Sometimes we look back at our past and remember a time that we were healthier and happier and had a different outlook on life and our future. This is an important state to be in and one that it seems Rebecca had found again to start here weight loss and her turning around of life.This former athlete never watched what she ate—until an injury sidelined her and forced her to take a hard look at her lifestyle.
I played soccer, basketball and softball throughout middle and high school. I never thought of myself as "overweight" or "obese," but I always knew I was bigger than other girls my age—and many of the boys for that matter. I struggled with self esteem as a result of my size, and even though outwardly I was succeeding, inside I was a wreck.
A Sedentary Setback
In the spring of 2003, I broke my ankle, had to have surgery and was inactive for eight weeks. I'd never been that idle, and I didn't watch what I ate. When I saw photos from my friend's wedding shower, I couldn't stand my own image. I had to make a change.
As soon as I had decided to do something about my weight, I started seeing Weight Watchers everywhere—in ads online and on TV—and I felt like that was a sign. I decided to join Weight Watchers meetings and started following the POINTS® Weight-Loss System and finally began making better choices—even in places like my college cafeteria. I lost weight those first two weeks* and felt like I could take over the world!
Finding a New Way
It wasn't all a walk in the park, though. Dining out was a big challenge. I went on vacation to Florida and insisted on eating only foods for which I knew the exact POINTS values.
Since that trip, I have learned that I can fit any menu into my new lifestyle. At parties, I fill up on veggies—baby carrots, celery, cauliflower. I have found a lot of fat-free dips and salsas that make those foods more appealing to me than any dessert or overly rich appetizer.
Making it Work
Because of my athletic background, incorporating movement into my life was natural for me. I did endure a six-week period on crutches after ankle surgery, but I was very careful of what I ate, and I realized that Weight Watchers works for everyone—even people who aren't able to exercise.
I'm glad to report that I'm back on my feet and am currently training to run in a half-marathon with my younger brother!
On a High Note
Throughout my experience, I surrounded myself with people who lifted me up—it was so encouraging to have someone notice even subtle changes.
Inwardly, I was changing my own perception of myself, learning to accept my body and the way I'm built. Losing the weight came quickly because of my dedication, but it took twice as long for me to learn to love myself and feel a real sense of contentment.
Rebecca's Tips:
- I LOVE to make air-popped popcorn and top it with Molly McButter spray. When I crave something sweet, I add a package of Splenda to it. It's like homemade kettle corn and tastes so good!
- Don't worry about being one of the younger members at a Weight Watchers meeting. I went to five months of meetings where I was the youngest by 15 to 20 years. I used that opportunity to learn as much as I could from other women, and I became a source of inspiration to them as well.
- A fab cold-day snack? Healthy Choice soups.
- Chew gum! Those first few months when all I wanted was to eat something more, I would just pop a piece of my favorite cinnamon gum!
- Fill your life with people who encourage your new way of eating healthy and who cheer for you all the way to your goal weight.
- If you're used to soda and have trouble switching to water, try Crystal Light—it's a great alternative.
No comments:
Post a Comment