Name: Margaret (Peg) Bradford

Age: 48
Location: Sewell, New Jersey
Before: 225 lbs.
After:152 lbs.

What was the “turning point” that prompted you to lose weight?

I was 225 lbs in the dressing room crying. I was also fighting surgical menopause and on hormone replacement therapy. Still wasn’t feeling well. Walked in my front door and told my husband that I needed to make a lifestyle change, not a diet. I do not like that word.

When did you start trying to lose weight?

Spring of 2009, one day and one pound at a time. I lost 75 pounds in one year.

How did you get started?

I purchased a pedometer and started moving, aiming for 10,000 steps a day. I also started watching portions, and gave up soda, and drank water instead.

What was your biggest challenge?

I was hungry and overweight. But I made realistic short term goals. That’s the most important thing I tell everyone. And build from them.

If you reached a weight loss plateau, how did you break out of the rut?

I started lifting more weights, and started jogging to change it up.

What’s your current exercise routine?

I jog in place and do exercise routine with weights for an hour. I also jog 3-4 miles  three times a week. I jog in place when I do dishes, fold laundry, talk on phone, and watch TV. I do whatever I can to get those steps in, and now my average is 20,000-30,000 steps a day!

What’s your daily diet look like?

I have a protein drink and a bowl of cereal first thing in the morning. Protein drink first thing. For lunch, I have salad and chicken, or a salad with peanut butter and crackers. I eat a protein bar as an afternoon snack. For dinner, I eat chicken and a huge plate of vegetables. And since I started this this journey, I enjoy a full-fat cup of ice cream with whipped cream every night. (It’s my favorite.)

What’s your favorite healthy snack/meal?

I like to make protein drinks with a scoop of vanilla protein, banana, water, ice cubes, and vanilla flavoring. I also like peanut butter on a banana and frozen grapes.

Do you have specific suggestions for avoiding temptations?

I go for a walk, or do something else that I like to get my mind off of it. And sometimes when I do have a temptation, I just eat a small amount to satisfy my craving.

What’s your life like after weight loss?

I feel great physically and emotionally, my menopause symptoms have been cut in half, and now I want to help others.

If you have any suggestions to others what would they be?  

The most important thing is to take it one day, one step, and one pound at a time. Make small realistic goals. If today didn’t work out, tomorrow is a new day.

Source: Everyday Health

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