Not too many things are surprising these days. We’ve seen so much, heard so much, experienced so much that anything not extreme is boring. Instant social media access has become a gateway to other people’s journeys, or misadventures. So what’s left? How about when you ask a colleague, “Wow, what are you doing to lose so much weight?” and the response is “an app.” An app, really?

In walking past Sally Crosby over the past several months, I began to notice what appeared to be a different person, a slimmer version of Sally. In my mind I asked: Is that her? No, can’t be. Wait that is Sally.

Meet married couple, Jim and Sally Crosby, local Clay residents for more than 20 years. Both mid-50s and both were once overweight. Here is their weight-loss story.

A wake-up call

Jim and I intentionally began losing weight last summer. But the real journey began winter of 2014. We enjoy hiking and planned a two-month summer camping adventure. We knew we were not ready for such a physical activity, so we decided to ‘get fit.’ Needless to say, that didn’t happen. The trip was hugely curtailed, but it still was incredible.

All through 2015 we continued our couch potato ways and bad eating habits. We both hit our highest weights ever in May 2016. About that time, Jim had a physical and his blood work results were quite bad. I could only guess mine were the same. This was another wake-up call.

Downloaded a mobile app

In June 2016, we began a kitchen renovation and realized the physical demands were harder than expected. Something had to give. We sat down and talked about the things we knew we had to change and we both downloaded the MyFitnessPal app on our phones. We made our first commitment via an app. Sally and I chose this app for many reasons due to ease of use, its large database of foods and the barcode scan feature.

Combined 80 pounds lighter with no exercise

It’s amazing how portion control and journaling everything makes you realize what you are doing to yourself. We started with a three-day crash-type diet to jumpstart the weight loss. We figured we could endure for three days and it worked as we lost 10-12 pounds between us. Since intense exercise is not our thing, the real hard work had just begun – daily journaling, choosing the right foods, portioning and staying within our calorie limit.

As we started making these changes, immediately the heartburn and acid reflux diminished. I think this was due to the amount of food we were eating and not necessarily the weight loss. We began to have more energy and, of course, clothes began to fit again. Also, sleep has been better.

Since July 15 to date, Jim has lost 50 pounds and Sally has lost 30 pounds.

In my conversation with the Crosbys, their journey has had ups-and-downs. Recent holidays were tough as well as weekly dinners out with friends. It wasn’t until about a few weeks ago did they purposefully start exercising. “Exercise is not my favorite thing to do, so motivation is a huge problem. That is my new challenge,” Sally said.

The Crosby Challenge

At present, the Crosbys are taking further steps to a fitter life. Mr. Crosby’s personal challenge is to complete the Couch-to-5K program. “The weight loss provided some motivation to get moving. I still don’t like running, but it’s bearable and I see progress,” he said. As for Sally, she has begun longer dog walks (up to a mile) intermittently.

Whether you use this app, or another app, or follow your own food journal, do what works for you. As Jim states, “my goal was to quickly track what I was eating, not make tracking a part-time job.” We know nothing comes easy. There are no surprises when it comes to making changes. And if an app helps you do that, then nothing is stopping you.

It’s your turn! Have a personal fitness or nutrition success story that you would like to share? Participated in a recent fitness event? Lost weight, or gained mass? Email me at bernie.rom828@gmail.com. Facebook Clay Today Newspaper. Tag me on Instagram @berni3trirun @claytodaynewspaper #claytodaynewspaper #claytoday #fitlife