Sheryl Walder, a marketing executive, spent years as the primary caretaker of her mother, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Every day after work, Sheryl would go to be with her mother until 9-10 pm or longer, even sitting by her bedside during a five-week stretch while she was hospitalized.
Although a difficult time for her and her family, it served as the catalyst she needed to start losing weight and getting healthy.
Because her life was an endless cycle of wake up, go to work, take care of mom, go to bed, and then start all over again, Sheryl needed something convenient to help her eat right and lose weight. She signed up for Diet-to-Go, which delivered her healthy, portion-controlled meals and helped her refine her eating habits to what they are today.
Sheryl, at 6 feet tall, started out at 207 pounds. In seven months, She lost 47 pounds and has now reached her goal weight.
To know her story, Women Fitness thought of catching up with this lovely professional Sheryl Walder.
1. What was the exact time when you realized that you needed to lose weight?
As a marketing executive in the pharmacy industry for more than 16 years, I have always been a busy person. But when my mom was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, I became her primary caretaker. She lived with me, so that basically became my life, working and making sure she was okay. I used to have hobbies. I used to run, but after some knee issues, I couldn’t really do that either. Weight was something I had always had issues with, but I was so busy, I suddenly found I had ballooned to 207 pounds. I suddenly realized that if I was going to be there for my mom, I need to lose weight and get a hold of my health.
2. How has your weight loss journey been? What were the milestones that you had to overcome?
Busy. Because of my hectic schedule, the hardest part for me was finding the time. I knew that the only thing that was going to work was eating well and exercising, cutting out the bad stuff. But with fast food around me and my life on the run, finding healthy, convenient meals was the toughest part.
3. What is your fitness regime like?
I do try and take a walk a few times a week. The hardest part for me has always been the eating. I’m always on my feet at work and always running from meeting to meeting, plus, as the full-time caretaker for my mom, that always keeps me on my feet. When I get time, I run a mile, too.
4. In a typical day, what is your diet like?
I knew that if I was going to fit in healthy eating, I’d probably have to figure something out that was a bit off the beaten path. I stumbled on a company called Diet-to-Go online, and decided to try them out. They had good reviews and offered both delivery and fresh local pickup. I found a fitness center close to me where I could pick up the meals fresh. The company has different plans, customized based on your BMI, height and weight, and how much you want to lose in what time frame. I started on the 7-day, 3 meals-a-day Balance plan, 1,200 calories a day. Eventually I moved to the 4 days-per-week plan. I also cut out sugar and sweets, which was hard at first, but eventually I broke the habit and now I don’t even think about them.
5. Who/What do you consider the greatest motivation behind your healthy weight loss journey?
My mom. She spent years taking care of me and raising me, and now I want to be around to take care of her for as long as possible.
6. How do you plan to maintain your healthy weight & body?
I’m 6 feet tall and now weigh 160 pounds — a total weight loss of 47 pounds. For my height, that’s exactly where I want to be. I’m happy. I’ve gotten so many compliments. Last week I went to our corporate office in Philly. I hadn’t been down there since I started losing weight…and they actually asked me if I got taller. I guess I walk a little taller, have confidence. That feeling is enough to keep motivating me to stay right where I’m at. Being on Diet-to-Go’s meal plan actually helped me learn a lot about proper portion sizes and nutritious food, so now I’m able to cook my meals in advance of the busy week and stay on-track.
Stay Tuned for more such inspiring #realweightlossstories!
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