Real Stories: Colleen

There is nothing more motivating, inspiring, and helpful to me than real life stories, of real people that have fought the battle of weight and have acted on making their life healthier!  One person that I think exemplifies this is Colleen.  She has been Jazzercising for several years now, and it's been amazing to me to see her melt away over time!  I'm going to share her story in two parts, so you can learn as much as possible from her choices.  If you've never met Colleen, you should!  She's 100% awesomeness.  Instead of listening to me talk, I'm going to let Miss Colleen Share with you her story.  

Colleen (left) 3+  Years Ago

I yo-yo'd up and down a bit in college...all of that sitting around and snacking wasn't good for me. Several times, I felt frustrated; it was as if my weight was completely independent of any healthy eating or exercising behaviors.  At one point, I joined Jenny Craig, and that taught me to eat vegetables (two cups with lunch and supper) to help satiate me.  It also taught me to eat 6 times a day to even out blood sugar and maintain my energy.  (Eat and lose weight...WHAT?!!!)  That was my first "ah-ha" moment.  It also taught me I better learn to do that on my own, because there weren't enough bucks in the world to keep that program going!  

My second was going to Jazzercise (I promise I'm not just saying this because this is for a Jazzer-audience).  It was the place of fitness I never knew I wanted.  People are so friendly and inviting, and the workout is so much fun that it doesn't seem like a workout. I can get a full-body workout without having to coordinate anything on my own or fit several kinds of classes into my schedule. We're also fortunate that the Columbia Jazzercise Center has so many classes!  (I go in the morning at 5:45 AM.  3 years now...I can't believe it!) 

I was a size 20, and currently a 14 is baggy.  I have a bunch of 12s in my closet ready to go for my next bit of loss.  Over the last three years I have lost 50 pounds and maintained it. 

{Pardon my interruption--Sarah here--Notice she didn't lose 50 pounds in 6 months!  It's taken consistent time, effort, & lifestyle changes!!!}

Colleen Today

Colleen, What are some lessons you've learned about your eating and habits that has made the biggest difference in your life?  

Hungry Colleen makes bad choices.  She gets take out every single night because she is tired and there is nothing to eat at home.  I make better choices on the weekends when I am rested and refreshed.  So, I pre-plan meals, grocery shop, and make as much as I can ahead of time. I eat whole foods with lots of fresh fruits and veggies and meats.  I have close to the same foods every day, with dinner having the most variability.  Eating on a consistent schedule keeps me from mindless eating, and I often track what I eat.  Right now I'm on a cycle where I eat the same foods every day, so I'm not tracking.  But, I did for 2 years, and it made a difference!

On average, how much do you try to exercise in a week? 

Right now, 7-10 hours a week. That probably seems excessive, but I sit at a desk most of the day.  I like to exercise in the morning so I can check it off my list. I like to exercise in the evening time, because it feels more like a leisure activity.  Normally, I aim for 10-14 hours a week, but right now, I'm teaching in the evening, so I don't have as much free time.

What is your favorite "on the go" food that helps you not eat badly when busy?

I pack snacks everywhere I go. My AM snack is always 10-15 almonds, and my afternoon snack is greek yogurt with berries and walnuts...I have insulated lunch boxes, so I can always take food with me. I also like hardboiled eggs...chips, candy, stopping to eat something just isn't allowed. 

What's your trick(s) when eating out so you don't go overboard?

My main trick is to plan ahead.  I usually get a salad with lean protein, cheese, nuts, etc...not a big pasta bowl.  If I plan ahead, I don't need to look at the menu and make a bad impulse choice.  I don't go out to eat very often, so if I do blow it, I remember that to get back on track immediately (the next meal)

Occasionally, it's nice to splurge on a glass of wine or a drink when out with friends, but it can be killer for our weight loss.  How do you balance fun & healthy choices in the alcoholic drink area?

I limit alcohol to special occasions with friends.  So, that usually equates to 3-4 times a month.  My other rule is dessert or alcohol with a meal, but not both.  I usually limit myself to 2-3 drinks.  For me, alcohol is a downward slope.  I make bad food choices when I drink, I stay up to late...you need to go to bed on time to Jazzercise at 5:45 AM!  Alternating water and alcoholic drinks helps to slow me down, too.  

Ok Ladies, isn't she inspiring? Amazing?  Want to hear more?  Stay tuned for part two!  

Thanks for sharing Colleen!!! Read part two of her story here.