tips that helped 2 women lose 95 pounds combined
By-Meghan Holohan
Diets are tough and trying a new workout can feel intimidating. Sometimes joining a weight-loss community or challenge can provide the support you need to accomplish your goals. It worked for Traci Claycomb, 39, and Brittney Campbell, 32, who lost 95 pounds combined during Woman's Day Live Longer & Stronger Challenge — and feel better than ever!
Both women saw an ad for the annual challenge in the magazine — and were excited to be chosen. It kicked off eight months ago, and they started an eating and exercise plan designed by Joy Bauer and the Mayo Clinic to help participants lose weight and improve their heart health.
For Traci Claycomb, it was just the motivation she needed. She tried fad diets, but kept gaining weight. Nothing worked, so she coped by ignoring that her weight — 220 pounds at 5 feet 6 inches tall — was a problem.
Then the crippling headaches and heart palpitations began. A visit to the doctor revealed her blood pressure was dangerously high and she needed to lower it.
“I was so terrified. I actually cried all the way home,”.
The then 38-year-old felt especially afraid because her father has had seven heart attacks — experiencing his first when he was only 40.
“I watched him for over 20 years deal with heart issues and it changed his quality of life. I don’t want to live like that,” she said. "I don’t want to follow in his footsteps."
Claycomb knew it was time to improve her health and the challenge came just in time. Plus, it actually worked and was easy to follow.
“It’s very low-sodium, very low in sugars unless they are naturally occurring, lean protein and lots of vegetables,” Claycomb said.
Since starting the program at the end of June, Claycomb has lost 55 pounds and now weighs 165 pounds. She also transformed her cardiovascular health. Her blood pressure and cholesterol are at healthy levels without medications. She’d like to lose another five pounds, but plans on sticking with her healthy habits even after reaching her goal weight.
“This is now my lifestyle,” she said. “The way it affected my health is so positive.”
While Claycomb drastically changed her eating habits, she also added more activity. Each day, she takes 10,000 steps, up from her previous average of 2,000. Even though the hairstylist from Vero Beach, Florida, has a job where she stands, she wasn’t moving enough. To add more steps, she walks around her salon or during house work, putting away one dish at a time.
“I am stronger than I thought I was, mentally and physically,” she said.