When we say we're for healthy living at the Y, we mean it. Just ask one of our members who lost weight and gained a new life.
Midge Cangelosi’s journey to weight loss was not an easy one, but a new body and a new attitude made it worth every step of the way.
Her journey began over three years ago. A former IBM manager and now a substitute teacher, Midge came to the A.E. Finley YMCA to bask in the motivation from others, work out on the elliptical, do strength training and water aerobics.
Though Midge exercised in college, ice skated and danced as a teenager, the 100 pounds she had to lose and her love of cooking became big obstacles as she got older. With a family history of heart disease and diabetes, she knew it was just a matter of time before the extra pounds would take their toll.
Though Midge exercised in college, ice skated and danced as a teenager, the 100 pounds she had to lose and her love of cooking became big obstacles as she got older. With a family history of heart disease and diabetes, she knew it was just a matter of time before the extra pounds would take their toll.
 |
| Before the Y |
Midge decided to take her time to lose and joined Weight Watchers. She started out slow, lost some weight and then gained some back. She knew the long-term answer involved a combination of diet and exercise so she decided to delve deeper and find the unique combination that worked for her. She started recording how her body reacted to certain foods and did lots of reading.
“I came to realize that there were just certain things I could not put in my body,” she said. She started growing her own herbs, buying grass-fed meat and organic vegetables. She began cutting out artificial sweeteners, preservatives and hydrogenated oils. With her two grown sons out of the house, she could cook her way.
“I came to realize that there were just certain things I could not put in my body,” she said. She started growing her own herbs, buying grass-fed meat and organic vegetables. She began cutting out artificial sweeteners, preservatives and hydrogenated oils. With her two grown sons out of the house, she could cook her way.
 |
| After the Y |
“I feel so much better. Now my health is what keeps me focused. I’m so much more aware of what I consume. Many people want to lose weight instantly. But it’s a long journey. And it involves a commitment to change ourselves, change our minds and become wiser consumers.”
STAYING MOTIVATED
STAYING MOTIVATED
The Y is also a big part of her motivation. Her circle of Y friends meets for lunch and coffee regularly and they share low-calorie recipes.
“I love the Y and I love the instructors. Part of staying motivated involves going consistently to class and taking part in the positive atmosphere of the Y. Folks there are always upbeat. They’re all an inspiration to me.”
“I love the Y and I love the instructors. Part of staying motivated involves going consistently to class and taking part in the positive atmosphere of the Y. Folks there are always upbeat. They’re all an inspiration to me.”
HER ADVICE
"Be aware of what goes in your body. How are you feeling? How are you sleeping? Don’t deprive yourself, but don’t make excuses. Find supporters (my husband is my biggest one!) and hang around folks with a positive attitude. It’s easy to say ‘Poor me,’ but everyone has to start somewhere.”
That is too cool! I constantly have to wonder where I'd be today if I hadn't gotten gym access at the Y. I have lost 50 pounds thanks to the encouragement of others that work there as well as by working hard!
ReplyDelete