Bob Call! Bob Greene offers Stephanie some advice, and you can listen in!
Before the Best Life: Although Stephanie was active in her youth, she was a classic emotional eater. By age 15, she was overweight at 145 pounds, and she spent the next 30 years gaining and losing, comforting herself with food.
As an Air Force pilot’s wife during Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Stephanie soothed her stress by eating. Alone at night after she’d put her three kids to bed, she’d plunk down with a slice of pie, trying to relax. “I knew better than to sit down with a drink; pie was acceptable to me.” The yo-yoing continued as she gained, and lost, and gained again.
When she and her family were transferred to Hawaii in May 2006, Stephanie found the scenery and the weather so stunning, that more than ever, she wanted to get off the couch and become active. “Frankly, it was embarrassing to have to sit out from activities like hiking because I didn’t think I was fit enough to participate. No one likes to be the one to slow everyone down.”
Adopting the Best Life: By December 2006, Stephanie was sick of sitting on the sidelines and so desperate to lose weight she was planning on bariatric surgery. At 5’6″, she was 291 pounds. Then she saw Bob Greene on Oprah. “Some things jumped out at me during his appearance. He told Oprah they’d been working on her for 15 years. And he talked about the emotional side of weight loss and how we have to address that.” After the show, Stephanie cancelled the surgery, bought the book Best Life Diet, and her journey began.
The first thing she did was to push herself out of her comfort zone by starting sailing lessons. “As we sailed in one of those early classes, I had a true ‘A-ha!’ moment. I realized I had become a spectator in life while others participated. I was tired of that!”
In addition to taking up the Best Life diet and learning to sail, Stephanie embarked on a weight-loss contest with some of her girlfriends. She became a frequent visitor to the Health and Wellness Center on the base. She also loaded up her iPod with inspirational, upbeat music including Casting Crowns (Voice of Truth) and Michael McDonald (Second that Emotion); bought new exercise clothes, and began a regular exercise routine. She aims to walk 5 days a week and logs two to four miles each day. “I usually walk alone, because I want to be totally focused on what I need to do for me instead of accommodating someone else.” She also sails once or twice a week, time permitting, which in the strong winds of Hawaii, can be quite a workout.
Best Life Rewards: Almost a year later, Stephanie is enjoying her success! “I’ve lost two dress sizes; my blood pressure is dropping; and my feet rarely swell, which used to be a once daily occurrence.”
Although her journey isn’t over–she’s still hoping to lose at least another 20 pounds–she is enjoying this “during” time. “I still have a long road ahead, but even with the changes I’ve made so far, I can tell I’m well on my way to my best life ever!”
From time to time, Bob Greene checks in on members, with a phone call to offer encouragement and advice. In Stephanie’s case, he was able to help her out with some tips on thinking through setbacks. Click below to play.
www.thebestlife.com
About the Author
Bob Greene is the founder of the highly acclaimed Best Life Diet brand. Through his books, foods, fitness products and website, Greene has helped millions lose weight and live their own personal best life, using his gradual three-phase approach to eating and exercise.