When I made the decision to join WW, I seriously didn't think I'd last two weeks. And I will admit that it was a tough two weeks, but I stayed and the program worked. I began to make little changes over time.
Sure, I was frustrated by how long it took to loose the weight, but I think that's probably the best thing that happened. Because it took 5 years to take the weight off, I ended up creating a lifestyle that I enjoy and supports my current healthy weight. Some highlights from the journey:
Support -- family, friends, co-workers, strangers; I've been blessed to have great people around me who've helped me more then they could possibly know. Sometimes it's something mentioned at a Weight Watcher's meeting, sometimes it's a pep talk from a good friend.
Inspiration -- there have been many inspiring people who have graced my life: other weight watcher members, good friends who challenge themselves (that's you, Suzanne! Go get that 100 miles!), hubby Martin, etc.
My Uncle Bob (Rehfield) has been a great inspiration -- especially when it comes to exercise. The man has more energy then I can even be believed. He's also run in 6 marathons! His encouragement and can-do attitude have helped me push myself physically far beyond what I thought I could do. Heck, I start training for a marathon this coming June. Who'd have believed that? Don't worry; Uncle Bob is on speed dial for when I need a good dose of pep talk.
Martin was on board with Weight Watchers right from the get-go, although he didn't attend meetings for a few years in. But give Martin a challenge -- especially about food -- and he's right on it.
Martin started taking our normal (read...calorie heavy) meals and "weight watcherizing" them. Using different techniques and ingredients to lower the points in the meals. He was on the constant lookout for new foods for us to try.
Our approach to food was to search for the most amount of food we could eat while using the least amount of points. Especially in the first couple of years, eating for volume was very important to us; neither of us wanted to feel deprived or hungry. By finding and cooking low points food, we could certainly have more food.
What are Martin's words to live by?
"It's not a diet; it's a lifestyle. Diets don't work."
More information on Martin's cooking and recipes can be found on the Recipes from Martin's Kitchen cookbook page.