Yako's "Yes!" Moment
After
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Before
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| Name |
Yako |
| Age |
41 |
| Height |
5'0" |
| Was |
133.8 lbs
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| Lost |
12.4 lbs*
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| Weight |
121.4 lbs
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| As of |
5/6/2010 |
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| *People following the Weight Watchers plan can expect to lose 1-2 pounds per week. |
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"My attitude towards fitness has completely changed. I learned that moving my body should be fun, not awful!"
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She'd tried Weight Watchers in the past, but when Yako stopped viewing the plan as a crash diet, she embarked on a whole new lifestyle.My unhealthy relationship with food started at a very early age. I was born in Johannesburg, South Africa. My parents were very busy with their work, and my mother used food to reward and quiet me.
We moved to the United States when I was still young. I was teased about my round face and round body, and I experienced culture shock and fought depression. Although I was never obese, just chubby, I didn't fit the Asian stereotype of a slim girl with fine bone structure. I ate to ease the pain.
A lifestyle, not a diet
I had tried Weight Watchers in the past, but always went in with the mindset that it was a short-term diet. Of course, I regained the weight. Then, an old friend visited me and didn't recognize the person I'd become — not physically, but emotionally. I had created armor made of fat to protect myself from hurt and loneliness. When she told me that I wasn't the Yako she'd known, I rejoined Weight Watchers meetings and started following the POINTS® Weight-Loss System. This time, I finally "got it." Weight Watchers is not a diet, but a way of life.
Encouragement 24/7
The most difficult part of my weight-loss journey has been dealing with the emotions — sadness, fear, loneliness — that used to trigger an automatic eating response in me. But going to Weight Watchers meetings helped enormously. If I had a day where I felt guilty for going over my daily POINTS Target, I'd turn to the Message Boards at WeightWatchers.com and post my concerns. There was always someone there with words of wisdom that would help me get back on track.
No more forced workouts
I used to be a gym person, but I would always force myself to go. I truly believed in the "no pain, no gain" mentality. Finally, I learned that moving my body could be fun, not awful! Now my routine consists of walking or running with my dog every day, or working out at home with DVDs and dumbbells. I enjoy these activities, and my attitude towards fitness has completely changed.
Big lessons
Weight Watchers taught me how to believe in who I am. I learned to take care of myself and make ME a priority. I am finally at peace, both inside and out.
| Yako's Tips |
- Write down or say out loud the main reason you want to lose the weight and keep it off. Positive affirmations work!
- Use common sense. If a food sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
- A favorite snack: One small sandwich with low-fat peanut butter or almond butter for energy, and fruit or veggies.
- Be a "food snob." Eat a small piece of quality chocolate to satisfy a craving.
- Avoid eating junk on the go. Instead, be prepared with your own supply of sliced apples with string cheese or almonds.
- Don't give up!
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Makeup provided by Clinique.
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