Published: July 30, 2009 12:07 pm      

A Success Story

Debbie Tipton

Debbie Tipton has lost 55 pounds since Aug. 13, 2008. The 47-year-old Corbin Elementary School teacher didn’t find a miracle weight loss drug. She didn’t starve herself. She employed the tried and true strategy of eating correctly and incorporating exercise into her daily life.

“I walked in the Nibroc run last year. That night began my weight loss journey,” Tipton explains.

Tipton has even taken her newfound energy for fitness to the classroom. The 23-year veteran encourages her students to walk 15 minutes each day with her, saying it teaches them the importance of staying fit and living a healthy lifestyle.

Fitness Plus caught up with Debbie recently to learn more about her story of success.

FP: What does your exercise routine consist of?

Tipton: Mostly walking. I have worked up to five miles a day — every day. I begin my walk each day at the Corbin Recreation Center and walk down Main Street to the bypass. Then I return to the Rec Center. I also try to do light weight training, concentrating on my arms and legs.

FP: Tell us about your change in diet.

Tipton: My diet is no mystery. I follow the Nutrisystem plan. I started my diet the same day I started exercising. I have followed the Nutrisystem plan exactly as they suggest. I have never eaten more healthy in my life. I eat fruits and vegetables and drink milk daily. I take a multi-vitamin each morning and stick to the plan they suggest. I now eat breakfast, lunch and dinner. It is so important to keep junk food out of your home and make healthy choices when it comes to eating.

FP: Can you touch on your weight gain and what caused it?

Tipton: Like many others my weight gain was due to stress. I have gone through the loss of my brother, James Hammons, and my sister, Pat Wood, to cancer. Their illnesses were long, hard and heartbreaking struggles for my whole family.

FP: How do you feel today?

Tipton: I feel great. Mentally and physically I am a different person. Life is great and I’m enjoying every minute of it.

FP: Who have been your biggest supporters?

Tipton: My husband Jeff and my daughter Lauren have been my biggest cheerleaders. I have been their project for almost a year now. They have shown me that with hard work anything is possible. My mother, brother and sister have also been with me every step of the way.

FP: What differences do you see in yourself and your family because of your transformation?

Tipton: The weight loss has changed my life and the lives of both my daughter and my husband. We are all more fit today than we have ever been. I have much more energy and I am happier than I have been in years. We are all more active. We actually enjoy getting out and are enjoying our lives. I was slow moving and even had difficulty breathing before I lost the weight. We have recently started hiking at Cumberland Falls each weekend. It is great exercise and wonderful family time.

TIPTON'S TIPS FOR LOSING WEIGHT:

• Get in a positive frame of mind.
• Choose a diet that suits your lifestyle — Nutrisystem worked for me. Portion size is very important.
• Develop an exercise program and stick with it. Start small and work up to a good program. I started walking two miles and have worked up to five miles every day.
• Get serious and involve your family. It is great to work together to make each other the best you can be.
•Celebrate your successes with the people you care about. Go for a walk or a hike. Do not celebrate by eating!
•Make healthy food choices. Choose fruits and vegetables not junk food.
•Get out and enjoy life.
•Believe in yourself!