Eleanor has been a member at LifeTime Fitness since around 1992 and has had 4 different personal trainers during that time. Early emphasis was on fitness. This included one hour weight training sessions and cardio. Goals were to loose weight, be more tone and so on. Part of this was to eat 5 meals per day as opposed to three meals per day. I thought I had a great master plan. However, it was not working.
Where have your struggles been?
Even though I was exercising I continued to gain weight! Chronic foot pain made me make poor decisions daily related to what I ate for meals and snacks. I tried other nutritionally based weight loss programs, these all seemed to be more shame driven. They wanted to charge me more money for gaining weight, but yet they could not teach me how to change. I was not learning how to eat differently or educating myself.
When did things change?
With a visit to my doctor, we discussed in summer of 2010 that I was classified as obese. Over the last couple of years I had two different surgeries on my feet and was unable to exercise at the same level as before during the previous years..
How did this feel?
I was shocked, embarrassed and sad. I put a stake in the ground and said "NO MORE".
What worked?
I worked daily and weekly using www.fitday.com to hold myself accountable. My daily intake has changed incredibly. One of the biggest changes was limiting my carbohydrate intake and secondly holding myself accountable with how many calories I eat each day.
I learned how to eat nutrient dense foods like deep colored vegetables, quality protein from whole food sources. I still allow myself to have a treat on occasion at special events.. but keep this only on rare occasions.
When trainers had suggested eating 5 times per day, I did not understand what I should have been eating. Not until my last trainer (Brian Waldo) did I understand the finer points as to what the snacks should consist of on a daily basis.
Was age a factor for you?
For me it was not a factor. However, I hear all the time that gaining weight happens to women as they get older. It may be true, but we do not have to accept it!
What changed for you or what do you notice?
I feel very good about what I accomplished. Socially, I take food with me if I know good choices are not there. I also will choose not to go to certain events or restaurants. I have had some of my friends mention how I look healthier! I have noticed some of my colleagues and friends making healthier choices when we are together.
What are the negatives?
Some think or say, "Oh your so good" sarcastically. But I realize I have made a good lifestyle decision that has changed my life. Also, eating healthy is more expensive and at times not as pleasurable.
When did you first take note of success?
About two months after really holding myself accountable I noticed real changes! In a January of 2011 visit to my doctor, I was no longer classified obese in my medical records and had lost 30 lbs. With continued limits because of my foot condition. I feel more agile. I no longer feel like making healthier choices is a burden or that I am missing out on anything! Instead I am gaining life, energy and wellbeing.
If your were to make reccomendations to someone struggling with thier weight, what would they be?
1) Losing weight does not happen over night, be patient
2) Eat real whole foods
3) Be committed for the long haul
4) Use a tracking program to monitor your behavior
5) Drink adequate water
6) Do not do this alone! You need someone to hold you accountable. A friend or possibly a personal trainer if you can do it! Choose somone who can be honest with you and will stick with you over the long haul.
