Gaye Woods and daughters Rachel (19), Mya (8), and Taylor (17)
Gaye Woods, 45, is a research faculty member with the University of Colorado Cancer Center and the owner of Colorado Fitness and Wellness, a health company focused on reducing obesity and associated risks for chronic disease. She has battled weight throughout her life–once weighing in at 220 pounds– and decided that she didn’t want her three daughters–Rachel, 20; Taylor, 18; and Mya, 9–to have the same struggles.
Now a trim 155 pounds, Woods has gotten creative with healthy eating and living. A few of her mantras: Always eat breakfast. No soda or candy in the house (her girls drink water or 100 percent juice). Every meal and every snack must contains a protein and a carb (ie, almonds in yogurt; apples with peanut butter). Puree away! (to add veggies to stews and spaghetti sauce). Exercise together (the entire family will drive to Red Rocks, a nature reserve near her house, and work out in unison).
Fitsmi was able to catch Gaye on the run for some more of her tips:
What’s the top food-related change you made in your house?
No soda and cutting processed food; opting instead for real food.
What was your biggest challenge?
Keeping my commitment to freshly made food when convenience foods beckon with every turn. Convenience foods are part of the reason why America’s health is declining.
How did you overcome it?
Preparation. I keep healthy snacks in the car and available at home. When our schedules are packed with after-school events -– homework, dance lessons, etc., I’m prepared for the “Mommy, I’m hungry.” And I’m able to avoid the fast-food drive-thru.
How can other moms make changes?
Aim for a few things that you can really accomplish. Simple changes – increasing fruit and veggie servings, cutting juices with water, reducing soda, reducing television and computer time – really do add up!
What’s your favorite healthy recipe?
Macaroni and cheese (that I sneak in a few pureed veggies in). It’s a family favorite.
What do you wish someone had told you about healthy eating?
Eating breakfast is one of the most important meals. It starts the metabolism process for the day. For years, I would run out the door and not eat until lunch, if then. As a result, I was preparing my body to store fat.
What else would you like to change in your own life or your family’s?
I would like to reduce my (and my family’s) technology time (hours of cell phone, ipod, computer, etc.) per day. I think that it would reduce all of our stress levels.
What was the most important way you helped your daughter with her weight issues?
I worked out with her! We spent time together and challenged each other. Our bond has deepened with this weekly workout. Time is the best gift we can give our children.
Read more about Gaye’s story and other remarkable Moms’ at Be Well: Messages From Moms on Living Healthier Lives. And check out this video of Gaye sharing her experience. She’s an incredible lady!
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Attention Moms: Has your teen lost weight? Have you engineered a nutrition or health makeover in your family? We’d love to interview you! Drop us a line at fitsmiformoms@fitsmi.com.
