TOPS members meet once a week to share information, encourage, motivate and support each other.
Durango’s Take Off Pond Sensitive (TOPS) member has lost nearly 76 pounds in 2022. From left: Cheryl Clay, Leslie Walsh, Thelma Shue, who has lost 53 pounds since joining the company, and Judy Baumgardner. (Garrett Jaros/Durango Herald)
Eating sweet, fatty foods is one of the ways the human brain evolved to facilitate the survival of the species. Eating when food is not available to balance when food is not available is also a survival mechanism. Nature can lead to overeating, illness and disability.
And support groups like TOPS can make all the difference for those looking to push back off the table and deal with the almost irresistible pull to sugar.
The Durango chapter of TOPS, which stands for “Take Off Pounds Sensively,” will meet Wednesday morning at the Durango La Plata County Senior Center. The meeting begins with a weighing of options, followed by a ‘lively’ discussion in which members share encouragement, strategies, success stories and difficulties faced in fighting the Bulge.
The latest conference, featuring guest speakers on motivation, began with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the recitation of the TOPS Pledge.
“I am an intelligent person. I control my emotions, but don’t let them control me. I remember every time I was tempted to use food to help – I lose weight wisely.
Ellen Fisher, who leads the group, individually greets the women in attendance, “We’re glad you’re here,” and someone responds, “Me too, better than staying home.” . Then, guest speaker Nicole Clarke, registered dietitian and nutritionist, begins by asking everyone to share why it’s important to be present at the conference.
“I need to get out,” said Bayfield’s Judy Baumgardner. “I don’t want to go anywhere, especially in winter, but I have to keep trying to lose weight.”
Baumgardner originally joined TOPS just to lose weight, but now says it’s about a healthier lifestyle, including eating healthier and exercising more. her biggest nemesis. This is the impression of all the participants.
“Losing weight isn’t easy,” she later added. “Maybe it’s because I can’t stick to a diet plan. I just want to think it’s healthier.”
TOPS members track their weight loss and report losing nearly 76 pounds in 2022.
Durango’s Leslie Walsh says attending meetings helps her focus and establish a routine. About 6 years ago she was exercising a lot but her weight wasn’t dropping, she was just adding her muscles.
“And I needed so much more to lose weight, reach my goals, and be healthier,” she said. People are very supportive and if you suddenly gain weight, the people here really encourage you.”
Accountability, long-term health, and group support to maintain weight loss round out the group’s motivations.
Clark then shared motivational extrinsic and intrinsic rewards. Going down a pant size is an exogenous example, but digging deeper into the “why” that motivates you to change unhealthy habits is an intrinsic example that tends to lead to longer lasting positive outcomes. I have.
Clark asked the group to think about what was most important to them and set achievable, specific, and measurable goals.
“There is nothing worse than setting yourself a goal that is too hard and setting yourself up for failure,” she said.
Anyone can participate in TOPS. For more information, please contact Ellen Fisher at 749-2799.
gjaros@durangoherald.com