Portion control through the Jenny Craig program is helping Michele with her weight loss efforts

Michele

-City & country: La Canada, USA
-Age: 32
-Weight before diet: 192 lbs.
-Weight now: 184.6 lbs.
-Target weight: 130 lbs.

The pre-portioned aspect of the Jenny Craig weight loss diet is something that Michele appreciates since she's prone to overeating. Here, she shares the challenges she faces as she strives to lose weight and her motivations for doing so.

-What finally made you decide to start with a weight loss program?
I've been off and on them for years.  After looking back, it seems that about 192 is my max at which I can't stand myself.

-What type of weight loss program are you following?
This time?  Jenny Craig

-Why did you choose this weight loss program?
I'd been trying for about 2 years - various programs, as well as doing it myself.  I realized I was just tired of the fight - fighting myself - so I decided I needed something else to do the thinking for me.  In addition I needed to be able to do it from home, which I can do in Jenny Direct, and the hot foods be microwavable, which it is.  But I need to follow something strictly and be preportioned for a while, as I was obviously out of control.

-How long have you been on your weight loss program?
5/31/07 (this round anyway)

-What kinds of physical activities do you like doing to help you lose weight and stay fit?
None, which is part of my problem.  I'm trying the push.tv program, but really, I'm not loving it.  Not due to the program, I'm just realizing I dislike being active.  It's a struggle to find anything I can do that I like.

-What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome or are still overcoming?
I'm a definite overeater, which I have trouble with unless the food is preportioned.  Mainly what helps with that for me is preplanning, and prepackaging - whether it's my own food, or my Jenny food.  I also (as above) really dislike exercise.  I find all kinds of excuses not to, when it just really boils down to not liking it.  The things I like to do (such as swimming) are not readily available to me, and my life right now is very chaotic (see those excuses again?) and I haven't yet found the solution.  Working out is a HUGE obstacle for me.

-How do you keep yourself motivated?
It's very hard to.  Seeing myself in the mirror certainly helps.  I seem to ebb and flow.  Trying to lose for a particular event can sometimes keep me on track - although right now there isn't one.  I've also learned that my marriage is a good motivator for me...  In my head I pretended I was dead and asked myself - if my husband were to remarry, and it was me as I am now, am I the woman I'd want for him?  The answer is no.

-Do you have any weight loss tips for our readers?
Keep up on the water - if nothing else, it'll make you feel less bloated - not to mention help move the extra fiber you're eating through your system which helps possible digestive issues correct themselves.

-Do you think it will be easy to fall back into your old lifestyle pattern? How do you prevent this from happening?
Yes it would be.  I don't have a specific plan for this to NOT happen as of yet - but I'm working my program, and will definitely have a plan in place by the time I'm ready for my own food, and maintenance.  I find that routine really, really helps me stay on track.  I realize variety is the spice of life, but I need the routine otherwise I start going out of control again, and lose the habits I've made.

-Do you have a favorite Web site or blog that helps or inspires you to lose weight?
My own (which hasn't been updated very much due to a move) is http://www.sparksandbutterflies.com/embers.  I also enjoy http://www.talesfromthescales.net.