65 Pounds, 0 Excuses
It was time. I had to do something. I was 48 years old. My husband and I love to travel. Our only child was in college. There was just one thing wrong: I weighed 200 pounds and was still gaining. My clothes kept “shrinking.” Theater seats were getting smaller. I could no longer cross my legs. My breathing was becoming labored with the slightest exertion.
The thought of trying to lose weight was frightening. What if I couldn’t do it? I was discouraged by media reports that fat cells never go away--they just wait around to swell up again. Or what about the idea that some of us are genetically predisposed to be fat?
Scary as it was, I was so uncomfortable, I was ready. These were my personal steps:
* I went to my doctor, who explained that exercise would increase my metabolism. She also gave me a reduced-calorie diet.
* I bought a reliable scale. There were periods when my weight would plateau for days, but sure enough, it would start to fall again. I lost an average of two pounds a week.
* I told my husband that I did not want him to try to manage what I ate. I just needed him to be supportive. He has been wonderful.
* I searched for a book that would teach me how to put together an exercise routine. “Fresh Start,” from the Stanford Medical School Health & Fitness Program, fit the bill. I created a 35-minute daily routine of warming up, stretching, aerobics (every other day), strength (every other day) and cooling down. I exercise every morning, even on vacations, no excuses.
* I looked over the diet the doctor gave me and memorized a day’s worth of food (about 1,200 calories). I packed a lunch of half a sandwich, fruit and reduced-fat Wheat Thins each day. I enjoyed Lean Cuisines and salads for dinner. My breakfasts included toast and juice, and I drank lots of water.
After seven months, I had lost 65 pounds and reached my goal of 135. I will exercise each morning for the rest of my life and I will continue to eat a healthy diet. Every day I appreciate how good it feels to be at my target weight.
The real key to my success was making a clear decision to take action. Once I had spoken to my doctor and came to believe that it was possible, I was determined. As Yoda said, “Do or do not. There is no try.”
Vital Statistics
Name: Carol Tipper
Age: 49
Occupation: Teacher
Old weight: 200
New weight: 135
Time to get there: Seven months
Want to Share Your Success Story?
Losing weight is as individual as gaining weight. Do you have a story on how you got in shape and stayed there? If so, we’d like to hear from you with a 500-word essay listing what worked in terms of diet, exercise, encouragement / support, as well as your emotional and physical changes.
We’d also like you to send us full-body color photos of you, before and after.
Send essay and photos to “How I Did It,” Health, Los Angeles Times, Times Mirror Square, Los Angeles, CA 90053, and include daytime and evening phone numbers. No phone calls, please. Submissions cannot be returned.
In addition to publication, winners will receive a Los Angeles Times gym bag and a gift certificate for a free pair of athletic shoes of your choice, redeemable at any Big 5 Sporting Goods store.