Handout
Andrea Cyr
45, Surrey B.C.
Pounds dropped: 65
My turning point:On July 1, 2011, I tackled the Grouse Grind trail, a steep mountain climb in North Vancouver that takes most people 90 minutes. I knew it was going to be tough – I weighted 246 lbs. at the time – but I didn't know how tough. I wanted to do it because it scared me. Three hours and 20 minutes later I made it to the top, and I decided I had had enough. I knew I could do better with less weight to haul around.
My method: I joined Weight Watchers. Following the plan, I'm down 65 lbs. My blood pressure has dropped, and I have fewer aches and pains. I still have ups and downs but I am continuing on the journey. I am more aware of the foods I put in my mouth. I go for quality over quantity, and my tastes have really changed – although I can still plough through pasta like a pro!
My kryptonite:
I still have times when I crave cookies or ice cream or chocolate, but a lesser amount of a better product satisfies me. I spent 9 1/2 weeks in the UK and France in the spring of this year – oh, French pastries! – and still only gained a few pounds. I learned to forgive myself for the gains and just work harder to get the pounds off. That is is the biggest lesson – forgive yourself when you go off track, but get back on that track.
This interview has been condensed and edited by Amberly McAteer
Tell us how you lost it:tgam.ca/weightloss
Amberly McAteer