I learned the value of support when we lost our infant son. Other parents who could truly understand are what helped us the most.
The same is true in weight loss. It is from others who are or who have had to make similar lifestyle changes that I have learned the most from. I feel a real connection to those who have lost a significant amount of weight because I feel they can really relate to the struggles I've faced. It's so important to have others that believe in you when you're doubting yourself.
It's so inspirational to know that other people can and have succeeded at this and to use what has helped them in order to help myself and in turn help others.
Q: What is your favorite "guilty pleasure"?
Decisions....decisions :-) Although I usually settle for pudding with cool whip or frozen yogurt now, ice cream has always been a temptation for me.
My favorite is loaded with chocolate, caramel and marshmallow and is 26 points for the entire pint!! Every once in a while I will bank some points and indulge. I can usually only finish 1/2 the container now but I enjoy each and every bite knowing I am still doing good for me while enjoying what I love. I enjoy the foods I do for a reason and it's highly unlikely that I will just stop eating them all together without feeling deprived so I've learned to live with them. Sometimes it means not even having them in the house... but I think if we just try to avoid our "red light" foods all together we could be in trouble.
Q: What is the best weight loss tip you've ever heard?
A: "Listen to your own advice." (from our leader, Andrea) and of course, "If you always do what you always did, you'll always get what you always got."
Q: What would you say to someone who is afraid to go to WW, i.e. to weigh in, to be among other people, etc.?
A: One thing I have learned is that nobody is 100% happy with how they look and that not one of us is perfect. The people that work for Weight Watchers have lost and maintained their weight with the program so they understand how you are feeling and everybody else is there for the same reasons that you are. Nobody will know how much you weigh, or if you've gained or lost at your weekly weigh-in unless you tell them. If you don't like a certain meeting time or leader there are usually lots of others to choose from. No question is ever considered "stupid." There's a lot of information to take in and people are willing to help. You have to learn to believe in yourself and care more about what you think than what anyone else has to say. Treat yourself as you would your best friend... and learn from the people who have been there. Make yourself worth the effort... the reward is your life.
