Finding balance: "in just a couple of weeks, my face appeared less swollen and I could see my cheekbones." - Success Stories

Throughout my teens and early 20s, took my size-6 figure for granted. I never exercised and no matter how much I ate, didn't gain weight. However, in my late 20s, I developed asthma, and my doctor prescribed steroids to control it. He warned me that the typical side effect was weight gain due to water retention and increased appetite.

Almost immediately, I gained 10 pounds. Six months later, I had gained another 20 pounds because I was ravenously hungry all the time and indulged in high-fat food. The weight gain left me in a deep depression and I turned to food for comfort, which was the last thing I should have done. I gained another 10 pounds and eventually settled into a very snug size 12.

Every day I felt worse and I dreaded getting up and trying to find something in my closet that would hide the pounds. When I learned that my favorite store didn't carry sizes beyond 12, I knew I had to take control of my weight. Besides, I was tired of disliking my appearance and always being fatigued -- I wanted to be at a healthy weight permanently.

First, I talked to my physician and we discussed how I could taper off the steroids and still control my asthma. Since stressful situations were the most common trigger, he suggested that I find healthful ways to deal with stress. I started practicing yoga and thinking positively during high-stress situations and sought counseling to help sort out difficult issues in my life.

I also began using exercise as a stress buster to boost my mood. I had injured my knee in my early 20s and had been using that as an excuse not to exercise, so I started slowly. I rode a stationary bike twice a week and built up my endurance. The first few workouts were tiring, but I was determined.

In just a couple of weeks, my face appeared less swollen and I could see my cheekbones. These little improvements boosted my confidence and I looked forward to my workouts. When I started eating healthfully, I lost 15 pounds in three months. Everyone was amazed, and a year later, I was another 25 pounds lighter. My asthma was under control, and I was finally happy -- inside and out.

Last year, I had knee surgery and six weeks later returned to a low-impact workout program. I slowly rebuilt my strength, and six months post-op, I was back to my usual exercise routine, all without complications.

My weight loss has been a major turning point in my life. I have more confidence and more energy. I now wear a size 8, and although it's not the size 6 I once wore, I'm much happier and comfortable at this size. After being on both sides of the weight spectrum, I've finally found the right balance.

RELATED ARTICLE: CRYSTAL C. BROWN, 31, Texas

* Inches lost: bust 2; waist 4; hips 6; thighs 2

* Height: 5'8"

* Pounds lost: 40

WORKOUT SCHEDULE

Biking: 30-45 minutes/3-4 times a week

Weight training: 60 minutes/2 times a week

Yoga: 30 minutes/4 times a week

MAINTENANCE TIPS

1. Schedule time for exercise and write it down on your calendar like any other appointment.

2. Buy healthy, nutritious food so you can make lowfat versions of your favorite meals at home.

3. Eat a snack before you go to a party so you won't overeat high-fat party foods. Skip alcoholic drinks and stick with club soda.

COPYRIGHT 2003 Weider Publications
COPYRIGHT 2003 Gale Group