Alison Salvucci
I have always been self conscious about my weight. I was never skinny and that is okay. I just wanted to be comfortable. After gaining 46 lbs with my now 8 year old, I struggled with losing the weight. I lost some of it, then gained it back with my second. I just couldn’t get the weight down. I competed in the biggest loser at the school where I teach. I would get down about 15 lbs and then it would slowly creep back on when the competition was over. My husband kept telling me that he could help me, but I guess I just wasn’t ready for what I needed to do to get where I wanted to be. For me, I needed motivation. I HAD TO WANT IT!!
I have always been very competitive. I have been playing soccer my whole life. After playing in college, I went on to play in a women’s league, playing in and around Boston in the Spring, Summer, and Fall. I have been active! This past September, I met Angelica Tinio Vlahos and began playing indoor soccer with her too. As she kept shedding the pounds, my interest was peaked, but I never actually thought that I would sign up to do THE CHALLENGE.
Shortly before the Winter Challenge began, I saw posts on facebook that Angelica was tagged in. Of course, they were of her accomplishments in the Fall Challenge. I called Angelica up to get some more information. She was so excited to talk to me about joining! I started to cry. Something just clicked with me. I knew that I HAD to do this for ME!!! I needed to do this for my family. I needed to lose weight, feel good about myself, and just be healthy. The crazy part was that I was so nervous about the food. I know that I am generally athletic, although overweight. I wasn’t worried about the work out, I was worried about the food. I am not a huge veggie person, but fine with protein. The funny thing is that the food wasn’t a problem at all.
So, after a week or two into the Challenge, I had severe knee pain and swelling that lasted much longer than it was welcomed! This brought my workouts to a halt. I tried to modify working out, but that just didn’t work. I had a major meltdown. For the first time in my life I was taking control of my life and now I felt like I wasn’t in control. I was so angry. But, I just stuck to the food religiously!! And, the weight kept on coming off WITHOUT working out!! I started to feel like I CAN do this. I am now protrayed as the poster child for the food… 80% food, 20% exercise. And, I went on to win the Winter Challenge, losing 31 pounds in 12 weeks!!
I was on the fence about doing the challenge again because I knew I had the food part down. I do not have the okay to ‘workout’ yet from my doctor. After much thought, I decided I NEED this. I need the constant support and motivation from Bonnie Lefrak, Lydia Deranian-george, and the rest of my TEAM. It feels like a family, everyone is there to support each other.
I signed up for the Spring Challenge. I want to lose at least 25 more pounds. I am determined. I am going to STAY IN CONTROL OF MY LIFE!!!!
