SUCCESSFUL LOSER

WRITER: JAMES COMBS PHOTO: FRED LOPEZ

For Theresa Camp, enduring an abusive marriage negatively impacted her physical and emotional health.

“I allowed my marriage to control my thoughts and eating habits,” said Theresa, a 36-yearold teacher at Umatilla Elementary School. “I weighed 265 pounds. My self-esteem was low. I hated shopping and seeing my reflection in a mirror. I felt as low as someone could possibly feel.”

After her divorce, she was single parent to two boys and a girl. Fortunately, her children provided the ultimate incentive to embark on a much-needed lifestyle change.

“I got gestational diabetes when I was pregnant with each child,” she said. “I figured if I didn’t change my eating habits I’d eventually get full-blown diabetes.

ADVICE FOR ANYONE BEGINNING A WEIGHT-LOSS JOURNEY

“Don’t deprive yourself. If I wanted something like a chocolate bar, I’d treat myself. However, I’d only cheat like that one day a week. You don’t want to be so rigid and consumed to the point you no longer enjoy life.”

I knew I needed to take control of my life and be healthy for my kids because my ex-husband would not be there for them.”

Theresa began her weight-loss journey two years ago. She eliminated processed food and soda from her diet and stopped eating at restaurants. She also joined the Golden Triangle YMCA and began working out with a personal trainer and taking a Zumba class. In the evening, she bicycled with her children around Umatilla.

All her hard work has paid dividends. Theresa has now lost 107 pounds and gone from size 22 to size 8. To say she is a new person is an understatement.

“I feel like I’m a better mom because I’m not nearly as snappy or grumpy. I love shopping now and like seeing myself in a mirror. I am very confident in who I am.”

IF YOU’RE EATING LIKE THERESA, HERE IS WHAT YOU’D EAT THROUGHOUT THE DAY:

Breakfast: A protein shake with half a banana, seven almonds, and five dark, sweet cherries.

Lunch: Six ounces brown turkey, a cup of sweet potatoes, a half-cup of squash, and a half-cup of strawberries.

Dinner: Six ounces of meat with asparagus and brown rice.

EACH DAY, THERESA READ A MESSAGE SHE POSTED NEAR HER BED

“I can do all things through Christ.”

“I’ve hung onto that throughout my journey,” she said. “That simple message has helped me endure difficult times.”