Healthy Living in Connecticut Blog

Losing weight is one thing, but many people forget about the maintenance after losing weight. So many dieters end up gaining the weight as they go back to old habits and eating the wrong foods. I'm proud to say that since early December of 2012, I've been maintaining the same weight of about 212 pounds.

Yes, it's gone up a few pounds every now and then, but it basically is in the same range. It's been quite a journey losing the weight. I wasn't prepared for all the talk about my weight loss from people around town. It's died down now as everyone is used to me at this weight, but every once in a while I'll run into someone that didn't know I lost weight and of course they're usually amazed at the transformation.

I went to a free consultation a few days ago. I wanted to find out about Smart Lipo, as I read that it is a non-invasive procedure to remove pockets of fat in troublesome areas, such as the abs. I don't really want to do any kind of procedure on my belly an would rather it tighten on it's own, but I thought it would be god to hear what the doctor said.

The doctor examined the skin around my abs and lower back. He said I barely have any fat in there and that most of what is there is skin. I would not qualify for a Smart Lipo, as the procedure takes out fat. This surprised me, as my trainer checked my abs a few weeks ago and measured the fat that remains in there.

There have been some pretty great changes since the last time I was on here to write an entry. I have, since, become a Certified Personal Trainer & Group Fitness Instructor! My family & I have relocated to Saratoga Springs, NY & are LOVING it here! Sometimes, a change of scenery can be a great thing! I have been actively searching for a position at area gyms so I can utilize my skills that I have learned to help others. I have managed to land a "substitute" position at the 5 area YMCA's. Hey, it's a start, right? I have also started up my OWN mobile & online personal training business, New Beginnings Fitness (the name suits me & my situation PERFECTLY & also applies to those wanting a fresh start in changing their lives)! I am SUPER excited about this new adventure & know the possibilities are endless. Sometimes, if you want something bad enough, you have to go & MAKE IT HAPPEN!!! If you have the time, head on over to my Facebook page to "Like" & "Share" my new venture! And if an online workout & coaching plan is what you are searching for, I'm your gal!!!!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/New-Beginnings-Fitness-Saratoga/1537438526472649

Recently, I watched the movie "Fed Up", a powerful documentary that explains why obesity is occurring at such an alarming rate among American children. It really opened my eyes on how obesity has become such an epidemic and that it is not so simple as cutting back on calories to lose weight.

There were so many points in the movie that caught my attention. For example, I found it alarming how there were no children with Type II diabetes in 1980, and thirty years later, there are over 50,000 kids with the disease. This can be blamed on all the processed food and sodas that the kids so often consume. The movie compared the soda industry to the tobacco industry, saying that soda is the tobacco of the 21st century. The companies that make the sodas and processed foods lobby Washington and spend billions of dollars on advertising, with many of the ads appealing to children.

I'm in two challenges but I wanted to focus this article on my challenge with the Northwest CT YMCA Fit Commitment Challenge. The challenge is different this time around, with each team consisting of only two people.

I'm lucky to have Janet Perusse on my team! She is a hard worker and she's also the one who chose our team name… "And Won!" I think the name says it all! We were in a team together a few years back and won the challenge. I expect we'll do the same again.