How many pounds have you lost?
      I lost approximately 15 pounds.

How long have you kept it off?
      I have kept it off for about a year so far.

What were your previous weight loss efforts like? How is this one different?
     I never had to lose weight before. I always managed to stay within a five pound range. All of sudden I woke up one day and I was 15 pounds over. I didn't know where it was coming from or how to lose it.

How did you feel losing weight?
      I felt like I had control of my body again. It was and still is fabulous to know that I could do it. Even though the process was slow, I know I lost the weight the right way.

What eating changes have helped you the most?
      I try to eat smaller meals more frequently, I drink a lot of water, and I try to recognize that when I do eat I am eating because I am hungry not because I am bored or frustrated.

What physical activity changes have helped you the most?
      I cross train because I find I get bored doing the same thing over and over.

What tips do you have for others?
      Before you put something in your shopping basket, ask yourself who is going to eat this. If the answer is you, think again before you take it home.

What's your favorite low-calorie snack food?
      Vic's light popcorn

The biggest turning point for me was when Fran challenged me in May 2000 to try a new physical activity that I had not done before. At this point, I was only walking about 2 miles a day. My goal was to learn to swim for 20 minutes straight. In the back of my mind I knew I wanted to do the Danskin Triathalon, but I knew the swimming would be the hardest and most challenging part for me. That small goal changed my life. I joined swim masters. I knew how to swim but could never swim more than the length of the pool. Plus, I was also afraid of the deep end of the water. Like anything, the beginning was hard. I was swimming with some amazing swimmers but they treated me like I was one of them. I started swimming 3 times a week and after a month I noticed I was much stronger. I didn't have to stop at each end of the pool to rest. Since that one challenge, I am swimming, biking, running and playing tennis. In addition, I have done yoga and work out with a triainer. Both my body and mind have changed.

That one small step changed my entire attitude. As a chubby kid, I was told I could not do sports. I was made fun of so I never tried. So now, as an adult of 38 I feel like I am a kid just starting out. I knew that if I could do the swimming that I could do anything. Since then, I have completed 2 triathalons this year. I never knew I had so much drive in me. Ultimately, the greatest outcome was that my focus on exercise changed my focus on eating.

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