Name: Kathryn Rezza
Age: 52
Former RealAge: 65
Current RealAge: 55
Pounds lost: 25
Current size: A happy size 10!
My wake-up call: Being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes a couple of years ago. Right after I found out, I lost my hair. I would look in the mirror and say, "Where am I? It's not even me." Nothing was the same.
What was really killing me: Having watched my father die of diabetes and knowing that I would follow the same path unless I made some lifestyle changes.
What I changed:
- I learned as much as I could about controlling diabetes.
- I started watching what I eat, cutting out processed foods, and participating in a local diet program based on fruit, veggies, and lean meats.
(Here's how to create an eating plan that helps steady your blood sugar.) - I began walking for exercise. I already knew how to diet, but I began exercising, too, and just decided to put it all together.
How my life has changed: I don't need to take diabetes medicine, and my blood pressure is good. I work in the catering/food industry, so I started developing recipes with diabetics in mind.
(Cook up a blood-sugar-friendly feast with this collection of decadent-tasting recipes.)
After the diabetes diagnosis, I wasn't satisfied with the explanations I was getting from my doctors. So I went online to learn more about controlling my blood sugar, and that is when I found Sharecare. Now, I read the tips and pay special attention to the diabetes information.
What keeps me motivated and on track: My philosophy is to not deprive myself. I feel if you fill most of your life with good stuff, you'll be ok. If you're going to have dessert, then have it. Some days I don't win, but in the end, it's in control. Also, my family has been so supportive.
What I really love about the new me: Looking in the mirror and feeling like the real Kathryn is back. I look older, but it's me. It took 2 years to get there.
