Paulette Szalay, age 60, has dealt with dieting her entire life, but the real shift came when she realized what was at stake for her health. It wasn’t just about looking good—the feeling of being weighed down was dragging her down in every aspect of her life.
As she recounted, the breaking point arrived on Easter Sunday 2022. At nearly 260 pounds, she was struggling to climb the stairs in her job as an educator—resorting to taking the elevator instead.
Her weight had led to serious health concerns, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and persistent acid reflux, along with swollen legs and thyroid issues.
Paulette had internalized a belief that losing weight post-menopause was futile; as she stated, “I felt depressed, disconnected from society, and constantly judged by those around me.”
That Easter marked a change on a family trip to Juno Beach, Florida. She sat at the beach covered up, soaking with sweat while others enjoyed the ocean. In that moment of reflection, she spotted an older woman rocking a bikini and thought, “If she can do it, why can’t I?” It was a powerful awakening for her.
During Easter dinner later the same day, Paulette made a bold choice—gobbling down grilled salmon and veggies, much to her Italian family’s surprise. “I told them, ‘This is the first day of the rest of my life!’” she recalled.
From that moment forward, she has stuck with her plan. In nearly three years, she managed to shed an incredible 133 pounds!
Her health has drastically improved; no longer does she require medication for blood pressure and cholesterol, her acid reflux has disappeared, and her thyroid medication usage has been cut.
When she started this journey, her size was 24, but now she proudly fits into size 6. A serendipitous introduction led to modeling and acting gigs she never envisioned before her weight loss. She’s even graced the cover of Women’s World and is building an audience on Instagram.
This summer was a milestone for her. She rocked a bikini for the first time after three years dedicated to her health journey.
After coming back from Florida, Paulette explored gyms in her area and found the no-judgment vibe of Planet Fitness was just what she needed. Initially intimidated and feeling self-conscious, she found reassurance the first day she walked in.
“When I stepped onto the treadmill, I had to ask the staff how everything worked,” she said. “That first workout, I was only able to do five minutes and was already out of breath!”
Fast forward to today—now she powers through workout sessions lasting two hours or more multiple times a week. Her routine kicks off with at least thirty minutes of cardio followed by strength and conditioning exercises.
While many prefer mornings for workouts, Paulette enjoys the peace of evening workouts: “I find it helps me unwind after a busy day, allowing me to have a restful night,” she shared.
In 2022, Pauline collaborated with a nutritionist to maintain her energy levels, crafting a meal plan centered on about 1,200 calories daily and focusing heavily on protein and reduced carbs.
“He helped me sift through which foods to eliminate and which to gradually reintroduce into my diet,” she explained. Once a staple, pasta has seen a shift from the main dish to a smaller side complement.
She replaced frying with healthier cooking methods like grilling or using an air fryer. Smaller meals spread out throughout the day keep her energy steady. Here’s what her typical day looks like:
- Breakfast: A nutrient-packed shake with peanut butter and a mix of vitamins and supplements.
- Mid-morning snack: A handful of almonds.
- Lunch: A fresh salad loaded with fish.
- Afternoon snack: A treat of yogurt or fruit.
- Dinner: Grilled chicken flooding her plate with veggies and perhaps a small portion of sweet or regular baked potato, particularly on gym days.
She admits, “This plan keeps me satisfied! I’ve felt great over these last three years.”
Adapting to Challenges and Boosting Motivation
During the first week of her journey, Paulette shed 10 pounds, which she quickly realized was unsustainable. Battling through plateaus, she adjusted her workouts and meal times. Interestingly, reintroducing select carbs revved up her metabolism.
Midway through her transformation, she encountered a serious health incident—an ocular stroke resulting in temporary loss of vision. Fortunately, her sight returned 24 hours later. She was informed that her healthy changes had aided in cell regeneration, preventing future strokes.
The Role of Support in Her Journey
Paulette now weighs herself each week as part of a routine entangled with a supportive group chat with family and friends. This system offered genuine encouragement as she shared her weight loss victories. “Seeing hearts and encouragement from loved ones made a huge difference,” she shared.
With each pound shed, Paulette’s faith in herself flourished. “Having that support made it easier to believe in myself too,” she expressed. “I wake up now asking, ‘What can I accomplish today? Where does my drive lead me?’”
Ultimately, her goal is to inspire other women like that one lady on the beach inspired her.
This piece originally appeared on TODAY.com
