Success Stories
Andrea P.
Age: 27
Hometown: Naples, FL
"I lost more than 100 pounds!" *
My parents sent me to the Duke Diet & Fitness Center (DFC) as a college graduation gift. I have to admit, I was very resistant to the idea at first. But I learned so much from my initial eight-week stay at the DFC that I went back several times over the following two years, and eventually I lost more than 100 pounds! At my heaviest, I weighed 280 pounds, but now I try to stay between 160 and 165.
Before I went to the DFC, I was a pretty solid size 24, and now I am a 10 or 12. Today I can shop at regular stores like the Gap and the Limited rather than having to buy plus sizes. I can even shop with my friends and feel good about myself!
I think the DFC program works because it's so personalized and balanced. There is no one way to lose weight that works for everyone, and the staff members at the DFC help you find out what will fit for you. It is truly a "lifestyle change." I spent many years going to weight-loss camps where I'd eat 1,000 calories a day, work out for eight hours, and lose 40 pounds in eight weeks. But the weight loss wasn't sustainable — I'd return home and gain it all right back. The DFC teaches you to make small, reasonable changes that you can maintain over the long run.
I know I'm more fit and a lot stronger than I used to be. I didn't really get much "structured" exercise before I went to the DFC, but now I get 45 to 60 minutes of cardio pretty much every day. Plus, I meet with a personal trainer twice a week for an hour. I love to play tennis whenever I can, and it's much easier to move around the court than it used to be.
In addition, it was always my goal to be able to run, and last year I ran a mile for the first time in my life. It was a huge accomplishment for me — I cried afterward!
In fact, my attitudes toward exercise and food have changed in just about every way possible! I don't look at or eat a food without thinking about its nutritional value. This doesn't necessarily stop me from eating it, but the increased awareness is very important. Once you know what's really in a slice of chocolate cake, it's impossible to just eat it mindlessly! Exercise is now just a normal part of my day, something I know I have to do, the same way I have to brush my teeth or feed my cat. Avoiding the "diet" mentality is extremely important to me. I keep everything in moderation. I reward myself when I meet my goals and try not to beat myself up when I go off track.
Everything about me and my life is completely different now. I am a different person — physically, emotionally, and mentally — and I'm very grateful for that!
Best compliment: I saw friends from high school who hadn't seen me in five years, and they didn't recognize me at all! I've also had people I've met more recently say they never would have guessed that I was ever obese.
Favorite snack: Peanut butter on wheat bread, or on an apple or a banana. I also love popcorn and granola bars.
Favorite recipe: I have three — Chicken Cannelloni, Baked Ziti, and Tofu Stir-fry.
Advice to others following the Duke Diet program: Be forgiving and gentle with yourself. Work on your food issues — the mind-body connection is very strong. Lifestyle change is about so much more than food and exercise. Try to avoid perfectionist thinking. Maintain a support network of friends, professionals, and other people who have followed the program to help you stay on track.
*Results not typical.