Suzy Lost 65 Pounds — And Kept It Off!
Facing a Challenge
I started gaining weight later in life — mostly after the birth of my third child. As I got older, however, I also developed arthritis. The medication made me gain weight, and I even got the point where I was getting too big for my wheelchair. I fell down one time and you should have seen my husband trying to pick me up! I knew something had to change.
It's funny; I started following The Sonoma Diet before I had even heard of it! I set some sensible guidelines for myself — I banished foods like sugar and white potatoes from my diet, for example, and ate smaller portions — and it worked! I started losing weight right away. Then I saw The Sonoma Diet mentioned on TV and I got so excited. I got the book immediately. There's so much good information in it about eating right. I loved the plate guidelines and the Power Foods list. These were rules I was already trying to follow, and the book took all the guesswork out of it.
A New Kind of Feast My arthritis doesn't allow me a whole lot of time in the kitchen, so the easier it is to prepare meals, the better. In the morning, I usually have cereal. I used to eat Rice Krispies, but if you read the nutrition facts label, you'll notice that they contain high-fructose corn syrup! Now I eat something like Kashi, or I'll have a piece of toast with peanut butter.
For lunch, I try to keep it simple — tuna on whole grain bread, cottage cheese, tomatoes, a little bit of avocado. And I eat salads almost every evening with dinner, especially with chicken. I also love fruit! Before I started The Sonoma Diet, I'd eat ten Oreo cookies at once. Now I choose grapes or apples, or almost any kind of fruit, really. I never would have thought this was possible, but I find myself really
wanting to eat healthier meals.
The Turnaround Over the course of a year, I've lost 65 pounds* — and I've kept off every pound of it! I can't believe it; I tell people all the time that I feel like a movie star! I remember when I finally got below 200 pounds. I never thought I would be there again. And here's a funny story: My whole life, I thought I had big legs. It turns out that's just where I naturally carry my weight. For the first time in my life, my legs actually look skinny! I have ankles and a shinbone and knees. Who knew?
Of course, I never told anyone that I was on a diet. I really don't like that word. I had tried the no-carb fad diets and I hated them! On this plan, you eat such an amazing variety of foods — I can live without things like beans and nuts. To me, this is truly a lifestyle change, and something that I can really live with for the rest of my life.
Strategies for Every Day Holidays and parties have been a breeze. When I first started on this plan, it was right before Thanksgiving, so I got through that holiday, then Christmas, and then my birthday without a problem. I just learned to say no to unhealthy food. It's as simple as that. I went to a barbecue at a friend's house and there was pasta and lots of food with creamy sauces. I just promised myself that I wouldn't touch any of it. At one point, however, someone brought out a vegetable tray, and I knew I could have some of that. It's just a matter of making the right choices.
And I can go to any restaurant I want. That has never been a problem. At a place like Red Lobster, almost everything on the menu is fried, but there
are options. Last time I went, I ordered a piece of salmon, some shrimp, and wild rice — it was delicious, and I didn't feel stuffed afterward. At Chili's, I found a wonderful salad with black beans. I've learned that I can make the right choices anywhere. And boy, do I feel empowered!
Tips and Tricks From Suzy- Banishing the bad stuff: Before I started The Sonoma Diet, I'd go through a jar of mayonnaise or whole sticks of butter in a week. I don't even buy those things now. Unhealthy food just isn't important anymore, and really, it's not even appealing to me.
- A fix for fish: I've always loved fish, but I ate it breaded and with fatty dipping sauce. Now I grill or bake my salmon with just lemon, olive oil, and herbs, and it's every bit as delicious.
- Favorite compliment: I can't tell you how I love to hear these words: "Wow, Mom! You're getting so skinny!"
- Managing the occasional treat: Of course, there are times when I will allow myself to have a treat. I lost the weight slowly, so I know that I won't gain it back immediately. But I also know that if I really want that ice cream cone, I need to be especially conscientious about what I eat the next day.
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Results not typical.