The longer I work with people, the more I realize we all have success stories, things or events that we’ve overcome or worked through.

I heard about Becky from a mutual friend, and while we’ve not yet met in real life, we have had the chance to talk.  Even though Becky is not my client, her success story is important, and she’s given me permission to share it below.

“My story is probably very similar to others you have heard.  I was always athletic when I was younger, but after my mom died when I was 20, I went into a depression and put on 15-20 pounds.  I met my future husband and we got back into shape and even climbed Mt. Rainier and Mt. Baker.  I put on about 40 pounds after having our first child.  I really never lost that weight and gained an additional 20 pounds when I had our second child.  After that I became stagnant, not really doing anything but caring for them.  By now, both sets of our parents were gone.  Having two little kids and no support system was an excuse for me to get fat.  I tore my Achilles tendon and needed 3 surgeries to repair it, which became an excuse for not exercising.

Then I had cervical spine surgery last February, which gave me yet another excuse.  As I was recovering I grew depressed.  I was watching my very active kids grow up and couldn’t keep up with them.  I decided it was time!

I got my elliptical machine out of storage, bought a Fitbit and downloaded an app called “My Plate.”   I began to work out and count calories.   I didn’t change what I ate, but how much I ate.   Now, I’m addicted to my Fitbit and I average between 20-30,000 steps per day.  This past summer my family and I climbed Mt. Washington in New Hampshire and I am proud of how I look.  More importantly, my health has improved.  I am no longer pre-diabetic and off all medication.”

Here are Becky’s BEFORE & AFTER PICTURES:

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Denise’s
2 Cents:

I find Becky’s story inspirational, and I appreciate that she is willing to share it with you.    And what I also notice is that there was a moment when she made a decision, (Oprah calls it an “Aha” moment), to change.  I respect & support the urge for people to understand the mechanics of weight loss and fitness.

I cannot overestimate the importance of getting your head in the place of “wanting it different.”  If you’re having difficulty getting started, I urge you to get support to help create that willingness to change.

Finally, note that Becky used an app to help manage her food intake.  Here’s a link to an article listing some great nutrition apps, written by a dietician:
http://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/top-iphone-android-apps#5