Healthy Eating

Joe & Johanna De Stafney

Joe and Johanna De Stafney have been married for 56 years, and throughout their union, they have practiced regular physical activity and healthy eating.  Joe, age 82, retired five years ago from General Motors after working there for 53 years, and is now taking care of over 40 steers on his farm.  Johanna, age 77, still works at HB DuPont Middle School as a cook.  Despite their busy schedules, they make it a point to walk everyday.    

When it comes to eating habits Johanna said, “Joe is smart about his food choices.  He is very adamant about watching his sugar intake.”  As for Johanna, she focuses on eating lots of fruits and vegetables.  Born with a genetic cholesterol problem, Johanna has been able to keep her cholesterol levels under control just by being careful about her food choices.    

The De Stafney’s have four children and eight grandchildren and feel good about setting a healthy example for their family.            

The De Stafney’s tips for success:

1. Whether young or old, it is still important to try to maintain a healthy lifestyle.  There is no age limit for good health.
2. Instead of going to the quick fixes or medicine, try to make changes in your lifestyle first.  It might seem tough at first, but in the long run it’s well worth it.  

Bridget Baldwin

After Bridget’s fourth child was born, she decided she wanted to try to become a distance runner.  She set a goal to run a half-marathon.  After training for five months and struggling, Bridget came to the conclusion that running would be a lot easier if she was lighter.  It was time for her to change her eating habits. 

Over a nine month period, Bridget worked on cutting out refined carbohydrates/sugar, snack foods and high-calorie beverages.  As a result, she lost close to 55 pounds.  Since her initial transformation she has been able to keep it off for an additional six months to this date.  Furthermore, since starting her routine she ran in her 1st half-marathon and competed in a body building show (1st in the Novice Division, 3rd overall). 

What keeps her motivated?  Bridget said, “Being able to see results is what really kept me going.”  She had finally reached a point where she thought to herself that for the first time in eight months I can actually get my pre-baby body back.  In addition, her husband was very supportive of her goals and kept her going when even she wanted to give up.         

Throughout all of this Bridget found her greatest challenge to be eating on the run.  “It’s hard to make healthy meals when I’m on-the-go all the time with the kids.  Eating well takes advanced planning and advanced work!” 

Bridget’s tips for success:

1. Make sure your goals are YOURS!  Do it for yourself and no one else.
2. Exercise should not be a chore to check of the to-do list.  Instead, make it all about you. 

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