That's Fit

At work, I sit next to Fran. Fran is cute, kind and crazy about food. She's a fantastic cook and constantly gets my mouth watering with talk of fresh bread and pies and other delicious things. A little while back, she told us she was going on Weight Watchers and I noticed that she started bringing in healthy foods in individual-sized containers. She didn't go out for lunch as often and though she still talked about deliciously sinful food, she didn't mention eating it anymore. Instead, she swapped healthy brand-names and recipes with other co-workers. Good for her, I thought, I wish I had the willpower to do that.

Fast forward to a little over a year later. Fran looks good, like she's lost 25 pounds or so, but since I see her all the time, I hadn't noticed any huge change--until, that is, I looked at a company photo of her before the diet.We asked her how much she lost. Oh, 75 pounds, she responded, as if it was nothing. 75 pounds! That's a whole Nicole Richie! Fran's secret is vigilance--she keeps track of what she eats, goes to weight watchers meetings and indulges rarely. When she does indulge, she makes a healthier choice, such as having a Cadbury Thin instead of a full chocolate bar. She stays away from the snack table at work--something I can't seem to do. She's not much of a gym person, but she gets in other activity where she can, such as walking with friends. She's proof that losing weight isn't easy as pie but it can be done with a bit of perseverance. She also steadfastly believes that short-term diets don't work--Only a major lifestyle overhaul will be effective in losing and keeping off the weight. Balance and moderation are key.

I'm totally proud of Fran, inspired by her weight loss, and also a little bit jealous though I know that I could take off those few extra pounds too if I could just limit the amount of cheese I eat (and chocolate. and wine. and ice cream ... well, you get the point.) Way to go Fran!

Do you have a success story like Fran's to share?