I lost 62 Lbs...so far!

My biggest challenge was making the changes that I knew were necessary. It was difficult at first to stop eating at restaurants frequently and to limit the high-fat foods that I had been eating for years. The National Diabetes Prevention Program and my lifestyle coaches supported me and motivated me to make those healthier food choices. As I continued attending the classes and receiving the education of what causes "diabetes", I wanted to do well in this program to "prevent" diabetes. Having been very sedentary before starting the program and not participating in much physical activity, I had to plan a schedule of activities to reach the goal of 150 minutes or more per week. I scheduled every other day in the morning to exercise because I had other commitments with family. I was then and now walking the treadmill. Gradually, I have incorporated more activity on the days away from West Jefferson Fitness Center, by walking in the park for a mile or two, or walking in the store, while timing myself on these activities. Also, to prevent a plateau of losing additional 30 pounds more, I have been working with Denise Hoffman, my personal sports trainer at West Jefferson Medical Fitness Center in Marrero. She has given me a plan to exercise with weights to tone my muscles and to curb the excess fat. "I have surpassed the 7% weight loss goal at the end of the core sessions and have now set new weight loss goals!" My participation has experienced decreases in my blood glucose and cholesterol levels since participating in the program and has lost 62 lbs. so far.”