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wlewisfit

Prioritizing Myself: My Journey to Weight Loss and Wellness at 69

Updated: Aug 18, 2024



By Iris W.

I'm Iris, and I accepted early retirement at age 55 from the Avondale School District in Auburn Hills, Michigan. I live in Pontiac, Michigan, just a stone's throw away from becoming a septuagenarian.


Like many, my first major weight gain occurred after childbirth. I have five daughters and gained 75 pounds with my last. My weight shifted from a regular 125 to 150, which didn't bother me much. At 5’5”, I had been extremely skinny as a teenager. I maintained an active lifestyle through daily aerobics, chasing after my children, and working 10-12 hours a day in our family-owned business. However, as I entered my 40s and retired in my 50s, the lack of movement and motivation led to weight gain. I vowed never to exceed 199 pounds, often reminding myself, "You do not play for the NFL."


As my life became more sedentary, my motivation waned. I struggled to keep up with weight tracking or exercise routines, despite having a YMCA membership and taking classes like line dancing. By the summer of 2021, I weighed 210 pounds and decided I needed to lose at least 35 pounds. I put a sticky note on my mirror as a daily reminder but struggled to stay on track. Frustration led to binge eating on salts and sweets.


In late 2023, a simple phrase, “You first,” inspired me to prioritize myself. Despite loving and accepting myself completely, I was determined to honor my commitment to the sticky note on my mirror. I resumed YouTube workouts and tracked my weight. While browsing Eventbrite for free activities, I discovered and registered for a challenge by Walter Lewis Fitness Solutions (WLFS).


When I joined the challenge, I weighed 218 pounds and faced physical issues like scoliosis, knee problems, a rotator cuff tear, and recovery from plantar fasciitis. Determined to put myself first, I completed the free 10-day challenge and then signed up for a year of fitness training with Walter.


I had already eliminated pork, and significantly reduced red meat and white foods from my diet 30 years ago. My main dietary issue was portion size. The Plant-Based and Mediterranean diet plans helped me focus on what, how much, and when to eat. I realized even healthy foods add up without portion control. Increased exercise led to sustainable changes in my weight and body measurements.


Walter’s no-judgment approach during our one-on-one meeting reassured me. He convinced me that with his program and guidance, I could succeed. I committed to virtual classes three days a week and selected additional workouts from Walter Lewis Virtuagym for two more days. I exercised for at least 30-45 minutes daily.

Consistency became a key part of my routine. “You first” meant managing stress and prioritizing my health. I scheduled my meals and tracked everything in the Exercise and Food/Nutrition apps provided by WLFS. My Apple Watch made tracking easier, and the app's barcode scanner simplified logging food items. The supportive community also played a crucial role in my progress.


Attending a WLFS informational session on Eventbrite, I saw the transformative results of other community members, some older than me, which motivated me further. I partnered with a member who inspired me and encouraged me to see weight loss as an achievable goal. Her words helped me believe I could do it by staying committed.


Despite setbacks with my back and hips, and only meeting my walking goal about 50% of the time, I remained focused. Temptations and cravings slowed my progress occasionally, but I kept reminding myself, "nothing tastes as good as reaching your weight loss goal feels." Walter’s mantra, “You can’t outwork a bad diet,” kept me in check.


I’m proud to have lost and maintained 26 pounds and 12 inches for five months. My 35-pound goal is within reach. Achieving this long-sought-after weight loss has boosted my self-esteem and mental fortitude. I have more energy, sleep well, and am open to new challenges, like training for a 26-mile walk with WLFS.


If you face weight loss challenges or struggle to reach your goals, my advice is simple: make it a goal you are reaching for, and train with Walter to achieve your breakthrough!

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