UK Health & Wellness Success Stories
NEW! 2013 Biggest BLUE Loser Winners
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2013 Biggest BLUE Losers
Eric Larson: 2013 Biggest BLUE Loser Male 1st Place Winner. Lost 10.8% of his body weight!
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"The comments from family, friends, and coworkers are encouraging me to keep going." |
Why did you decide to join Weight Loss Matters/Biggest BLUE Loser?
I turned 40 last year, and I made a job change that took me from a job that had me outside to a job sitting at a desk. I gained almost 20 pounds in a year. I was completing a UK Healthtrac Rewards Health Assessment and learned about the Weight Loss Matters program. I decided to join to learn how to be successful at weight loss and to get the support I needed to stick with a diet and exercise plan.
How did the program/staff help you?
By attending the class every week, I began to learn better eating habits. I also learned how easy it was to begin exercising by simply walking 30 minutes each day. Every week the staff encouraged me, and we talked through questions and issues I was having with my weight loss and diet.
What was your biggest challenge?
VEGETABLES! Seriously, a balanced diet is something I still have to work on. I am a picky eater. So, finding foods that fit into the exchange plan written for me can be difficult. Exercise was the easy part. Walking 2-3 miles per day takes less than an hour and those miles quickly add up to some serious weight loss.
What are your results to date? Have you reached your ultimate goal?
I started WLM on October 31, 2012. As of the end of the BBL competition, I have lost nearly 11 percent of my body weight. I don’t know what my ultimate goal is. But when I get to my “high school skinny” weight, I’ll see how I look and feel. Aside from a weight loss goal, I want to slim down, so I am not embarrassed to take my shirt off at the beach this summer. (ha ha)
How does it feel to be YOU now?
I feel better, of course. I quit snoring, which my wife loves. I’m more comfortable sitting at my desk, getting in and out of the car, etc. I have more energy. I feel like I look better, which gives me more confidence and a more positive attitude. The comments from family, friends, and coworkers are encouraging me to keep going.
What would you tell someone who wants to change but is hesitant to take the first step?
You just have to get started. Change won’t happen overnight, so stay committed and positive about it. Join WLM or another weight loss program for the support and accountability. A competitive contest like BBL or simply one among friends or coworkers can help you stay motivated. I lost a lot of weight in 5 months – without eating (many) veggies, absolutely no salads, and still ate an occasional pizza! If I can do it, anybody can.
Eric Larson works at UK as an Environmental Affairs Compliance Manager.
Want to lose weight and need help? Get started with Weight Loss Matters.
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Linda Rice: 2013 Biggest BLUE Loser Female 1st Place Winner. Lost 13.6% of her body weight!
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"My biggest challenge was to accept that losing weight and keeping it off is a lifelong commitment and requires a committed change in mindset and behavior." |
Why did you decide to join Weight Loss Matters/Biggest BLUE Loser?
I joined because I know it works based on my past experiences with this program. I am very competitive by nature, and so the Biggest BLUE Loser program always appeals to me and motivates me!
How did the program/staff help you?
Unfortunately, I have been a yo-yo dieter all my life. My weight has been up and down so many times I have lost count. My family doctor and the Weight Loss Matters staff both have been working with me to stop this vicious cycle and make some real lifelong sustainable changes to prevent the yo-yoing. They have helped me realize this is not good for my health, and that I need to make a change. I know how to lose weight but, apparently have never endorsed the lifelong change and behavior modification that goes with it. This time around, Karen and Vanessa have really worked with me individually to help me analyze and assess what I can do to make this a “sustainable” change. They have been one-on-one coaches for me and have really helped me to look at the big picture. I really appreciate their genuine interest in me as a person and my success in this journey!
What was your biggest challenge?
My biggest challenge was to accept that losing weight and keeping it off is a lifelong commitment and requires a committed change in mindset and behavior. In the past, I have always lost the weight and then gone back to my old ways, which lead to regaining all of the weight. I have learned this time how important it is in the bigger picture to pick strategies that I will keep doing even after BBL---such as: weigh myself once a week, keep a food journal (always thought this was a hassle before and thought I could just keep things in my head). I have now realized this is not a good tactic and I have to write it down. Looking at the daily intake really does make me see and realize what I am taking in. It has finally sunk in that I will always have to watch what I eat and keep up with it—something I saw before as a chore and only necessary when “dieting.” I see now that this is one area that I have to keep up if I want to maintain this weight loss for the long term. Accepting these as lifelong changes has been the hardest part of this journey, but one I now see and realize is necessary!
What are your results to date? Have you reached your ultimate goal?
I have lost nearly 14 percent of my body weight to date and hope to lose about 20 more pounds—then MAINTAIN!!!
How does it feel to be YOU now?
