| . |
Lauren (Willbdunn) : Success Story
 
Lauren decided in November of 2006 that it was "time to do something" about all the extra pounds he had packed on over the last few years. In December,his boss proposed a weight loss wager between Lauren and the company's office manager, sweetening the pot with the promise of a substantial bonus to the winner. The two of them agreed that if Lauren could reach his goal of losing 75 pounds before the officer manager could lose 50 pounds, he'd win the contest and the $100 bet.
After many months of feeling tired and weighed down by his extra pounds, Lauren was eager to get back to the active lifestyle he had once enjoyed.
Before joining SparkPeople, Lauren was drinking 6-8 cans of soda daily and had become very sedentary. By using SparkPeople's Nutrition Tracker, he was able to identify where his extra calories were coming from and make the appropriate changes. He cut his soda consumption to 1-2 cans per day and switched to diet. Then Lauren started using the tracker to plan out his meals and snacks so he'd be sure to meet his calorie targets with nutritious foods.
Reading through the daily emails and articles on SparkPeople convinced Lauren that he needed to establish a regular exercise program. He used to enjoy bicycling, so he decided to invest in a used road bike and start riding again. Just five months later, Lauren had already logged over 2500 miles on his new bike. He went from being worn out after a leisurely 12-mile ride around the park, to being "ready for more after riding 62 miles at 17 mph."
While checking out SparkTeams, Lauren came across the "Spring Fling 5% Challenge", decided to join, and found the support and encouragement he needed to lose 15% of his body weight during the 13-week challenge. He also became an active member of the "1-Day Challenge" and "Look Better Naked" SparkTeams, where he says "I've made friends and gotten encouragement throughout my weight loss experience–and I look forward continuing to support my new friends."
Lauren also reports that his best SparkPeople buddy has been his wife. When Lauren decided to join SparkPeople and lose weight, his wife joined too and has kept up with him pound for pound. "I'm so very proud of her," he says. "There's no way I would have made the progress I've made without her support."
Aside from being $100 richer and 77 pounds lighter, Lauren says: "I have more energy. I get more pleasure out of simply being–I hear birds, smell flowers, taste foods much more vividly. I feel like I have more time."
Lauren's advice to newcomers: "Write down everything. Record your food. Record your exercise. Record your thoughts in your journal. If you're feeling brave, make them part of your public blog. Accountability is a strong motivator. Find a SparkTeam that fits you–and one that you feel you can contribute to."
|
|
| Weight Before: |
260 lbs. |
| Weight After: |
183 lbs. |
Are you interested in being featured for your success? Tell your story on your SparkPage and other members can vote for you to become a " SparkPeople Motivator!"
|
|
SparkPeople's 500-Calorie Thanksgiving Feast
