by MARCIA JONES
Marcia Jones of Weeki Wachee has lost an incredible 73 pounds through the non-profit TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), a non–commercial weight loss, education, and support organization. Additionally, she was recently crowned TOPS Florida Queen for her weight loss success, meaning she lost more weight than any other female TOPS member in the entire state. Here is Marcia’s story in her own words.
Prior to signing up for TOPS I had tried several means of losing weight. While I had temporary and minimal success and I knew that I needed something more. I found that something more with my Tops 547 Chapter in Weeki Wachee, Florida. I knew this was the right time for me to get more serious as I began to have health challenges including high cholesterol, pre-diabetes and high blood pressure. Physically I had problems in simply sitting down and getting up, Plantar fasciitis, and knee pain all due to the weight I was carrying. I became determined to do what I could to not just avoid serious health problems but to improve my quality of health. Also, in believing that my body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, I knew I needed to take better care of it.
I am grateful that my family was supportive and encouraging to me during my weight loss journey. For me to change my eating habits I had to change my cooking habits and they went along with the program. Two of the main changes included removing fried foods and adding more vegetables to our diets. Together we embraced healthier eating.
Another thing I found beneficial was keeping a weekly food chart to plan and visualize what I was eating. The hardest habit for me to break was eating unlimited popcorn, chips, nuts and honestly it is still somewhat of a struggle. To help, I now make my own popcorn and other snacks with healthier ingredients and I bag up nuts and other snacks in order to limit the amount that I eat in one sitting. And sometimes I even ask my husband to hide certain snacks from me realizing it is still a challenge to maintain self-control at times. When you’re eating you don’t need to deny yourself completely, but don’t waste your calories, choose and treat yourself to your best yes.
I have held the position of our Chapter Secretary for several years and do not miss a meeting unless I have no other choice. When I am there I am more conscious about posting a loss or being out of leeway as I am sitting in front of everyone.
I am an avid exerciser. I try to do some form of exercise at least four or five days out of the week. It helps that I purchased a monthly pass through my insurance provider where I have the option to visit and participate in a variety of exercise facilities in my town.
And I have tried almost every form of exercise offered in my community such as spinning, Tabatha, water aerobics, Zumba, Kickboxing, cardio fit, various machines, aerobics etc.
I enjoy traveling with my husband and I usually find a facility to go to and participate in their exercise program to maintain consistency. I also believe simply walking in my neighborhood and opting to take the stairs over taking an elevator are very beneficial.
The new me definitely has a lot more endurance than the old me.
Some words of encouragement: you can do more than you think, so think beyond where you are now. Get the vision in your mind then let it flow to your body. Your mind, determination, and discipline will control your destination.
What motivates me is my family, my Tops members, and on occasion running into people who say “wow you’ve lost a lot of weight” before they even say hello. Again, I truly appreciate my Chapter 547 the Kop’s and Tops members, officers and leader Lorie Frazier. Our chapter has a positive climate in which our members are being encouraged and are encouraging to each other. While I’ve reached my goal, the race is not over and I will continue in this journey of health.
I have used the pronoun “I” through-out this writing but I have to say it is actually by and through Christ that I can do all things including losing weight. It is with his strength working in me that I have reached my goal.
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Find Your TOPS Chapter.
Visitors are welcome to attend their first TOPS® meeting free of charge. Membership is affordable at just $32 per year in the U.S. Go to tops.org to learn more.
Here are some Chapters in our area:
Gulf Ridge Park Baptist Church
(TOPS FL 0208)
20200 Manecke Rd Annex Building
Brooksville, FL 34601-1251
Thur: 5:45/6:30 PM (weigh in time/meeting time)
Max Scale Weight: 500
First Lutheran Church
(TOPS FL 0530)
30419 Park Ridge Dr Fellowship Hall
Brooksville, FL 34602-7537
Tues: 8:15/9:00 AM (weigh in time/meeting time)
Max Scale Weight: 350
Nativity Lutheran Church
(TOPS FL 0547)
6363 Commercial Way Friendship Rm
Weeki Wachee, FL 34613-6353
Fri: 8:45/9:45 AM (weigh in time/meeting time)
Max Scale Weight: 400
Nativity Lutheran Church
(TOPS FL 0461)
6363 Commercial Way Main Hall
Weeki Wachee, FL 34613-6353
Thur: 8:45/10:00 AM (weigh in time/meeting time)
Max Scale Weight: 350
Fellowship Community Church
(TOPS FL 0716)
11250 Spring Hill Dr
Spring Hill, FL 34609-4600
Fri: 9:00/10:00 AM (weigh in time/meeting time)
Max Scale Weight: 350
Grace Presbyterian Church
(TOPS FL 0746)
8375 Spring Hill Dr Bldg B
Spring Hill, FL 34608-6031
Wed: 8:30/9:00 AM (weigh in time/meeting time)
Max Scale Weight: 400
Forest Oaks Lutheran Church
(TOPS FL 0604)
8555 Forest Oaks Blvd Community Rm
Spring Hill, FL 34606-6849
Tues: 8:15/9:30 AM (weigh in time/meeting time)
Max Scale Weight: 400
For additional information about the above chapters reach out to:
Area Captain:
Joyce A Zimmer
[email protected]
Saint Petersburg, FL
(727) 395-0433
Coordinator:
Claudia E. Gray
[email protected]
Sarasota, FL
(941) 702-0459
In Citrus County:
Grace Bible Church
(TOPS FL 0692)
6382 W Green Acres St Fellowship Hall
Homosassa Springs, FL 34446-1855
Fri: 9:00/10:00 AM (weigh in time/meeting time)
Max Scale Weight: 450
Area Captain:
Sundra K. Fox
[email protected]
Dunnellon, FL
(352) 529-7863
Coordinator:
Tammy Walker
[email protected]
Winter Haven, FL
(863) 212-2062
