Knowledge is Power
Onebunny’s successful weight loss involved the following: common sense, self-discipline and self-accountability. She has lost 50 pounds, which has brought a lifestyle change to healthy eating, no regrets, and no more prescription drugs.
She contacted us through our Share Your Story feature, and provided the following answers to our questionnaire.
1. What made you decide to lose weight this time?
When the scale read 160 pounds, I got scared. I was on high blood pressure medication, and Lipitor, for high cholesterol. I hated the side effects from the prescriptions, and refused to purchase clothing in yet another larger size. We celebrated our wedding anniversary with a huge dinner, drinks, and dessert, and I vowed to start a different lifestyle the very next day.
2. What other "diets" (programs, products, plans, or services) had you tried in the past?
Weight Watchers, Atkins, South Beach, starvation, Slim Fast, the grapefruit diet. You name it, I tried it.
3. What changes did you make to your usual diet, activity, lifestyle, and attitude?
I've always been "active", so I knew I didn't need to increase my exercise. However, I never read labels, never counted calories, and I didn't look for answers to why I ate what I did. I just ate. Starting to make these relatively simple changes got me off to a good start. I discovered knowledge is power!
4. How did Calorie Count help you to lose weight?
Calorie Count provided me with all the information I needed. I realized calories intake must be managed, and calories expended must be kept track of. The journaling daily was very important. No more guessing, there it is right in front of you and in your face. The data access was easy!
5. What was most challenging about losing weight?
Setting the daily calorie limit and not exceeding it, no matter what! It didn't take me long to figure out that if my calorie limit was reached by lunch, it was going to be a very long rest of the day. I did learn to space out my calories, and, since I'm a "grazer" kept healthy low calorie snacks on hand. I don't dare have junk food in the house. If I see it, I'll eat it.
6. How long did it take you to see results?
I noticed my clothes were too loose at a 15 pound loss. My friends asked if I had lost weight. Those first 15 pounds came off pretty quickly. I knew I was on my way.
7. When did you realize that you were a success?
My goal was to lose 50 pounds. When I reached 110lbs I "celebrated" by purchasing a very nice outfit, rather than going out to eat. Success is maintaining, and I've done that this time.
8. How do you prevent relapse?
Calorie Count keeps me honest. I weigh every day and for me, it's a must. It's much easier to maintain than it is to gain 2 to 5 pounds and try to get it off again.
9. How has your life changed now that you've lost weight?
I'm off all prescription drugs, and at 67 years old, that's a real accomplishment. I feel good, look good, and am proud of myself. I read labels, shop smart, and enjoy trying new veggies. There are a lot of formerly so called "favorites" that I don't eat anymore. I don't "splurge" more than once a month. It's not worth it.
10. What five tips do you have for other dieters?
- Determine what's a healthy weight for you. Just because your friend looks wonderful at 120 pounds, doesn't mean you will.
- Write down everything you put in your mouth every day. You may
be surprised at just how much you do eat. - Don't beat yourself up if you have a bad day. Get back on the
program and think positively. - Avoid "trigger" situations or people. In the beginning, you may
have to change your route to work, or avoid certain people that
sabotage your efforts. - Reward yourself and often! A pedicure, one new article of
clothing, or a lunch out, but a salad and iced tea. Do something you
really enjoy!
If you would like us to feature your success story, you can submit it here. The most insightful stories will be featured on this blog and in the weekly "Success Stories" newsletter.
Comments
You look more than great. I had to read that "at 67 years old" line twice also. Are you sure this is not a typo? You look spectacular. You should be so proud of yourself, you are a wonderful example. Thanks for sharing your story.
Congratulations! I'm sure you've heard this a lot, but you don't look 67-years-old at all. :]
Thank you for the inspiration. ♥
You look amazing and SO happy. You have got it right on about making yourself accountable. I get on the scale daily and when have 1 lb gain know that I need to curb the next day. I am at 28 lbs lost and COUNTING. Congrats with the positive health changes as well. What a blessing and $$ saver to be med free.
You look amazing and SO happy. You have got it right on about making yourself accountable. I get on the scale daily and when have 1 lb gain know that I need to curb the next day. I am at 28 lbs lost and COUNTING. Congrats with the positive health changes as well. What a blessing and $$ saver to be med free.
You look fabulous and HAPPY! Congrats! and I too can't believe you are 60 anything thought you were around my age (40's)! hope to look that good in 20 years! WTG!
Well done you - fabulous achievement and you look fabby! Lets hope we can all use your advice and do as well
cheers Gill
You are an example and an encouragement for all of us. I look more like your before picture. As a winner over flab, and good health, I have a question for you. I am a do or die dieter. I lose the same 30 pounds over and over again. How did you keep from falling off the wagon if you fell into food temptation? You look wonderful!
CONGRATULATIONS! You look GREAT and what an inspiration.
How long did it take you to lose 60#'s?
Rondarae
You look radiant at 67 years young! I imagine putting your story together was a nice way to review where you began and just how far you have made it! Thank you for sharing and congratulations on your new and healthy lifestyle.
