I have gotten to know Lyn a little bit better over the last couple of weeks after telling her she had won the Gourmet Nutrition cookbook. She had told me about her amazing story of losing over 90 pounds and changing her life for the better. I wanted to interview her and ask her some questions to see what she did to change things around. I always love hearing these stories and I hope that something like this can inspire you to make some healthy eating changes in your life too.
1. What was the biggest motivation to make this change for the better?
Lyn: My weight and general state of health for sure. I was 254 pounds, had been hospitalized for angina (chest pains) and was on more medication than my grandmother had ever taken. I wanted to do so much, but could barely keep working. I wanted to climb a mountain, go zip lining, see my grandchildren grow up, and just be me again!
2. What is your favourite thing to cook for you and your family?
Lyn: I love cooking a big Sunday dinner. My family are always willing to be my little Guinea pigs and try anything I may cook or experiment with. Last weekend I cooked a wonderful dinner of quinoa stuffed peppers with a salad. I also roasted a beautiful crown of pork. I am lucky they will eat anything I put in front of them!
3. Describe to everyone how you feel now compared to before you made the change.
Lyn: I feel new, young and full of energy. Before I couldn’t walk for 5 minutes without being short of breath or having chest pains. I now walk 30-45 minutes every morning and another 30 minutes after dinner. In the spring, summer, and fall, I hike one day each weekend. The trails around where I live is beautiful! I am off all medications. That was huge for me! No chest pains, cholesterol was normal, and my blood pressure was normal too. On my 60th birthday I went to visit some friends in Bella Coola, BC and walked a trail up a mountain. A dream achieved! I also went zip lining in October of that year. I am a new woman!
4. What advice would you give to people who want to make a change and eat healthier?
Lyn: Try something new each week. There are some pretty amazing tastes out there all to be discovered and cooked. I buy local and organic often. My meat comes from a local butcher shop and our fish is from a fresh water lake called Nipissing. Some of these ingredients need to be sourced properly and can be a bit more expensive, but I feel better for it. With your help Matt I can do anything!
5. What is your favourite show on the food network? (I had to ask this one!)
Lyn: How did you know? I am a food network “foodie!” I don’t actually know if I have a favourite. I love them all! I have learned not to fear experimenting with spices and herbs and cooking techniques. I adore Michael Smith’s approach and try to watch his show once a week. I even like triple D, as I get inspired to use some pretty cool flavours through the various kitchen guys highlights.
I am so happy for Lyn as I can tell from talking to her a bit she is really passionate about her new life and what she has been able to accomplish. That’s why I thought I would share her story with you, my readers, so that you can see what success looks like and get an idea of how to achieve your goals. I am so proud of her. Thanks for letting me interview you Lyn!
