After Ida Shapiro’s children were born she went from a size 12 to 18. Through diet pills, Shapiro would lose 35 pounds, but struggled to keep it off indefinitely. Shapiro’s weight fluctuated; for more than a decade it was at a constant ebb and flow.

At a time when weight-loss was not the focus of infinite reality shows, commercials and restaurant offerings, Shapiro joined a weight-control class, embarking on a 360-degree turnaround, getting down to her goal weight and completely changing her lifestyle, a lifestyle that allowed her to maintain the numbers on the scale.

“I have a positive attitude and accepted that I needed to make changes in my lifestyle by eating healthy and exercising at least five time a week,” said Shapiro.

To motivate others and provide unwavering support, Shapiro created a program called Ideal Weight where she lectures to promote healthy and permanent weight loss by making lifestyle changes. There are weekly meetings where members weigh in and balanced and nutritional menus are discussed and moderate exercise is engrained in each member. Shapiro talks about behavior modification, how to handle distractions of a lot of food everywhere, how to entertain and have healthy food, which foods are better in nutrition, and to nutritionally analyze the foods that you eat.

Her classes run in three locations;
In addition, Shapiro calls her members to help them stay on track, or sends them notes. Supporting each and every one of them is important to her.

“I have a personal rapport with my members and the support they give each other is infectious,” said Shapiro. “Everybody wants to be thin yesterday, that’s not going to happen. We need to first change the way we view food and to reach out for healthier alternatives. If we deviate from our goals we have to learn to balance them the very next day. Walking and exercising are very important.”

Shapiro has been providing this type of support and service for 44 years. Shapiro advises that the sun is her greatest motivator, rejuvenating us. Since now is the time that barbeques and picnics commence, remember to ear something before you go. Shapiro also states that grazing, meaning four to six small meals a day, are more beneficial than three big meals a day.

“Research shows exercising raises endorphins, which makes us feel better and healthier, not only physically, but psychologically, but you have to work at it,” said Shapiro. “Don’t get down on yourself. By attending my meetings I tell my members that healthy eating habits are engrained in them for a lifetime.”

For more information, contact Shapiro at 636-3698.

---

Tell Us what You Think: