With help from Weight Watchers Mirella Lucchetta from Toronto lost 50 pounds.
Mirella Lucchetta
57, Toronto
Pounds dropped: 50
My turning point: In May, 2011, my husband and I took a trip to Italy and Austria to celebrate our 55th birthdays. For some time, I'd been talking about marking our Freedom 55 moment with a visit to the mountains. One of our sightseeing visits took us to the Kehlsteinhaus, Germany, just south of Saltzburg. Getting around at this mountain top location involved quite a bit of walking – and I found myself huffing and puffing on the climb to the top. Right then and there I knew something wasn't right: I was only 55, with many years of travelling and trekking ahead of me. I had to do something about the extra weight I was carrying. I felt my condition would hold me back from the types of travel adventures I enjoyed the most – walking and exploring.
On that day, at the top of a mountain, I vowed to begin a weight loss journey toward a healthier me.
My method: When we returned home, I immediately joined a Weight Watchers group in my neighbourhood. I'd been a member of Curves for about a year, but I only completed the 30-minute workout circuit each time I attended – fine for maintaining the status quo, but my new determination needed a boost. I therefore joined their "power workout" class, which, under the direction of a leader, ramps up the effort.
As Weight Watchers gave me the tools I needed to control my eating – primarily healthier food choices and portion control – the weight started to come off. At Curves, the positive attitudes of my fellow classmates and regular changes to the circuit activities kept me motivated to attend five days a week. My measurements were taken on a monthly basis – I could see the inches melting away.
Not only did I see physical changes, but my stamina and endurance also improved. Climbing stairs and walking any significant distances became easier. Shopping for a new wardrobe also became necessary!
After a year, I craved some additional challenges in my workout routines. I started attending pilates and yoga classes – my core muscles became stronger and my flexibilty and balance improved. I also began adding more walking routines to my daily activities. This led to my participating in the 2012 CIBC Run for the Cure, an event I plan to attend again this year.
My journey has been going on for two years and I'm happily where I like to be – 50 pounds lighter, feeling healthier and looking forward to my next travel adventure.
My kryptonite: I can't resist a Dairy Queen caramel sundae – really, I'm helpless against any dessert item involving gooey caramel.
This interview has been condensed.
Tell us how you lost it: tgam.ca/weightloss