In November 2011 I had my last baby.  As I prepared to go back to work late December, nothing in my closet fit.  I had, over the past 10 years, steadily gained about 30 pounds.  As much as I wanted to blame it on my pregnancies, I knew the main reason was because I had poor eating habits and virtually no exercise program.  I have been in this place before; dissatisfied with my appearance and wanting to make a change.  I’ve joined Weight Watchers a few times and tried Nutrisystem, too, and renewed my gym membership with the best of intentions.  Yet every time, my enthusiasm wanes quickly, and sooner or later I am back to the couch with my comfort foods.

This time I needed real help.  I really wanted to lose weight and get healthy, but based on my past experience, knew I wasn’t going to do it alone.   With a new baby, 2 year-old twins, and my business to run, my options seemed limited.     I work in Hayward and frequently drive up and down Redwood Road.  “Body By Pam” came into my mind as an something to investigate.  So close to my office, there was not much excuse why I couldn’t make it there at least a couple times a week.   On the eve of the New Year I sent an email to “Body By Pam.”   She got right back to me and we made a consultation appointment for a few days later.

When we met, I liked Pam right away.  She and I talked a bit about how I got to where I was and I felt like she understood me, wasn’t judging me , but also was real about  explaining what it was going to take to get me where I wanted to go, both with food and exercise.    I felt that she was going to be honest with me during this process, and wasn’t someone who would try and sell me on gimmicky stuff.  This trust was and is very important to me, as I’ve seen how the weight loss industry preys on the desperation and insecurity overweight people feel to sell expensive quick fixes that don’t really work.  Pam has never once tried to sell me food, vitamins, shakes or equipment.

We started with a fitness assessment and picking a food management plan.  We then got down to business.  I work with Pam twice a week and, at her direction, also do two other cardio workouts on my own during the week.  I again joined Weight Watchers.   Each workout Pam asks me how I am doing with my food.  Sometimes I have to tell her I ate Coldstone Cupcakes or made cookies with my boys.  The food thing is harder for me than the exercise, because so many times during the day I have to make a choice about what to put in my body.   I love sugar and I eat in response to stress.   Some days are bad.   Pam isn’t there to make me feel guilty about it, but she does keep me accountable for it, and makes sure I continue to track the food I eat.  This makes it really hard to lie to myself and her.     I also realize that lying about it doesn’t matter—the scale is all-knowing.

I’ve been working with Pam for 2.5 months, twice a week.  The weight is coming off.  I can see muscle definition in my arms and legs.  I’ve lost inches all over and my clothes are loose.  I ran my first race last weekend and I never thought I’d enjoy running.  I am not done losing the weight yet, but already my clients and colleagues have noticed the dramatic change, and tell me all the time I look great, not at all like I just had baby four months ago.    

I have committed to continue training with Pam for at least several more months, because I think it’s the best way for me to continue the momentum and get to my goal.  Having been so careful about my food for this long, I am now starting to feel less enthusiastic about saying no to comfort food.   If I stop being careful, these results won’t last.  Pam is checking on me at every session to keep me accountable and motivated.  Also, I don’t think I’ll be inclined to work out as hard on my own.  While there’s hardly a day now that some body part isn’t feeling the effects of a workout, every day I see how these workouts are effecting changes.  I look slimmer and more toned and I feel great.   I don’t want to mess with a winning formula, and I really want to see this through to my goal, which day by day, is getting closer!

Sarah L.