Emily

 

August 07 2006

Trying to lose weight is not an easy thing to do for most people, and Emily is no exception. Not using food as an emotional crutch, being with like-minded and supportive people, and staying motivated are only some of the important things she is learning in order to achieve her goal.

Country: Phoenix, Arizona, USA
Age: 28
Starting weight: 160 lbs.
Weight now: 135 lbs.
Target weight: 124 lbs.
Your age: 28

-What finally made you decide to start with a weight loss program, and how much did you weigh when you first started?
I currently weigh 135 pounds. I originally weighed 160, and I got down to 124. I have been bouncing around, and I am trying to get back to 124. I decided to lose weight because none of my clothes were fitting me well, and I saw pictures of myself that looked horrible. That put a fire under me to lose some weight.

-What type of weight loss program are you following?
I am following NutriSystem, which is based on the glycemic index. It focuses on good carbs and using protein in addition to good carbs along with a well-balanced diet to maintain blood sugar and keep you satisfied.

-Why did you choose this weight loss program?
I chose this because it was convenient, as it comes with prepackaged foods, and there are no meetings. It is entirely Internet-based.

-How long have you been on your weight loss program?
I started NS in February 2005, and lost 25 pounds in the first four months. I proceeded to lose 11 more. I continue to use the NS principles with my own food now. It is a way of eating for life. When I gain a few pounds, I go back on their food temporarily to lose the extra weight.

-What kinds of physical activities do you like doing to help you lose weight and stay fit?
I go to the gym and use cardio machines like the treadmill and elliptical for exercise. I also hike occasionally.

-What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome or are still overcoming?
The most difficult obstacles have been learning not to use food to heal my feelings. I also quit smoking nine months ago, and it has been very difficult to learn to not use cigarettes or food to make me feel better. Old habits try to creep back up, but I always have to be aware and try to keep that from happening.

-How do you keep yourself motivated?
To stay motivated, I surround myself with supportive people, and people who are also trying to lose weight. We keep each other in check, and remind ourselves of why we need to keep up with the good habits.

-Do you have any weight loss tips for our readers?
Stay focused, and don't lose sight of your goal. Remember to take it one meal at a time so that you don't get overwhelmed. It's not a temporary change. It has to be for life, or else the weight will creep back up. It's not a sprint. It's a marathon.

-Do you think it will be easy to fall back into your old lifestyle pattern? How do you prevent this from happening?
To keep old habits from coming back to haunt me, I keep a food diary often to keep track of what I am eating. Writing it down helps me stay accountable. I also keep a blog that helps me be accountable to everyone who reads it.

-Do you have a favorite Web site or blog that helps or inspires you to lose weight?
The NS site (NutriSystem). This site motivates me.

I also read blogs such as This Bob's World, Heavenly Weightlessness, Facelift, Mind Over Platter, My Life and Weight Loss Through NS, and others. Bob (whose blog was the first that I listed) has lost over 130 pounds, and is a constant inspiration to me.

And my own blog is Left of Center.