Tell Us Your Story!

Healthy Utah invites you to share your wellness success story. By doing so, we are able to educate our members of the importance of making healthy changes for life. They will be a resource and inspiration to help others

Diane, January 2010

I made a decision to change my food intake and try to control my weight about six months ago. As I left a Healthy Utah Testing Session, I asked myself, "How am I going to do this?" I remember thinking, "I am in my fifties, my cholesterol is up, and I am headed downhill fast! My grandchildren need me!!!"

 I joined a help group for weight loss, but became disenchanted after attending several sessions. The members seemed too intent on planning how to eat what was "illegal" by using chemical sweeteners, eliminating fats, and drinking non-calorie drinks. (Doing this actually started to make my hair fall out!!) It cost me $145.00 and I wasn't sure what their true message was! Eat? Don't eat???

Then I remembered what the Healthy Utah Team had suggested to me:

• Eat vegetables every day: Veggies have now become the main part of each of my meals.
• Watch portion sizes: I can't eat five daily servings of starch and carbs without weight gain!
• Exercise: This was a hard one for me and it is still a work in progress.
• Eat fruit daily: I eat one fresh fruit at 9 am and another at 3 pm; it costs less than pop and keeps my blood sugar balanced.
• Do not add sugar to anything: I like to sweeten with Stevia if needed.
• Do not drink soda - diet or regular: I've really become a fan of iced tea. I also drink 8 glasses of water a day. This has saved me money while helping me lose weight.
• Shop the outside aisle of the grocery store: I do not buy what I can not eat. These foods are often located on the inside aisles of the store. (Note: My husband wasn't real supportive of this new idea of mine and it is terribly hard to watch TV with him while he has chips and dip or ice cream!! However, he is starting to come around to my way of eating!)

I soon learned that to make a life change in regards to my diet and exercise goals, I am my own support. Friends and family are well wishers. The "self-talk" from within, when I am in a food situation, is ultimately what keeps me on track. I have learned that I can usually prevail!!

It is hard, but worth it! Only you can take the steps to find a healthier you!!

One year later, as I left my Healthy Utah Testing Session on the 6th of October 2009, I realized...

I can bend over and tie my shoes much easier! I can hike up the hills with my family much easier! I have lost 31 lbs of body fat! I've lowered my total cholesterol from 222 to 189. I've raised my good HDL cholesterol to 45 from 36. I've lost 2 inches from my waist circumference. My glucose went down to 70 from 98. I can walk and play with my grandchildren much easier! (I draw the line on horseback riding. I'm not as quick in the saddle as I used to be and no one needs a rodeo show from Grandma!!! ) I enjoy 4-wheeler riding!! I just feel better!

Thank you, Healthy Utah and your good staff members, for educating and encouraging me. You have taught me that I am not too old to make a positive change in my health. I set some goals and I reached them!!!

My new goal is to maintain these new changes!!!

Come and get on board. If I can make a healthy change anyone can! Let the Healthy Utah Team direct you forward toward a change for the better.