September 10 2006

Twisted Cinderella

Country:  St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada
Age: 34
Weight before diet: 254 lbs.
Weight now: 193 lbs.
Target weight: 165 lbs.

'Twisted Cinderella' is an exercise enthusiast who has found weight loss success by following the Weight Watchers program. Along with the physical changes she has achieved so far is a determination to change her health lifestyle permanently. Here, she gives some tips on self-motivation and physical activity.

-What finally made you decide to start with a weight loss program?  
I wasn't healthy, my knees were bad, but the biggest was simply the shock of realizing that I weighed more than my 6'2" father.

-What type of weight loss program are you following?  
I am doing Weight Watchers at home. I recently joined the gym but for the majority of my weightloss, I was doing exercise videos in my home.

-Why did you choose this weight loss program?  
I like that Weight Watchers has a minimum amount of points that you have to eat. I like that it allows me not to cut out certain food groups. I have lost weight doing low-carb in the past, but I gained it all back. This time, I am making changes I can keep up. I have now lost way more than I did before on the low-carb diet.

-How long have you been on your weight loss program?  
Since around January 15th, 2006. So that would be about 7 1/2 months.

-What kinds of physical activities do you like doing to help you lose weight and stay fit?  
As I mentioned before, I have been doing exercise videos. I have a Pilates Weight Loss Walking DVD, and I have two Richard Simmons' Tonin' videos. This was my main source of exercise. Just about two weeks ago, I joined a gym which I am really enjoying. I am doing circuit training and using a treadmill as well.

-What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome or are still overcoming?  
I am my biggest obstacle. I have to fight cravings, and mood swings. I also tend to obsess and go overboard. But going overboard means that I fall off the wagon. So this time, I really worked to find balance, to do this as a forever lifestyle change.

-How do you keep yourself motivated?  
I keep telling myself that whatever numbers show up on the scale, I have to be healthier when I am eating less and moving more. As the weight started to come off, that was a big motivation for me too.

-Do you have any weight loss tips for our readers?
Don't let one bad weigh in throw you off, any number of things can affect the numbers. As long as you are doing the work, you will see results eventually.

Don't give up when you fall of the wagon; we all have setbacks. The key to success is not letting those setbacks become failures.

Little changes make a difference. If you are really big and have troubles getting physically active, start by getting off the elevator one floor early and taking the stairs, or parking far away from the mall entrance. Little changes add up. And as you start to see results you will be better able to make big changes. I would never have been able to go to a gym in the beginning; I was just too out of shape and my joints were just too bad. But now I love it. I love the way it makes me feel.

-Do you think it will be easy to fall back into your old lifestyle pattern?
How do you prevent this from happening?
I truly don't think I will fall back into my old life. I made a conscious decision this time, to only make those changes I knew I could do forever. I do allow myself a treat once a week. Any cravings I have I save for that day. That allows me to never feel deprived. I actually don't mind this diet, I never feel deprived.

-Do you have a favorite Web site or blog that helps or inspires you to lose weight?
My blog, Skinnier Ever After (as well as the many friends I have made there)
My best friend's blog, It's Notso Bad (though we are far apart we are both on this weightloss journey together)
Dotti's Weight Loss Zone (an unlimited resource)
Bootcamp Buddies (another great resource)