In the wake of a foot injury, Julia Fleming managed her weight loss and kept strength in her mind and body.
Tell us about yourself, Julia:
I was 59 years old and weighed 158 pounds in June 2018In May 2020, I weighed 140 pounds. I am 63 years old and 5’5”. I have maintained weight loss for 3 years. I began my journey in 2018 and lost 20 pounds in 12 months. It took time to get over the “diet mentality.”
Once I embraced eating whole foods and skipping processed foods, the weight started to come off. Prior to retiring, I had little free time to focus on myself and my health. I knew I had to make my health a priority to enjoy retirement and my beautiful grandchildren.
My co-worker invited me to Sparkle Wellness. She was relentless, and I am so glad. I have learned about nutrition, the importance of sleep, eating healthy, and exercise. My turning point was the moment I heard Coach Jacynta Harb’s presentation regarding eating “real food” and cutting out CRAP: carbonated beverages, refined sugar, artificial sweeteners, and processed foods.
Processed foods have been eliminated from my pantry. I learned to cook lean meats, seafood, and vegetables from the farmer’s market. I learned about “good fats” and “healthy oils.” I removed pasta, bread, cheese, all the “bad” stuff and replaced it with healthy items. I feel much better.
Next, I started drinking water, tracking on MyFitnessPal, and walking 5Ks with the Sparkle group. I went from barely exercising to exercising 4-5 times a week. It is important to find an enjoyable activity so it does not seem like “work.” Get out there and try it all!
I had a major setback in August 2022. I had bunion surgery on my right foot. I anticipated being off my foot for two months during recovery, as this was a major opera tion. For 10 weeks, I used a scooter, then crutches, then a walker. Once I began physical therapy, I was told my big toe joint was fused. I would have to learn to walk again. After months of PT, I still could not get my right foot into a shoe without going a half size up, while staying a half size smaller on the left. My second surgery was in January 2023. It was another six weeks in a boot, but this time I was in a walking boot. However, I still could not drive.
I worried about gaining weight during this time frame. I had focus and determination to get through. I fixated on what I could do: diligently tracking on MyFitnessPal, drinking water, stationary arm lifts, getting sleep, and basic core exercises. Finding your support team is key, and I was very lucky to have a great one.
My 3 Tips:
- Find an awesome wellness coach who motivates, creates awareness of healthy habits, and assists in reaching your lifelong goals.
2.Have a supportive community that cheers you on. 3. Continue learning self-improvement.
I cannot stress the importance of a supportive community that helps you along your journey. Sparkle Wellness provides that community and more. I have learned tools like nutrition, reading labels, the importance of exercise, taking time for myself, etc. It all leads to a happier and healthier lifestyle. My attitude is better, and I see things as “I get to do this” as opposed to “I have to do this.” It is all about perception.
For more information, visit www.sparkleanewyou.com, or call 404-242-5062.
Article by Ginger Markert-Brusa
