Theresa Meyers lost 75 pounds! Her pant size has decreased from a size 18 to a size 9-10. I have two children: A nine-year-old girl and a four-year-old boy.
Why did you come to One On One?
I was hired as the bookkeeper in 2008. I was pregnant with my second child. It’s funny how things happen in your life for a reason. Having One On One come into my life is one of those events that turned out to be not about my work environment but about a personal journey of mental and physical health that I needed to discover and pursue.
What does your exercise regimen consist of?
I do cardio everyday at least 30 minutes to a couple of hours, depending on how much time I have. Weight-training two to three times a week. Also, on good weeks, I try and fit in a yoga class.
Have your views on fitness changed over the years?
Yes! I realize the importance of exercising every day and to keep changing it up. Try new stuff! Having a personal trainer is great for that. In the past, I would do the same thing over and over and get bored and tired and then stop working out. Also, I don’t push myself as hard as a personal trainer does. I am always amazed at how much more I can do and they will keep me moving forward.
How do you fit exercise into your life?
I schedule it in my calendar. I plan my week for work, kids, and my workouts.
Why do you make time for fitness?
I feel so good right now, and I realize how great fitness is for your mental and physical state. If I miss a day of working out, I really miss it. I like the natural high I feel during and after.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of fitness for you?
How great I feel. I wish I could bottle that feeling and drink it. I love how much energy I have to run around with my kids and just live life.
What has been your biggest challenge?
Being tired from working and taking care of the kids and wanting to go to bed or just watch TV. I hate knowing that I didn’t work out today and dragging my butt off that couch and going and working out. I know within the first five minutes I will have energy, and the feeling I have after I do it is so gratifying—way better then the guilt I would feel from not doing it!
What did your friends and family think of what you were doing?
My friends and family think its great! They can see the change in me mentally and physically and comment on it all the time.
What do you eat?
Three meals and two snacks a day. A typical day would be:
Breakfast: an omelet (broccoli, ham, cheese), a piece of toast, glass of milk, green tea
Snack: yogurt with bran buds and a fruit
Lunch: salad with loads veggie, chicken or turkey
Snack: turkey bite or some almonds and an apple
Dinner: homemade spaghetti made with ground turkey and the smart pasta, with some cut up raw veggies or a salad.
I am amazed at the great tasting healthy foods there are once you start learning about nutrition. My favourite dessert is Greek vanilla yogurt.
When you fall off track with healthy eating/exercise, how do you get back on?
When I fall off track with eating when my life becomes crazy busy, I find I like to do protein shakes. I can take them with me, and I put healthy fruits and vegetables in them so I can get a healthy quick meal without grabbing something on the run, which is never as healthy as I can make at home. When I fall off track with exercise, I listen to what Sandra Bueckert told me: “Don’t beat yourself up, tomorrow is a new day.” So I work out the next day and the next and the next.
What are your goals now?
I want to continue to lose another 20 pounds, but I really want my body to tell me in the end. I’ll definitely continue to shape my body by eating healthy and working out. I do need to sign up for an event. I haven’t yet, but I will. I did the 100km Kidney March last September, and that was a huge life-changing experience for me. Training for it gave me the drive to keep going when I was tired, and then actually completing it was the best feeling.
If you could give advice to another person who was struggling with their fitness what would that be?
Make time for yourself. You can do it and will want to do it once you start. Put yourself first. You are important and deserve it! Sign up for something or join a team. Keep trying new stuff, get a trainer, join a team, get out and walk. You will be amazed at how fast time will go by and how your body will love you for it, both mentally and physically.
Any other comments that you would like to add?
I used to put everyone else’s happiness before mine. I never made time for myself. I figured that was what I was supposed to do and I never realized how important I am. I used food to try and make me feel better, and I just got heavier, less energetic, and depressed. Once I started loving me, it was so easy to avoid poor food choices. It is a mental battle, and I do think I am a food-aholic. Exercise and loving yourself can help you win that battle. Also, I just want to say whatever your age is, it is never too late to love yourself and get healthy!
