Transformation Tuesday- Special Guest

1- Why did you start your weight loss process?   I started in 1994 because I was feeling very depressed, I had no desire to enjoy life, and my doctor had told me I was morbidly obsese and would not live more than 10-15 years – I was 43 years old at the time!

2- How long did it take you to get to your maintenance weight? And how many pounds did you lose?   It took 18 months to lose 150 lbs which I’m told is a good time span.

3- You used a nutritionist, what were three things you learned in the beginning that you still use today?   Yes and the nutritionist was the best part of it.    She allowed me to say:   no I won’t eat liver, for example.    Years ago a popular weight loss program used a plan that included once a week liver meal, apparently for its vitamins.   She allowed me to make a list of foods I like and use them.   The three things would be:   stop using refined sugars, including honey and high fructose corn syrup; secondly  I switched to whole grains and third  I  weigh and measure my foods which provided me with excellent portion control.    I continue to use those tools today.

4- You and Dad love to go out to eat in DC or when you travel. What tips do you have for those that are nervous they may compromise their weight loss by eating out?    Eating out is easier than you may think.   I just ask questions regarding ingredients, ask for dressings and sauces on the side (portion control again) but I’ve also learned that most restaurants can accommodate off the menu ordering – if you see one meal with a grilled chicken for example but a fatty side, ask to switch it with another side, essentially using their menu as the blueprint from which to choose your foods, this works really well.   Several years ago a chef came out of the kitchen to say he liked my combination and was going to offer it on the menu!

5- What was your biggest challenge or hurdle? ( @radrc) – Biggest hurdle was finding the will to stick with it – it was not my first attempt at weight loss – it was more like my hundredth!    I joined a support group and that continues to be a huge reason for my success, I found interacting with persons who are experiencing similar struggles to eat healthy are a key ingredient in maintaining the desire to stay on my food plan.

6- What is your favorite food that you have discovered as a result of seeking out healthier options? (Caitlin- @CaitPlusAte)   I’d say an out of season fruit salad – the joy of fresh berries in December is a real treat – now I know they are pricey at that time of the year but so is a gourmet cup cake and mine is healthier!

7- How is life different now than before, outside of diet and exercise? (@CassieJTweets)  Well, since I’ve lost 45% of my body weight. I changed sizes not only in clothing but shoes too!   In addition, the way that my body moves is different; I can dance now, wear pretty shoes,  I’ve tried skiing for example – now it was a sad attempt but I did it!   I enjoy kayaking which was impossible before, snorkeling too.    Climbing a flight of stairs is now easy.  I ride the roller coasters  now too.    Frankly because it’s easier to move around I have more energy and patience too!

8- You only changed your eating habits. Now that you have maintained your weight for so long, are you going to incorporate fitness into your daily life ?(hint, hint… you have a daughter that wants to do a 5k with you or hit the gym!!)?   While my daughter pushes me to get walking and even running, I’ve been resistant to this.   Not sure why, but I will say we now have a dog who demands to be walked, he does not enjoy being let out into the yard, so I walk him 2-3 times a day and make efforts to make each walk a bit longer.   I’m by no means perfect but trying! {sidenote from Victoria–Keep it up Mom!!}

9- Any tips or tricks for maintaining weight loss? (@jenncwest)   To maintain this program I needed to look inside myself to uncover the reasons why I eat.   Frequently  I would eat when I was not hungry, or why hunger struck even after a meal.     For me this was key, I am an emotional eater and I find that writing about the issues of the day helpful rather than eating over them.   I’ve learned to deal with the emotions separately from the kitchen  pantry!

photo by Jenn Hopkins Photography www.jennhopkinsphotography.com

 And here she is now. Look at her! She is a bundle of energy and loves to go kayaking whenever we are on vacation… she even went zip lining, snuba-ing (not scuba/not snorkeling) AND kayaking in the bio-luminescent bays when we were in Puerto Rico a few years ago.

Oh… plus she is an awesome cook and baker. She just doesn’t eat the sweets! More for us

My adorable parents on Easter!

*****

There you have it! My amazing mom who started her weight loss journey almost twenty years ago …. you know, when she was twenty-one and all

xoxo

Interested in being on featured on #TransformationTuesday? Send me an email at victoriaruns1{at}gmail(dot)com!