure is fine, cholesterol couldn't be better, and I look and feel great.
You can do it....It is possible, and You are worth it....Best of Luck in Your efforts.

~ Sherry N.

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