She Did the Math, and Cut the Sweets in Half
When I visited my sister, Carol, in Oregon in July, we spent an afternoon complaining about how we couldn’t take off any weight. Both of us exercised more than the average person. I ride my bike 15 miles two or three times a week, clog-dance one night a week and walk dogs at the Humane Society at least three hours a week.
We both eat wholesome meals--lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, very little red meat, no snacks between meals.
Yet, I still weighed 135 pounds (I am 5 feet, 2 inches tall), and my clothes were becoming uncomfortably snug. I hadn’t bought any new clothes for months because nothing looked good on me, and now my old clothes didn’t fit.
Even though my sister and I tried to avoid admitting it, we both knew why we did not lose weight: We both love home-baked cookies, cakes and pies. When we were growing up, we had a homemade dessert after every meal. We had continued this habit into our adulthood. Both of us baked frequently, and would have two cookies or a large piece of cake after both lunch and dinner. I couldn’t bear the thought of giving up a habit that brought so much pleasure.
Still, we agreed that was the only option we had, so when I got back home, I just said no--to baking. I knew I would need some kind of dessert after meals. I started having a piece of watermelon after one meal and a large tablespoon of ice cream after the other. It was just enough to satisfy my sweet tooth.
It took about a week before I lost one pound, but then the loss accelerated. Within a month I had lost six pounds and could tell the difference in my clothes. By the middle of September, I had reached my goal of losing 10 pounds. I decided to try to lose an additional five pounds before I turned 60 on Oct. 27. To my delight, I succeeded. Those clothes that were too tight now hang on me--and the new outfits I’ve bought are 8 petite instead of 12 petite.
The key to losing weight is not depriving yourself of things you really like. I occasionally have a dessert, but I’ve learned a trick a friend suggested. I eat half and save the rest for the next day. This works with restaurant entrees, also.
Not only do I feel better about myself, but I’ve had two unexpected health benefits. My cholesterol dropped 42 points, and my blood pressure is now high normal instead of high. Even though I am 60 now, I look and feel younger than I have in years.
Vital Statistics
Name: Marlys Nelson
Age: 60
Occupation: High school English teacher.
Old Weight: 135
New Weight: 120
Time to Get There: Three months
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