Wellness Champion

Cathy Hamilton - Biggest Loser - 2010

Biggest Loser 2010:

About a year ago, I was told by my physician that I needed to lose weight, and I lost a few pounds---just enough to make me feel less guilty. After having surgery in February and feeling great, I decided to try to change my life style for a more healthy one. Being the procrastinator I am, I didn't do anything about it until I read about "The Biggest Looser Boot Camp" in the Wellness Center Newsletter. I figured that if I felt intimidated or that if I didn't like it I could quit. With the help of an alarm clock, I managed to get up in time to attend the first session at 6 AM. I found the session very friendly, fun, positive and a lot of sweaty hard work, but I also discovered that I was probably the oldest one in attendance, which made me try harder to complete the program and not miss one class. I wasn't going to let those "young chicks" leave me "in the dust".

With the boot camp over, I continued to fill out the physical and nutritional tracking forms weekly and faxed them to the Wellness Center office. I walked more frequently up and down hills with my dogs, worked out at the Fitness Center, and continued to exercise at 6 AM with the Ecotrek program. I worked hard at eating more healthy--lean meats, more vegetables, fruits, smaller portions, drinking more water and replacing french fries with a few almonds, ice cream with occasional sugar free ice cream or yogurt and homemade fruit smoothies instead of milkshakes.

In early August I had a doctor appointment and discovered that I had lost eight pounds, which pleased me and helped me to continue to eat healthier and to continue my exercise program. On August 21st I went into the Wellness Center for my end of "The Biggest Looser" weigh-in, taking a big breath and closing my eyes I looked at the scale and discovered that I had lost 17.5 pounds since my weigh-in in June. My jaw dropped in amazement. I was really pleased with myself, The "icing on the cake" was when I heard later from the Wellness Center that I had won "The Biggest Looser" campaign, which is a wonderful reward for all of my hard work. I still have a long way to meet my weight goals, but by taking "one day at a time", continuing to exercise and making good healthy food choices I believe that I will be successful at reaching my weight.

I wish to thank The Wellness Center for offering “The Biggest Looser Boot Camp" campaign and the encouragement that I received. I encourage others to try boot camp next summer or any other exercise program that The Wellness Center offers. Getting up early, exercising, changing food habits along with good ole' fun, laughs and sweat equity will result in your personal success. Good luck and have fun!

*Note: Cathy Hamilton won both awards given for biggest loser. She not only lost the most weight in eight weeks, but also accumulated the most biggest loser points.