I wasn't happy. I wasn't fulfilled. My marriage was on the rocks because my husband would invite me places and I didn't want to go anywhere because I was so embarrassed.
I had food stuffed everywhere. I looked for food for comfort. I was always worried I was going to run out of food. I never knew what a proper portion was and I didn't realize that there's certain times to eat and certain times not to eat. I didn't know that I could train my body to be hungry when I wake up instead of just when I go to bed at night.
One of the hardest things I struggled with was consistency. I would try to diet and then say to myself, "Oh, forget it. I'll start later." I was at the point where I couldn't even believe myself anymore. How could I expect other people to believe me, if I didn't even believe myself?
Defining Moment:
The turning point for me came when I realized that there was a possibility that I could lose my marriage. I got married to stay married, so I said to myself, "I'm 45 years old. It's either now or never. If I don't do it now, I'm never going to do it and I will just keep getting bigger and bigger."
I don't believe I could have done this on my own. I cried and cried. I grabbed my Bible and I asked God to help me. It's amazing how the right people, at the right time, with the right products, have come into my life. God has just been holding my hand all the way.
One of the things I learned was not to lie to myself. A lot of it has to do with your mind and determination and to say, "I'm going to do it." Be consistent. Do it day after day.
If I Can Do It, So Can You: Mary's 3 Motivational Tips
1. Never, never, give up. Know that it's going to take time. It's not an overnight thing. Even when you fail or if miss a workout, start again.
2. Never, never look back. Only look forward and remember you can do it. If I can do it, anyone can do it.
3. Know that you are worth it.
All The Right Moves:
My weekly workout consists of going to the gym at least four times a week, sometimes five. I love the treadmill so I'm on it for about an hour. Then, I throw in about 15 to 20 minutes of weights
Eating for Balance:Breakfast: I have breakfast seven days a week now where I never had breakfast before. I've got to start my body with breakfast. A sample daily eating plan consists of a green protein drink and some fiber on the days that I am short of time for breakfast. If I have the time, I will eat oatmeal or hard boiled eggs.
Lunch: I have a turkey sandwich on wheat bread, a piece of fruit, and two handfuls of spinach.
Dinner: I focus more on protein at dinner, so I prefer turkey or roasted chicken. I stay away from fried foods and I eat tons of fruits and vegetables whenever I can. My snacks consist of fruit or even sometimes vegetables. I also eat raw nuts, such as almonds or walnuts. I drink water all day, every day, all the time, whenever I can.
If I know I'm going to be cheating, then I exercise more. If I know I'm not going to have time to exercise on a particular day, then I cut down on my eating. I adjust my food to fit my lifestyle and I watch my portions.
Thrill of Victory:
My whole life has changed. I now see that there are endless opportunities. My confidence has shot through the roof. There isn't anything I can't do if I put my mind to it. Really there isn't. And, if I can't accomplish it by myself I have enough confidence that I can get people to help me get it done. I never really believed that you can move mountains. Now, I know I can move mountains. I go right to the top. I'm just as good as the people at the top. Yet, I never forget how it was for me at my bottom.
The way I look at food has changed, too. I don't run to food for comfort. I eat slowly and I chew slowly. I eat up until I'm not hungry anymore and then I stop. If I'm at a fancy dinner, I don't even care if there's some extra food on my plate. I pass the plate around to everybody at the table. And, you know what? It's amazing. There's always someone else to eat it, so I don't have to waste.
Now, I take really good care of myself and I put my needs first. My marriage is good and my husband can't keep his hands off me. I'm glad we're still married. He's the best father in the world to our two children.
Mary Benjamin's story aired on Phoenix KTVK Channel 3's Your Life A to Z, Monday, July 21st.
Weight loss Success Coach, Speaker, and Award-Winning Author, Bronwyn Marmo, is a success story herself. She has maintained a 50-pound weight loss for more than 11 years. Her third book entitled,
Spotlite On Success features 101 weight loss success stories. It is Bronwyn's passion to spotlight the success of "everyday" people because it gives us all hope and inspiration. If you would like to share your success story, please contact Bronwyn Marmo. Phone: 480-314-3333, E-mail:
Bronwyn@BronwynMarmo.com.