I love the new clothes I can fit in and the lower sizes I can now wear! I am really happy with my improved endurance and ease of doing exercises that I really struggled to do with the additional weight. I never noticed this difference in the past with my other weight losses. I used to be an avid runner and was really excited several weeks ago when I took 3rd place in a race in my age group—this was without training. I am planning to do a 5K in about 2 months with training! I am excited to see how much better I can do with training and less weight!
What would you tell someone who wants to change but is hesitant to take the first step?
The fact that a person recognizes they want to change is the first step. From there, it is all about baby steps, small goals -- you have to take one step at a time and keep moving forward. Find what motivates you and keep nurturing it. There are so many resources available online now that it is very easy to find things to keep one focused and motivated. I have found the WLM classes really help to hear others successes and struggles and the newest up to date health information. I treasure the WLM instructors and their advice on new foods, recipes, tips etc. They are a great resource and support system too!
Linda Rice works with the UK Center for Clinical and Translational Science.
Want to lose weight and need help? Get started with Weight Loss Matters.
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Nora Kidwell: 2013 Biggest BLUE Loser Female 2nd Place Winner. Lost 10.6% of her body weight!
"I am starting to see and feel a real change, which is a great motivator to keep going! I feel like I have control over my weight."
Why did you decide to join Weight Loss Matters/Biggest BLUE Loser?
I have been “dieting” for most of my adult life. I learned about Biggest BLUE Loser last year via email, and I thought about joining then, but I talked myself out of it. It stuck with me and I decided to join last fall. I am very competitive, so I thought joining the challenge would be a good fit for me.
How did the program/staff help you?
Karen and Vanessa were extremely helpful. They were always available to answer questions, and the weekly lessons helped change my outlook on food. The thing that was the most helpful was being held accountable for what I ate and how much I exercised. Having to turn in a food/exercise diary and actually have that diary reviewed every week made a huge difference. It really motivated to make smart choices.
What was your biggest challenge?
Exercising. I think that will always be my biggest challenge. I still have to trick myself and say that if I just get started I can quit after so many minutes. Of course, by that time, I am feeling good and finish my workout. Having one of the requirements for the Biggest BLUE Loser be that we complete at least 150 minutes of exercise a week really helped because it took away the excuse factor. If I wanted to compete, I had to get moving!
What are your results to date? Have you reached your ultimate goal?
I lost 10.6 percent during the competition, and as of today, I have lost 12.16 percent of my body weight. I still have a way to go, but I am in this for the long haul. I am hoping to reach my goal by December. (Follow-up results) I went in for my yearly physical, and there was a huge difference from January 2012. My blood pressure and cholesterol were down and both in the low range of normal (my good cholesterol was actually a little low); my thyroid, sugar and hormone levels were also down and in the normal range. I have PCOS so my testosterone has always been really high. Now it is back in the normal range, which is a really big deal! That means I am now symptom free. I just wanted to share what 3 months of hard work can achieve. These are the results that really count!
How does it feel to be YOU now?
I feel great! I am starting to see and feel a real change, which is a great motivator to keep going! I feel like I have control over my weight. For years I felt like it controlled me, so having the control back is a huge deal for me.
What would you tell someone who wants to change but is hesitant to take the first step?
The most helpful suggestion I have is to keep a food journal. I use Lose It, but there are a ton of them out there. Once you make yourself accountable for what you are eating, you will see things differently! I know this sounds cliché, but just take it one day at a time, or even one meal at a time. Just think about what it is you are actually eating and decide if it is worth it. Every smart food choice is a step in the right direction!
Nora Kidwell works with the UK College of Dentistry.
Want to lose weight and need help? Get started with Weight Loss Matters.
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Doris Miller: 2013 Biggest BLUE Loser Female 3rd Place Winner. Lost 10.2% of her body weight!
"Take small steps by committing to one or two changes in the beginning. These accomplishments will fuel the sustained worked required to make lifetime changes."
Why did you decide to join Weight Loss Matters/Biggest BLUE Loser?
I trained for the March 30 RunTheBlueGrass Half Marathon and wanted to lose 20 pounds. This would be the "jump start" to finally lose the weight needed to make sure I do not have to take medication for high blood pressure and/or high cholesterol.
How did the program/staff help you?
The feedback on my food diary was invaluable by pointing out those areas where I need to focus.
What was your biggest challenge?
Eating my vegetables!!! Also reducing the number of starch (carbs) exchanges was an area I needed to focus on.
What are your results to date? Have you reached your ultimate goal?
I lost 10.2 percent of my body weight, and want to lose about 30 more pounds.
How does it feel to be YOU now?
I feel much stronger, which is very important as I'm no longer a spring chicken!!! It is always a boost your ego when others compliment you on your appearance.
What would you tell someone who wants to change but is hesitant to take the first step?
