May I introduce … my sister, Nancy!
Nancy is “represented” on the left.
When I thought about starting this blog, I asked myself … “who do I know who has had past weight challenges and what can they teach me?”. One of the very first people I thought of is also one of my favorite people in the world, my sister, Nancy. I asked her to share her thoughts and while she’s definitely not a social media fan, being the amazing sister that she is, she agreed. Here’s her story.
My name is Nancy. Priscilla is my older sister. I am not a fan of FB or IG or any other social media so this is a new thing for me. Priscilla asked me to share my story, so I am somewhat reluctantly writing this.
Priscilla and I share weight issues though our journeys are significantly different. She is tall like our mother, and I am short and built like our father's family. We were both at a normal weight during our childhood but started to gain weight during our late teen years. We both traveled with Up With People, so we stayed in host family homes and ate meals with the family. As young midwestern girls we were taught to eat what you were served.
When I left Up With People to start nursing school I weighed 152 pounds. As you can see that number is under Priscilla's goal weight. But I am 5 feet tall with a small bone structure so 152 pounds is not a healthy weight for me. Over the next 3 years I gradually lost 50 pounds. I am not an advocate of diets or drugs. For me it is very basic - calories consumed versus calories burned.
I weigh myself on a fairly regular basis at the fitness center that I try to go to every day. I am 75 years old and try to stay between 110 and 112 pounds. If I get to 120 pounds, I know it's time for a reset. For me this is mentally easier than the overwhelming stress of knowing I need to lose 15 or more pounds. I manage this with what I call "mindful eating". Just being aware of what I am putting in my mouth and making a mindful choice. My mealtime food consumption is not an issue. If I eat out, I never consume everything I am served. Most times I take home 1/2 to 2/3 of it and have 1 or 2 more meals from the leftovers.
My downfall is my sweet tooth-I am a confessed chocoholic, and I have rarely met a cookie I didn't like. I love to bake. I love the process as well as the result and am told I am actually an accomplished baker. But I have learned that I just have to give away most of what I bake. Otherwise, I would happily skip the meal and have 4 cookies instead - not a good plan for either weight control or good health.
I am in no position to offer advice; I am merely sharing my story at my sister's request.
Addendum from “big sister”, Priscilla – My sister is one of the most amazing people I know. She has the energy of 10 people and a heart of gold. I’m grateful every day that she’s in my life and part of my support system. I wish you could all meet her ... and sample her baking!!