My Biggest Loser

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My Biggest Loser

by Terri West

Ches B., my “biggest loser,” has become my biggest winner. After years of struggling with his weight, Ches has finally found his devotion, dedication and discipline, making his body his most important cause. With my help, Ches has managed to whittle away 220 pounds, and he is still losing!

What have you learned about weight loss, self-esteem and patience?

I’ve learned that losing and maintaining my weight is a continual process that will be part of a healthy life, for the rest of my life. It’s not just a destination. It also requires a lot of patience and forgiveness. [In the past], I would blame myself for being fat, making it even harder to lose the weight. So I stopped focusing on what I should be doing, and turned my attention to what I was doing right. Within a few months, I found myself dropping bad habits in favor of healthier ones.

How did you go about accomplishing your goal? Seeking help, a trainer?

I began with simple, common-sense steps—taking walks, eating less and better. It requires a lot of time and effort to be fully aware about the fuel we give our bodies. High fructose corn syrup is the devil, by the way. Then, as I really began to get serious, I sought the help of friends. For me, support is key to doing something big. Luckily, one of my closest friends was studying to become a trainer. She has become my biggest advocate and greatest resource.

How many times had you tried to lose weight before?

I’ve always struggled with my weight—gaining and losing hundreds of pounds—feeling like a prisoner in my body and a victim to my circumstance. I was so disconnected from my body that I didn’t understand how “healthy” felt. I tried countless diets and pills without addressing the root causes of my behavior as well as the underlying medical and nutritional issues.

Why do you believe that this time you will keep the weight off?

There was a fundamental shift in my approach. I focus more on how I feel, versus how I look. Of course I am motivated by the physical changes, but that’s really just temporal. How I feel, both physically and mentally, is more rewarding than fitting into a new pair of jeans. And it lasts a lot longer, too.

What inspired you to really conquer this challenge?

For me, it took a big event to wake me up. I lost a close family member to cancer. That event became a catalyst for me to evaluate my own life and realize my unhappiness. I was narrowly living my life—defined by the things I couldn’t do or didn’t have. At that moment, I turned myself into my most important cause.

What are your tips for those out there desperately trying to lose weight?

We all have a “healthy body” inside ourselves. Find what healthy means to you. Feel it and live it.

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