At the end of December 2008, our company gave us a goal to measure our activity with a pedometer. The reward would be that if we got to Level 3, we would get a discount on our insurance. Of course I wanted that. This would affect the money I would take home on my paycheck. Then I thought, if I was going to lose weight, I needed the support of my friends at work. This is what I needed to help me lose weight and lower my cholesterol.
My goal was to get 12,000 steps on most days. I did some exercise everyday to get my steps in. I started cutting back – not eating late at night, staying away from sugar, and eating more vegetables and fruit as well as drinking more water.
The first week I lost 3 lbs. I was surprised. The next week I lost 4 lbs. Someone at work complimented me on my weight loss. I didn’t think anyone would have noticed since it was only 7 lbs. I was very encouraged. Then we went to Disney World. I thought if I could maintain my weight loss I would be happy. Well, I moved
more in Disney World, made healthier choices, and lost another 2 ½ lbs. I walked over 20,000 steps a day on vacation. I thought to myself: this isn’t bad at all. I still get to enjoy what I’m eating and lose weight. Wow!
I also invested in a Polar Heart Rate Monitor as well. (The Polar HRM measures intensity and exertion, and was a great way to make sure I was working at the pace that's right for me.) So I started getting my heart rate up for 30 minutes a day, and getting my steps in. My goal now is to do this everyday, and so far I have met my goal.
I had a doctor’s appointment at the end of March 2009, and I had worked really hard for three months. I was curious as to what my numbers would be. I wanted all of my numbers to go down, which they had! I'd cut my cholesterol lower that I'd ever imagined, so I didn’t have to go on any medication. The doctor was so proud of me.

I feel much stronger and have lots of energy. So far I have lost 40 lbs. I have 14 more to lose to get into my ideal weight range. I feel that I can do this with the help of eating right, exercise, and being accountable. I’m so glad my employer signed us up for Virgin HealthMiles. It has made a huge difference on my quality of life. I feel great and much healthier.
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