Coping mechanisms, we all have them. While sometimes coping mechanisms are useful tools in helping us process the stress in our day, some coping mechanisms end up doing more harm than good. Maybe it's food, maybe it's wine, maybe it's shopping, maybe it's TV - whatever it is, it's important for us to check-in and let go of coping mechanisms in our lives that we find no longer help us. That is why I brought on Th Stress Less Show this week life coach and owner of Eau Claire Sober Living, Michelle Markquart, to share her tips on how to let go of unhealthy coping mechanisms in order to make room for healthier ones…
#APOPFNF Profile: Michele McDonnell
Name: Michele McDonnell Age: 47
Subject: Weight Loss
Advice: Never let food become an obsession. I know it's comfortable and it makes many of us feel better, but in reality food doesn't change a thing. My challenge to you is to directly deal with the problems you have in life.
Michele's Story: "I was slightly overweight most of my teen years and young adult hood, but I never wore a size bigger than a 14. Then, nine years ago, I was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer. I was 38 years old. I was married and had a 6 year old son. This is when everything got out of control. I gained weight like crazy and was wearing a size 20. Finally, treatment was complete and I entered remission. I lost some weight and returned to a size 14 again, but I still wasn't quite happy with the way I looked and felt. I went back to work and--you guessed it--began stress eating. I would eat large bags of peanut M&Ms with a side of a grande Starbucks coffee. I also regularly drank a lovely bottle of imported beer with dinner. I had no idea these things were some of the main reasons I was gaining weight and I continued these habits for four years! It was only when I got laid off that I realized I gone up a few sizes; I was wearing XL woman's shirts and size 16-18s again...
Two years ago a friend gave me the final push I needed to begin a healthier lifestyle and after all these hurdles--fighting cancer, working a stressful job and getting laid off--I am proud to say I've lost 46 pounds! How you ask? I started walking --lots of walking-- and changed my eating habits bit by bit. I began eating smaller portions and integrating healthier foods into my daily routine. Now, I wear a size 8-10 and medium tops; I've never wore such small sizes in my life and it feels fantastic. I love the new me and wouldn't trade her for the world."
Do you have an inspiring health or fitness story? Comment below or share on social media using the hashtag #APOPFNF (APOP Fitness Nerd Family) with a reason you should be featured in our next #APOPFNF profile! I will be adding a new profile every other Sunday so get your entries in now :)