This week's loss of Richard Simmons brought back memories of my childhood battle with weight. Richard also struggled with his weight, which led to his passion for fitness and health. He gained fame and appeared on many shows touting his approach to fitness that emphasized fun. Who could forget "Sweatin' to the Oldies?"
Mealtime was always prioritized in my family. I was never encouraged to "finish my plate," but Mother always had something ready. My teen years were as emotional as is expected, and I fell back on food for support. In the ninth grade, I decided on an intervention and met with the late Dr. John F. Simon, who asked key questions about eating habits and recommended a diet.
Advertising on radio and TV introduced me to Metrecal. It came as a drink, a mixable powder, and cookies with suggestions for use. Coming on the market in 1959, the plan called for four meals a day, mixing or matching your choice of the varieties. It worked for me and I lost 30 pounds my freshman year. Looking back, exercise was not stressed and it was not a sustainable diet because it consisted of 900 calories per day.
Weight Watchers came along in 1963 as well as Nutrisystem in 1972. Now we have the GLP-1 medications that performed well for diabetes treatment and have expanded into weight loss therapy and helping reduce cardiovascular events.
Despite Simmon's absence, his mantra lives on: "Love yourself, watch your portions and move your buns."
Reader Comments(0)