Amanda and Jason Robinson have been married for over 22 years, and they have one daughter in college. Amanda says she first started her journey to a healthier lifestyle about 12 years ago, when she says she started seeing her unhealthy habits in their daughter. But they really started seriously changing their lifestyles when their daughter was in the 10th grade and Jason survived a heart attack. Amanda says she and Jason both have family history of heart problems, so she really felt like it was time to start eating healthier and exercising.
When their daughter went to college, Amanda and Jason became empty-nesters, allowing more time for exercise and meal-planning. They both exercise regularly at the Jefferson Regional Wellness Centers, to which they attribute their enjoyment of exercise. Amanda’s exercise of choice is running and she attends classes when she can at the Wellness Centers, while Jason’s is on the exercise machines and weight training.
They agree that the key is being consistent, both with making healthy food choices and being diligent about exercising. Amanda says, “Don’t make excuses. Plan ahead. If you’re going out to dinner, look at the menu before and find what is a good option so that you can’t make an excuse when you get there to eat an unhealthy choice.”
Amanda and Jason also try to have fun with their new lifestyle so they don’t feel like they’re dieting. They take turns cooking meals, and Jason makes homemade pizza once a week with light sauce and cauliflower crust. They have made conscious efforts to evaluate nutrition content of the foods they eat, such as switching from white rice and pasta to cauliflower rice and spaghetti squash. They have also cut down on their portions, and Amanda did intermittent fasting.
Together, Amanda and Jason have lost over 80 pounds. They are continuing their healthy lifestyle not just to see results on the scale, but to feel stronger mentally and physically, and to become more heart-healthy.
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