Trish - Nutrition Nut
Denville, NJ
40 years old
Starting Weight 200.6
Current Weight: 141
Goal Weight: Currently At Goal
What finally made you decide to start with PNP? After I achieved Lifetime Status with WW, I realized that I had to do something to maintain the loss and I hadn't yet started exercising. I felt very lost and intimidated when I started exercising and going to the gym.I found Corinne and PnP through the WW forums.
What type diet did you follow along with PNP? Weight Watchers
Why did you choose this diet? I had tried a variety of programs over the years (Atkins, South Beach, etc.) and none of them worked long term or were overly healthy. Weight Watchers seemed to be the most complete program.
How long did it take to get to your current physique? Seven months on Weight Watchers for the original loss. I've been with PnP for almost 8 months and lost an additional 14 pounds plus several inches. I'm a Lifetime Weight Watchers member since January 2007 so it's been great shaping up even more.
What is a typical workout week like for you? 5-6 days at the gym/running outside. I enjoy strength training and jogging/running for cardio. I also enjoy yoga.
What is a typical daily menu? Oatmeal with Protein Powder (B), Salad with Tofu or Shrimp and a variety of veggies (L), homemade protein bars (S), balsamic chicken wrap (D), protein shake (S).
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome or are still overcoming? I've overcome so many. First, through Weight Watchers meetings I learned my weight gain was more about emotional reasons than it was about food. I had a spouse who was verbally supportive, yet would give me a hard time about going to meetings or buying healthy foods. I had to learn how to put myself first, which was and still is a challenge. My affirmation has been "I am worth this investment in my health."
Exercise is similar, as taking time for me is a challenge. With my schedule (3 hours of commuting, a very demanding job that requires overseas travel, mom/wife, currently handling multiple family illnesses and situations) it is very difficult to make time for me. But I've learned how much better I feel when I do it, and how much more effective I am in my other roles.
How did you keep yourself motivated? I use some of the Weight Watchers tools like Storyboarding. It helps me to visualize my goals. I like to break them into small, manageable chunks that I can achieve in a shorter timeframe. I also take monthly measurements and photos. I work with my friends here at PnP when I'm faced with a bad day or to celebrate a success. I also enter races to challenge myself.
What is your #1 Super-Secret Tip to success? Eliminate high fructose corn syrup from your diet!! I did and have completely eliminated the migraines I've had for years. Perhaps a less specific way of saying this is eliminate processed foods. Eating clean has transformed me and has fueled my PnP lifestyle. Here's one example: my cholesterol is 50 points lower now (at 40) than it was when I was 30!
Do you think it will be easy to fall back into your old lifestyle pattern? How do you prevent this from happening? Yes and no. When I'm in a super stressful, out of the norm situation, emotional eating/comfort foods/no exercise takes over. It's got to be a conscious decision to maintain my lifestyle, and to remind myself of all the benefits of it. Having the support of PnP makes all the difference because we've all been there and we're all here to help each other out!!
What's your favorite aspect of being with PNP? I love so many things!!
My #1 has to be the support. This is an amazing group of motivated and hardworking people. I never fail to get inspired when I'm on the forums and learning from everyone! I have PnP friends around the world! Another aspect I love is Corinne's programs. Without guidance - specifically, the guidance of someone who cares and is really, really GOOD at what they do! - I would never have learned to love exercise so much!!