I was stuck.  I was frustrated.  I felt bad.  My body wasn’t healthy and I wasn’t happy.

I wanted to feel successful.

The 20 pounds that I wanted to lose eluded me.  I was eating cottage cheese and fruit, chicken breasts, and cracker and cheese, yogurt---all the things I thought would take those unwanted pounds off.  I felt deprived, discouraged, and I wasn’t losing any weight!

Curves, Weight Watchers, the gym---I tried them all..

Healthy Inspirations is the program that works foe me.  The encouragement and motivation received from the counselors was only a part of what I needed.  The hours H.I. was open worked for me, the fact that grocery store foods were on the plan, (not some special drink or prepared food that was costly and not fresh) was very appealing.  Journaling what I ate, how much I ate and when I ate was tedious at first but now it is a routine that I enjoy.

“Working out” is a pleasure, not a chore.  The eating plan (not diet) gives me plenty of food, the right kind of portions.

As I began to feel better (more energy, less fatigue, clothes fit better, pride in my appearance, etc.) it was motivation to continue on the course that was laid out just for me. 

As a care provider, I wanted to set an example.  Being overweight wand unhealthy was not setting a good example.  After my weight loss goal was reached, my family, friends and acquaintances asked when I was going to stop losing weight.  I had stopped losing weight but I was still losing inches---gaining muscle, losing fat.  My posture even improved!

I have tossed all my size 14 pants and large size tops for size 9/10 pants and medium tops.  It all happened between March 1^st and July 1^st!!!  I continue to visit the gym 3 days a week (one and one half miles walking on the treadmill) and two days a week on the resistance training circuit.

I am grateful to the staff and confident that the course that has been set out for me will continue for years!!!

Cathy L. Williams

P.S. Why would I intentionally want to feel bad again!!?