Take small steps by committing to one or two changes in the beginning. These accomplishments will fuel the sustained worked required to make lifetime changes.
Doris Miller works with UK HealthCare Information Technology.
Want to lose weight and need help? Get started with Weight Loss Matters.
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Success: In Their Own Words
"I feel like she became more to me than just someone to help my quit smoking. She became my friend ..."
I decided to stop smoking, because I wanted to be healthier, happier and have a little more money in my pocket!! LOL!! My past efforts had never worked. I just never committed myself fully to it. I just decided that the time was now.
I think I could have done it, but having Amy's coaching and support was awesome. I feel like she became more to me than just someone to help my quit smoking. She became my friend, and I always looked so forward to speaking with her. I liked her from the beginning and my fondness for her grew as time went by. I found that I wanted to share my small triumphs with her and wanted her to be proud of me. I could tell by the tone of her voice that she was sincere.
My biggest challenge came when my mother passed away. She was living with us full-time, and we lost her quickly. I will admit that I almost started smoking again. In fact, I smoked one, and I knew right then that I did not want or need the cigarettes anymore. Now, I feel like I am who I want to be. I hated the stereotype of being a smoker.
I would highly recommend a smoking cessation program. I owe a large part of my success to the program and to Amy. You have to commit with your whole head and heart and stay committed.
Story shared anonymously
Want to quit and need help? We're here for you. Get more info on Tobacco Cessation.
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Suzan Nunn, Edmonson County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences, shares her Weight Loss Matters success story.
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"I think the most important step is to realize that you must do this for yourself." |
Why did you decide to join Weight Loss Matters?
I had been exercising for almost a year and had not seen the changes I wanted in my body.
How did the program/staff help you?
First and foremost, being in the program made me accountable for my actions. Before participating in WLM, I was only accountable to myself.
What was your biggest challenge?
My biggest challenge was Dr. Pepper. Before I started WLM, I would drink a 2 liter a day and sometimes more. I slowly tapered off my intake during the program. Now, it is very rare for me to drink anything other than water or milk.
What are your results to date? Have you reached your ultimate goal?
Since I began my lifestyle change, I have lost 23 pounds of fat. I have not reached my ultimate goal yet --which is to have a body fat percentage between 20-23. I have learned that losing weight doesn’t necessarily mean losing fat. I’m working hard to lose fat and gain muscle. A pound of muscle takes up less space than a pound of fat, so I am not as concerned with the number on the scale.
How does it feel to be YOU now?
I feel better than I have in years. I enjoy shopping for clothes and shoes. (I have gone down 8 pant sizes and 1.5 sizes in shoes!)
What would you tell someone who wants to change but is hesitant to take the first step?
In order to be successful, you first must be willing to make changes. Little changes add up and make a huge difference. I am still learning and making changes on a daily basis. But I think the most important step is to realize that you must do this for yourself. You cannot do it for your significant other. You cannot do it to keep up with your friends. You cannot do it because anyone wants you to do it. You have to do it because YOU want to do it. Until then, I feel you cannot be truly successful.
Want to lose weight and need help? Get started with Weight Loss Matters.
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Antonia Hansen, who works with the Kentucky Geological Survey, shares her Nutrition Consult success story.
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"It’s impossible to understand how much better you will feel after you’ve been eating healthily for a few weeks." |
Why did you decide to get a consult?
In short, my main reason was to learn how to eat healthy on a budget. My fiancé decided to get another degree at UK, and my income became the only income for us and our son who is 2 years old. Yet, I felt a strong responsibility to make sure that we had healthy meals and not do take-out or become lazy and cook pre-cooked meals just because I was tired at the end of my work day. Information on the Internet was so confusing to me about what was a carb; what are good carbs, good fats, etc; and most options looked quite expensive. I desperately needed some concrete info and someone to talk to about my own situation instead of mindlessly searching the Internet for answers.
How did the consult/staff help you?
Karen McNees was so easy to talk to and completely eased my nervousness -- because let’s face it, who doesn’t get nervous when having to tell a professional about what you eat and how you feed your family? It’s a nerve-wracking situation because I feel so responsible for what my son and fiancé eat, and I dreaded to hear that I had been doing everything all wrong. Yet, I knew a change had to be made in order to raise my son to understand the benefits of eating healthy.
Karen listened to my family’s situation. I told her that I don’t feel like cooking during the week because my 2-year-old doesn’t eat a whole lot at once, and I can pretty much fix simple things to get by. She immediately helped me create a plan for how to cook for my family, save time during the week, and how to plan meals for weeks at a time to help save money. I had always considered making a plan, but had never before done it. She showed me how easy the process can be and gave me tons of literature on how to eat healthy and then followed up our meeting with an email with websites crammed full of healthy recipes.
What are your results to date? Have you reached your ultimate goal?
