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Shrinkdown participants see results

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman John Gordinier
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  The Sumter-Shaw Shrinkdown is a free 10-week weight-loss program that gives healthy living, exercise information and support to participants.

More than 80 Shaw members have participated in the program so far, said Adrienne Brantley, 20th Aeromedical-Dental Squadron health education program manager. Three of the 80 participants are already starting to notice some changes since the Jan. 8 kickoff.

Ms. Dianne Coleman, 20th Services Squadron computer assistant, says she has already lost 2 pounds by walking 1.5 miles every day and eating fewer carbohydrates. She has also noticed other changes as well.

"I have noticed that my clothes fit me a little better and that makes me feel good about myself," Ms. Coleman said. "I also feel more alert and I sleep better. I think this can be contributed to a lot of things, but a healthier lifestyle is definitely at the top of the list."

Ms. Coleman's weight-loss goal is 10 to 20 pounds by the end of the Shrinkdown on March 17.

Another participant, Mr. Tracey Pierce, has lost 2 pounds as well by exercising and eating healthy.

Mr. Pierce, who's the Shaw commissary store director, said he reads the labels on the food products while at work, which allows him to choose low-fat and low-calorie foods.

"The key for me is eating often, but eating smaller portions," Mr. Pierce said.

Mr. Pierce said his diet plan consists of the following:


- One breakfast bar and one low fat yogurt in the morning

- One fruit snack before lunch

- Turkey wrap for lunch

- One fruit snack before dinner

- One small dinner salad with low-fat dressing, 3 ounces of meat or 5 ounces of fish and one fruit snack for dinner

"My wife helps me by weighing my meat or fish portions," Mr. Pierce said. "It really helps when your significant other supports what you're trying to do."

Mr. Pierce said he isn't very happy with the results thus far, but he said he really can't complain because he has lost 35 pounds in the last eight months. He is trying to lose 10 to 16 more pounds by the end of the Shrinkdown.

Master Sgt. Gena Harris, 20th Component Maintenance Squadron engine test facility section chief, has lost 4 pounds in the last two weeks by attending aerobics classes three times a week, cutting calories and drinking lots of water.

When asked how she felt about her results since the Shrinkdown kickoff, she said she was not happy because she is behind on her goal, but she feels that she might have taken on too much because she also quite smoking 22 days ago.

"I think quitting smoking might have slowed down my weight loss," she said. "My ultimate goal is to lose 30 pounds and even though I am not on target, I'd rather do this slow and sensible than rush into it and gain it all back. The 30 pounds don't have to come off during the Shrinkdown."

"The Sumter-Shaw Shrinkdown is really helping me with weight loss," Mr. Pierce said. "Weighing in every Friday gives me the drive to lose weight. Plus, the information the health and wellness center hands out is really good and it keeps me focused."

Anyone who wants to participate in the Shrinkdown can still register at the HAWC, Ms. Brantley said.