Member Moments

1) What motivated you to lose weight?

(Was there a specific moment that acted as a "wakeup call?")

The "aha" moment, or as some people call it -- the "blammo" moment.

There were a few things contributing to my decision, but the big moment came when I saw a picture of myself. For the first time, I really saw how awfully fat, overweight and unhealthy I really was. I mean, I knew before that moment, but in that picture I was momentarily outside of myself and saw me as the rest of the world did.

I was only 25 and I weighed over 250 pounds. I was starting to experience some health problems (knee pain, plantar fasciitis in my feet, sick all the time, etc) and I knew that it would only get worse if I didn't make some changes. But looking at that picture really was the moment when it all came together and I made the decision to change for good.

2) Why was eDiets the right choice for you?

I was fat! I was embarrassed! I didn't want to go to a doctor and admit my weight openly. I didn't want to go to a group and stand in front of people and say how much I weighed. I didn't want to go to either of those places and admit to failing. I had no confidence I could do this… Lose 100+ pounds?! Until then, I couldn't lose 10.

I didn't want to share with anyone what I wanted and needed to do because I was afraid if I told them, I would just disappoint them if I failed, and I was so ashamed of myself for being the weight that I was. It was just too much to admit to.

So eDiets was perfect because it allowed me to be anonymous when I needed it most, but still provided structure, support and education (also, when I needed it most).

3) Which plan did you choose and how did it work for you?

[Cathy started on the eDiets Meal Plan, but as her goals and nutrition needs changed, so did her diet. She also used Atkins, and when she hit a weight-loss plateau, she began exercising and switched to the GI Diet.]

I re-committed to following Atkins because I wanted to lose weight quickly, and it seemed "easy" to incorporate into my lifestyle at the time. Plus, it was easy to cook on Atkins for both my husband and I.

I was down to about 190 when I hit a plateau, and that's when I got hooked up with Raphael and the "Fitness for You" support board and I changed to the GI Plan. I started working out at the gym at around 210 pounds, and by the time I had reached that plateau, Atkins just wasn't fueling my body appropriately for the workouts. I was way out of balance on fats and needed more carbs to fuel the workouts. Once I made that change, the rest was history.

4) How has Raphael's "Fitness for You" group aided in your journey to better health?

Raphael has a special gift -- he see's the potential in everyone and is able to share and communicate that vision with you in a way that allows you to see it, too.

There's something about the way he shares his belief in you that really makes you believe it. He's the master motivator! That sort of sets the tone for the rest of the board, and really makes that board a special place for support, encouragement, camaraderie and friendships.

People on that board are making it happen, making the changes, however small, one step at a time -- and everyone, myself included, is meeting and even exceeding goals beyond anything we ever thought we could accomplish. Raphael teaches, he sets the example and inspires everyone there to do their best. Without that board, I don't think I would have made it this far.

5) What is your exercise routine now?

I do cardio 6 days/week for 20-45 minutes at a time (usually I either run on the treadmill or use the elliptical) and I strength train 4 days/week.

6) How were you able to stay motivated during the weight-loss process?

Seeing and feeling the changes to my body! Being able to buy smaller clothes, really feeling fit and healthy, feeling in control of things for the first time and feeling confident! Knowing that I was actually making a difference and losing all that weight one pound at a time, helping other people reach their goals so that they could experience the same joy in it that I have found.

All those things were -- and still are -- huge motivators for me. Obviously there are times that I ran low on motivation. Particularly that plateau I had around 190 pounds. I was ready to walk away. But I worked hard and eventually I figured there's no sense in giving up on it now after ALL THIS TIME and all this investment and I had the help and support of Raphael and all the friends I made on FFY. They are always there in the back of my mind cheering me on. I carry that with me at all times now and pull it out if I start feeling low in the motivation department.

7) What have you learned from eDiets?

I’ve learned how to eat right, how to "build" a proper, balanced meal. I can spot the right proportions. I know how to make healthy choices in all kinds of situations -- traveling, restaurants, holidays, parties. I completely relearned how to eat as a result of this journey. It’s changed me in so many ways even beyond my diet, though. It’s helped me transform every avenue of my life.

I’ve learned so much about fitness, motivation and determination/focus from Raphael. He leads by example and is the master at helping people recognize all that they really can do, seeing all that lies within every one of us.

8) What do you like most about eDiets?

All of the wonderful support! The support boards and the expert interaction have truly made the difference for me, without them I don’t think I’d be where I am today.

I’ve made some truly wonderful, lasting friendships that have helped me through major life changes. The perspective they are able to provide while being able to relate to the path to health that I’ve been on -- their encouragement and support have meant everything.

I used every tool the Web site provided to help me. Everything I needed to be a success was available to me any and every time I needed it.

9) How has your life changed since your transformation?

Everything in my life is new -- I’ve gained so much! Independence, self-esteem, confidence, a new body, new hobbies! (I can run, who knew?!) I have a whole a new life and I feel fantastic.