Beginnings

I've struggled with my weight all my life, and while I've lost and gained weight many times over the years, by the time I was 49, I was at my highest weight ever:  just about 200 pounds.  I knew I was out of shape, but when I started having chest pains after very minor exertion, I saw my doctor.  A week later I was in the hospital scheduled for cardiac bypass surgery.  Sextuple bypass surgery. 

My cardiologist told me that I needed to become vegetarian, and lose weight.  I tried.  I didn't really know how.....I quit eating meat but relied too heavily on pasta and dairy products.  The surgery was in October of 2010.  By February of 2012, I had not lost any weight.  In fact, I had gained another 10 pounds.  My doctor, who is a big fan of Weight Watchers, told me to get on a plan.  He didn't care what plan, but get on one, and we would evaluate it in 6 months.  If it was working, fine.  If not, "We'll choose a new plan."  I took that to mean that HE would choose the new plan, and it would be Weight Watchers.  Don't get me wrong.  Weight Watchers has done a LOT of good for a LOT of people.  It just isn't a plan that works for me.  I don't like a plan that makes me keep track of every calorie, point, gram, or whatever.  Just tell me what I can eat and what I can't.  I knew I had to get on track. 

A friend suggested the book called Eat to Live by Dr. Joel Fuhrman.  I read it and began following the plan, which is essentially vegan (no meat and no dairy).  After 6 months, I had lost 30 pounds.  My cardiologist was thrilled, and didn't want to change my plan!  By February of 2013, I had lost 30 more pounds.  I was still overweight at 150, but no longer obese! 

Since June of 2012, I had been walking a lot for exercise.  In November, I decided to try to run.  At that time, I could jog for about 10 seconds at a time.  Not impressive by any standards.  Nevertheless, along with my friend, Connie, I began signing up to participate in organized 5k races.  I knew I'd be walking most of the time, but the races keep the exercise interesting, and I hoped to improve over time.  In about May of this year, I began weight training along with the walk/running and have really begun to focus on total fitness.  I'm now 52 years old, and I know that fitness is an ongoing thing.  It's not something that I can achieve and then cross it off of my Bucket List.  I will have to continue to pursue health and fitness for the rest of my life.  I'm up for the challenge!