June 2018

Be the change

When Melody Lacy found out she had prediabetes and high cholesterol, she wasn't sure what to do. First she started walking and eating more salads and vegetables. Pretty soon she was walking 10,000 steps a day and noticed the pounds melting away. Today she does cross-fit training and makes nutritious smoothies and lunches. Her best advice? Get to know yourself and don't compare yourself to others.

What was the first type of exercise you tried?

Walking helped without me even really noticing it. It all started with Kelsey-Seybold Fitbit Floor Challenges. Now, I walk about 10,000 steps a day.

You sit at a desk most of the day. How do you get all those steps in?

I try for a mile before work, and I have a new CD for stepping at the gym or at home. My dog has to walk, so that helps, and I walk while my grandbaby rides her bike in the neighborhood. During the day, I do things like walk the long way to the restroom or to the other side of the building. It adds up!

Do you squeeze in other exercise during the day?

During 15-minute breaks twice a day, about six of us do mini-workouts and exercises like donkey kicks and lunges. Sometimes we walk in the park.

You go to a gym several times a week. How did that get started?

I had gone to a gym before, but always got discouraged because I compared myself to others. Then a coworker recommended a friend who’s a trainer. I started cross-fit training several times a week. I didn’t think I could at first, but it paid off.

How has your diet changed?

When I started to eat healthier, I didn’t really know what to do, so I just started having more raw fruits and veggies and eating less meat. Then, I learned to make my own smoothies with spinach, kale, and frozen fruit. I try not to eat after 7 p.m., but that’s pretty hard.

What do you avoid?

I stay away from fried food, alcohol, bread, red meat, and cheese.

Do you ever feel the need for a cheat day?

Definitely!

When did you decide it was time to get serious about your health?

At my checkup, the doctor told me I was prediabetic and had high cholesterol. I never had weighed so much, even when I was pregnant. It just sneaked up on me!

You’ve lost more than 20 pounds. How does your family feel about that?

My family is really proud of me, especially my sons, and they’ve changed their eating habits because of me. My 6-year-old granddaughter wants to eat what I eat. I’m proud to be setting a good example.

What would you say to people who think they can’t do it?

Listen to your body and don’t compare what you can do to what others can do. You may not be able to walk 10,000 steps, you may not even be able to walk 5,000 steps. Maybe you can only do 3,000, but that will help you, and it’s a good start. Don’t get discouraged.

Where does that motivation have to come from?

Good health starts within. Before you can change, you first have to learn about and love yourself. If you start your changes on the inside, the outside changes will come easily.