General Discussion

Just after I turned 61. My Mother died that January, 12 days before her 79th Birthday.

After 5 months of mourning her loss, I did not take care of myself as well as I should have. Feeling down and looking dumpy, I did a 360 in my fill length mirror in my undies before my shower. It was then I decided to get my butt back to Weight Watchers(WW) and relearn some things, reset my lifestyle goals, get CONTROL back into my life, re-earn my Lifetime member benefits, and get this extra 60 pounds off. At 5'5" tall, weighing 208 pounds was not in my best interest.

My journey to better mental and physical health began on June 3rd, 2013. I am still on that journey to this day weighing between 145 to 150. I have been wearing size 8 to 10 pants for 12 years now. I have been on numerous road trips, several International trips, and HAVE NOT regained the weight back. Every month I go to my Weight Watcher's meeting as a FREE Lifetime member still below my goal. WW is a lifestyle, not a diet. Due to some changes from within, I limit intake of breads and pastas(Gluten issues), white potatoes and rice, most dairy products(Lactose). I stick with Lean proteins, healthy fats, low Glycemic vegetables, plus fruits. Nothing is off the table, but I watch serving and portion sizes. I AM IN CONTROL and I DECIDE whether or not I eat a rich dessert, have a 2nd helping, or another glass of wine.

I walk 3 miles a day on average(sometimes more), 5 to 6 days a week for my overall health, work out with weights to stay strong muscle wise. My Internist said his job would be easier of he had more patients like me. I take some medications for my eyes and upper and lower GI issues.(Thus the limitations on certain foods). I will be 74 my next Birthday. This widow refuses to sit back and get frumpy. There is too much of life to be enjoyed. Places to go, people to see, things to do, etc.

As for calories, it is the QUALITY of those calories that makes all the difference. 2 slices of a deep dish pizza with everything on it and beer can be the calories one needs in one day as compared to 3 meals and a healthy snack. WW has taught me much over the last 13 years. My life has been all the better for it. For I am running a marathon, not a sprint. Losing weight is not difficult if one works at it and LEARNS things along the way. KEEPING the weight off, that's where the real work comes in.

Hope this helps.