It Took 10 Years But Look At Me Now
Copyright 1996 by Jenny Legard
The Problems Begin
I am 30 years old and have had myasthenia for over 10 years now. I have always had a little problem with my weight....but this was amplified when I had to start taking prednisone. I gained over 40 pounds! My weight has been up and down (but never down enough) over the last 10 years. I have been on prednisone for 6 of the last ten years and I currently take 20 mg every other day.
Enough of That!
About 2 1/2 years ago...when my weight was at an all-time high, I decided enough was enough! I was tired of feeling fat, ugly, and tired all the time! Most of all, I was tired of not liking myself just because I was fat. I decided to do something about it.
I told my doctors I wanted to be off of prednisone and to taper me down - please! I knew it was making me feel bad - who
knew better than I how I was feeling.
Weight Control
Next, I joined Weight Watchers and vowed to follow the program closely. I chose to eat foods that I could have large quantities of, like baked potatoes and vegetables. I did not deprive myself of an occassional treat....I think that was one of the keys. I would still eat at fast food restaurants....I just looked up in the book how to count the meal. I also have a big sweet tooth...so I always saved something so I could have a little dessert. Yogurt, a piece of fruit, fat-free pudding...just something sweet. I kept those diaries faithfully for over 8 months!! I probably should still be keeping them...but I have a pretty good handle on what I can and cannot eat.
It is important to set reasonable goals....so don't expect to lose 2 pounds every week. Be happy if you lose ANYTHING!
Exercise Needed
The last part of my lifestyle makeover included a committment to exercise. I made a promise to myself that I would work-out for 10-15 min/day for 4-5days the first week. I was amazed when I weighed in and had lost 3 pounds!!! The next week wasn't so great, but I stuck with it. Gradually I increased my workouts to 20 min, then 30 min, then 45 min, then 60 min. I also started going to a gym and using different types of equipment and going to aerobics classes so I wouldn't get bored. It hasn't always been easy! Some days I am just so tired! But I almost ALWAYS feel so much better after at least 30 min of cardiovascular exercise. About 1 year into my new diet and exercise lifestyle, I started lifting weights. I am now convinced that some weight bearing exercise is essential to maintaining weight loss. My workout routine today consists of weight training 4 days/wk and cardiovascular training 4-5 days/wk. You do not have to use big, heavy weights to see results, and you will not end up looking like a Mr/Mrs Olympia. You will just look more toned and fit.
Looking Good
So what has this major lifestyle change done for me as far as my weight? I lost a total of 66 pounds. And I can't even tell you how many inches I lost (I think I lost about 10 inches from my hips alone!) I went from a womens size 22 to a size 8! I am about the same size I was in high school! And for the first time in probably 12 years, I am wearing a bikini on the beach this summer...not too bad for a 30 year old!
Yes, it is difficult. But if you want to lose weight, it is possible. It
just takes determination. And do it for yourself....no one else!
The author encourages your comments.
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