Accolades to Weight Watchers

My history ...
About 5 years or so ago, I had started picking up weight, slowly (of course), and I didn't pay much attention to it. When I went to my GYN doctor, he told me that I needed to lose weight. Actually, I sloughed it off and thought he probably told everyone that. I mean, how many doctors do you know need to be on a diet, quit smoking, stop drinking, start exercising, etc. and tell their patients that they need to do the same? Ah, most of 'em!! I mean no one's perfect, right? I was aware that I should weigh less, but I have always been able to drop weight pretty easy; so I ignored it --- kinda ...

He mentioned it again the next couple of visits, even to suggest diet pills and giving me a diet plan. I was shocked he was telling me this!! I have never been told such. Still, I thought I had it under control ... but my weight kept increasing a little at a time. This year when I went I was shocked at the scales! I have never weighed that amount before. I mean, my mother weighed 15 pounds less when she was pregnant! How could I actually weigh this much??

Real life examples ...
Shortly after then, Day Camp registration began. One of the camper parents, Kelly, came by to register her child and she looked great. I asked her what she was doing and she told me Weight Watchers. I thought it was great for her, but I had no plans to actually be on one of those things [namely, diet] ... never! All I've ever seen are failures. I would exercise and hope it would do the trick. Yeah, that's it ... well, I didn't exercise and time rocked on.

I began noticing a lady at my church losing weight. I was excited for her. I found out that she was on Weight Watchers, too. Okay, this is twice I've heard about Weight Watchers ... and could actually see results of people I knew - and - they were happy. Now, these ladies were not obese, but a little overweight as I was. I'm thinking, "Now, Lord, are you telling me something?" Though they may not have known it, God was using these ladies. Thank you, Erin H. and Kelly T., for your inspiration. You played a big part in my success!

The beginning ...
So I began to look into WW. Everything I saw was that it was a good plan. I liked the diet itself as it didn't seem like a diet, but the correct way to eat and live. Their idea of maintaining a good weight was actually one that spoke to me.

Now, the time had come ... am I actually going to swallow my pride and expose myself "in public" and be tagged as someone who needs to lose weight ... or not? My husband wholeheartedly supported me. I decided that my problem was as much of being accountable as anything else. So, I swallowed my pride and ... WENT ... I couldn't believe I was in line waiting for the doors to open to sign up, weigh up, and listen up!

I began losing weight - fairly quick actually. I put my whole heart into it and was determined to be steadfast and most of all, accountable. If I had to look at someone who is checking my weight every week, it would be embarrassing (and could be costly) if I didn't show that I was serious about WW. So, I dug my heels in and ran the race as fast as I could - breathlessly, I may add. I even began running regularly with Kent. Found out it wasn't so bad after all. I had run in a few races in the past, but now I wanted to set my face like a flint and pursue to do the best I could. One of my goals has always been (and will always be) to not come in last, ha! No, really ... I constantly look back to see how many are behind me. Another goal is to try and run the entire way. I do not beat myself up if I have to walk a few steps here and there, but I try not to any more than I possibly have to. Now, I can run the entire race ... I still look back a lot though!! Guess old habits are hard to break ... and, let's see, would this be a pride issue?? Hmmmm....

Good news ...
I want to support, encourage and inspire others to achieve their weight loss goals. I understand more about losing weight and exercising regularly now more than ever. I am very thankful for those that have encouraged me ... it means a lot to me! And, hey, my husband couldn't be happier and ... I can move around easier now. I can literally turn all the way around to look out the back window of my truck ... as well as tie my shoes without cutting off my breath ... all of this without a struggle and no more gasping! What an accomplishment!

Finally ...
I am proud to say that I am a strong supporter of WW! I now enjoy running and exercising and never thought I would actually say, "I want to run" like my husband does. I joined in the middle of February and as of Saturday, August 9th, I weighed 25.5 pounds less!! I received my charm (unknowing I was to receive one). I was so excited that I had lost this much weight. I dropped 3 dress sizes! I'm only one size short of being where I was when I met Kent 25 years ago. I never thought I would see that again and wasn't trying to. So ... that afternoon, I went through my closets and pulled out all of my larger sized clothes and now I have room for some new cute ones. I am now looking forward to getting some clothes that look good on me (for a change).

Tips ...
1. I have changed the way I congratulate myself when there has been a goal achieved or a birthday to celebrate. I don't "eat out" for my treat anymore ... now it's buying a new blouse/outfit or doing something or going somewhere. And funny thing is, it's not that much difference in the cost and a much healthier one! [I've found that smaller size clothes aren't as costly ... now this is a treat!]

2. Keep a journal ... that's right. It makes a difference when you can see everything you put into your mouth! Yep, every little BLT (bite, lick or taste) should be written down. Give it a try, you'll be surprised how much, how often and just what all you eat and not even realize it.

Now if I could just stay away from buffets ... they are killers for me as I've not learned how to "control" myself - (bad dog, bad)! I guess it's good to always have something to shoot for; it keeps you alert. Now ... have a happy and healthy day!