I remember one of my favorite Weight Watcher leaders encouraging us to not only learn from our failures, but from our successes as well.
This past February I signed up for an Empower Wellness Program at Comanche County Medical Center. It met once a week on Tuesday from 4:00-5:00 at the hospital cafeteria.
The previous May at my yearly check-up my doctor had shared with me that if I continued down the same path I’d probably end up with Type 2 diabetes.
I knew I needed to take this seriously, but I still struggled to make any real changes. I had learned about this wellness class the year before and had actually reached out to get more information. Sadly, though I never signed up.
The next year I saw the class advertised again on Facebook and, decided to give it a try.
What I’ve realized from my past successes is that I do better in a group setting with some sort of accountability. Since moving here four years ago I found the one Weight Watchers meeting offered in Stephenville didn’t work with my schedule.
However, the Tuesday afternoon time slot at the hospital worked perfectly for me.
The first thing we focused on in class was activity. Not two hours at the gym every day, but rather ways to up the ante when it comes to daily movement.
Ruth, our leader, made activity fun by leading us through very simple exercises to music. She always kept us laughing.
We were encouraged to set a small goal to increase our activity. I began with walking 30 minutes three days a week while I was babysitting my grandson.
It wasn’t long before three days turned into five.
I also bought a new Fitbit to track my steps. I set a reasonable goal of 8,000 steps a day and pushed myself to reach that number daily.
Along with activity, we also learned more about making better food choices. Each week in class we got to sample a healthy snack and leave with a recipe in hand.
We were encouraged to track our food intake and were given options as to how to do this.
On the first of April as I was walking on my porch, I listened to a podcast about sugar, and its somewhat addictive qualities. I was convinced that I could not stop eating added sugar.
However, at the end of the podcast I decided to give it a try and go one day without added sugar. What I had learned from a past success was that abstaining is easier for me than moderation.
When I made it past the first day I decided to keep going.
One day without sugar became two, and two became a week. Before I knew it I had gone a whole month without added sugar. Now it’s been almost four months.
I used to think I was “addicted” to sugar, but remarkably I had no withdrawal symptoms when I stopped eating it. No headaches, no cravings, no mood changes.
What I did find was that after a short period of time, I really didn’t want it.
I allowed myself dessert on special occasions like my birthday or a holiday. To be honest, what I used to love just tasted okay. I was beginning to crave more a juicy peach with a spray of whipped cream or a sweet mandarin orange instead.
From April to mid July the pounds started to come off. These were the pounds I had carried for the last few years that I couldn’t seem to lose.
At my next check-up in May my blood work numbers were so much better. I’m convinced removing the added sugar allowed my body to work more efficiently, and along with healthier food choices made the difference.
I began making simple changes in my diet, and it wasn’t too long after that my palate readjusted to wanting real food.
Each week I look forward to my class. I get to meet with a group of friendly, supportive people, and a devoted coach and teacher who is constantly encouraging us.
I’ve also learned from my past successes not to fall into the trap of “all or nothing thinking.” Our class encourages us to have the right mindset. I don’t want to let a small slip up derail the progress I’ve made.
Today, I’m feeling so much better about myself and my health. I like the way I look and my clothes are fitting better. I am looking forward to another six months of fun and learning, and am grateful for this program offered by our local hospital. But most of all if I can prevent Type 2 diabetes it will be more than worth it.