So far from January to now, I have kept up with making a dinner plan for the entire month before heading to the grocery. We’ve only eaten at restaurants occasionally and have lessened our grocery bill to an average of $100 because we buy our meat in bulk, separate the meat into small portions and put in the freezer. The most expensive items tend to be buying the fresh fruits and veggies. I’ve set up my garden for planting and hope to alleviate buying most of our store veggies. We have “discovered” Good Foods and it’s so much cheaper and easier to buy lentils, couscous, etc there so eating healthy is always in the forefront. Both my fiancé and I feel more energized and better about eating healthy.
How does it feel to be YOU now?
I feel so much better as a mother to know that my son is becoming familiar with healthy foods. He actually is asking for yogurt and fruit by name every day! I feel better knowing my fiancé is also eating a good, healthy, and hearty meal, and he doesn’t have to worry about meals every night. I allow one night (usually Friday) to be either a pizza night or take-out night and that keeps us from feeling like we’re denying ourselves.
What would you tell someone who wants to change but is hesitant to take the first step?
First of all, no one will judge you for good or bad decisions. The atmosphere is completely positive and encouraging. The nutritionists really want you to succeed and fight through any difficulties, and they are there to help you the whole way. Not to mention, it’s impossible to understand how much better you will feel after you’ve been eating healthily for a few weeks. Eating healthy has gotten a discouraging rap as being too expensive for the average household. But if you plan your food, you’ll be surprised at the money you’ll save and how you aren’t wasting any of your food! I’ve found that it is unbelievably exciting to be able to try new foods (I had never cooked lentils before the consult) and new recipes. You might surprise yourself by falling in love with couscous and spices and wonder how you missed these great foods. Or you’ll carry this new passion with eating healthy to a new level and start your own garden! Most importantly, you’ll be making a beneficial change that will truly help you the rest of your life. The knowledge I have gained from eating better has enabled me to pass my experience to my friends. We now have a support group in each other to find healthy recipes. Two of us are going to grow gardens, and we keep each other motivated. Friends and family will help you stay on the right path- just don’t give up at the beginning when everything seems so daunting. In summary, you’ll feel better, save money, and have the opportunity to explore foods you’ve never thought to taste before.
Want to meet your nutritional goals and need help? Get started with a free Nutrition Consult.
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Mike O'Brien, the spouse of a UK employee, shares his Nutrition Consult success story.
"I never thought I would be able to get healthy. But I have finally done it. It was not easy, but the benefits far outweigh the difficulties."
Why did you decide to get a Nutrition Consult?
In November of 2012, I was hospitalized for an unrelated condition. While there, I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. I have had a weight issue for years, as food has been my crutch, especially during times of stress. In my life, stress has, unfortunately, been abundant. I knew I had a significant amount of weight to lose, but, weight loss and great health felt unattainable. I have had joint replacements, and a fractured spine, so I also had a lot of pain. That made me feel worse.
How did the consult/staff help you?
My wife suggested I speak with Karen Bryla McNees, as we knew her from Weight Loss Matters. We met with Karen, and she was so positive and helpful. She spoke to me about controlling the diabetes. She gave us ideas and information regarding how to maintain a good blood sugar level. She taught us so much in WLM and then in our consult. She makes it feel attainable.
What was your biggest challenge?
One of my biggest addictions was diet soda. I drank at the very least, 80 ounces of it per day, and often, much more. I quit that within about a week. It was so difficult, and I had plenty of headaches. I soon lost my taste for it, and within two weeks, my joints started feeling better. At that time, I was also controlling my carb intake, and immediately began losing weight. I believe I lost nine pounds in the first two weeks. By Christmas, I had lost 15 pounds. I also cut out late night snacks, which was difficult, but really helped in my weight loss.
What are your results to date? Have you reached your ultimate goal?
I have lost 46 pounds so far. I move around so much easier. It is so much easier for me to work around the house, in the yard, and go to water aerobics. The water classes have helped a lot also. I still have a considerable amount to lose. But I am no longer focused on the number, which helps so much. My other result is that my A1C level was so much better; also my cholesterol and triglycerides have already come down quite a bit.
How does it feel to be YOU now?
I am more confident and looking forward to the future. I feel like I have so much more to look forward to. I just found out I am having my first grandchild this year. I used to wonder if I would live to see that. Now, I know I will, and can enjoy doing things with my grandchild.
What would you tell someone who wants to change but is hesitant to take the first step?
Keep trying. I failed at this so many times before. I never thought I would be able to get healthy. But I have finally done it. It was not easy, but the benefits far outweigh the difficulties. Every little thing I do to contribute to my health, no matter how small, adds up, and leads to more successes. I am so much happier and optimistic.
Want to meet your nutritional goals and need help? Get started with a free Nutrition Consult.
