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Sandra’s sense of self-evaluation has helped me tremendously. I came to AIM with my hands thrown in the air, practically. I felt like, frankly, a former attractive woman and beginning athlete who had thrown in the towel and was becoming the typical “plump newlywed.” I did not want that for myself! Having been over 200 pounds for many years, then losing weight, it was hard for me to think of slowly approaching that state again. But that was what I felt I was doing. Sandra simply asked me what I was willing to do on my first phone call. That was probably the best question I could have been asked at that time. I slowly began making health-minded changes. The AIM group provided me with the environment I needed to foster my transition back to the more health-conscious world! The benefit of AIM vs. Weight Watcher meetings is that with AIM you must interact. I easily lost 50 pounds with WW while practically never saying a word. Sandra’s “top down” approach is what stays with you for the long haul.

How did I help you? I came to AIM feeling like I was spiraling out of control. I had struggled with weight for my whole life, joined Weight Watchers, gotten to a good weight, then got married and started gaining – to put my situation in a nutshell. I was really in need of some motivation and accountability, and that is EXACTLY what I have received from my AIM telegroup.
How did you benefit from the group? Not only do I now feel that I have made some true friends, I feel extremely supported. The group is always exactly what it needs to be; sometimes I need a pat on the back and sometimes I need re-directing. I always leave the call feeling better.
What was the biggest challenge you faced and what helped you get over it? Probably my biggest challenge, continually, is finding a balance between my healthy choices and what my husband is willing to eat. I have “gotten over it” by incorporating healthy stuff with not-so-healthy stuff, frankly. It is a compromise that I will continue to face and I feel ready for it. For example, if we eat something meaty and cheesy with rice, I’ll make sure we eat vegetables and salad with it. AND, I have accepted the fact that fast food is often a part of life. I have discovered every possible good option on all menus!
Have you lost weight before, and if so, how was this process different? My first and only other weight loss was with Weight Watchers. Looking back, while I did learn a lot about food/nutrition, I never really learned about WHY I was overeating. For me, it was just a process of losing weight and NOT assessing my choices.
Who do you think would benefit from the services of the Reasonable Diet? Anyone who wants to improve themselves!
Why do you look forward to coming to the group? The support I receive during each tele-conference is amazing.
How do other group members affect you? Their report each week always helps me. I either draw from their success or have advice of my own to offer. I always learn from the others.
Were there any surprises? Yes; I was pleasantly surprised to find that it’s OK to not lose weight so long as I am growing and learning about myself. That alone makes me feel better. I am a lot more ‘at peace’ with my body and my eating.
What is your best strategy for losing weight? PLANNING. Consistency. Whole foods. Regular exercise.
What foods did you eat most regularly? Oatmeal, apples, broth-based soups, salads.
What recommendations do you have for losing weight? Know yourself. Believe in yourself. Eliminate negative outside factors, like nay-sayers who do not support you.
How did you feel about yourself before you started? I felt that I was attractive… but undeniably heavier than the previous year.
Was there an incident that prompted you to start the Reasonable Diet? Kinda, sorta… My father-in-law had passed away and my husband and I had to devote an entire week to cleaning out his condo. We were working long hours and eating almost solely fast food. Yuck! (I was always good at avoiding the fast food.) I noticed that it made me feel awful – all of the grease. Then, one afternoon I stepped on the scale at the condo. It showed 14 pounds more than when I met my husband. I thought “NO NO NO I am not going to let this happen.”
How do you feel about yourself now? I feel SO much better about myself now. Even though my weight loss is fairly minimal (10-12 pounds depending on the day…) I feel that I have transformed tremendously both in the physical and mental sense. While losing the 10-12 pounds I gained the confidence to take the plunge and train for my first full marathon (26.2 miles). I had run 2 half-marathons before, but I was intimidated to do the full. With the love and support of Sandra and my AIM group, I became a marathoner in March 2007! And with regards to the mental sense, I KNOW now that I can do anything I set my mind to.
What particular lesson or saying has really helped you? “You’ll go in the direction you’re facing.” Sandra said that on my first call and it has really stuck with me. One can not expect to become healthier if they face greasy fast food each day. It just doesn’t happen! Also, eliminating moments of choice has helped me tremendously. For example, I made the decision to only snack at work on foods that I have personally brought (i.e. fruits).

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