Cherry’s Weight Loss Story

Sharing our stories, accomplishments, obstacles that we have overcome can be very encouraging for others who face the same challenges. I encouraged my sister Cherry to share her story because she discovered some “secrets” that finally made her successful in losing weight. Those same “secrets” may just be keeping you from losing weight.

Here’s Cherry’s story:

Wednesday, February 1, 2012 at 8:20pm

I have struggled with my weight since I was in 5th grade. Honestly. After having two children, I kept on 30 pounds – 10 lbs. after son #1; another 20 lbs. after son #2. Add to that an unusually busy schedule as a high school choral director, and it just didn’t feel like I “had the time.” That’s a sad excuse, but that’s the way I felt.

I’m putting this in writing for two reasons: (1) for those of you who set “weight loss” as a New Year’s Resolution (ok, I know today is Feb. 1) and (2) my sister is an M.D. in wellness and has been wanting me to write my story for her newsletter for some time now.

At the end of 2001, my New Year’s Resolution was to, once and for all, lose weight. I resolved to join Weight Watcher’s, a group that interested me and one I had never tried. I should confess that I joined on June 29, 2002. (didn’t want to rush into anything) I was horrified when I stepped on the scale and saw that I weighed more than I had ever weighed in my entire life!

I had lost weight numerous times over the decades…..Jenny Craig, Nutri-Systems, Atkins, you name it! All worked and I lost. The difficulty really was not losing, but maintaining. On WW, I lost 45 lbs. I was elated!

Here’s what I like about WW: It is not a “diet” but rather a lifestyle. You can eat absolutely anything you want, but you will have more success if you follow their good health guidelines.

A lot of people complain about journaling – for me, that was never a problem. When you write down every single thing you eat, you can look at it and really see what you’re doing. Measuring and weighing your food is crucial, especially in the beginning. It really helps you understand portion control.

I still weigh and measure, but I have done this so long, I’m also pretty good now at just “knowing” what a portion looks like. For me, a key component is the meetings. I love the meetings – they are MY “AA.” I need to go! Many times I contribute to the meetings, but whether you contribute or just listen, you always walk out of the meetings feeling empowered.

Even though I’d lost 45 lbs., I continued to struggle with maintaining. Slowly, I got lazy about maintaining my journal, neglected to go to meetings, and before I knew it, the weight was coming back on! When I returned in 2008, I had gained 30 back lbs.

Thanks to my Weight Watcher leader, rather than beating myself up, I celebrated the fact that I was beginning 15 lbs. lighter than when I first joined in 2002. It took a while, but once again, the weight came off!

I have to admit one of my struggles: exercise! Let’s put it this way, I enjoy it when it’s over! I do best when I have a walking buddy. All I can say is, this area will probably always be a challenge, but I keep trying!

Two years ago I became ill with a mysterious illness no one could diagnose. My arms and legs ached so badly, I could barely walk. I was in constant pain. I had tried everything it seemed, except acupuncture.

I went to a precious lady who was also a nutritionist. She put me on an anti-inflammatory diet. Here’s what I gave up: sugar, sugar substitutes, dairy, wheat, and caffeine. I was on a very strict diet consisting mainly of organic vegetables, rice, and meat. Two years later I have expanded my diet but am still gluten-free, dairy-free, sugar-free, etc.

There are so many good products out there – I never have trouble finding enough to eat. I have to admit that my Dr. Sis, as I like to call her, has eaten like this for decades and is the picture of fitness and health. I feel so much better and the weight has stayed off. Not only that, but I dropped another 10 lbs. after I gave up these things.

This part of the lifestyle may not be for everyone, but for me, I believe that these things I gave up made the difference in my health and my ability to maintain my weight. I also watch sodium intake and try to keep it to between 1000-1500 mg per day, not an easy task. Basically, avoid packaged food. Get creative! Experiment with favorite recipes to make them healthier.

I’d like to encourage anyone out there who wants to look and feel better! I have maintained my weight for over 2 years now and do not ever intend to go back to where I’d been!!!

This June 29, 2012, will be my 10th anniversary with Weight Watcher’s! Here’s to good health for all!

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Dr. Jo’s comments:

Cherry has always been so full of life and fun. She inspires me to appreciate music and the arts as she’s brought out the musical talent in hundreds of students and probably more like thousands of students in her career as a choral music teacher.

In regard to her story above, she told me that she feels getting the wheat (gluten) out of her diet was the most important part of her weight loss and turn around in her health. Many of my patients experienced the same thing. Eating wheat was a big culprit in their struggle to lose weight. Wheat can cause a host of other problems too. Sugar is another huge contributor to disease.

So if you’re still struggling with your weight or other health issues, give yourself a trial off of wheat (gluten), sugar, dairy and other common hidden food allergens. You can still eat scrumptious meals without those foods that stress your body. If you need helpful meal preparation ideas, take a look at my cookbook, full of delicious recipes.

Also, review the information on sugar and food allergies.

And I will give you a few more secrets weight loss tips in Weight Loss Secrets Health Report.

Blessings,

Dr. Jo