This is My Story and I'm Sticking with It!
By Traci Schultz
My name is Traci and I successfully lost 50 pounds following a diet and exercise program.
I was finally motivated to do something about my weight when I saw an acquaintance loose weight with the WeightWatchers program. I thought if she can do it, so can I. I grabbed my mom’s old WeightWatchers books and poured over them. Memorizing the items and points values was easy, and after a while the weight started to come off.
I started to incorporate fitness into my daily routine and the weight came off even faster. First, I started walking (slowly) then walking on an incline and some intermixed running. Now I do the elliptical, stair climber and lift weights regularly. I started at 171 pounds, and now I weigh 121 pounds!
I even lost weight while on a family vacation. I love my new figure and have enjoyed shopping for my new size four body versus my previous size 16. My body fat is at a healthy 21 percent. I have made a 180 degree change in my food choices. If I'm good during the day, I reward myself with some nibbles of sweets once in a while, which are my downfall. The occasional nibbles successfully ward off the huge cravings.
I have found great success with cross training and have inspired others to get informed about their food choices and exercise programs. I make choices everyday to maintain what I have accomplished. It is easy to pick something unhealthy, but I choose to stay on track.
I started my journey in April, 2003 after turning 33 and hating what I looked like in the mirror. I have a five year old daughter, Sydney, a two and a half year old son, Quinn, and a supportive husband of seven and a half years, Tim, who is now joining me in the gym two to three times a week! After giving birth to two kids, there will always be some saggy skin, but I try to stay positive and keep working out and stay focused. I feel I am entitled to one and a half hours of exercise per day, and allow myself to embrace that. After having given myself to others so completely as a stay-at-home mom and wife, I know it is in everyone's best interest for me to be healthy.
All the time people ask me if I'm "still on that diet," and my reply is "No, but I am still on that lifestyle change!" It's been an interesting battle, but one that I have won! My local YMCA has also recognized my accomplishment and has asked me to train and teach some fitness classes. I am very excited, and will be teaching a belly dance class in the near future. My family is proud of me, and I am too. My motivation is a quote I read, "Skinny feels better than food tastes." Fitness is my new love. My goal is to become ACE certified and teach others how to make the change to be healthy.