September 25, 2012
Diane Wackell
100 lbs. lost!
It was January 2, 2012 when my husband approached me to talk about my health. Not my weight or the fact that even my “fat clothes” were getting too tight. It was that “wake-up” call, that “light bulb” moment that needed to happen.
In the nicest way possible, he expressed his concern about my health. About all of the illnesses that were just around the corner if I didn’t start taking care of myself. About all of the extra fat suffocating my organs. He talked about his worries about our girls and the example that I was setting for them. And the fact that if I didn’t start a new “lifestyle” now, I might not be here for them and my grandchildren, for him or my friends.
I made the decision to join a Body Challenge and met Sharon Mastrogia and Michelle O’Toole. My first official weigh-in made me cry. The first official work-out session made me cry even harder and I remember weeping for days while my muscles tried to recover from the first challenging exercises they had ever seen.
Why, for so many years, didn’t any of my previous attempts to diet ever work out? What’s different this time? Well, it’s pretty simple. The Diet Doc Program!! In the past, my diets where always about losing 20 lbs. – just enough to fit into my “fat” clothes comfortably or into a certain outfit for the next big event. The Diet Doc Program taught me that this is not about a diet to simply lose the weight, this is about a life-style change. I have learned to eat clean, whole food to fuel my body, not to feed an emotion. I learned the importance of eating every 3-4 hours and have eliminated processed foods from my diet completely. Eating healthy doesn’t end when I get to that certain number or enjoy that big event. It doesn’t end every weekend to only start up again on Monday, nor does it end during the summer or when I am on vacation or when the holidays are here. And I can promise you that on the fitness part of this journey, that it won’t end when I can finally finish whatever work-out it is (either cardio or strength training) without complete and utter exhaustion. I know now that when that happens it’s time to shake it up and challenge myself all over again. But with the strength that I have gained, both mentally and physically, I look forward to the new challenges.
My biggest thank you goes to Sharon, who has been able to push me beyond what I ever thought possible. She has been by my side celebrating each of my successes along the way. I believe that without her guidance, I would not understand to the extent that I do, the importance of proper nutrition, daily journaling and regular exercise.
Also, a big thank you to Michelle O’Toole for her extensive knowledge with the Diet Doc Program. She has always been there to answer questions and her suggested recipes are always amazing! And to all of the new friends that I have met through Anytime Fitness – you all inspire me to take care of myself every day and to take the time to enjoy the process along the way. This is my journey, my life transformation, and I am so happy that I have the opportunity to share it with all of you.
