Editor's note: Once a month, ~INDYGIRL interviews a fellow 100-pound loser. Today, she's interviewing CRAZYMAMA46. Lucy Herring-Parson (CRAZYMAMA46), 49, shed 202 pounds using SparkPeople.com. The Marion, Ind., native started at 387 and currently weighs 185. She's working to maintain her weight. ~Indygirl: How does maintaining your weight loss make you feel? Lucy: I feel wonderful at times and scared at times. I still have the fear of inability to keep going and the fear of hurting myself again. ~Indygirl: Did you believe you could do it at first? Lucy: No ~Indygirl: What was your “A-Ha moment”? Lucy: When I was in a workout class with some very young and fit people and we were struggling to do the last 30 seconds of two-minute planks. I thought I was talking to myself but some overheard me saying "You can do ANYTHING for 30 seconds." They all said afterward how much I encouraged them and that it made them hang in there when they heard me. They thought I was talking to all of them. I realized then that even when you are on your own journey it does help yourself to help others.  ~Indygirl: What gave you a new zest for life? Lucy: The way I have overcome obstacles in my life and seeing my son look at me as an example. ~Indygirl: What were the major changes you made to your eating plan? Lucy: I have learned about the benefits of food and really understand what I am putting into my vessel of life (my body). I enjoy learning about food, preparing food, and eating. I do not deprive myself of food. I have found a new love of healthy food, meals, and portions. ~Indygirl: Did you exercise at all before joining SparkPeople? What do you do for exercise now? Lucy: I have exercised all my life. I just would stop and give up if the scale didn't drop 5 or 10 pounds a week or when I hurt. I learned not to be obsessed with the number on the scale and to find a way to work around injuries and chronic "vessel" problems. I also talk to my body and realize that this is a true partnership between body, mind, and soul. ~Indygirl: What advice do you have for others out there who are just starting out? Lucy: Don't EVER give up and don't set yourself up for failure. Learn about yourself; mind, body, and soul. Take every minute as a bonus minute to your life and live it to the fullest. Love yourself now as you are and every "inch" of your path. Be happy and dance in your heart. ~Indygirl: What advice do you have for those who have been on this journey for some time? Lucy: Stay true to yourself and don't worry about what others have or have not done. Celebrate the small goals along the way. Take the opportunities you get to encourage those around you. ~Indygirl: What would you like us all to know? Lucy: I am so thankful for SparkPeople and the community of friends that I have found here. I have been on this journey by myself for a long time. The struggles that I have had to face have been made easier with SparkPeople. I have this little saying that I say "When setbacks happens, do sit-ups." I started this recently when I had to slow way down on the exercising. I was getting depressed and angry and it was showing so I had a conversation with my body and decided that if I can't work out on my feet I could SIT UP and work out. It has taken awhile but it works.  Lucy before her weight loss How has Lucy inspired you? |
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