It started when Kim was reading USA Today and the newspaper's weight loss challenge caught her eye.
The 45-year-old data analyst was feeling tired and unattractive, and wanted to prove to herself and her family that she could lose weight. So she threw her hat into the ring. Much to her surprise, she was chosen to participate.
But how to lose the weight? She didn't have a specific plan other than to pump up her fitness. Fad diets were out of the question; she'd tried plenty of those already. With a weakness for "sweets and all the wrong foods," she knew she needed to find a program that would teach her how to improve her eating habits.
Enter the WebMD Weight Loss Clinic. USA Today asked me to be her personal diet coach, and suggested Kim use our program, along with her fitness trainer, to guide her weight loss efforts. Kim signed right up.
The Georgia resident started the program in July 2004, weighing 184 pounds and wearing a size 16. By the beginning of 2005, she had dropped 27 pounds, three dress sizes, and 3.5 inches in each thigh.
Needless to say, she felt like a million bucks -- especially when she wore that little black dress to her brother's wedding.
A Commitment to Fitness
Kim has become a regular at Gold's Gym, working out with two fitness trainers. She says she loves the gym, and has made lots of friends there.
"I lift weights, take cycling classes, use the elliptical trainer, and the treadmill on alternate days to work out all parts of my body," she says. "My energy level is fantastic and I feel great -- so much better than before."
As for her eating plan, it took a little time for her to get used to it. But now she has it down pat.
"I realize that ... I can have anything I want as long as I make healthier choices and eat smaller portions of foods like chocolate." she says. "I love the fact that there is no denial, and the eating plan is one that is both enjoyable and sustainable.
"It's so easy and I never go hungry," she says.
Making Friends With Healthy Food
She finds that she is eating lots more fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy. And these days, she won't leave the house without breakfast.
"I never ate breakfast, and now I enjoy oatmeal or cereal with fruit or yogurt and am not hungry until lunch," she says.
She is also experimenting with recipes from the site, much to the delight of her family and friends.
"My husband and grown children enjoy the meals I am preparing and everyone is benefiting, not just me" says Kim.
She also gets together regularly with friends for appetizers "and they are always asking me to bring my newfound recipes to the gatherings," she says.
Her advice to fellow dieters:
- Don't give up.
- Remember that losing weight takes time.
- If you become obsessed with the scale, you won't enjoy the benefits to your body and your mind.
Name:Kim
Age:45
Height:5'3"
Lost: 27 pounds in 6 months on the WebMD Weight Loss Clinic program
