Susan Ordinanza attributes her gradual weight gain to years of unhealthy habits. She ate out most of the time and consumed a lot of white rice, white bread, cookies, candies, and sugary drinks. Stress from the demands of work and responsibilities at home led her to overindulge. Though she ate normally during regular mealtimes, she would snack in the late afternoons and evenings. After giving birth to her fourth child nine years ago, she weighed her heaviest at 154 pounds.
After recognizing that her unhealthy eating habits and lifestyle were wreaking havoc on her body, Susan decided to enroll in a gym and consult with a nutritionist. But even that wasn't enough.
It was only when she switched to yoga that she found the mind-body balance that she was craving for. After that, a change in mindset and lifestyle soon followed as she became a lacto-vegetarian. "My concern for my personal health and for the environment, my belief in nonviolence and my compassion for animals are the reasons I gradually changed my dietary preferences."
Susan's patience and hard work paid off. After losing 28 lbs. she says, "I have more energy throughout the day. There is balance and peace in my life. My whole mentality has changed for the better. I am more compassionate and friendly."
SUSAN'S TIPS:
1. BE ACTIVE - "Even walking 30 minutes every day helps."
2. TAKE IT SLOW - "Listen to your body and don't be so hard on yourself."
3. GET YOUR HEAD IN THE GAME - "Whatever form of exercise you choose will only be effective if you welcome it."
Check out these other inspiring weight-loss stories:
- You Lose, You Win: New Mom Rediscovers Her Self-Confidence after Shedding 56 Lbs.
- You Lose, You Win: A Change in Mindset Helps Lawyer Lose 36 Lbs.
(First published in Women's Health Magazine, Slim Down Strategies section as "I Have More Energy" in October 2009; photos by Susan Ordinanza and Dix Perez; adapted for use in Female Network)
