Success Story #14

Name:                         R. O'Conner
Improvement:           10lb weight loss / No Longer Needs Blood Pressure Medication
Time:                          3 months
Program:                   2012 Total Transformation Challenge

What was your biggest challenge / obstacle (s)?
My biggest obstacle was my own self! Having tried to lose weight and get fit several times over the last 10 years, and failing, I had to stop listening to the voice inside of me saying “here we go again! You will fail again” and begin to have faith that I can do it. I also had better resources and a peer network to help me, which I did not have in the past.
 
What motivated you to stay on the course?
The healthy peer pressure! Seeing other colleagues on the program telling me to “get up to the gym and just do it” especially on days when I wanted to walk right past the gym.
 
Did your diet change? If so, How? Please be detailed!
I changed my diet a lot. To begin with, I kept a diary of what I ate and measured everything to control the portions.  I began to eat on a side plate, not a big dinner plate. I stopped drinking soda completely. The program taught me about the GI index which helped me incorporate low GI fruit and vegetables in my dinner. No added salt and now use only fresh foods. Also no more prepared food like the ones that come in cans, or prepackaged. I have no cheese, salt or milk in my diet and have found other delicious protein sources, that are low on calorie. Finally, I look at labels and choose the ones that will help me and not harm me.
 
What advice could you give to others that want the same results? 
Take it slowly and keep going even if you don’t want to. Use the resources that are available to you. Don’t underestimate the good peer pressure, especially at the times that you need a little push. Learn from your trainer. Rami helped me understand what it means to be on a plateau and how to overcome that obstacle. Have fun while you learn to be the new you.
 
How is this experience going to affect you going forward?
My health has improved enormously. I have gone off my BP medication as I have lost weight and got fitter. I sleep better so have more energy during the day to enjoy my life more. Every pound I have lost, I will never, ever see again. I have learned to balance my food with the amount of exercise I do and to operate from a wellness frame of mind. I intend to keep going as this is now my life and I love it, and would encourage others to take the same journey and discover the joy of being healthy.