Weightwatchers - I Don't Wanna Do It!
By: Marge Woods
Ok, I admit it--this was my first thought when I contemplated joining and PAYING some entity to tell me how to lose weight. It's not like I didn't already have a basic knowledge of a healthy diet and good nutrition. After all, I was a teacher most of my adult years, and from time to time even had discussions along these lines with students.
So how did I finally nudge myself in the right direction and join a group? I found myself consistently nearly 35 lbs. overweight, and no matter how many times I tried to kick start a "diet plan," I just couldn't seem to stick with it. Plus I occasionally would see pictures of myself that shocked me--I had a vision of myself that was far different than the reality of recent pictures I was seeing.
My initial solution was to join a health club and start swimming 5 days a week. To my credit, I was very consistent with this self-inflicted exercise program, mostly because I got to know and look forward to the other early morning swimmers, and we gradually started holding each other accountable for getting there each day without excuses. If it hadn't been for my "swim buddies," I don't think I could have continued to face that cold water at 5 a.m. for several years! Initially I did lose a little weight, but I believe I gave myself permission to eat more (especially sweets), because I had earned it during my swim, and the weight returned.
When my gym closed along with the beautiful indoor swimming pool, I decided it was time for me to look at my whole health picture--the way I ate and the way I exercised. I love my life, and I really wanted to be around as long as possible to fully enjoy every day that God gave to me!
And that requires a commitment to being as healthy as possible! So I somewhat reluctantly and fearfully went to my first meeting with a weight consultant. It took about a year and a half, but I did lose those 35 pounds. (Slow is good!) I learned that I can't lose weight on a "diet"--it really has to be a commitment to a new mindset for a healthier lifestyle. And it's not just about our food habits, but it's about being active and MOVING our bodies.
After a few years with my "consultant," I heard about a Weightwatchers group that was meeting right at our church once a week on Thursday mornings. I made the program switch for the convenience, and soon learned what a wise decision I had made. Our group leader, Judy, is so inspirational, and every meeting with her is a genuine blessing to me and everyone else in the group. I would equate it to going to church on Sunday mornings--I don't always feel like going, but when I do, the sermon is like a shot in the arm to help me live a more Christian-like life during the week. Judy gives us that shot in the arm to help us make healthier choices during the week and live our best life. She is funny, she is compassionate, and she is insightful--and she not only "talks the talk"
but "walks the walk" with us.
The Weightwatchers group at Foothills has been extremely successful. Just like my morning swim group used to be, we hold each other accountable, we encourage each other, and we are there to pick each other up when we slip a bit.
Whether you have 5 pounds to lose or 100 pounds to lose, or if you just want a healthier life style, come join this wonderful group at Foothills on Thursday mornings at 7:30 in the Conference Room. You owe it to yourself and your family to do this!