What a beautiful story and full of inspiration! I feel encouraged to hear that you weigh everyday. I personally like to do that but I hear other people say to keep it to once a week so I tried that. I think I will go with what works for me and will totally keep at it! Thanks for sharing your story!
you look amazing, you look 15 years younger then what you are!!! Congrats, you make me want to push harder to reach my goal, so thank you!
NO WAY are you 67! GIRLFRIEND! Wow. It is inspirational to me as I am 43 and a horsie-chick as well ... and I wanna look as good in my jeans as you do in yours!!! Way to go. (PS: Love the appy!)
I am dac 250-----the Whale I chose the Whale because of how strong it is and the endurance it has no matter what is in its way ,it gets through it. That is what I have been doing since I have been here staying focussed on what I want more than anything and that was to reach my weight goal,I started at 216 on calorie count and I have lost a total of 37 pounds with only 24 more lbs before I have reached my goal, this makes me a very happy camper. When I began my journey I was not possitive for I just couldn't see me hanging in as long as I have but the Whale maintains his surroundings and proceeds without doubts I am so thankful that I can say I am going to be able to make it, now. I have dropped 2 dress and slacks and blouses sizes since I have lost this weight.All of you on here have not gooten to know me but I assure you I feel as though I know you b/c I have followed each and everyone of you during your downfalls your sucess's and I wish all that is on this site the best.My words that I go by is strength,power, and staying focussed this is what got me where i am and I know it will help each and everyone of you to do the same. God Bless all of you. I am still here for I still have weigth to lose'but I wanted to share with you how I felt. DAC 250
I'm also a subscriber to www.hungrygirl.com, and it's a fantastic site for recipes. They have a cookbook, "200 Recipes Under 200 Calories" that is awesome! And no...I don't work for them. LOL This is by far the best low cal book out there...bar none!
Congratulations on all of your hard work and great can do attitude. This was the story that I needed to read this morning.
You are very welcome, if i can inspire anyone on this line to continue and not give up than I have accomplished what I had set out to do by getting out of my comfort zone and putting my log on. Thanks again DAC 250 Good Luck jenkar====STRENGTH------KNOWLEDGE------COMMITTTMENT. This is what all of us need to keep in mind. Yesterday bad day but today I have recovered.DAC 250
I pray I look half as good as you do when I reach 67! You take growing old gracefully to a whole new level! Good for you!
Another person who has lost weight said...the time it takes to lose the weight will pass anyway. I can either lose weight and feel better in that time, or stay where I am and at the end of the time still be fat and miserable (paraphrased). That has inspired me to keep on.
texmom52's your post came at a good time at least for me, i was just ablout to throw in the towel. I was down to 180 and then I weighed in this morning and I have gained 4 pounds that is sickening to me. My diet has been salad and subways and salads and if I eat anything else this is what happens. For one thing I think I haven;t been able to exercise cause I have had a colon infection for a week.But I am just tiered of gaining and haveing to lose over again what I have lost before. DAC 250 I did however like your post. Just discouraged right now. and I haven't any answers as what to do. DAC 250
Hang in there. I have decided today to get back to my healthy body. Drinking too much and just overindulging with no exercise have added 20 pounds to my body. But, today is my Independence Day.
I decided to peruse the success stories and I sure am glad to have found yours! You look terrific and your common sense tips make total sense...you also spoke of the ways you maintain your weight--I especially like the one about removing yourself from sabatoging situations, which I am facing now with my heavier girlfriends who always want to go out to eat things I no longer even think about eating!
Keep up the good work and thank you so much for your success story--I know I will reach my goal one day at a time!
And, yes, you look way younger than your chronilogical age (using some of my heavier girlfriends as a reference point--they do look a lot older with the extra weight and they must feel it as well...)...
ok first of all u look awsum,,everyone told me after 40 u just cant lose weight so i gave up,,you just gave me all the inspiration i needed,,thank you and congrats on all that you have accomplished,,now i want to follow in your footsteps.
I decided to "splurge" today, Thanksgiving, for the first time in almost a year. I cooked today, and helped myself to plenty of everything. Tomorrow I will get back on track, and enjoy the healthier choices that I've come to love. Do I regret eating what I did today? Absolutely not. Did I enjoy every single bite of all those "forbidden foods"? Absolutely! Will I beat myself up for doing what I did? Heck no!
I'm very thankful for all my Calorie Count friends and supporters. Life is good. :o)
I have been reading about your success for several months. You are my personal inspiration. One reason is because I am also 5'2" and need to lose about 50 pounds. I am 56 years young and was feeling like I was too old to lose, thinking it couldn't be done due to my metabolism and didn't want to be a slave to a gym. After reading all of the other success stories and seeing your photo really gave me some hope. Thanks be to God for you and sharing your life..
Wow. You look fantastic!
51 pounds is my goal. I've got 1 down so far. :) I hope I look half as great as you do when I finish!
Your inspiring! I'm just getting started - haven't even weighed myself, but for 3 days in a row I've tracked. I know I am about 50 lbs overweight. I'll be keeping you in mind as I work. So glad you posted your wonderful success. Love that blue eye on your horse!
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You look gorgeous! I was looking at the pictures, and then reading the story, and had to read that "at 67 years old" line twice! No way. You look 20 years younger than that!
Congratulations and good job!