New photo reflects columnist's hard work to lose the weight
Some of you may have noticed that a new -- and hopefully more flattering -- photo is debuting this week with my column.
Several friends, family, coworkers and even acquaintances have gently suggested this year that perhaps it was time to get a new snapshot for the column.
You see, I've lost some weight, gotten a better haircut and generally like to think I look a little better than the previous photo. And yet, I also hate to have my picture taken, so I kept procrastinating until two editors kind of ordered me to get a new photo taken. And, I'm glad they did because thanks to the photo wizardry of photographer Bill Zars, it turned out about a bazillion times better than the prior one.
And to those of you who have seen me in person and noticed there is generally less of me this year, I thank you for your compliments and encouragement. One of my New Year's resolutions was to lose the "baby weight," since it seems utterly ridiculous to call it "baby fat" when the "baby" had just turned 7 years old.
Several people have asked how I lost the weight. I wish I could say I took a magic pill or sprinkled pixie dust under my pillow and all the fat just melted away. Unfortunately, that's not the case.
The truth is I started eating healthier -- smaller portions, focusing on lean protein, fruits, vegetables and whole grains. And I started exercising more -- a combination of weight-lifting, yoga and various cardio exercises, like cycling, jogging and walking.
The weight loss was slow and steady -- usually no more than a pound a week. I hit some plateaus, but just kept plugging away and got through them.
In looking for tips to give those who also might be looking to start a healthier lifestyle, I spoke with Palatine resident Leslie Lupo.
Lupo lost weight with Weight Watchers about three years ago and has kept the weight off. She liked the program so much, she became a leader and currently leads a Weight Watchers group at 9:30 a.m. Thursdays at Good Shepherd Health and Fitness Center in Barrington.
Lupo said for her it was important to find a program she could live with for the long term.
"When I sat in the meetings, it occurred to me that this was sustainable," she said. "I was re-learning how to have what I wanted to eat, but in a healthy way. As opposed to eating food I didn't care for and completely giving up things I really preferred."
A lot of it comes down to choices, she added.
"You're working on having balance in your food choices and balance in your life … learning to think through all the choices you have for food and activity," she said.
Lupo admits her biggest challenge is increasing her activity level.
"What works best for me is trying to embed more movement in my daily routine," she said.
Small changes in your activity level and food choices can add up over time. And don't get discouraged by occasional bad choices and indulgences. Life isn't much fun if you can't ever have a big piece of cake or a handful of potato chips.
OK, enough narcissism and I promise to get back to the real news in Palatine next week.