American Idols that Inspire: You and Me

by Coach Roz Harris, ACC

I've been thinking about Kelly Clarkson and Mandisa's responses to the challenges of weight maintenance. I really pray for both women to keep their healthy approaches. I know how it is!

Having been basically 45 pounds overweight most of my college years and my Wall Street career, I ballooned and gained another 50 pounds as I entered my 30s. I didn’t know how to be okay with a healthier, happier weight. I spent 15 years dieting. Yo-yo dieting!

Now I’m 142 pounds most days and regularly fluctuate between 140 and 148 pounds! This is still considered overweight because I’m 5’0”... But, like Mandisa says in her interview it’s not about getting to a certain, pre-determined weight or look, this journey has been about being set free from the hold/bondage that food had on my life. When food had this control, where I impulsed and compulsed to eat it, I ate it a lot and a lot and a lot.

I’m now at the healthier, happier weight for me. And I’ve been here for more than eight years. The secret is weight maintenance. How about you? I hope you can find a fresh perspective in Kelly Clarkson's message, and divine instruction in Mandisa’s model.

Visit the Virtual Weight Loss Center for more resources, at www.NoYoYoDieting.com. You can do it!