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Journey to good health and weight loss
We all know what we should do to lead a healthier lifestyle, but many people have difficulty making the commitment and then following through. Steve Whichard, a direct sales representative from Tempe, Ariz., decided to make a change a year ago and has lost over 100 pounds in that time. Today, he comfortably wears size 34 slacks, a considerable difference from where he started -- size 46.
Here's Steve's story, in his words:
I joined Progressive's Weight Watchers at Work Program on June 10,
2002. This was the best decision I have made in my life.
Three years ago, I went through a personal loss that affected me very
deeply. Even though I showed a happy face at work, I was depressed
and handling my depression by eating. I reached nearly 300 pounds. I
realized what was going on and started trying to lose weight by
myself, but kept losing and gaining the same 20 pounds.
When Progressive offered the in-house Weight Watchers meetings, I
decided to give it a chance. I thought maybe the structure and
support would help me.
At the first meeting, the scale registered 266 pounds. No wonder I
was having problems walking my dog. I had gotten to the point that I
did not feel like going out at all. I was embarrassed by the way I
looked and what people must be saying about me. I also feared that my
mother would get a call saying I had suffered a heart attack. I am 43
years old, but I was starting to feel like I was much older.
In the past year, I have lost over 100 pounds. I am pleased about
looking better, but there is even more to the story. I have more
energy now than I had in the last three years. I sleep better at
night, and I enjoy other activities including walking my dog.
When I started my new exercise and nutrition program, it was a chore
to walk my dog around a full city block. Now we briskly walk 3.5
miles every day. I finally enjoy what I eat instead of eating to find
happiness. This change has helped my relationships with friends and
family, and my performance at work has improved.
One milestone in Weight Watchers is losing 10 percent of your
original body weight. When you achieve that loss, you are presented a
metal key ring in the shape of a ten. There are additional pieces to
add as you reach other goals. The night I received my 10 percent key
ring, I felt better than I did at my college graduation.
That little piece of metal let me know that I had accomplished a
measurable goal in my journey to good health. I realized that I can
control my eating by learning a new way to eat and think about food.
Weight Watchers has given me the tools to take control of my life and
get healthy. The added support from our group leader, the other group
members, my family and friends make this a fun and rewarding journey.
I like myself a lot more than I have in a long time and know that
these feelings will get even better in the future.
I owe special thanks to a couple people who have helped me along the
way. Marge Komar is my Primary Care Provider in Health Services and
has been very supportive of my weight loss goal. Tara Brownbridge of
Progressive's Fitness Center has been a great resource to get
appropriate guidance with my exercise program.
"Steve looks like a different person -- much younger since he lost
the excess weight. He has a very positive attitude and great
determination, which are key to his success. Steve knows his new
eating habits must be a permanent way of life to maintain a normal
weight. I'm so happy for him."
- Marge Komar, RN, MSN, CNP, Tempe Adult Nurse Practitioner
"Steve is a great example of how the basic formula for weight loss (or
change in body composition) really does work! If you combine
regular physical activity with a calorie-controlled, healthy,
balanced diet, you will see results. Since June 2002, I have been
providing Steve with anthropometric data, which are measurements of
defined body parts such as arm, waist, hips, etc. He has used these
to track changes in his body shape and size during his weight loss
and has hopefully found them to be helpful with motivation and his
consistent healthful behavior. I am proud to confirm that as of
12/12/02, Steve has lost 23.5 total inches. Congratulations on your
successful adoption of healthy habits, Steve!"
- Tara Brownbridge, MS, Tempe Fitness Center Manager
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