Man has great success with weight loss and wellness mission

Local radio News Director Tom Tingerthal addressed the Livingston County Health Center's Wellness and Weight Loss class on last week about his recent successful weight loss and the “tools” that helped him to reach his weight loss goals.

Tingerthal had attended and completed the Livingston County class in the fall of 2009, losing 25 pounds total at the end of the 10-week program, but regained the weight within the next year.

Tingerthal spoke to the group about his final decision to make changes and get on a healthier track.

“Maybe, it was the last hole in the belt that really did it for me,” said Tingerthal. He stated that any time he had tried to lose weight and get healthy before he just wasn't ready to commit himself to the changes he needed to make it work. He would either not make any progress, or gain the lost weight back. Being plagued with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and verging on diabetes, this time, Tingerthal has lost approximately 102 pounds since beginning his journey to health in January 2011. Weight loss came first, before he began adding activity.

“I knew I was too big to exercise effectively and, therefore, I had to start with weight loss,” stated Tingerthal.

Once he had lost about 25 pounds, he began walking. He had difficulty walking even 10 minutes at first.

“I was just so out of shape,” said Tingerthal. Today, you can see him bike riding around town and he tries to put in between 5 and 7 miles with each ride.

Because of the weight loss and added activity in his life, his health is much improved. He has greatly reduced the medications he was taking for his high cholesterol, his blood pressure is under control, and the pending diabetes is no longer as much of a concern.

During the recent class, Tingerthal shared with the group about the weight loss and wellness tools that helped him to be successful, such as utilizing smaller plates for meals, trying and using new healthier food choices for meals and recipes, portion control and being realistic in making short term goals for both calorie cuts and in adding physical activity to his life and then build on the small successes.

Tingerthal also stressed the support of family, friends and co-workers in his success.

“Without them, you are on your own, and the chances of making it work are pretty slim,” he said. “Family and friends are your support system. They will be honest with you. Tell them that is what you want.”

The Livingston County Wellness and Weight Loss Program is offered once a year during the fall season. For more information visit the website at www.livcohealthcenter.com.

All services of the health center are provided on a non-discriminatory basis.