Melodie Phelps, News Editor
Monticello — Two years ago, Kristy Gregory set a goal for herself‹lose 10 percent of
her weight or 26 pounds. It was a decision that put her on the road to a new
lifestyle. Gregory has shed 102 pounds, and along the way she has gained new
healthy eating habits and made exercise part of her daily routine. She is
only 23 pounds away from her lifetime goal of 137 pounds.
A member of the local Weight Watchers group, Gregory recently shared her
story, which is an inspiration to anyone who has ever struggled with weight
issues.
She joined the group in August 2008 and weighed in at 263 pounds. Weight
had been a problem for Gregory for many years. She would lose a few pounds,
then gain the weight back.
"I had always had a problem of being overweight," said Gregory. "Growing
up I hated to waste food so I would eat more than I should. Over the years
my weight fluctuated back and forth. I'd tried many things, but I never
seemed to lose much, then I'd gain twice as much back."
Right after she got married, Gregory decided to do something about her
weight problem. She had heard several success stories from Weight Watchers
members and decided to give it a try. She began her weight loss journey and
a "new way of life" when she joined the group.
Gregory said she set her first target goal‹the 26 pound weight loss‹and
reached it after 12 weeks of tracking, exercise and weekly meetings.
"I then set out on a new goal of making my long term goal of 137
pounds," she said. "It's been a long and exciting journey. The support of
family and friends really helped me through, especially my husband, who has
done it along with me from the start."
Gregory said Weight Watchers taught her how to enjoy life. Gregory
learned that she could eat things that she liked and still lose weight. She
said that being part of Weight Watchers also made her aware of how much food
she was eating.
"Now, I feel so much better when I listen to my body and eat more fruits
and veggies," she said. "I still enjoy chocolate and Chinese food but in
moderation. When we go out for Chinese, I load up on chicken and veggies
rather than fried foods or my favorite sesame chicken. When I eat chocolate
I get the dark chocolate or the Weight Watchers chocolate and limit myself
to the serving size instead of the whole bag."
Gregory has also struggled with exercising. In school, she hated outdoor
activities and gym class. That has all changed in the last couple of years.
"Now, I love to walk, especially a the park on a beautiful day, and my
husband comes with me," she said. "I love cranking up my MP3 player and
getting on the treadmill at 5:00 in the morning. I also spend time weight
lifting. I can almost take my husband in arm wrestling."
Gregory said her favorite sport is tennis and she and her husband,
Russell Glen Gregory, spend a lot of time playing at the park.
"Before Weight Watchers the only exercise I got was the walking I did at
work," said Gregory. "Now, I have to exercise or it messes up my whole
week."
Participating in weekly meetings has definitely helped Gregory get this
close to her goal. She said she has met other people who have struggled with
the same issues that she has.
"I have made so many new friends and gotten so many helpful tips," said
Gregory. "Our Weight Watchers leader is simply awesome, and she is so
encouraging."
Gregory was talking about Beverly Morris, who has her own Weight
Watchers success story. Morris 98.6 pounds through the program, after
deciding that she had to lose weight to deal with some health issues.
"Healthy eating combined with increased activity resulted in weight
loss, which in turn resulted in improved health," said Morris. "Of course,
that is the most important aspect.
Morris has been a Weight Watchers leader for almost 10 years, where she
has witnessed many stories like Gregory's.
"Getting to help others achieve their goals and realize their dreams
coming true is amazing, and I am so happy to share in that," said Morris.
Weight Watchers in Monticello began meeting in September 2003 and since
then participants here have lost a total of 16,012.8 pounds, according to
Morris.
Weight Watchers meets every Monday at the ASPIRE Center. Weigh-in begins
at 5 p.m. and the meeting starts at 5:30 p.m. Morris noted that the meeting
provides information which participants can utilize to help build skills
toward lasting weight loss.
Morris noted that members are warmly greeted by two of the best Weight
Watchers receptionists, Rhonda Bell and Mary Lair. "They each are marvelous
examples of maintenance and truly care for Weight Watcher members and their
success," she said.
Morris also noted that free registration began on April 4, so this is a
great time to check out Weight Watchers. Members can purchase a monthly pass
or they can "pay as they go" by the week.