Page 58 - South Mississippi Living - January, 2017

PHYSICAL & FISCAL FITNESS no restrictions
TAKING OFF WEIGHT WITH DIET AND EXERCISE story by Lynn Lofton photos courtesy of Mission Nutrition
With her impressive weight loss and healthier lifestyle, Debra Nicholson of Gulfport can be an inspiration to individuals wanting to make changes this year. She did it without pills, gimmicks, quirky diets or surgery. Over a year’s time, Nicholson, 63, lost 65 pounds with the counseling of Miranda Hebert of Mission Nutrition.
“I think Debra’s story will appeal
to the majority of people because
she did it by eating more nutritious food, walking and some resistance training,” Hebert, a registered dietitian and nutritionist, said. “She doesn’t count calories. I showed her how her plate should look — the right foods
to eat and portion control. It’s about redistributing the food, and for Debra that meant increasing non-starchy vegetables such as cucumbers, broccoli, green beans and spinach. There are no huge restrictions; she can go to Bunco and eat a small slice of cake.”
Hebert also took Nicholson on a grocery store tour to read food labels and sort through false claims.
Nicholson’s physician referred her
to Hebert. “I was pre diabetic and had elevated blood pressure,” Nicholson said. “I was ready to do anything to stay off medication and lose weight.”
And that’s exactly what she’s accomplished with Hebert serving as coach and counselor. Nicholson’s most recent lab work reveals that her blood sugar is under control and her blood pressure is down.
“In the past I’ve counted calories
and fat and gone the low carb route. It worked at the time but I always put the weight back on because it was not my total lifestyle,” Nicholson said, “and I had gotten out of the habit of walking.”
Now she does the healthy plate at home, has cut down on portions, walks on a regular basis and has a 20-minute DVD for strength training. “My energy level is better. I can get out of bed and walk without sore joints,” Nicholson said. Then added with a laugh, “Best of all, I can bend all the way down or sit on the floor and get up without having to call a crane.”
On their first visit, Hebert talked to Nicholson about goals and what would fit her lifestyle. Nicholson knew it wouldn’t be a quick fix but wanted a regimen she could continue throughout her life. “We developed an individual plan and kept updating it on what would work for Debra,” Hebert said.
Her improved health and energy level are helping Nicholson, a retired school teacher and part time administrator at her church, keep up with her busy life and family.
BEFORE
AFTER
Mission Nutrition
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58 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • January 2017
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