If the print is too small to read... I will write it out here:
Eydie Garcelon has lost more than 100 pounds in a year and is feeling great.
She is also making an effort to have a healthy family that's excited about eating well and exercising for fun.
Eydie had gastric bypass surgery just over a year ago. She had numerous health issues, including diabetes, and wanted to make a change.
"It's not just the weight loss but the road that this has taken me down," she said.
She has made her weight loss goal and now weighs 155 pounds. Eydie said she now feels healthier than she ever has, and wants to share it with others.
She has gone back to school to study medical nutrition at the University of North Dakota.
"I want to be able to help others lose weight and keep it off and live healthier lives," she said.
Eydie and her family have made an effort to eat healthier foods and exercise regularly.
The family is participating in the Power Up program offered through Community Education. Eydie, along with her husband Neal, and children, Shelby and Ben, are all on board.
"It takes some planning to make sure we're eating healthy foods," Eydie said. "I also carry stuff with me."
Her bag is filled with fresh fruit, salads, nuts and other snacks for her and the kids so they aren't tempted to stop for fast food.
"I'm proud that I haven't gone back to drinking pop," Eydie said. "That was tough at first."
At the house, the Garcelon's don't have chips or pop and instead have "real" food on hand.
"It's just different choices, a different way of thinking, " she said.
Many evenings during the week Eydie is at Century School with her children as they participate in wrestling, 8th hour and basketball.
"Sometimes we're here 'til 8 at night so I make sure I pack healthy food for the kids and I to eat," she said.
While the kids participate in activities Eydie takes advantage of the open hallways at Century. She walks the hallways on a regular basis for exercise.
"I feel fabulous. When I first started walking I couldn't do a full lap. Now I can go nine loops, three miles," she said.
She has also joined a fitness club in town and uses the treadmill and bicycle and works on toning, strength training and resistance.
Eydie has come a long way since she began her exercise journey.
"I started with leg lifts while laying on the bed," she said. "I could only do five."
She encourages others to walk the hallways at Century.
"It's dry and warm in the winter and cool in the summer," she said.
For more information on when the hallways are available for walking contact Community Education at 218-237-6600.
Eydie hopes to encourage others by offering guidance. After completing her education she would like to help at the clinic and hospital with pre-operation patients and maybe work with kids and teach them healthy eating habits.
She offers these words of advice for anyone wanting to eat an extra slice of pizza or bowl of ice cream: "Nothing tastes as good as being healthy feels."
