Little lifestyle changes add up to success

I was a little delusional there for awhile, thinking we could “go out in a blaze of glory” at the conclusion of the 100 Day Challenge. The team resolve has rather fizzled, but after looking at some of the changes that have occurred, it is clear that very positive things have come of our “challenge.”

One member has lost close to thirty pounds and another has lost close to fifteen pounds. The rest of us lost five or less pounds.

Gone is “Mount Sugar” and hopefully never to be seen again in our breakroom. The cake and ice cream in the freezer has been replaced with healthy frozen entrees. More salads and fruit are being eaten at lunch.

My own personal improvement from the challenge has been a much needed increase in time spent exercising. I can proudly say that I am exercising three to four times a week for at least an hour to hour and a half. I bring carrot chips, sugar snap peas and grape tomatoes, sugar free jello and pudding to work for lunches and snacks, which has helped me to decrease my overall caloric intake and stave off the hunger.

Another very positive effect of this “challenge” is the influence it has had on others in the office. One woman in our office did not join the team, but she got serious about her food intake and has lost 24 pounds in the past two months. Another coworker who did not join the team can be seen walking around the parking lot and area buildings at lunch to make the most of her time to exercise.

So in the bigger scheme of things, these little changes that have taken place can add up to really big changes and they are more likely to be lasting changes that make an impact over a lifetime. Lasting change spells s-u-c-c-e-s-s when it comes to nutrition and exercise. Good job, team! Good job!!

Leslie Crawford, RDLD
Diabetes educator and nutrition counselor
Texas Health HEB