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"Making Tyler a FIT CITY one step, one bite and one health-conscious decision at a time" |
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TYLER (KYTX) - Meet a man who utilized a technique he uses on a daily basis at work to help him beat the battle of the bulge. Skip Womack says over the past 6 - 8 months, he's lost more than 50 pounds. But he says that only resulted after making a drastic lifestyle change.
Skip Womack used to have a love affair with food. Sweets, fatty food, too much food: all part of his bloated food pyramid.
Last spring his weight hit a high of nearly 300 pounds. He knew then that it was time to make changes. Now at age 62, Womack, the director of mental and case management services for children at the Andrews Center in Tyler, is enjoying life 60 pounds lighter.
“Now I think about what I put in mouth,” said Womack, who works out regularly.
“I don’t eat cake now. I avoid that kind of stuff.” He even had the will power to turn down a piece of enticing chocolate cake his mother made for his birthday. Womack says he is convinced that he was addicted to sugar-filled foods.
By chance he came across “The Diet Solution,” a book by Judith Beck that uses behavioral modification techniques to “train your brain to think like a thin person.”
“I avoid foods that are high in sugar and fat, eat more veggies and fruit and eat reasonable portions, especially meats. This is not rocket science.”
After changing his eating habits and continuing with an exercise regimen that includes walking, jogging and lifting weights, Womack was able to lower his high blood pressure and get his rising cholesterol under control.
Today he encourages others to get on the fitness bandwagon.
“I try to be a good example for others and promote the benefits of a healthy lifestyle with anyone who will listen,” he said.
As a member of the Fitness Committee at Andrews Center, he comes up with ways for his coworkers to become fitter. He taught a class based on how he lost weight and he participates in company team-based walking competitions that helps keep him motivated to increase aerobic activity. Today Womack is a brand new man.
“I have more energy, I feel better emotionally and I have a better outlook on life.”
Womack said others are taking note of what he has accomplished.
“I am healthier and I get comments on my obvious weight loss all the time. I am giving my 3X shirts away. Oh, yeah!”
