Back in June, while I was sitting in my doctor’s office, waiting for my name to be called, I picked up a copy of the Mercer County Woman.  I had a couple of minutes to wait, and I enjoyed reading this publication.  Of course, going through my mind, was momentarily having to get on the scale yet again, knowing that I have not lost any weight since my last appointment.  The front cover had a banner “The Biggest Winner’s Club” which immediately caught my eye.  I flipped to page 18 and began to read.  By the way, that was the May/June issue and I still have the copy handy to reread when I need encouragement. Why is it different?      

The Biggest Winners Club is different from other traditional diet and exercise plans I have been on and, believe me, I have been on many.  When we walk, we talk not just about what we should or shouldn’t eat, because that much I have pretty well figured out, but we talk about our feelings and, especially important, how we can feel better about ourselves.  And it is not just me, it is other women like me (the Club is for women who need to lose 50 pounds or more) who share their feelings, goals and life issues.  I keep a food journal now; I carry it everywhere I go.  I write in it almost daily, the things I have eaten, good or bad, and the feelings I have, good or bad. This has really helped me to discover 

things about myself.    I am a competitive person, so the competition aspect of the program also interested me.  I like that we call ourselves the “Biggest Winners,” the opposite of that TV show and I look forward to becoming the Biggest Winner.  Carol is the glue that holds us all together, her mentoring and constant support, and sometimes even her reprimanding, all seem to work for me.     

What’s changed in your life?

The biggest change is that I feel better about myself. There is something about getting up at the crack of dawn, going for a brisk three-mile walk and then starting my work day that is just fabulously invigorating.  And if you asked me if I could have done this five months ago, I would have laughed and said, “You must be joking.”   Having a commitment to meet the other ladies at a certain time and place really helps.  And when the alarm rings, my husband always has a few encouraging words to help me get out of bed.  To date I have lost 16 pounds and I can now walk the three miles without pain.  Some days I even run and that is definitely something new for me.  

We are just about at the half-way point for the first members of the Biggest Winners Club. Everyone has lost weight, everyone has stepped up their exercise program. They have become each others support system as well as becoming friends. It’s a new year and time to make the commitment to get healthy and lose those unwanted pounds. 

If you are ready call me at 609-841-9083 and let’s start the best year of your life. It’s time to shed the physicial and emotional baggage and become a healthier you.

Lisa Thouin is a Certified Public Accountant and a manager in the tax department of the firm Mercadien P.C., CPAs located in Hamilton Township.  When she’s not walking she would be happy to assist you or your business with tax and financial services.  You can contact her at (609) 689-9700.