In August 2019, my body mass index (BMI) was 42.5 and I weighed 223 pounds. I was at high risk of developing serious health issues and had no energy to play with my grandsons or complete simple everyday tasks. Being on the verge of a prescription for high blood pressure medication was not what I had envisioned for my mid-forties.
Determined to turn my health trajectory around, I met with William Goodwin, FNP, at The Vermont Country Store Family Wellness Center. Will offered consistent and compassionate advice on how my family and I could improve our health. He never shamed or lectured me; he simply shared information until I made the choice to make changes. Best of all, he never gave up on me, even when I had given up on myself.
I started with a goal of walking 2,000 steps each day and have gradually worked up to walking 20,000 steps daily. I no longer look for ways to avoid exercise and instead make plans around my exercise. I now enjoy encouraging friends and coworkers to join me on a hike on weekends. I have also adjusted my meal routine by decreasing my eating window and increasing my burning metabolism window.
Today, I am on track to be fit at 50. I weigh 113 pounds and my BMI is 22.1. Also, I have been a role model for my 15-year-old son, who has lost 45 pounds by eating cleaner and choosing to ride his mountain bike over playing video games. Nothing tastes as good as being healthy feels.
