Cheralyn's Story, November 2007

When I was pregnant with my little girl, my doctor was concerned by my weight gain, especially because I have a strong family history of diabetes. He suggested I try to make some healthy changes. I decided that after my little girl was born that I would get in shape and drop those pounds. I didn’t want to have diabetes later in life! After the birth of my girl, I kept waiting and waiting for those extra pounds to drop and then I told myself I would begin. After waiting a year, and still being 20 pounds heavier (and I was already overweight before my pregnancy) I decided the waiting was over and I should do something about it.

I started with the State of Utah at the same time and found the Healthy Utah Program. The first thing I did was get tested at Healthy Utah. During September, they also had a contest going where you had to eat 5 fruits/vegetables a day. I started trying different fruits and vegetables and eating them instead of candy during work when I wanted to snack. It was hard, but I made little diet changes and found I could stick to them easier. Not long after I was able to join a Lighten Up class. It was terrific! Each lesson was easy to understand and took me step by step to learn healthy basics. I started drinking more water (and less soda as a result.) I was amazed what a different just a little change made.

After losing about 10 pounds, I realized I needed to start exercising. I kept meaning to work out and exercise, but instead I slept in or procrastinated until it was too late. When I did exercise, it was sporadic. Finally, I decided to join a running group, Salt Lake Fit. Working in a group towards a goal really helped me stick with an exercise program. I couldn’t even run a mile when I started. It was hard work, but I stuck with it. I loved the energy I had, and the confidence I gained. I felt pretty, instead of feeling like the “big girl.” I went down 3 dress sizes. On September 15th, I ran the Top of Utah Marathon in Logan, in 5 hours and 37 minutes! It was the greatest feeling ever.

I still have many changes to make, including reducing the amount of sweets I eat. I have 15 more pounds before I am in the healthy weight range to prevent diabetes. But my life really has changed since I started trying to make healthier choices. I have a lot more energy and can keep up with my little girl as she runs around. When the little neighbor boys in my duplex wanted someone to play soccer with, I was running with them without getting out of breath! I enjoy the way my clothes fit and wearing stuff I never would have felt was flattering before. I love being more alert and productive. I find even that my taste buds are changing and good food tastes better to me. Overall, I feel more alive and so much better about myself. I am more confident and feel I can tackle the challenges in my life. My mood is more positive and I find myself less depressed when things go wrong. It is definitely worth every struggle that it took to get here.