My Motivation: To Not Become A Diabetic
Learning that she was pre-diabetic with high blood pressure, Greenlevel decided to take care of her health. At her heaviest she weighed 290 lbs, since finding Calorie Count she has successfully lost 130lbs and is nearing her goal weight.
She contacted us through our Share Your Story feature, and provided the following answers to our questionnaire.
1. What prompted you to begin this weight loss journey? Did you have an "Aha!" moment?
On May 18-2011, I had an annual physical exam. When the blood work came back, I was pre-diabetic and my blood pressure was high, even with medication.
2. What other "diets" (programs, products, plans, or services) had you tried in the past?
Pre-packaged diet meals.
3. Please describe how you reached your weight loss goal. What changes did you make to your usual diet, activity, lifestyle, and attitude? Did you implement any other strategies besides Calorie Count? What was the most important change?
I started drinking more water. 12-8oz. glasses a day. I started walking two miles a day. I cut out fried foods and fast food. Next I started reading the labels on products and trying to eat fresh fruits and vegetables. The biggest attitude change was to realize I did not have to be fat, even though it seems to run in my family. The most important change was starting to care about what I ate and drank.
4. Please describe how Calorie Count was instrumental to your weight loss.
Calorie Count is a vital resource. I check each day as I am planning my meals to be sure I am not just eating less, but getting the correct nutrition. Smaller doesn't work if you make yourself sick in the process and Calorie Count helps me eat healthy.
5. What difficulties did you experience losing weight?
Family, work, and church gatherings, where food is not just something to do, but an expression of love by the cook and part of the fellowship.
6. How long did it take you to see results? When did you realize that you were a success?
When I had another blood test and had dropped back into a normal blood glucose range and was no longer pre-diabetic. About forty pounds down I could see results, but it took around 50 or more before other people started to notice. Buying clothes and getting smaller and smaller sizes was great, but it was when I broke the 200 pound mark that I felt success was in my reach. Then when my blood pressure starting going down it was great. I have a ways to go with that.
7. How do you prevent relapse?
The primary motivation to never be pre-diabetic and have a good blood pressure reading will always be there.
8. How has your life changed now that you've lost weight?
I don't get out of breath walking or climbing stairs. I sleep better. Shopping for clothes is fun and not a chore.
9. How long have you maintained your current weight?
I am still losing but when I do reach my goal, Calorie Count will be a big part of maintaining.
10. What five tips do you have for other dieters?
- You are a good person, like yourself because you are worth it. Remember this is your body and your health, don't let anyone through their actions or words stop you.
- Drink lots of water throughout the day.
- Read labels.
- Eat fresh fruit and veggies.
- Exercise.
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
What an amazing story. Thank you so so much for sharing this.
I wish we could bottle up that 'oh, I get it' and pass it out to the people who struggle with becoming healthy.
You are an inspiration. I love your tips, they are simple and spot on.
Love your story and reason for making a lifestyle change. With such a strong "why" there is no stopping you!
Congrats and thanks for sharing your inspiring story.
Congratulations! I have a lot of weight to lose and I am so inspired by your story, thank you for sharing! I wish you continued success on your journey!!
AWESOME! I find a lot of people need to follow in your footsteps to avoid hurting themselves. If they look at it that way, it might motivate them to actually go for it.
Jim
Eating less, moving more, and hydrating is easier than you think.
That's Awesome! I find that I have similar motivation due to my father and grandfather being senior citizen diabetics. I don't want the same thing to happen to me so I'm attacking it now instead of when I'm 70.
Congrats! Always glad to hear about somebody kicking diabetes' butt.
What a very good inspirational message. I had the same or little more to lose than you did and I had lost about 45 and have slipped back up to only losing 38 got to dig my heels in again and get er done. Thanks for the Inspiration...
That realization about not necessarily eating "less" but rather eating "right" or the correct nutrition really and finally helped me get on the right track. Now I don't feel so starved/deprived anymore! You not only look beautiful but you look comfortable and at peace with yourself too!
Congratulations! Your efforts have produced great results. I'd like to mention that the YMCA has begun a nationwide Diabetes Prevention Program, cosponsored by the CDC and United Healthcare. I was also found to be prediabetic, in Dec. 2010, and immediately began to use CC. The next month I noticed a flyer at my local branch of the Y, and joined the program. It consists of 16 small group meetings weekly, with a monthly followup meeting. The goal is to lose 7 to 9 percent of your body weight, and increase exercise to at least 150 minutes per week. Within six months I met my goal, and a year later have maintained the same weight. And my glucose is now at a healthy level. (I would add that I was also motivated by having known someone who died at 52, after having had a leg amputated, due to diabetes. It's really a terrible disease.)
Thanks for sharing yoru success. I am just beginning and want to be as successful as you Hugs
Congratulations! I know what that feels like. I was in the same situation and now, like you, my numbers are good again.
This is really a great story ,it is really great that we can all share our success stories . It serves as sich motivation and srength for many !Keep up the good work
Thank you for sharing your success story! You are an inspiration. I'm in a similar boat to where you started. I also know I can be successful with CC - as I did at the start of the year and wandered away. I came back this week to put myself back on track. Congratulations and keep up the great work!
Congrats on your success! I have the same motivations as you to lose weight. This proves that you can do it no matter the obstacles.
I started almost a month ago with the same exact doctor's appointment. Pre-diabetic and high blood pressure. Your story is inspiring! Thank you!
Thanks everyone for the kind comments. It is good to know that very special people like all of you are out there. Congrats to all of us for starting this journey and helping others along the way.
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Congratulations!!!! You are amazing!! You look very pretty now,and elegant!~ We are happy for you~~!