One sad night the writer went on the computer, and found the solutions that led to 70-pound weight loss.
Christmas Eve 2004. I was facing not one but TWO big family gatherings and I couldn't find a thing to wear. I stepped up on the scales and topped out at 220 lbs. I stepped off the scales, sat down on the bathroom floor and squalled - I didn't just cry - I squalled. At 5'7 - I was FAT. And the bad part was - I didn't even know how I got there. I had always fluctuated with my weight, but when my last two sons were born (at age 32 and 33) - the pounds seemed to pack on. Seems I would lose two and gain four. I suppose it was a combination of having given up my job (I had worked since I was 17) and staying home with my two youngest boys. I never regretted staying home with my boys, however, I regretted the fact that as they grew up I got into the habit of eating junk food, snacks etc. For instance, they would eat the inside of the Oreo cookie - I ate the outside. If they ate the topping off the pizza, I ate the crust. At 45, I stepped on that scale that Christmas Eve morning and crashed emotionally.After refusing to come out of the bathroom for an hour - my family left me there and proceeded to the Christmas festivities without me. I picked myself up off the floor and told myself that I would lose the weight one way or another. My boys were playing baseball and I was ashamed that I couldn't squat to catch my son pitching - or chase the ball without getting winded.
I got on the computer and began looking for the "magic" that would give me back my life and my confidence. I ran across a Weight Watchers ad - called my best friend Pam and asked her to attend a meeting with me. I talked to my Mom and convinced her to join Curves with me, and my husband bless his heart - supported me every inch of the way. He had NEVER said a word about my escalating weight - but he was oh so so supportive and proud when the weight began to fall off.
I will forever be grateful to Weight Watchers for "teaching" me how to eat. Portion control, avoiding fried foods - everything they taught - stuck. The main thing I learned was that I actually had been eating things that I honestly didn't really care for - just out of habit.
I also began a regiment of walking- which turned to running - which has continued to be something that relieves not only the stress in my life - but has helped me keep a "young" outlook on life.
Within a year I had lost 70 lbs. I will be 50 June 18th - and I weigh 140 lbs. now. I went from a size 22 to a size 4 and I'm proud of every inch lost. My husband passed away a year and a half ago - I have used running to keep myself sane. My boys are so supportive and complimentary of me and are proud to show their mom off.