The Breeze February 2015

It’s a well known fact that changes in appearances can change your life. But the reverse is also true. A change
in lifestyle changes appearance. And so the positive cycle begins. There are few topics that are more relevant
to more people than weight loss. So here’s that principle applied – through the story of one Bluffton lady.
Throw away the pills. It’s about lifestyle!
By Kelly Dillon
The New Year is seen as time for change.
Determination to keep to a resolution is often
quick to flag in the face of difficulty. Losing weight
is one of the most common goals, but one that
few manage to achieve
in a meaningful way.
However, for those that
succeed in reaching
the goal, the joys are
immense!
One Bluffton woman
found the key to such
success. In November
of 2013, Tara Stimpson
of the Town of Bluffton
was 250 pounds. Today,
she weighs in at 165
pounds. That’s a loss of
85 pounds! She shared
her experience with us
and gave us a few worthy
pointers in how she was able to follow through
with the difficult journey.
It was in 2013 that Tara knew things had to change.
She was having health issues because of her
weight, but when October rolled around, she had
a more prominent realization when she was asked
to be a bridesmaid in her best friend’s wedding.
“When it came to be my turn to try on my dress,
I was so upset over the size they had to get me,”
Tara said. “I decided right then and there I needed
to make a change, because I was working my way
toward a horrible end.” Her decision was also
fueled by the love for her daughter and the desire
to be more active with her.
With the understanding that this would be a shift
in her lifestyle, Tara set out with a clear goal in
mind. Her initial idea was to lose 100 pounds for a
goal weight of 150, down from 250 pounds. Once
the plan was set, she began to modify her diet.
“I stopped eating fast food and made better
choices when going out to restaurants,” Tara
said. “I count my calories and eat more frequently
with smaller meals or snacks about every two to
three hours.” By adjusting her calorie intake to
around a daily 1200, Tara lost thirty pounds. At this
milestone, Tara began to add exercise into her new
routine. “I started small, only exercising three days
a week.” Tara explained. On rest days, Tara would
walk. When she built herself up comfortably, the
three-day exercise routine boosted up to a six-day
routine. Bike riding, walking and using an elliptical
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