Stacy a former Healthy Lifestyles Cooperative Pool 1 employee was the individual winner of the 2009/2010 Merry Meltdown Challenge.  Stacy won this challenge with a 10.85% weight loss. 

I met Stacy in January and wanted to share her story with you.  Stacy is an awesome example of someone embracing the idea of lifestyle change and carrying it through to all aspects of her life. 

Over the last 9 months of 2009, Stacy worked to make some significant and positive lifestyle changes. After completing Jane Birr’s class and winning the HLC Merry Meltdown challenge Stacy feels that she is well on her way to leading a healthier, happier life. 

What does Stacy contribute to her success?

• #1 she had the desire to change
• Removing her negative thoughts and replace them with positive thoughts (she stopped punishing herself)
• Planning and preparing her family’s weekly meals in advance and preparing a detailed shopping list
• Eating breakfast – Stacy’s choice is steel cut oats which provide energy and are filling
• Packing a lunch for work
• Portion control – Stacy uses a smaller plate and takes less so she can have seconds but really not eat as much
• Enjoying each bite of food
• Drinking lots of water
• Beginning with a free trial at a local gym – Stacy lost weight and inches from her body.  She realized that exercise was the key to stress management and to feeling good.
• Exercising 3 times per week alternating cardio and strength training.
• Adding strength training exercises to her workouts.  Stacy keeps her weights out and visible
• Completing a routine of nightly stretching exercises
• Peer support from her co-workers, Jane Birr, and Weight Watchers
• Participating in the Co-op sponsored walks
• No longer feeding her feelings and emotions
• Creating a routine
• Trying recipes from her Weight Watchers cookbook.  She likes to try new recipes with unique ingredients to keep meals fun.  Stacy’s favorite is Avocado-BLT Pizza (recipe attached)
• Walking more and using an exercise ball 

Stacy was able to challenge herself and “get out of her comfort zone” and she added that she became inspired to put herself first and “start taking care of me” because if I can’t take care of me, how can I help others.” 

Stacy’s advice is to believe in yourself and never live to regret!           

Stacy has a great success story to tell and I wish her all the best!
 

Stacy’s Nightly Stretching Routine:
calf, quads, hamstrings, inner and outer thighs, cat back stretch, planks, curls, squat lunges, pushups        

Overstuffed Avocado – BLT Pizza

 Prep 10 min.   bake 10 min.   8 light servings 

1 (10 oz.) pre-baked thin whole-wheat pizza crust (read the label and select a healthier option)

3 tbsp. reduced-fat mayonnaise

2 C lightly packed mixed baby salad greens

1 tomato diced

1 avocado, halved, pitted, peeled and diced

4 slices turkey bacon, crisp cooked and coarsely crumbled 

Preheat oven to 450 degrees

Place the pizza crust on a baking sheet.  Bake until crisp, about 10 minutes.  Transfer the crust to a wire rack and let cool slightly.

Spread the mayonnaise evenly over the crust.  Top with remaining ingredients and cut into 8 wedges.

Per serving (1 wedge):  171 cal,. 8g fat, 2g sat. fat, 0g trans fat, 9 mg Chol., 396mg sodium,

20g carb, 4g fiber, 7g protein, 61mg calc.

Stacy's Success Story