ar

Wednesday, August 29, 2001

GOALLLLLLLLLLLL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

All,

Yesterday was a day I thought I would never see in my entire life. After 8.5 months on Weight Watchers, and 51 pounds, I hit my goal weight. I am a healthy weight for the first time since I was 10 years old.

This has been one of the most difficult journeys of my life. I had to reprogram my entire philosophy about food. Unfortunately, our society teaches us that "bigger is better", and that large-sized fast food, massive restaurant portions, and large-sized candy bars and bags of chips are the normal way to eat. I've learned that portion size is one of the key elements of healthy eating, and adjusted myself accordingly. As an example, I used to eat an entire pasta bowl full of the tortellini I love so much. I now eat roughly half that in a serving, and am still satisfied. It was an amazing transformation.

Weight Watchers is an incredible program, with unmatched flexibility. I love experimenting with new recipes, different ethnic foods and new tastes. I can still do that. If I want chocolate, I can have it, so long as I plan for it and stay within my daily points range. The freedom to choose has been an integral part of my journey. I have never felt deprived, and I have noticed that my sweet cravings have diminished over time. I still enjoy my chocolate every once in a while, but not nearly as often as I used to.

I've never felt this good in my entire life. My stamina and fitness level have gone through the roof. 51 pounds ago, I would get winded doing a brisk walk on the treadmill. I can now run for over 15 minutes straight. I'm able to get around the bases faster and score more runs in softball. My strength has been steadily improving since I started weight training again. I feel healthier, more energetic and more vitalized than ever before.

Now I start on Maintenance, where I add points to my daily intake until my weight stabilizes. It's a little scary having to add points back in, but believe me, I won't have any trouble at it. :) I hear that maitnaining is the most difficult thing to do, as you don't get that confidence boost from seeing a lower number on the scale. I've made a pact to remind myself of my journey every time I swing that bat or lift those weights, knowing I can do that because of Weight Watchers. Wish me luck.


-Slinky


Update

My story was posted on the Weight Watchers website as a featured Before & After. Check it out here:

Andrea Can Face the World
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