Turning 50 prompts Nutrition Services clerk to drop 50-plus pounds
Alissia Pickens was staring down her 50th birthday when she made the decision to lose some weight in 2015. “I always told myself that I wanted to be fit at 50,” said the student eligibility clerk with HISD’s Nutrition Services department. “And I knew I would be turning 50 in early 2016.”
So Pickens took the HISD 4 for $40 weight-loss challenge last year and ended up dropping more than 50 pounds as a result. And she’s not done yet.
We sat down with her recently to discuss how she did it, the most challenging aspect of her journey, and what advice she would give to other employees thinking about losing weight. Below is an excerpt from that conversation.
Q: Let’s start with how much you’ve lost. How many pounds have you shed so far?
A: I’ve lost 53 pounds and am working hard to lose 50 more.
Q: When did you first to start to see results? How long did it take you to reach your current weight?
A: It took me five months to lose 50 pounds, and 10 months to reach my current weight.
Q: What was the most important change you made to bring about the weight loss?
A: Giving up drinking Cokes and eating out every day.
Q: What is a typical meal for you now?
A: I eat oatmeal and a banana or some type of fruit every morning. At lunch, I eat a chicken salad, and for dinner, I eat whatever I want to, but in small portions.
Q: Are you doing any exercise?
A: I walk five miles, four or five days a week, and work out at the gym. I rotate four or five times a week between cardio exercises (treadmill for 30 minutes and elliptical for 15 minutes), and a full-body workout (hitting several weight machines for an hour and a half).
Q: What has been the most challenging aspect of your weight-loss journey?
A: Working full time and going to school to get my MBA full time. I gained some of the weight back while trying to accomplish my other goals.
Q: How has your life changed now that you have lost weight?
A: It helped me acknowledge that I can attain goals I set for myself. Anything is possible if you put in hard work.
Q: Have you been able to maintain your weight loss, and if so, how?
A: I have maintained the weight loss for five months now and the most important factor for keeping the weight off is exercising three to five days a week and watching what I am eating on a daily basis. Also, I drink plenty of water instead of the soda, juices, and other sweet drinks.
Q: What keeps you motivated?
A: I will be turning 50 in February. I want to be fit at 50 and see my four grandchildren grow up.
Q: Do you have any advice for others who are trying to lose weight?
A: Start walking — two, three, even five miles a day. I started seeing a difference when I would walk seven days a week. After each walk, it made me want to go further and further. But don’t do it unless you are truly committed, because this is a lifestyle change and it takes dedication. If you are not willing to dedicate the time and the energy to it, you will not see any results.
You can read more about previous years’ “biggest losers” here and here.
All I can say is WOW!
Thank you.
Thank you everyone for all of the heartening comments. I did not think this article was going to be seen at this magnitude. I was tired of being overweight while running around with my grandchildren. The money was inspiring too. You can do it just get up and walk. I know we are busy with our families, but when do you say I am doing this for me and my health. Now is the time to get up and start being more conscious about our health and the health of our families. We have to break the cycle of being overweight we all can do it. “It’s nothing to it, but to do it.”
Thanks for the inspiration! I am going to make some changes and loose some weight also!!!!!
Oops! *lose
I’m new to the district, What is 4 for $40?
Brenda,
The 4 for $40 challenge was a district-wide weight-loss challenge HISD did. We will have different challenges this year. Visit hisdbenefits.org and look for more info from our wellness partner, Viverae, in the next few months.
Good afternoon guys i’m on amisin to lose 60 to 70 pounds from now until im walking everyday before i come to work during my lunch and after school so lets get healty for ourseleves.A student ask me while walking this morning Ms.why are you doing this you look great so i told that child that i’m trying to get healthy so i can serve you everyday and they said well keep up the good work and we care for you and your health so i’m making it my mission to eat right.lets do this together hisd.
Thank you.
Wow. This is huge…no pun intended. I admire your dedication and commitment. I wish you all the best. Keep going.
Thank you.
You look fabulous! Keep it up.
Thank you.
You go girl! Thank you for the inspiration and motivation!
Thank you.
Your story is inspiring. Working full time, getting your grad degree and getting healthy! It just goes to show that there are no excuses as long as you want it badly enough! Kuddos to you. Keep up the great work.
Thank you.
I’m so proud of you!
Thank you.
Great job! You have truly inspired me to stay on the path of eating more salads and veggies.
Thank you.
Alissia, I am so proud of you! you did it!!
you look incredible! Keep up the good work! I miss you guys
Thank you.
Awesome congrats!!! Keep up the good work.
Thank you.
You look amazing! Great Work!
Thank you.
Way to go! You’re an inspiration to many, continued blessings.
Phenomenal! Fantastic job…
Way to Rock and Roll!!!!!!! you did it!!!!!! Fabulous at turning Fifty!!!!!!!
WOW! Congrats!!!!!
Alissia,
Good Job you look great Happy Birthday!!
Amazing!!! Thank you for being an example we all can follow.
You are welcome and Thank you.
Thank you everyone for all of the heartening comments. I did not think this article was going to be seen at this magnitude. I was tired of being overweight while running around with my grandchildren. The money was inspiring too. You can do it just get up and walk. I know we are busy with our families, but when do you say I am doing this for me and my health. Now is the time to get up and start being more conscious about our health and the health of our families. We have to break the cycle of being overweight we all can do it. “It’s nothing to it, but to do it.” Also, your local community centers have exercise classes.
You are an inspiration. Keep up the good work.
You are The Bigest Winner!
You are a true inspiration! you look great….keep up the good work!
You look really good, and are now someone I can look up to for inspiration. Thank you for setting your goals and speaking out to give inspiration to everyone else. Keep up the good work. I too gained weight during college, and I am 48 teaching SPED class with the district. I too want to be fit at 50 and I have 2 years to do it in. You are my mentor and hero. Thank you so much!!!!
You are welcome. Good Luck!
Just walk.
You are an inspiration!
Thank you!
You are truly an inspiration! You look fabulous!!!
Thank you!
Congratulations on your 53 pound weight loss!! I’m INSPIRED!
Way to GO!!! I am totally inspired even more after hearing your story. Congratulations!!
Thank you!