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Dara Chadwick's Bio

Dara's Background
Age: 38
Goal weight: 125 pounds

Month 1
Height: 5'0"
Weight: 147 lbs.
Body fat: 34%
VO2 max*: 33.4 ml/kg/min
Aerobic fitness: average
Resting blood pressure: 122/84 (normal)
Cholesterol: 215(borderline high)

What's VO2 max?





Month 12
Weight: 121 lbs.
Pounds lost: 26
Body fat: 26.5%
Body fat lost: 7.5%
VO2 max*: 41.2 ml/kg/min
Aerobic fitness: average
Resting blood pressure: 122/80 (normal)
Cholesterol: 198(normal)

I was a cheerleader in high school and an aerobics instructor in my 20s. Today, I still walk 30-45 minutes every day and play co-ed indoor soccer once a week, but my eating habits are horrible. Like many working moms (I have two kids, ages 8 and 10), I rely on a lot of frozen foods and sometimes skip meals when my schedule gets hectic. As a result, I've packed on the pounds—and I've made it clear that I don't like what I see in the mirror. That's hard because my daughter, who's built a lot like me, watches my every move. I don't want her to internalize my poor body image and wind up disliking her body, too. I want to take off this weight and feel comfortable with myself—so I can teach my daughter to do the same.

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READER COMMENTS

I recently ran my best mile, 6:17, and i think i benefited from losing just four pounds! Thanks for your help with my success!
— Morgan

I agree that shorter people gain weight differently. I'm 25, 5ft 0in, and weigh 170. I lost 10 lbs in one week about a year ago due to lack of sleep and overloaded work hours (I know that wasn't healthy and haven't done it since). I'm also a college student looking for a change. I recently took a nutrition class and it really made me look at my eating habits. My closest friend is a single mom of a 3 year old and we both have problems with our mid-section. Now that I have gained about 40 lbs in the last 3 years. I hope to post another comment soon on my progress.
— Cherise

Like most of those who commented here, I think shorter people carry weight so differently. Although my weight doesn't seem really high (134) for my height, it makes me feel really overweight. Thanks for those who commented, you reminded me that I'm not alone!
— Jenny

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