My name is 
Joyce Denman and I’ve been with Breakthrough since May of 2017.
Before joining Breakthrough, I knew I had been gradually losing fitness levels but just couldn’t seem to make the commitment or find the motivation I needed to change my habits.
My work routine was hectic and planning for meals seemed exhausting.
There were frequently events or something at work that would provide irresistible temptations.
The cumulative effect of eating on the run, working through lunch, and late hours really creeps up on you over time. It’s gradual and you are always saying in the back of your mind, “I’ll fix this tomorrow …” but those tomorrows string together and soon you have months or even years of neglect that make the task of getting started even more daunting.
When I was at an LRP conference with my colleagues Tonya and Sylvia they talked me into signing up for the LBD (Little Black Dress) challenge that was starting the next month in May (2017).
I must have been in the right frame of mind because something just snapped and I said ,”Okay, let’s do this!”. There were others that I knew through work that were also signing up for this challenge so we had a good support group in the work place.
In my first week at Breakthrough I was impressed and annoyed by the level of attention.
I was impressed because it was obvious to me that the people really cared and had my success as a priority. However, I was annoyed because I could see I was not going to be able to hide from anybody if I would choose to make bad decisions!
By the end of the project, 6 weeks, I had lost 13 pounds!
I was coming to training sessions twice a week, but it was clear that the nutrition was the root cause for my weight loss.
I decided to continue with Breakthrough as a member, because I knew that without that extra motivation piece, I was likely to slip back into old habits.
Even though the nutrition was the main thing, the frequent meetings with Breakthrough and the opportunities to discuss and share kept the “Mental” piece of the puzzle in place. Without that mental motivation, I have a history of not staying the course.
After one year at Breakthrough I’ve experienced so many changes!
In May of 2017 I was diagnosed as pre-diabetic which prompted my general practitioner to encourage me to lose weight.
I AM NO LONGER PRE-DIABETIC!
I had also been taking cholesterol medication for over 15 years, as of 6 months ago I am no longer on meds and my numbers have stayed favorable.
My energy levels and willingness to participate in activities has increased; and I’m able to take my rescue dog, Jake, for 3 mile walks (or more) every morning which buys me extra calories and keeps his nails nice and trim 🙂
Lastly, my closet is getting a complete overhaul.
None of the clothes I was wearing last year at this time fit anymore. I have lost a total of 50 pounds!
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