Weight Loss Success: Ruby Dillon Learned About Healthy Grocery Shopping And Lost Over 60 Pounds

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Name: Ruby Dillon
Age: 52
Height: 5'1"
Before Weight: 195 pounds

How I Gained It: I have always been an overweight individual, even as a child my mother had to take me to the "Chubette" section of the clothing store. Yes, a huge sign hanging overhead distinguished those clothes. Thank goodness children don't have that humiliation any longer!

Breaking Point: I had become a prisoner in my own body. I was growing out of my size-18 clothes and feeling very depressed when my 18-year-old daughter saw a Weight Watchers commercial and talked me into trying it. I committed to attending a meeting and trying to follow the program for one week.

How I Lost It: Well, one good week led to another. Soon my husband joined me in my commitment to losing weight by helping me learn new ways to grocery shop and cook. We buy mostly fresh fruit and vegetables, lean meats and foods high in fiber and low in fat. Now, the largest portions on my plate are the vegetables!

I started walking, just a short distance at a time. I can remember once saying to my daughter, "Some day I would like to run a 5K," and her response was, "No way at your age mom!" We had quite an argument that day! Well, back in December she gave me a big apology when I did just that – and I've done two more 5Ks since! Needless to say, walking and running has become my favorite form of exercise, but I also go to "Senior Bootcamp" at my local gym three times a week.

At some point during my journey it dawned on me that this was a lifestyle change! After a while, whether I lost two pounds or 0.2 pounds, I learned to always feel good about my progress so long as the "switch" in my head was still pointed in the right direction. The program was so very livable because there wasn't anything I couldn't eat, and I could still go out to restaurants and even socialize at parties!

All of the clothes I used to wear became too big. Now it's one of the highlights of my life to be able to shop in any store and only buy clothing I love, rather than having to settle for something just because it fits. I no longer hide behind other people in photographs! I actually exercise without hating it! I have discovered a life I had never known.

I am a new person and my husband is a new man. Now we have a healthy and wonderful new life. I love Weight Watchers and all that it stands for. In fact, I love it so much that I now work as a Leader for Weight Watchers! lt's my heartfelt hope to take my success and "pay it forward" to other people who currently are living the life I used to live.

After Weight: 132 pounds

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Comments

[joann95798]

06:32 PM on 06/04/2012

Good for you Ruby!!!!!

[Wanda Diaz]

05:57 PM on 06/04/2012

Congratulations Ruby, you still need to update your wardrobe and your hair to show your real age, try bright neon color outfits and go to a high end hairdresser. Good luck and keep shredding those pounds!

[Cully43]

05:24 PM on 06/04/2012

Congratulations are in order. Good job. God Bless, Colin

[FreshlyWoken]

04:56 PM on 06/04/2012

Wow! Great job!

[SandorCsepel]

04:53 PM on 06/04/2012

Good for Ruby. I've been fighting weight problems all my life. Recently my Dr. said I'd never lose the weight I want because of genetic factors. If I eat 1200 cal. a day my weight stays the same I do not lose. He said I would have to eat under 1000 a day to lose. THAT I'm not going to do. I'll live with it.

[hattie54]

06:25 PM on 06/04/2012

Have you ever cut back on carbs?Do you walk any?

[Azladyj]

04:19 PM on 06/04/2012

Ruby congrats.. You look great, you say you feel great you have a wonderful husband who has been supportive.. So what's with all these people telling you what to do with your life..guess they just can't help themselves.. Sad people need to take care of their own lives or maybe that's the problem they have no lives outside of "here"
My best wishes to you Ruby for a continued healthy life ahead.

[pslcitizen]

03:48 PM on 06/04/2012

Congrats Ruby...looking good!

[Denia Aguilar]

03:41 PM on 06/04/2012

get rid of sugar and salt...eat quite light dinner..dont skip breakfast...we dont need to pay huge gym membership or to join any programs..go outside..just walk or run...its free and healthy...avoid stocking food at home that is not on your list when shopping...to avoid overspending on food or junks you dont need...dont use shopping cart...we have to take care of ourselves...its a gift...

[hattie54]

04:23 PM on 06/04/2012

Ever heard of The Reverse Diet book?It was written by a lady ten years ago or so.She lost over 100 lbs.I do notice the days I eat a big meal at lunch time and have a non fattening snack at dinner time,plus walk,my weight comes off much faster.

[Denia Aguilar]

04:40 PM on 06/04/2012

good for you....I lost 30 lbs too and trying to maintain it...it is not easy but have to do it...I dont want to gain it back so I eat less..so conscious about it....for health reason plus it makes me feel and look good..

[bucketabolts7111]

01:53 PM on 06/04/2012

It works extra well if you do the easy light sretches while sitting down and better yet while soaking in a "warm as is comfortable" tub of water containing a cup of epsom salts to get things moving on a molecular level. it helps but plan on a nap when the water cools and you are out of the tub since the minerals are so relaxing.....$3 for a several pound bag......

[paulodc]

07:35 PM on 06/04/2012

dollar store!

[bucketabolts7111]

01:27 PM on 06/04/2012

way to go!!! be proud of your accomplishment

[gcohen8844]

01:23 PM on 06/04/2012

Good for YOU!!!....now we have to get the rest of America to follow you. Terrific to see.

[bmitche]

12:56 PM on 06/04/2012

Good job Ruby. You look great.

[Christa143]

11:58 AM on 06/04/2012

I can totally relate to Ruby..on may 21 i dont know what happened to me but i just decided i wasnt going to eat unhealthy anymore.. i never used to drink water, always ate out but not good stuff and totally over ate on everything it was ridiculous.. since i started my new lifestyle i have lost 9lbs and still going. I go to the gym 5 times a week and count my calories on myfitness pal app and im good. Im very confident that in two months i will be where i want to be. Im soo happy

[amber mccurdy]

02:20 PM on 06/04/2012

that is awesome I am using myfitness pal too! Keep up the good work!! I have started exercising, and eating better about 2 1/2 months ago, I am down 21 pounds. My family took a vacation, and I didnt exercise for 2 weeks, when I got back home I weighed in, and I had still lost 2 pounds, just by following my fitness pal. amber4831 is my profile ID. Your doing great!!

[Christa143]

04:59 PM on 06/04/2012

Thank you so much! You're doing amazing yourself! We can do this! We can do this!!!

[paulw3tzi]

11:57 AM on 06/04/2012

My 21 year old grand-daughter has lost 45 pounds so far.Every time we see her we tell her how great she looks. She always says thankyou and continues on her quest to lose more weight. Positive re-enforcement is the key. Another 20 to 30 pounds and she will look super great.

[natal plum]

11:46 AM on 06/04/2012

Can hear it now. Ruby says: "honey if I lose 60 pounds will you agree to shave off that awful mustache?" She certainly looks much better. Good job Ruby