125-Pound Weight Loss: How Dana Did It.
One year later, Dana had lost 110 pounds. “My big goal was to drop 125 pounds.” By early December 2015 she’d lost 120 pounds, just five pounds from her goal. In January, when many of us will be trying to shed any holiday weight gain, Dana’s focus will turn to maintaining her current weight and continuing with exercise.
The best part of Dana’s story? “I have improved energy and self-confidence and my outlook is different – now I feel I can do or achieve anything,” she says.
Dana was one of 145 BMCers who participated in the bWell program and qualified to win a spa vacation. Although she wasn’t one of the lucky winners, Dana says she’s won.“I’ve achieved something much more valuable.” Dana now has her sights on the bWell 2016 Olympics. She has earned almost 3,000 points to date and is going for bWell Olympic Gold!
What Worked for Dana
- Ease into the plan. For a month leading up to her plan start date, Dana made one small change a week: Drink more water. Avoid sugar. Don’t eat fried foods.
- Set small goals and reward yourself. “It was a mental game. I’d lose 10 pounds then reward myself. Focusing on small goals kept me from being overwhelmed by the big weight loss goal I had in front of me.”
- Use your support system. Friends, family and bWell program challenges helped Dana keep on track with her goals and stay accountable.
- Track your progress and adjust. Dana weighed herself every day and tracked her measurements and BMI every month. She tracks her activity and sleep with a Jawbone Up24.
- Find exercise that works for you. “I started an aqua aerobics class three months into my journey. A few months later I started a weekly Pilate’s class. In June, I signed up for a 12- week new runners program and in October I ran in the BMC Global Run 10K in Houston.”
- Challenge yourself with bWell. “The bWell challenges pushed me to try activities that I might not have ever considered. I even got a flu shot for the first time! Sure, I wanted to earn points to reduce my medical premium, but the program really helped me stay motivated and accountable in my weight loss journey.”
Never stop setting goals for yourself. Next year, Dana plans to run a half marathon and snow ski for the first time. “A year ago I never imagined I would be physically able to do either of these activities. I’ve got a lot of things on my bucket list to do and experience, and I look forward to exciting things to come in my future.”