Rohini, 64, Georgia [Female]
Growing up in India I never exercised but I always considered myself a healthy person. After I moved to the US and had my second child I started to gain a lot of weight. Looking back, I can say a lot of my weight gain was a result to eating oily and unhealthy foods due to my liking of French fries and ice cream. I am pretty sure the lack of physical activity didn't help either. I had a huge wake up call after I traveled to India to visit my family. I realized how out of breath I would get from climbing stairs, which I used to be able to run up everyday. I am embarrassed to say but I would even become fatigued after walking around at regular pace. My family also made a few comments about how much I've changed physically and my family has always been honest. As soon as I returned from my vacation I was determined to change and knew I had to make a lifestyle change. I decided I was going to start eating better, exercise regularly, even if it meant taking a brisk walk around my neighborhood. I realized my health and energy level were not only important to me but important to my family. I started cooking Indian food with less oil and ghee and even got my husband and children into the habit of eating foods that are better for them. Not to mention, I would take walks in the evening with my husband. If he couldn't join me, I would still go because that's how important physical fitness and my health are to me.
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