ONE STEP SPOTLIGHT: Tricia Kepka

There is so much SUCCESS in the weight loss world and I am daily amazed by awesome stories I hear on facebook, by blog, at work or by word of mouth. I often see people walking or jogging on the sidewalks of town and in my car whisper a "Good job," because it fills me with joy seeing people push themselves to become a happier, healthier person.

The "ONE STEP spotlight" recognition comes from the famous quote, "The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." You have no clue how many people you can impact in life just by setting an example. So here it goes...

*****ONE STEP SPOTLIGHT*****

T R I C I A   K E P K A

- 60 pounds lost -

Occupation: Mortgage Department Accountant

What is your favorite exercise?

Elliptical machine with my Ipod playing (I love to make new playlists and change the music around so I don’t get bored), also trying to jog a little more when I am out walking.

How often do you exercise?

I like to do 5 times per week, some weeks are better than others

Favorite healthy food/recipe?

I love fresh fruit or anything made with avocado.

Favorite guilty pleasure?

Chips, creamy dips, appetizer type foods

What inspires/motivates you?

Going shopping and fitting into smaller sizes, looking at old photos to see my progress, compliments from people

Tell me your story? When/Why did you decide to start this healthier lifestyle?

When I was younger I was always active and in good shape. As I finished college and started working desk jobs the weight started to creep on. I became a Mother and incidentally gained more weight from pregnancy . For a while I was content to ignore the problem and just pour myself into being a Mother, Wife, etc. Several times I lost some pounds for a big event such as my 10 year reunion but would just gain it all back later. A couple of years ago I joined Weight Watchers with a coworker with the idea of really learning the tools for lifelong eating. It has taken me over two years to lose the 60 pounds but I know that this time I have really adopted my new lifestyle and that the weight will not creep back on. For me slow and steady wins the race. I am not cramming for one particular event but rather a new more active and happy lifestyle. I still have approximately 15 pounds to lose and know that I will get there.

What would you tell someone asking for advice?

Weight Watchers is a great program which teaches you healthy ways to lose weight and adopt a new lifestyle as opposed to a diet. Make sure to find people to talk with for sharing and encouragement. You need to find out what works for you. There are some foods I don’t want to give up so I just have them in smaller portions or less often. Other people do better with completely avoiding those foods. I do better if I stay more disciplined during the week and allow myself a more relaxed day during the weekends. Make sure your splurges are worth it. If you want a dessert make it a good one so that you are satisfied. Keep trying new forms or exercise and activity until you find something you enjoy.

Anything else? Additional comments?

I would wish everyone good luck on their weight loss journey. While the course may seem long and hard, it will be worth it when you can enjoy the new lifestyle that you create for yourself.