December 18 2006

Christie H.

Country: Denver, Colorado, USA
Age: 23
Weight before diet: 283 lbs.
Weight now: 244 lbs.
Target weight: 140 lbs.

For Christie, having the right attitude is necessary for success in any person's decision to lose weight and become healthy. Weight Watchers, exercise, and support from others are the tools that help her move closer to her goal. Read on for more about Christie's dedication to a lifestyle change.

-What finally made you decide to start with a weight loss program?
I've been at this several times. I've decided it's time to stop fooling around :) At such a young age I've discovered I have herniated discs in my spine as well as degenerative disc disease. Physical therapy can help me strengthen, but losing the weight is what will take enough pressure off of my spine so that I can feel like a normal, young person in my twenties!

-What type of weight loss program are you following?
Weight Watchers

-Why did you choose this weight loss program?
Of everything I've tried, WW has the best track record. This is my third time on the program - both times previously, I lost weight on it. The old adage "it works if you work it," is completely true. Weight Watchers WORKS. It's just a matter of sticking with it. What I love about WW is the fact that you can make it fit your life and there is nothing you absolutely can't have. It just teaches you moderation. They also emphasize good health rules such as getting all 5 fruit and vegetable servings a day, drinking water, and exercising.

-How long have you been on your weight loss program?
I've only been doing Weight Watchers this time around for 3 weeks so far. I lost a bit of weight before that on my own just with exercise and cutting out some bad food habits I had developed. When I started to feel like I was really ready for change, I re-joined.

-What kinds of physical activities do you like doing to help you lose weight and stay fit?
Swimming and water aerobics are big for me now because of the back and hip problems I've developed. They are easy on the joints. I also enjoy long, hilly walks on a good day :) Elliptical trainers and weight machines used to be my old favorites, but I have to build back up to them now. Also want to get into hiking.

-What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome or are still overcoming?
I guess it can be wrapped up into one word - Dedication. Some might complain of "lack of motivation" or things being "too hard." That used to be what I said, too. But weight loss isn't about motivation. It's a decision - and not just one you can make one day. It takes waking up and re-dedicating yourself every single day. Making that decision every morning that "I am going to do this."

-How do you keep yourself motivated?
My previous answer is the biggest way - but I'm also a very visual person. Charts, graphs & photos help me keep going. Also, being a part of the blogging community is great. I love to start and end my day by reading my favorite weight loss blogs. It just helps to keep me in the right mindset.

-Do you have any weight loss tips for our readers?
It really doesn't matter what program you follow - just don't hop on "diets." It's a lifestyle change. If you aren't willing to accept that this is for life, and you want a "quick fix," then I'm sorry but you WILL fail. Sometimes it's hard to face the long road ahead and be willing to wait. Just remember that giving up only makes that road longer!! I know each and every one of us CAN do this. Also, set goals and reward yourself when you reach them.

-Do you think it will be easy to fall back into your old lifestyle pattern? How do you prevent this from happening?
Oh, it's definitely easy. I've done it several times over the past 6 years. Something I intend to do this time I actually learned from another blogger's wisdom. My plan is that if I feel like quitting or just get tired of counting points and thinking so much about all this - fine, I'll stop. But I'll keep weighing myself - and if I gain 5 pounds, I have to get back on track. At least that way I can take a little break but not end up gaining back everything I've worked so hard to lose.

-Do you have a favorite Web site or blog that helps or inspires you to lose weight?
My blog can be found at Let's See What Happens! It's hard for me to name any favorite blogs because there's about 30 that I read daily.

There are a few sites that really help me out though that are not blogs - Weight Watchers and Recipezaar are great for tracking and finding recipies. SparkPeople has tons of useful articles and information, as well as a huge database for calculating how many calories you burn through exercise.