Introducing our

Hot Mama Of The Month

April 2010

We are pleased to announce our next Hot Mama of the Month….Sheila! 

Sheila is a motivated, funny, inspiring, beautiful woman that has continued to change her life with the help and support of the Hot Mamas! 

MEET SHEILA....

Facilitator:  Laurel & Sarah

Pounds Lost:  47 pounds

Sheila, what made you decide to join the Hot Mamas?

I joined because my daughter was so successful and I wanted to see a change in my life.  With her encouragement I joined, and that was several sessions ago.

Did you have a specific "goal" in mind or hope for what you would accomplish in that first session?

Of course I had huge expectations, but I also knew that this struggle has been a lifelong one for me so it would not be easy just because I joined an organized group.  My goal was not to gain and go to the weigh in each week.

You have always weighed in with our close friend and Hot Mama Helper, Amy, and you seem to have a special bond with her that keeps you going.  What is it about Amy that makes you want to keep coming back each week?

She is always so upbeat, encouraging, and friendly. I can feel that she wants everyone to feel special and is always ready with a supportive ear or encouraging word. 

You are truly a beautiful woman, and every time I see you I'm amazed at how far you've come since your first session.  How many pounds have you lost to date?

If I am remembering correctly, 47 pounds!  I would love to claim the pounds I have lost and gained over and over but I am still very pleased with my success. I am most proud of the fact that I started out in a Size 28 pant and now wear (comfortably) a Size 16!

In one of your last before/after pictures you had your picture taken with one of your fellow Hot Mamas that has been on this journey with you for some time.  LOVE THAT!  How important do you think it is to have a "buddy" when trying to lose weight?

I believe that anything we do in life where we can have someone that we can count on in good and bad times can help us succeed.  Having Audrey as my "buddy" has made this journey easier because we support each other and celebrate our successes and small setbacks with encouragement and genuine friendship.  I hope everyone has a buddy, as well as the message board full of buddies!

Do you consider yourself a competitive person?

I'm not hugely competitive, but I do love a challenge and enjoy the fun of competing.  While winning is wonderful, it's equally important to see others succeed, too.

Do you find that the competition piece of Hot Mamas pushes you a little bit further than you thought you could go?

I do believe it pushes me.  We sometimes will challenge each other after the weigh-in and agree that we will lose more next week…just a friendly wager between buddies.

It seems that we can all relate to the roller coaster weight loss ride we seem to find ourselves on.  Tell us a little bit about your weight loss struggles.  Have you always had to worry about your weight or has it gotten harder later in life?

I have never felt comfortable in my own skin.  For my entire life I was overweight, uncomfortable, and was always told "You have such a pretty face…if you would just lose weight.”  That never helped my self-esteem…it only made me feel inadequate and never, ever good enough…for anything.  The only picture of me in a bathing suit was when I was 2, and I was so chubby.  I still have body image problems, but I will say that I am happier with myself right now that I have ever been (except when I was pregnant) in my life.  I'm slowly finally finding me!

Are there any foods that you have discovered over these past few months that keep you going…keep you on track…and, therefore, keep you losing those last unwanted pounds?

I do love oatmeal (Quaker maple and brown sugar)  for breakfast because it helps me start the day healthy, and I will often continue the day like that if I start out right in the morning.

Do you have a "magic" number or a "perfect" size that you want to be able to fit into?  Are you happy where you are right now or do you envision yourself losing a little bit more in order to feel like you've met your personal weight loss goal?

I have a weight goal of 175 lbs, but it is just a number.   I think when my body hits the right place, I will know it.  While I do not think I am there yet, you never know…a couple more sizes and I feel like it might be it for me.  I feel really great now.

We all know that sometimes the weight comes off easier for others.  What words of advice would you give to your fellow Hot Mama that's struggling through a session, not seeming to "get it" yet?

Believe in yourself and do not compare yourself to other people.  Be true to you!  Know that you deserve this chance to be the real you and she is whoever you want her to be, NOT a number on the scale or a PANT SIZE!

If you could describe yourself in one word before Hot Mamas, what would it be…and after?   

Before: Sad.   Now :  Alive

I love being part of the Hot Mamas and sharing this journey with so many wonderful, beautiful and amazing women.  Thank you again for helping me feel alive again and especially like a beautiful woman.