BC News

For the health of it
Release Date: Jan. 7, 2010

This past summer, Robin Van Ness was camping in the Adirondacks with her 11-year-old daughter Jess. What used to be the norm in trucking down to the lake via an uneven mountain path became impossible for her body. It was at that point that Robin, the kitchen cook and supervisor at Bethlehem Central Middle School, realized that she had to make some changes in her life.

"This is for my health ... and for Jess," said Robin about her endeavor to lose weight, eat healthy and become more active. Since that light bulb went on this summer, Robin has lost over 40 pounds and continues in her quest to lose a total of 100.

There have been two main components to Robin’s success and many resulting benefits. On the exercise front, she walks at least a mile in the morning and another mile or mile and a half in the evening. In good weather she is out on the middle school track prior to beginning her work day at 6:30 am. Robin also takes advantage of a brief break during the work day to walk the school hallways. By now, she has company as other employees have fallen in step with her!

"In the beginning it took me 45 minutes to complete a mile," she said. "Now I am at 23 minutes per mile and have a goal of getting it down to 17 minutes!"

Nutrition is the other obvious target for healthy living, and Robin concentrates on protein (avoiding an overabundance of red meat) and vegetables. She has eliminated pasta and bread for the most part and uses pre-packaged snacks (100 calories per pack) to help with nutrition during the course of the day.

Robin has enjoyed the opportunity to go clothes shopping to fit her newer frame as well as realizing that her nails are healthier and stronger -- as is her entire body! She looks good, feels great, and knows that this is making a difference in her life. Way to go, Robin!