After her third baby was born, Stephanie turned to Weight Watchers for help getting rid of the extra pounds. More than 45 pounds later*, she's thrilled to be a happier, more energetic mom.
During my third and final pregnancy, I gained double the weight I had gained with my first and second. Weight Watchers meetings had helped me lose weight between my second and third pregnancies, so after I gave birth to my third child, I joined Weight Watchers meetings again. I told myself that this was it.
I knew that this time I'd just have to stick with it, so I did. I never felt deprived; I enjoyed a nice meal out almost every week. Of course, I learned my limitations and didn't overindulge. Instead, I just savored every bite. I also experimented with foods I wouldn't normally eat and learned to choose more vegetables and salads. It really wasn't that hard because I knew the POINTS® Weight-Loss System well, and I really wanted to do it this time.
Exercise Trick: 20 a Day
I didn't start exercising immediately; I knew I had to focus on those food changes first. But after about six months I began walking every day. For me, 20 minutes a day does the trick, and I don't get bored with it because doing something for 20 minutes is not a chore. I compare my workout with brushing my teeth. It's something I must do — every day. My teeth suffer if I don't brush them, and my body suffers if I don't work out.
I met my weight goal after 63 weeks*. Now that I'm a Lifetime Member, I still attend meetings and weigh in every week — sticking to a schedule helps keep me focused.
New, Improved Energy
The most significant change in my life is that I have so much more confidence. I am a better mother and wife, and a happier person. I have more energy, I jump around a lot, I dance with my kids. I smile all the time, and I have more fun!
Another obvious change is my wardrobe. Before, I wore black clothes or solid-colored plain shirts pretty much exclusively, and nothing was ever tucked in and belted. Now I wear colorful clothes with fun and funky designs.
My husband and I recently celebrated our 10th anniversary with a vacation to the Bahamas. I was almost as excited to shop for clothes for the trip as I was to take the actual vacation. What a treat it was to buy cute sundresses and a bathing suit that I could wear without a cover-up!
Tips From Stephanie:
* Even if you find yourself in a slump, stick with it.
* Don't skip a week of meetings because you know you did poorly. That's when you need to go.
* Find different things to eat so you don't get bored.
* Exercise when you're ready. I started exercising when I knew
I had to jump-start my weight loss.
* My favorite snack? Sixteen Junior Mints for a POINTS value of 3.
I keep them in the freezer.
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