I’ve been able to balance my diet and exercise without constantly thinking about dieting. We do a lot of walking to the store, farmer’s market, library, etc.

I gave birth to my son in August, 2006. Based on what everyone told me, I was counting on breastfeeding to help me to shed the 25 pounds that I had gained (on top of the 15 newlywed/workaholic prebaby pounds) during pregnancy. After an easy recovery from a scheduled c-section, I was walking in my hilly neighborhood within 3 days of his birth, running by 10 weeks post-partum, and working out with a trainer by February. However, my appetite to keep up with the breastfeeding left me starving ALL of the time. My personal trainer would constantly remind me that losing weight is 75% diet and 25% working out. Shortly before my son turned one, and not-so-coincidentally, as I was shopping for a dress to wear to a friend’s wedding, I realized that I had to put exponentially more effort into losing weight, as the exercise and nursing weren’t enough. I needed to change my eating habits. After hearing some other moms touting their successes with Weight Watchers, I joined. I immediately started to see results, and dropped from my post-partum size 12 to a 10. A month later, I was an 8.

At the same time, I started to increase my walking and running, and added in some of the strength training basics that my trainer had taught me. A knee injury side-lined me from running for most of the winter, but I was able to ride the stationary bike and use the elliptical trainer to not only stay in shape, but to drop down to my goal weight, which I have maintained since January, 2008. Since then, I’ve enjoyed the smaller size, the extra energy, and most importantly, the fact that Benjamin is learning the importance of physical activity at such a young age!

STATS:
How much did you weigh at your heaviest? Too heavy, and I can’t believe I am saying it out loud! I weighed 182 pounds the day I started Weight Watchers; the worst part, I’d always carried weight relatively well, and avoided the scale, so I had NO clue.

How much weight have you lost? I lost as much as 47 pounds, although, I’ve put a couple back on; so the real answer is 45. Since I have dropped a pant size since gaining those extra 2 pounds, and am more toned all over, I am assuming that it’s where I am meant to be with the lean muscle. Hopefully!

How long have you kept it off? I have been at my current weight since January 2008. I’ve been able to balance my diet and exercise without constantly thinking about dieting. Full disclosure, I’ve been training for half and full marathons for about 2/3 of that time too.

What size were you and wh at size are you now ? Shortly after giving birth, I was a size 12 at most popular stores, but in the first 4 months of Weight Watchers, I dropped down to a size 6.

How often do you work out? I do a couple of classes at the gym every week, including Pilates and an Abs/Core class. Occasionally, I’ll do a drop-in Bikram yoga class in Reston, but it’s not my favorite, although, I do love how I feel after it’s over. Primarily, though, I run between 25-40 miles most weeks, and our neighborhood is really conducive to getting places on foot, so we do a lot of walking to the store, farmers’ market, library, etc. I love living an overall active lifestyle, rather than being a slave to the gym!

QUESTIONS:
When did your moment of truth come? Exact date = August 11, 2007. I was getting ready for my friend’s wedding with my gorgeous, thin, tan best friend, and felt like a frump, even though I’d shopped for eons for a dress that made me feel good. I knew, previously, that I needed to drop the pounds, but I didn’t really want it until that moment.

How did you do it? Weight Watchers (Flex plan) was perfect for me.

Any secrets or crazy things that worked for you? The best recommendation I can offer is protein for breakfast.

How did you stay motivated? I loved the positive attention I was getting from friends and family. Eventually, I started motivating a lot of other people to modify their lifestyles to be healthier , which made me feel great and accountable. I also register myself for running races, adding challenges each time. I ran my first ½ marathon last fall, got some personal records during a winter 10K, and am running in the National Marathon on March 21.

Did you ever give up? If yes, what made you get back on the wagon? Not yet. I’d like to say I am pretty confident that I’ll stay on track. I never want to go back to what I was before.

How do you maintain the loss? I learned a ton about portion control, as well as, which foods are satisfying, and healthy for me. I definitely have some food weaknesses, so I learned how to prioritize what I eat and make sure that I don’t end a day feeling deprived.It’s easier than it sounds, once you get on track.

Your favorite eating tips. I love salad, so that is definitely, something that works in my favor, particularly when we go out to eat. My husband is good about grilling a few chicken breasts for me on Sunday nights, so I have them ready to go during the week for lunches. I also am a fan of Lean Cuisine®- style meals, if I need to grab something quickly. The Safeway Eating Right brand meals, however, are my favorite; and always on sale. And, as I mentioned before, I think the #1 trick is protein in the morning!

Your favorite exercises. Running. Hands down. Although, I love my Pilates and Abs/Core classes that I take at the Reston YMCA. I wish they were offered more times during the week, because I love the way they are toning my body up! Oh, and Jillian Michael’s (from The Biggest Loser) 30-day shred video is amazing!

What does your family think? I know my husband loves my new shape; although, I think he’d say he loved the way I looked before too. I’ve motivated others in my group of friends and family to do the same, so they must think something is working!

How do you make time for exercise? I am really lucky to have such a supportive husband who appreciates and understand the importance of fitness.

A few of her favorite things:

Favorite NoVA restaurant As a family, we love going to Jimmy’s Old Town Tavern in Herndon, especially during the summer’s Friday night concerts on the town green. It’s walking distance from home, and the people who work there, are fantastic. Plus, they have toys to keep Benjamin occupied; bonus! On date nights, we usually stay close to Reston Town Center… I really can’t think of a restaurant that we haven’t enjoyed there!

Favorite NoVa hangout for outdoor fitness I am most likely to be found on the W&OD trail these days. Not sure it’s a hangout, but it’s a safe place to bike and run.

Favorite gym I didn’t try out a ton of gyms, but we’ve been really, really happy with our membership at the Reston YMCA. The classes are great, we never have a wait for cardio equipment, the staff is always friendly, and we love how often the pool is open for open-swim (mostly for Benjamin to jump in and out of). (if you have one)

Personal trainer I don’t have one here, although, I love running with the Reston Runners. It’s an amazing group of people, of all running (and walking) skill-levels, and a great way to start a Saturday and/or Sunday morning.

Favorite summer getaway Well, I am definitely biased since I am from there, but we spend quite a bit of time in the Adirondacks in northern New York. It’s absolutely beautiful, there is great hiking, canoeing, and it’s just a fun place to be. We had our wedding in Lake Placid, so that’s our favorite spot. And, slightly closer, we loved last summer’s vacation to the Outer Banks.

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