Rachel

Age: 33

Lost 65 pounds

I have been overweight for most of my adult life. Somewhere in my teens my activity level dwindled and my cravings for sugar increased. Whenever I was stressed, sad or insecure, I would reach for the low fat ice cream or cookies to feel better. I thought I was being healthy by choosing low fat, but the weight continued to creep up.

When I had my first child, I gained about 50 pounds and topped 200 pounds for the first time. I gained even more weight a few years later with my second pregnancy, and became less motivated to eat healthy or exercise. I was exhausted and couldn’t spare the time. Then we adopted three more children. I realized that the demands on my time were never going to really decrease until all the kids were grown. If I didn’t get my eating and lack of exercise under control, it would just become exponentially more difficult.

The many half-hearted attempts to try the Atkins and South Beach diets had ended with me feeling hungry, irritable, and, ultimately, like a failure. In November 2006, I attended an introductory 20/20 Lifestyles talk. I learned so much in just those few hours. I felt like the battle would be difficult, but if I could make 20/20 a priority, there was no way I could fail. I signed up to begin the first week of January. I was at my heaviest weight of 216 pounds.

The first week was very tough. I knew it would be hard to detoxify my body from all the caffeine and sugar that was my usual way to get through the day. But after the first four days, I was surprised to find that I had to force myself to eat those last 200 calories in a day. I had never felt so full. After the initial detox, my cravings simply vanished and I wasn’t looking for my morning latte and bagel anymore.

The exercise was challenging throughout the program, but I progressed quickly. I went from moving very slowly on a treadmill for 20 minutes to training for my first triathlon.

My kids have really noticed the difference. I no longer am a fixture on the couch. We ride bikes, hike, kayak, play soccer…you name it, we do it!

20/20 Lifestyles came at a time in my life when I was at my busiest, home schooling five children ages 4-10. But I made 20/20 Lifestyles a priority. In putting myself first, my family is reaping the benefits as much as I am. I look good and feel wonderful!