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Jan 3

At Age 49, I Lost 89 Pounds and Got Off My Blood Pressure Meds By Cutting Carbs and Sugar – Prevention.com

Long Term Weight Loss Comments Off on At Age 49, I Lost 89 Pounds and Got Off My Blood Pressure Meds By Cutting Carbs and Sugar – Prevention.com

I have always struggled with my weight. In high school, I weighed 150 pounds. I got married at 22 years old and had two babies before I turned 30. With each pregnancy, I gained another 20 pounds.

Over the next several years, I tried various weight loss programs. They almost always led to short-term success, but Id eventually fall off the wagon and pack the pounds back onplus more. By the time I turned 38, I weighed 220 pounds. That year, I was blessed enough to get pregnant with my son. I used that excuse to eat anything and everything. With every single meal, Id have a glass of chocolate milk. I also ate a hot fudge sundae with peanuts at least once a day.

By 39, I had three kids and was starting a new job as an assistant principal at an elementary school. I was juggling responsibilities at work and at home. It felt like I was in constant survival mode and fast food became my best friend. Health was just not a priority.

Courtesy of Cindy Seder

It wasnt long before I was diagnosed with high blood pressure, which caused extreme swelling in my hands and feet. I had to go on several different medications to control it. My doctor was concerned and had several conversations with me about the impact my weight was having on my health. He warned me that diabetes would be my next diagnosis if I didnt do something to shed the extra weight I was carrying. I wish I could say that these conversations resonated with mebut they didnt. Instead, I continued to pop the pills and survive on fried food, tons of carbs, and sweet tea.

My turning point came when two of my closest friends, Heather and Loretta, started their own weight loss journeys. One evening, we went to dinner and took a photo to commemorate our night together. When it was posted on Facebook, I was in shock and so ashamed of what I saw. I felt mortified that this photo of me was out there for anyone to see. I couldnt believe I had let myself get to that point. Right then, I decided to take control of my health.

I still remember the date. It was August 1, 2017, and I made two long-term goals. The first was to get off my blood pressure medication. The second was to lose 100 pounds by July 16, 2018my 50th birthday.

I decided to start slow and steady with small food changes. In the past, I always went to extremes and the results never lasted. This time, I wanted to make small changes I could maintain. First up? My sweet tea addiction. I knew I wouldnt be able to stop cold turkey. Instead, I started to get half sweet and half unsweetened tea. Gradually, I worked my way to only unsweetened tea and then started replacing it with water. During this time, I also shifted the way I took my coffee. First, I cut out the sugar and only used creamer. Then, I started substituting unsweetened vanilla almond milk for the creamer. Now, I drink my coffee black.

These little tweaks helped me prove to myself that I could incorporate change.

Of course, I had to make much bigger changesbut these little tweaks helped me prove to myself that I could incorporate change. My next step was major. I cut out all white carbohydrates (rice, bread, pasta) and all sugary foods. No more hot fudge sundaes for me! Again, I did everything graduallybut the pounds started coming off.

Ultimately, what I had to change was my emotional relationship with food. If I was sad, I didnt want food to be the first thing I turned to. One of the things that helped me change this was really focusing on what I like to eat. I started exploring and looking for healthy foods that I enjoy and love. That way, when I am tempted to reach for something, I can pick food that I actually enjoy but that also nourishes my body. And because I was enjoying whatever I reached for, it no longer felt like I was depriving myself when I skipped over things like pizza and ice cream.

Now, my diet is pretty healthy. Heres what an average day looks like:

Breakfast: 2 scrambled eggs with chopped onion and green or red pepper

10 a.m. snack: 1 banana

Lunch: plain Greek yogurt, a few sliced strawberries, cup of blueberries, and a few tablespoons of sliced almonds

2 p.m. snack: 1 cup of pretzels

Dinner: grilled shrimp, roasted asparagus, and sweet potato

Dessert: 1 apple, sliced thinly

Once I got the hang of the food thing, I started exercising. I began with walking. My goal was to finish the 2-mile path near my home. Over time, I have been able to increase my speed and distance. Now, Ive even have participated in a few 5Ks and 10Ks. Ive also joined a gym, but walking remains my favorite form of exercise. I love the fresh air!

A year after I started my weight loss journey, I was able to stop taking my blood pressure medication. It was such a victory. In total, Ive lost 89 poundsand I am so proud of myself.

Ive been reflecting on what helped me succeed this time when Ive had so many other failed attempts. I believe that its because I now give myself time every single day. Before, when life got hectic, I let taking care of myself fall to the bottom of the list. Not anymore. Now, I make time every single day to reflect, revise, and implement the four Msmindset, menu, movement, and motivation. I take time to check in and make sure my mindset is still feeling strong and focused. I plan and prepare a menu of food that will keep me nourished and make sure I move. These things keep me motivated.

I want other women to know that if they are struggling with weight loss, they need to make time for whats important in lifeyourself! Everyone else in your life will be glad that you did.

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At Age 49, I Lost 89 Pounds and Got Off My Blood Pressure Meds By Cutting Carbs and Sugar - Prevention.com

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