BEFORE MY TRANSFORMATION
After retirement as a registered nurse, it seemed I was busier than ever. I thought that since I was more active, I wouldn’t have a problem with my weight. In truth, I have suffered with weight issues all my life — up and down, and up and down, rinse and repeat. It seems like most social gatherings are centered around food, and I dove right in, baking for my grandchildren and lunching with friends. My husband wasn’t retired yet, so I finally had plenty of time to cook imaginative meals for him.
After a couple of years of this, my weight had ballooned beyond previous levels. I was uncomfortable in my clothes and noticing health issues I’d never had before. My hips hurt all the time. I had plantar fasciitis, and my reflux hit new levels — requiring me to up my meds.
I was miserable, and my self-image was in the pits.
MY GOAL
I knew I needed to get healthy again and feel better about myself.
WHAT I DID
I started ‘eating clean,’ as I call it, and following a dietician-guided eating plan, along with lifestyle coaching. Going back to basics and letting my body take a rest from all the bad habits was essential. Then I gradually started learning what foods are triggers for me.
HOW IT WORKED
In just a short time, I began to breathe easier, noticed less discomfort in my joints and was able to decrease my reflux medication back to normal levels. And my plantar fasciitis is gone!
THE MOST DIFFICULT PART
I have always enjoyed sweet and rich foods. It was a hard habit to break, but I have found better ways to satisfy that craving. Getting a feel for what satiety really feels like was a challenge.
HOW I FEEL ABOUT MYSELF TODAY
As the weight has fallen off, I feel physically so much better. I am able to wear clothes that have been sitting in my closet waiting for this moment. My self-image has improved astronomically.
MY ADVICE TO OTHERS
Finding out how your body responds to individual foods and learning better, healthier ways to eat is so important.