Age-old plan proves successful

Diet, exercise is key to 100-pound weight loss.

By SUSAN ROBERGE

I have struggled to attain a healthy body weight for most of my adult life. Over the last 30 years, I have made numerous attempts to lose weight. I’ve tried Weight Watchers, Atkins, a vegetarian diet and several crazy fad diets. After each effort, I regained the weight I had lost and piled on more pounds.

The combination of a medical crisis when I broke my leg and the fact that I had reached my all-time high weight motivated me to try again.

The difficulty I had getting around on crutches and the leg pain I experienced from carrying around so much extra weight made me realize how much my weight was threatening my health and limiting my life.

I was tired all the time and I was concerned about my family history of heart disease and cancer. I knew that my excessive weight increased my risk of developing diabetes, heart disease and several forms of cancer.

In January of 2007, I decided to follow the celebrity bandwagon and try a popular packaged-food weight-loss program. I supplemented with fresh fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products during the week, and I followed the guidelines for healthy eating on the weekends.

This plan taught me portion control and made me start my day with a healthy breakfast. Every Saturday night, I rewarded myself with a nice meal at a restaurant. I ate what I wanted, but I found that I was making healthy menu choices and following reasonable portion guidelines.

At the same time in January 2007, I joined a fitness center. I worked with a phenomenal personal trainer who formulated a workout plan for me consisting of treadmill walking, strength training and Pilates Reformer training.
I work out five to six days a week, and I feel best when I do some aerobic exercise every day. I find my workouts to be great stress-busters. During my exercise sessions, I try to concentrate on the positive things in my life and those things I am grateful for.

This lifestyle change, the combination of following a daily exercise program and eating a healthy low-fat diet, has proven to be successful for me, as I have lost more than 100 pounds. I also have lowered my blood pressure and my blood sugar. I have increased my energy level and feel stronger and better than ever. I have lost seven pant sizes, and I really enjoy shopping for clothes again.

My new active lifestyle has made an impact on my life in so many ways. It has increased my self-confidence and my desire to further challenge and improve myself. I look forward to a healthful energized future.

When you want to lose weight, apply some guidelines: Set your priorities, keep a clear focus on your goals and believe in yourself.

If I could do it, you can, too.

Susan Roberge lives in Bedford. This is her first piece for the NH Mirror.