By using her common sense, Sandra achieved the weight loss she wanted...and became healthier, too!

February 12 2007

Sandra L. Garth

City & country: Saginaw, Michigan, USA
Age: 52
Weight before diet: 200 lbs.
Weight now: 145 lbs.
Target weight: Thrilled with my current weight

For Sandra, popular weight loss programs didn't bring the results she wanted. With the help of weight management experts, in addition to embarking on a healthy diet and a fitness regimen, she brought her weight down to its current level--and she's thrilled with it! Having the right mindset and doing even small things the right way has given her the physical and mental psychological benefits that come with following a healthy lifestyle.
 

-What finally made you decide to start with a weight loss program?
I had been a fitness instructor for many years but a series of health distractions took me out of the fitness arena. Fortunately I was chosen to be a participant in CNN’s New You Revolution 2005 with Dr. Sanjay Gupta. They teamed me with the professionals at the University of Michigan‘s MFIT weight management program. This time I was the student instead of the teacher, which was a bit humbling at first.

-What type of weight loss program are you following?
Common sense. Their recommendation for me was to limit my calories to 1600 a day. That was difficult because I had made up my mind that the excess weight had to go and I was determined to get it off. So we agreed on 1200 calories a day. I started to eat lots of veggies, the fibrous kind. Reduced my fat and refined sugar intake and drank more water. Nothing magical nothing quick. CNN was the jumpstart I needed.

-Why did you choose this type of weight loss program?
In the past I had tried every pill, potion or quick fix program that I could afford. None of them worked for long. I always went back to my old habits. When my health began to dwindle I knew I had to practice what I had been preaching to my students for so many years.

-How long were you been on your weight loss program?
I don’t consider it a weight loss program; it’s just the way I now live. Sounds like a cliché but it’s true. My healthy lifestyle began in January of 2005.

-What kinds of physical activities do you like doing to help you lose weight and stay fit?
My primary form of aerobic activity is the recumbent bike. I have arthritis and this is the most joint friendly activity that I have found. Along with that I walk on the treadmill, and periodically use in home walking DVD’s. Rubber tubing is the best form of resistance training for me, but I do use light hand weights ( 3-5 lbs.) for body sculpting.
 
-What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome or are still overcoming?
Honestly it hasn’t been difficult, this is how I want to live.

-How do you keep yourself motivated?
Feeling good is my motivation. Not having to take prescription drugs to manage the arthritis has been wonderful. Of course wearing a smaller size and looking better is a great reward and motivator as well.

-Do you have any weight loss tips for our readers?
Do as mom always said, eat your vegetables, lots of them. Also, don’t discount the value of doing small things. They add up in the long run. If you can’t work out for 30-60 minutes at a time. Do 10-15 minute segments. Keep in mind that it’s so important to love yourself exactly as you are right now, and don’t expect results overnight. Being in a hurry puts too much pressure on you to get it now. Enjoy the process. Consider every healthy bite and every crunch or mile you walk a success. Give yourself permission to feel good. It’s all about feeling good.

-Do you think it will be easy to fall back into your old lifestyle pattern? How do you prevent this from happening?
I have no intention of ever living my former lifestyle. It took a toll on me physically, mentally and emotionally. I have learned to place a greater value on my health and well-being. That far outweighs binging on brownies and then feeling guilty afterwards.

-Do you have a favorite Web site or blog that helps or inspires you to lose weight?
My site: One Body One Lifetime
Weight Loss Tips (Aww, shucks. Thanks, Sandra!  -Victor & Lizza)
Abraham-Hicks
The Secret