By Megan Sprague

Holiday meals and extras can add up when you’re trying to lose weight. It was a lesson many of the participants in the Weight Loss Challenge in Mooresville were reminded of last week.

“I gained a pound, and because my brother was in town, I didn’t really get a chance to work out,” said Michele Rouse with a sigh, and then she looked on the positive side. “I’ve still lost 18.5 inches and I’m going to stick with the gym.”

The past two lessons have focused on exercise and Michele said she’s learned a few tips.

“It’s better to mix it up with weights and circuit training, rather than just focusing on one,” she said. “More aerobics and walking have helped as well.”

One thing she was proud of was avoiding the temptation Easter candy.

“I didn’t have any chocolate, no Cadbury eggs, no bunnies, nothing,” she said with a smile. “I didn’t even have dessert. I did have pasta, but I’m going back to the gym, so that’ll pay off.”

Her husband, Ed, had a small setback last week, but made up for it during this week’s session.

“Last week when I got on the scale, I was absolutely devastated because I’d gained everything I lost back,” he said, shaking his head. “I hadn’t done anything different and I was going to the gym three to four days a week. I just don’t know … I talked to my doctor and to Don, and they both said that because I increased my workout, it might be fat converting to muscle.”

This week, Ed lost 2.5 pounds and credited it with not overindulging during Easter.

“I had a little bit of pasta and meatballs, but I had small portions and stayed away from the bad things,” he said. “I’m also exercising more. I find I enjoy going to the gym and exercising has become more important to me as I’ve gotten older.”

Anna Ballentine lost .2 pounds and started running as part of her new regime.

“I usually walk around the track, but now I can run some of those laps,” she said. “I plan to start lifting weights soon. I know I’ll burn more fat that way.”

Anna’s obstacle this week came in the form of the Philly Pretzel Factory.

“I was really proud of myself, because my friend went inside to grab some, and I went back to the car and ate oranges that I had bought.”

Darlene Waddell may have gained a little back, but that wasn’t discouraging her.

“I gained back two pounds, but I still did my exercise routine,” she said. “I managed to get in a run even after an accident with a dog and without a jacket!”

The last two week’s lessons have really helped her, she added.

“I used the stress reducing techniques,” Waddell said. “There was a good tip about relaxing at night by deep breathing and saying something, anything while you exhale. Just repeating a word as you breathe out helps your mind stop racing.”

Vincent and Rosalia Cairelli did not attend this week’s session, but will be there next week for an update on their progress.

“This week’s lesson is on heart health,” said instructor Don Stiel. “Most people think that heart health, cardiovascular problems and strokes are a male problem. But since 1984, cardiovascular disease has killed more women than men.”

He said a diet high in vitamin C and low in sodium, cholesterol and fat are best for a heart.

“The best foods are whole grains, fruits and vegetables,” Stiel said. “Also, the recent discovery of nitric oxide in 1998 is amazing. That molecule has so many benefits to all the organs and systems in the body.”

You must be logged in to post comments. Please Log in or register.