Tonia Clark - American Heart Association Contestant

I recently received the American Heart Association’s “Lifestyle Change Award.” The award recognizes people who have made positive changes in order to live longer, healthier lives – such as starting an exercise program, making healthier food choices and/or becoming tobacco free. I’ve always been one of those people who hates going to the doctor, because what’s the first thing they make you do? You guessed it, step on the scales. It’s easy to ignore the fact that you’re overweight and unhealthy until that dreaded doctor’s appointment. After months of my heart racing for no reason and just feeling generally lousy, I knew I had to suck it up and go. Deep down, I knew something was wrong. In July 2009, at the ripe old age of 40, I was told by my doctor that not only did I have diabetes, but that I also had an increased risk of heart disease. I was devastated by the news. Sure I was overweight and didn’t really exercise, but I never really considered myself as being unhealthy. As it turned out, the news was really a blessing in disguise because it gave me the motivation I needed to make a change. I was determined to get healthier, not just for me, but for my family. I started by making small changes. I walked a little every day and tried to make better food choices. Eventually I was able to increase my physical activity, started riding a bike and even joined a health club. I never considered my food choices as a diet, just a new way of eating. I lost a total of 90 pounds by exercising and eating real, non-processed foods. Best of all, my doctor gave me a clean bill of health and said she wishes all of her patients were like me. Of course she also told me that I could start eating anything I wanted as long as my numbers stayed the same. I laughed at her and said thanks, but if I eat anything I want my numbers won’t stay the same. She gave me that knowing smile. Did I mention I’m not a big fan of doctors? Just kidding, my doctor rocks and I actually see her on an annual basis now. There’s really no secret to losing weight and getting healthier. I think most people are capable of making small changes in their daily routines in order to live longer, healthier lives. My motto is “If I can do it, so can you!”