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'I Feel Healthier Than I Have In Years'

Photos from Lauren Roth

Lauren Roth says turning 55 caused her to reassess her lifestyle and spurred her to lose 32 pounds.

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@tampatrib.com

Published: November 12, 2008

Lauren Roth, 55, New Tampa

Height: 5-foot-6

Starting weight: 180

Current weight: 148

Why I Did It: In March, I turned 55: "Double Nickels" as someone aptly put it. I took stock of my health and appearance and was not pleased. The slim, active person I had once been had turned into a pudgy, lazy person more prone to taking a nap than taking a walk. My dear husband of 34 years had re-created himself over the past two years by jogging and going to the gym. He had become this buff, thin person while I became the overweight middle-aged wife. The scale reached a number I had never seen. I had trouble keeping up on the easiest of neighborhood walks.

How I Did It: I had tried a number of diets before, but the only one to work was Weight Watchers. I did not want to face weekly meetings, so I put myself on its Winning Points Plan, which is an older program that counts points for all foods consumed, and a target daily point range.

The most important regiment I started was a food journal. The old Weight Watcher motto became mine: "If you bite it, write it." I tracked every bit of food I consumed, plus water I drank, and exercise in a small student memo pad. This little book is always with me.

About the same time, my office started a "Biggest Loser" competition. I signed up and this friendly, weekly weigh-in helped me stay on track. I was the oldest member in the group and joked I wanted an asterisk next to my name for being the senior member among 27 20- and 30-somethings. Our program lasted for two 12-week sessions.

I also belonged to an online Weight Watcher message board I joined seven years ago called "Cafe Eclectic." Through the years, most of us struggled with our weight, alternating success with failure. We have become the best of friends despite living across the country. Every day, we post our menus, our weekly weight losses/gains and share our life stories.

The weight came off slowly, but I was vigilant about keeping track of my points. My husband and I eat out a lot so I would plan by reading restaurant menu nutrition values online. I would eat lighter for breakfast and lunch to accommodate a point-heavy dinner. I also eyeballed dinners and saved half for home. It was a learning process choosing the healthiest items and asking for dressing on the side or for fish broiled without added butter. I packed breakfast and lunch every day and would mentally count the points of the foods I prepared. Dinners consisted of chicken, fish or a very lean grilled steak plus a variety of vegetables. Snacks were fresh fruits. I occasionally indulged in chocolate or ice cream.

Hurdles: I knew I had to step up my exercise to be successful. I began slowly by taking walks in my neighborhood and riding my bike. As summer temperatures soared, outdoor exercise became uncomfortable, but I discovered our community has a wonderful fitness room. I always shied away from the gym because I didn't want to be seen struggling or seen in gym clothes. My husband convinced me to try. I used the treadmill initially, walking 2 miles at a slow pace. A few weeks later, I started using the elliptical machine. Over the next few weeks, I would alternate between the two. I now spend 50 minutes on the elliptical machine every other day. Also, I ride my bicycle 10 miles each weekend day, I exercise five to six days a week and feel wonderful.

Going the distance: Six months later, I've lost 32 pounds and have gone from a tight size 14 to a comfortable size 10. Most importantly, I feel healthier than I have in years. My cholesterol count is down 20 points and my doctor is thrilled. I still write in my food journal every day and will continue to do so. Also, this former gym-phobic girl has learned to love exercise. By the way, the office "Biggest Loser" contest ended Oct. 22, and guess who lost the greatest percentage of weight? Me! I lost 18.03 percent of my total body weight.

Best Advice: Keep a food journal, not only the main meals but also all those licks, bites and tastes. By writing everything down, you will be able to look back and see the weeks that your weight loss was successful and those that faltered.

Keyword: Lost It, to tell us about a weight-loss plan that works for you. Or send your story to mshedden@tampatrib.com or Mary Shedden, The Tampa Tribune, 200 S. Parker St., Tampa FL 33606.

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