One Year Later: An Update On Oprah and 8 Women's Weight Loss
For one year, these eight determined women—and Oprah!—ate better, moved more, stressed less and made their health priority number one. Here's what it was like, and how they look and feel today.
Interviews by Molly Simms
Photos: Before: Ruven Afanador. After: Ben Baker
6 of 9
Caroline "Cookie" Minick Mason
Then: 194 lbs.
Now: 170 lbs.
When the weight loss challenge started, I said I wanted to be "fit and fabulous." Check and check! I'm now taking a much healthier approach to my weight as well as to my time, and I'm making self-care a bigger priority. I'm happy to report that I do feel stronger and fitter—I feel like I'm setting a good example for my kids.
Now, in terms of my weight, I'm not yet where I want to be, but I'm happy with how far I've come. The lifestyle changes I could make 15 years ago to instantly drop pounds just don't work the same at 50. Fortunately, my age also brings perspective: I'm able to look at the whole picture and give myself a break.
I think I'm a realistic representation of most women—our weight goes up and down, and it's very hard to get rid of those last ten pounds. Do I still plan to try? Of course. I'm only partway through this journey, and I'm learning to accept myself and my progress a little more each day.
HER STRATEGY
Eat Your Veggies
We do Meatless Mondays at home as a family to help our kids pick up healthier habits: My baked sweet-potato casserole is a crowd favorite.
Call In the Pros
Personal trainers can be expensive, but mine keep me accountable. They'll text daily: "Cookie, when can you come in?" That helps me stay on track.
Stash Snacks
Since I'm always in the car, I keep it stocked with healthy snacks to stop me from going into the fast food drive-through.
From the
April 2017 issue of
O, The Oprah Magazine
