It’s Never Too Late to Lose the Weight
It took me three months to lose 25 pounds. I began in July 1996, and I’m still maintaining my weight.
My doctor asked me to lose seven pounds or possibly become a patient with diabetes. That was all I needed to know. I wanted to stay well.
My doctor arranged for an appointment with a dietitian. I followed the instructions.
It was very hard to reduce my regular food intake. But after losing the seven pounds, it seemed to be easier than I expected. I just kept on eating according to the diet. Now I find that it is easy to eat less. I feel great and don’t have to stuff to satisfy my appetite.
I take one day to measure enough food for several weeks. I package meals in freezer bags. When I am ready to eat, all I have to do is to take out a package of vegetables, a package of meat, a package of starch and throw it in the microwave. A boiling pot of water also works.
After losing 25 pounds, the fat began to hang around my upper legs and love handles, and I wondered what to do. I do not enjoy exercising.
I began to walk. One block left me very tired. I kept pushing. Now I can easily walk three miles practically each day. I entered 5K / 1OK walk / run events and won a trophy last year. I’m ready for my second race on May 9, the Revlon-sponsored event for fighting breast and ovarian cancer.
By the way, I am 80 years old. Can you imagine that it took me until 78 years of age to get serious about walking? I feel better day by day.
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Vital Statistics Name: Demetree Weathers
Age: 80
Occupation: Retired math teacher
Height: 5 feet, 2 inches
Old Weight: 158
New Weight: 133
Time to Get There: Three 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.