Get H3 Inspired - Deniese M. Chaney

I initially came to Hilton Head Health (H3) back in 2004, when I was looking for a place to help me get back on track. I had just entered my 50s and found that my body was changing—and exercise alone was no longer enough. I didn’t know how to manage and maintain on my own and knew I needed to do something about it.

The first time I came to H3, I stayed for 2-weeks. It was during that stay that I was really able to learn what I SHOULD be doing—I realized I needed a lifestyle change, not just exercise OR nutrition—but rather a combination of the two. Living a balanced, healthy lifestyle was a challenge for me, as my job requires me to travel quite a bit—and trying to keep up with exercise and eat healthy proved to be difficult for me. However, at H3 I was provided tools to help and discovered more about myself. Being the ‘morning person’ I am—I decided to make fitness a priority and knock it out first thing. For example, if I have a 7:30am meeting, I now wake up a couple hours early to get my workout in. Nutrition is still a bit of a challenge for me, but after being at H3, I found that I was able to make healthier selections simply by using Bob’s ‘unwise, better, best’ approach.

Throughout the years and continued changes within my body, I unfortunately put some of the weight back on, so I decided it was time to return to H3. I came back in November of 2010 for Reunion Week—with the goal of establishing a plan for my next few years.

During my second visit, I was given greater understanding of meal planning for the initial weight loss period—the no more than 6 weeks timeframe, at what levels I need to be to continue to gradually lose weight and a plan for longer-term maintenance. I especially felt armed to return home for the upcoming holidays.

One of the most wonderful experiences at H3 is the supportive environment that’s created there. The culture of the program promotes socialization and networking among the Guests—and I found that getting to know and understand how others live and deal with their weight has been very beneficial to me in managing my own.

I’m doing great today and I have a really great support structure at home. Plus I’ve found H3Daily.com to be a great resource for healthy reminders—and recipes. In regards to my fitness, I’ve realized as I’ve gotten older, my tenacity for pushing myself has grown weary, so I joined a gym where I feel comfortable. There I attend fitness classes and have continued my regular personal training sessions which has been great in not only pushing me, but holding me accountable. I hope to return to H3 again for Reunion Week—and this time, I hope to bring a friend!

Deniese M. Chaney, M.P.H, Efland, NC

Monday Motivation: Get H3 Inspired with Tracy Rodgers

[caption id="attachment_3174" align="aligncenter" width="215" caption="Tracy Rodgers Before"][/caption]

 

My story is nothing new, really. I've struggled with my weight for most of my adult life. I'd try a diet and lose a few pounds, then gain them back (and then some!) when I went back to eating normally. For about a year, I gave up entirely. I was extremely overweight, and I knew it, and I hated it...but I just couldn't bring myself to do anything about it.

 

Finally, something broke. I'm not sure what prompted it, but I was tired of being embarrassed by my size and concerned about my health. I'm twenty-nine years old, and there was no way I was going to still feel like that when I turned thirty. I did some research online and started planning my trip to South Carolina.

 

When I arrived at Hilton Head Health on March 29, 2010, I weighed-in at 219.4 pounds, officially the largest I'd ever been. I spent a week at H3 (with my mom!). While I was there, I tried my first-ever yoga class and promptly fell in love. I learned new ways to think about food and health, to really pay attention to the things I put into my body.  And most importantly, I think, through my time there, I finally made a real commitment to myself to make the changes I'd been putting off for so long.

 

Four months after leaving Hilton Head Health, I weigh 175, just shy of 45 pounds less than I did when I arrived. The changes in myself are incredible. I read labels on everything. I don't drink soda. I cook more now than I ever did before. I take spin classes, pilates, zumba aerobics. I'm even training for my first 5K.

 

I still have weight left to lose, but I know Hilton Head Health gave me the tools I need to succeed! I plan on returning later this year for another week of fun and fitness, and I can't wait. See you there!

 

--Tracy Rodgers

 

 

For more stories like Tracy's, click here.    If you have a story you’d like to share, please e-mail us at getinspired@hhhealth.com! Make sure to put ‘Get Inspired’ in the subject line.