Over two and half years ago, I was 25 pounds heavier. I wanted to lose weight so I joined a kickboxing course with a weight loss program. The diet and exercise program was very strict. I was required to exercise six days a week with a very low carbohydrate diet. The program was ten weeks long and I was offered a discount to continue classes after the program was finished. There were two other women who joined the course at the same time I enrolled. They also were trying to lose the same amount of weight. We followed the course religiously and after ten weeks they both reached their goal weight. On the other hand, I had only lost 8 pounds. Instead of celebrating my weight loss, I was frustrated. After all, I was working out just as hard as they were. My instructor could see my disappointment and she responded, “Hang in there, Allison. If you keep coming to the classes, you’ll lose the weight.” Nevertheless, I just could not imagine spending another ten weeks exercising and eating in this manner. Neither could my two partners. Once they reached their goals, they quit the course. I asked them, “Don’t you want to keep coming to class to maintain your weight?” They both answered no. They said they were too busy to continue and besides they got what they wanted from the class. Despite my initial feelings of abandonment, I persisted onward.

Since I knew I could not spend another ten weeks with this harsh regiment, I modified my program. I attended kickboxing four days a week and practiced yoga daily to provide some variety. During the spring and summer months, I rode my bike on the weekends to run errands. I drank water instead of juices and soda. I ate a salad and two pieces of fresh fruit a day. I ate a sandwich with one slice of bread instead of two slices. I split my meals with my friend when I ate at restaurants. I weighed myself weekly and I recorded what I ate each day in a food log. Most of all, I did not give up on myself. If I consumed too many calories any particular day or if I was unable to exercise, I would just go back to my healthy habits again. Theses changes were slow and subtle and as a result I avoided injury and burnout. Finally, on April 1, 2008, two years after my first kickboxing class, I reached my goal weight. I have maintain my goal weight since this day.

Now here is the ironic part; both women rejoined the class this year. They gained back all the weight they lost and then some. They were amazed how different I looked. They told me I was right when I recommended they continue the class. They asked me how I did it. I told them it was a combination of the right amount of exercise and food intake. Most of all, it was the right attitude. I lost weight at my own pace and terms. I realized no two people will lose weight the same way. I learned how to be persistent and patient at the same time. If you are trying to lose weight or control your blood sugar, please keep these tips in mind. I hope my journey will help you reach your destination.

Please email me at askard@stablebloodsugar.com if you have any questions about this blog. Allison