One woman is sharing her success story of turning her health around for the better. It was just four years ago that Michele Rice-Nelson found herself bogged down from caring for her mom full time, who was in the late stages of Alzheimer’s, while also being a mother to a then-6-year-old son, along with having three older kids.
Michele had chronic pain from a degenerative spine disease that ended up forcing her to retire. As overwhelmed as she was, she turned to unhealthy eating habits to cope.
The mother would eat boxes of Pop Chips, tins of cheese straws, and bags of Skinny Pop popcorn late at night after getting her mother and son to bed. “That was my way to cope and my escape,” she explained. “I didn’t have time for myself.”
Eventually, Michelle had gained 80 pounds, putting her at 271 pounds. Because of the gained weight, her spine condition became more aggravated. She was left reliant on a cane or wheelchair.
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Not too long after that lifestyle change, she found out that she was pre-diabetic. Her parents both were diabetics, and her father had lost his legs, vision, and then his life to the disease.
Michelle knew she needed to make a change. In August 2022, she joined Nutrisystem. With its meal plan, everything was laid out for her. "I didn’t have time to think," she shared.
Along with the Nutrisystem diet, she began taking daily walks with her dog, surpassing 7,000 steps on a typical day. Now, she has lost close to 100 pounds.
Michelle no longer has to rely on a cane or a wheelchair. She can live her life on her feet.
In 2023, her mother passed away at 91 years old. Michelle opened up about feeling like she was in a better place to mourn the loss.
“Even in my grief, I can feel joy,” she said. “Things aren’t weighing me down. Once you take care of yourself, everything else will fall into place.”
*Disclaimer: The advice on LittleThings.com is not a substitute for consultation with a medical professional or treatment for a specific condition. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem without consulting a qualified professional. Please contact your health-care provider with questions and concerns.
