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I Made It: 'I Can Be An Example To Those Wanting To Lose Weight'

Tribune photo by SCOTT ISKOWITZ

Kym Black-Caporale has found that the Medifast diet is exactly what she needs for her lifestyle.

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: April 1, 2009

Kym Black-Caporale, 55, St. Petersburg

Height: 5-foot-5

Starting weight: 197

Current weight: 163

Why I did it: I was motivated by how uncomfortable I felt in my clothes and how unhealthy I felt. I wanted to find a weight-loss program that fit into my busy schedule as a board-certified acupuncture physician so I could talk to my own patients about losing weight and getting healthy a natural way. It seemed that I was always overweight, and the last thing I wanted was to be labeled obese. I was tired of going shopping with friends and sneaking over to the larger women's sizes. And it was hard to find younger-looking clothes in those larger sizes.

How I did it: I decided to take the advice of an Atlanta-based chiropractor friend of mine and go on the Take Shape for Life (Medifast) diet. It is so easy, and I don't have to count points or think about what I'm going to eat next. The meal replacement plan is exactly what I need for my lifestyle; it keeps me out of the drive-throughs and helps me feel full and satisfied.

I can stick with the Take Shape for Life meals during the day and eat a healthy meal with my husband in the evening. I don't have to worry about portion control. My glycemic index was balanced through the day, so I didn't have any ups and downs. I became a happier person, especially when I could walk into the same clothes department as my friends!

Each day when I see my own patients at my Alternative Health Center, I can be an example to those wanting to lose weight and get healthy. I am practicing what I preach. I have actually become a health coach for Take Shape for Life, and it feels good to share my success with other people in the community and to help them with their weight-loss goals.

Hurdles: The first week or so, my body was still adjusting to withdrawal from fast foods. I was a little bit hungry and had to remember to eat every three hours. With this plan, a person eats six meals a day. Take Shape for Life (Medifast) calls it the 5 and 1 Plan (five of their meals and one of my own.)

Going the distance: I am still losing. Every week I find my scale going down. I thought that I had met my goal, but I want to lose more to get to that healthy weight and size. I will maintain by still adding Take Shape for Life meals to my regular healthy meals. I feel so good doing their meal plan that I don't see myself ever leaving the plan completely. Their meals are quick and easy, and I enjoy them so much! My digestion problems are gone, and I actually see a huge difference in what I spend on food per week. In this economy, who can afford not to lower their food costs? I exercise about four to five times a week combining weights, core strengthening and dance. Jazzercize is something I really enjoy.

Best advice: Find a weight-loss program that fits into your life and teaches you how to eat correctly. Take Shape for Life was a landslide for me.

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