I started when I couldn't stand the sight of my own face and the fact that I couldn't walk around the block without huffing and puffing and pain! I had been to Mexico and my Asthma got out of control from kitchen fires. I was put on Predisone when I came home and added another 10 pounds! I felt desperate to live a better life. My blood pressure was rising, my cholesterol was rising and my blood glucose was rising as well as chronic osteoarthritis pain in my knees. I was wearing a size 16 heading into an 18 and I am only 5'2" tall. I looked at myself and said this is it. I called HMR made an appointment and started the program. I have followed the program, it was very easy when all the food was prepared. I found it so easy and the entrees were very practical -- no refrigeration needed -- perfect for work or traveling or even storing. Since converting to healthy solutions I have added 8 vegetables and fruits a day -- not required but I love fruit and vegetables. Today I am a size 6 -- my asthma is controlled. My pain is so reduced that I can do zumba, step aerobics, water aerobics, hiking and anything else I want to do. I can't say enough about the support and the structure -- keeping a food diary, going to weekly meetings and eating the daily minimum of food -- Eat as much vegetables and fruits as you want. It has been so helpful. I have had days where I didn't stay within the eating guidelines, usually related to being in a restaurant or not having much control over the environment or some emotional response. In the past I would have just gotten really depressed at my failing. End of dieting and exercise -- now I just get honest and confront what I did, and get on with the next meal or snack back into the framework of the program. Of course I know I will have days like this but I work out a plan to deal with the "overeating" or "lack of exercise" on a given day. But it is a great relief to just be honest and get back on it instead of rationalizing why this or that. Just do it.

I weigh between 116 and 119 and would like to get to a steady 115 to 117 -- weight is fluid. I love the health benefits, the way I look and the fact that I am so much healthier that I have real energy to be an active grandma of 8 instead of a stick in the mud.

I had never tried anything before -- but when I was 35 it wasn't an effort to lose an extra 10 pounds -- but bodies change and at 67 it wasn't so easy, especially when your knees hurt and you cant breathe. Try the program -- all you have to lose is weight and all the money you spent on extra medications and lost time being really unhappy.

I am not perfect -- so it is a day at a time, but I will keep at it.