Success Story

Last January, I once again vowed to lose weight and get more exercise — and this time I was determined to succeed. I hope my story will inspire you to make physical activity a priority for a healthier you this year.

My Keys to Success

1. Get support.
   My family needed to stay active during the winter, so we visited several health clubs and YMCAs and chose one we all could enjoy.
    
2. Stay motivated.
   The coming summer was significant for me: My child's high school graduation, my class reunion, and a European vacation. But my greatest motivation was showing my daughter the benefits of lifelong fitness.
    
3. Prioritize exercise.
   I learned to say "no" to others' demands on my time and I also wrote "exercise" on my daily morning schedule and planned other activities around it. A plus: Exercising in the morning boosted my metabolism and gave my day a kick-start.
    
4. Vary workouts.
   I looked for a variety of ways to burn calories, including a step-aerobic strengthening class with an instructor who was closer to my age and with participants of varying fitness levels and ages. Along with taking classes, I walked, used the elliptical trainer, strength trained, and played racquetball.
    
5. Eat smart.
   I cut down on food portions and now eat a small meal or snack, with protein, every three to four hours.
    
6. Increase water.
   Drinking more water is beneficial for the kidneys during weight loss and also helps the liver convert fat into energy.

Fit Feels So Good
I lost 20 pounds and dropped three pant sizes. Better yet, my energy and fitness levels make me feel as if I'm in my late 20s again!

Editor's Note: We'd like to thank Nancy for sharing her inspiring success story with our readers. Her story's true — and it could be yours, too! Try our 24 Ensure® to a Healthier You Challenge and let us know how it makes a difference in your life.