Once Barbara gave up her search for the magic bullet, she was surprised at how easy -- even fun -- losing weight turned out to be.
The 37-year-old mother of four had tried fad diet after fad diet. But when she ended up in the doctor's office feeling run-down and plagued by headaches caused by low blood sugar she knew it was time for a change.
After she got an email from the WebMD Weight Loss Clinic, she decided to give it a try. Imagine her surprise when she found that she could eat more and still lose weight if she chose her calories wisely.
"I used to only eat one to two times per day," she says. "And now, with an eating plan of 1,670 calories, I actually eat more than I used to, including snacks, and have more energy.
"It has been one of the easiest things I have ever done," she says. "It has actually been fun!"
From Size 14 to a Size 6
In six months on the WLC plan, Barbara saw her weight plummet by 50 pounds.
The headaches are gone, and she says she feels like a million bucks. She looks like it, too -- her dress size has gone from a 14 to 6. Shopping for clothes has become a real pleasure.
Her husband thinks she looks better than she ever did. In fact, he was so envious of her new figure that he also joined the Weight Loss Clinic. He's lost 38 pounds in four months.
Secrets of Her Success
With four children in the house, Barbara needed a family-friendly eating plan. She says there are no diet foods in her kitchen, just good, wholesome foods that the entire family enjoys.
Some other tricks that helped Barbara reach her goal include:
- Using luncheon-sized plates at dinner
- Eating a bowl of cereal when hungry between meals or before going to a party
- Balancing meals and snacks by eating a little lean protein along with healthy carbs, to help keep hunger at bay
Although she is busy with family and work duties (she runs a day care center), Barbara also finds time for fitness most days.
"I am not a morning person and found that the best way for me to get my exercise is in the evenings, when I alternate between walking, biking, and strength training," she says.
Journaling her food intake and fitness activities helped Barbara stick with the plan. "Just knowing that you have to write it down and be honest with yourself has really motivated me to stay on track" she says.
She also appreciates the support she gets from the Weight Loss Clinic's community of friends, professionals, and moderators. From this group, she has gleaned inspiration, some great tips, and, she says, a new wisdom about weight loss.
"I ... have learned that diets don't work," she says. "A lifestyle of healthy eating and regular physical activity are the keys to successful weight control."
Name:Barbara
Age:37
Height:5'5"
Lost: 50 pounds in six months with the WebMD Weight Loss Clinic
