A Year Older and 20 Pounds Heavier
It’s true. A woman turns 35 and all hell breaks loose. Or so I thought as I edged my way out of one age-group demographic into the next.
Imagine my shock when I discovered that I had gained more than 20 pounds over six months. The gain was steady and gradual, and not easily detected in the early stages because (1) I tend to wear loose-fitting clothing, and (2) I weigh myself only at the doctor’s office.
I didn’t notice the extra pounds until I had trouble zipping up my skirt and keeping my blouse buttoned. Yes, my bust size increased by about 1 1/2 inches, and while some may find that a plus, I was mortified. I had ballooned up from a petite 115 pounds to a curvy 139.
I saw my doctor, and we discovered that an allergy drug was the culprit. One of the side effects of the drug was increased appetite. So I switched medications but was told that the first drug could stay in my system for six to eight months. Yes, my allergies were in check, but oh what a price to pay.
During the next eight months, I made a conscious effort to decrease my caloric intake and increase my exercise regimen. Eventually, I lost all but nine of those extra pounds. That was three years ago. I have managed to keep my weight hovering between 127 and 130 pounds and have come to the realization that I probably won’t see 115 anywhere again except on my driver’s license.
A former self-proclaimed “aerobics queen” in the 1980s, I am now a Jazzercise enthusiast. Nowadays, I work out at least an hour a day, three times a week doing Jazzercise, which involves stretching, aerobic activity, free weights and calisthenics.
I find the exercises to be both challenging (the step routines) and relaxing (stretching). I began this regime in July and am still resolute about continuing to participate.
As for my diet, I stay away from dairy products (a problem for some allergy sufferers), and I try to consume the daily recommended five servings of fruits and vegetables. I drink at least two liters of bottled water daily and treat myself to a soda about once a month. My only weakness is chocolate, but I have no intention of depriving myself of my weekly allotment of M&Ms.;
My obsession with thinness has evolved into a desire for physical fitness. And while it may not be pure heaven to age and expand, all hell need not break loose.
Vital Statistics
Name: Jayne Fink
Age: 38
Occupation: Banker
Old weight: 139 pounds
New weight: 127 to 130 pounds
Height: 5 feet 6 inches
Time maintained: Three years
How Did You Do It?
Do you have a story about how you lost weight and kept the pounds off? Or a story about how you learned to mountain climb or in-line skate, trained for a half-marathon or discovered a unique way of keeping fit or dealing with a nagging ailment?
If so, we’d like to hear from you. Tell us your story in a 500-word essay listing what worked in terms of diet, exercise and encouragement, as well as any emotional and physical changes.
For weight-loss stories, send us full-body color photos of yourself, before and after. For other types of stories, send a color photo of yourself doing the activity you’re writing about.
Send essay and photos to How I Did It, Health, Los Angeles Times, Times Mirror Square, Los Angeles, CA 90053. Include daytime and evening phone numbers. Submissions cannot be returned. And, please, no phone calls.
In addition to publication, winners will receive a Los Angeles Times Health section gym bag.
