Weight Loss Progress Report 1
More than a week after following The Great American Weight Loss, three volunteers who wanted to shed some extra pounds report their progress to CBS News Health Correspondent Dr. Emily Senay.
In this monthlong weight loss series, Dr. Senay is presenting the most common excuses people make for not being able to cut unwanted pounds. With the help of other health experts, Dr. Senay explains how to turn each excuse into a motivation.
Priscilla Francis is 50 years old, 5 feet 6 inches tall and started out at 180 pounds.
After a week and a half of following The Great American Weight Loss, Francis said she lost two pounds. She has been trying to walk three miles a day and doing exercises in her hotel room.
Francis said she had made a lifestyle change and was concentrating on eating healthier foods and making a point of exercising. Her goal is to lose 20 pounds.
 Mia Williams |
Williams said she already lost three pounds.
"I'm eating more fruits and vegetables and less starches. It's been working well for me," Williams said.
Bob Tomlin, 50 years old, wants to lose 50 to 60 pounds. He started off with 245 pounds on his 5-feet-10-inch frame, and has already lost 5 pounds.
Tomlin has been keeping a daily journal of his food intake and his physical activities.
"The big thing is being honest with myself. If I have to write it down, I will think twice about eating it," Tomlin explained.
 Bob Tomlin |
He said the most significant change in his lifestyle that has helped him lose weight has been cutting out the carbohydrates - especially the starchy foods. Tomlin added that playing golf and riding his bike has helped him feel healthier.
Williams, who has had the hardest time with last Thursday's Tip of the Day, Eat nothing after 8 pm, said she's been trying not to skip breakfast and lunch as she usually does.
She has also come up with a great solution to make exercise easier to fit into her busy schedule.
"I've been parking 10 minutes away from my office and walking to and from work. It's about a 10-minute walk in the morning and then a 10-minute walk in the afternoon." She also saves $90 a month on parking.
Francis has also invented a new trick to help her lose weight. On the weekends, she is challenged by the temptation of her husband's rcreational cooking.
"Last weekend, when he started to barbecue, I headed to the park. While he's cooking, I'm walking," she explained.
 Priscilla Francis goes for a stroll. |
Her husband prepares a special plate for her, and "a bigger one is always designated for him."
Francis said the change has not left her feeling deprived.
"It's a whole different mind-set. It's a mind-set of managing
something new, like managing my finances, managing my workday. Now I'm managing a healthier lifestyle."
Tomlin said that, although the first three days of cutting out starches was a little rough, he now makes a conscious effort to get a smaller proportion of food, but doesn't cut out the things he loves.
Williams said the walking is making her stronger.
"I feel more energy, and I think one day I'll end up going back to the gym," she said. "It's getting me over the hump."
To read and view health tips from The Great American Weight Loss series, click below for an index of stories.
Reported by Dr. Emily Senay