“How Julie Lost 12 Pounds, 8 Inches, and Found Joy Again at Age 61”
Finally Loving Myself By Julie McPherron (“Healthy Julie”)
The Moment Everything Changed
Hi, my name is Julie McPherron, AKA “Healthy Julie.”
I cannot begin to express how much participating in this year’s Super Fast Summer Slim Down Challenge has meant to me, but I am going to give it my best shot.
After the very first kickoff meeting with Donna, I literally sat and cried as I was logging off my computer. I cried tears of frustration for all the years of my life that I had been disappointed in myself and my appearance. I realized how much of my life I had wasted by not fully enjoying special moments because I was always so wrapped up in how I looked versus how I thought I should look.
I also cried tears of relief because, for the first time, I felt like I was finally doing something that would help me break the vicious negative cycle I had been living since I was 15 years old.
What a tragedy to only now realize this at age 61. But at the same time, what an amazing gift to finally reach a place where I am free from the guilt, body-shaming, and negative self-talk and can live out the remainder of my life happy, relaxed, and fully enjoying every moment of my remaining precious time on this earth.
A few days after the kickoff meeting, Donna posted a quote that perfectly captured how I was feeling. That is when I knew, without a doubt, that I was exactly where I needed to be.
A Lifetime of Struggling with Self-Image
Growing up, I was a late bloomer and always tall and gangly as a teenager. All my girlfriends in high school were petite little things, and I towered over them, feeling huge in comparison.
As my family has been going through old photos over the past couple of years, I came across pictures of my high school self and was shocked to see how thin I actually was.
Isn’t it sad that I always felt fat?
I never really saw myself as attractive, and I never felt comfortable in my own skin. That began an unending cycle of dieting and exercise that nearly drove me crazy. At times, I would simply give up and allow my weight to balloon to a very unhealthy level.
I managed to gain enough self-confidence to finish graduate school and build a successful career as a teacher, principal, and school district leader. I truly loved my career and was proud of all I had accomplished educationally and professionally, but I was still never satisfied or happy with myself personally.
I had resigned myself to the fact that I would always struggle with my weight and self-image. It simply became part of who I was. I hid it well from others, but it was always there.
Thankfully, I heard about the 20/30 Fast Track Program in our community and decided to join.
Finding Hope Through 20/30 Fast Track
My husband and I completed the 20/30 Fast Track Program in July 2025. I lost 20 pounds, felt much better physically, and slowly began feeling better about myself. I started to relax and enjoy life a little more than I had before.
I then moved into the Listen to Your Body phase, attending weekly meetings and adding new foods one at a time to see how my body responded. I was faithful in attending the meetings and completing my food logs, but I also started slipping back into some of my old habits.
Although I managed to keep the original weight off, I found myself losing and gaining the same five pounds over and over again. I was getting frustrated and could feel myself beginning to give up.
I was desperate to maintain what I had lost, and then I heard about the Super Fast Summer Slim Down Challenge.
What a gift.
Fully Committing to SFSSD
I launched wholeheartedly into the experience. I thoroughly loved the master classes with Donna and the weekly check-ins. I learned valuable information about recognizing my triggers and how to overcome them.
I also learned to be grateful for my body and all it has carried me through during 61 years of a beautiful life.
I learned some of the science behind the food noise that had always been in my head and discovered practical ways to combat it. I learned what true hunger looks like and how to quiet my body when it thinks it is hungry.
I dug deep to uncover my “why,” and I began working on my vision board, which is still a work in progress.
I enjoyed logging into the private Facebook group every day to interact with other participants, share posts, gain motivation, and discover fabulous recipe ideas. Everyone in the group brought a unique perspective to a common goal, and that is what made this community so special. We supported and learned from one another.
Physical Results That Changed My Life
As we came to the end of the challenge, I reflected on what had changed in my body, my life, and my attitude over the previous three weeks.
The physical wins are the easiest to explain.
In addition to losing 12 pounds, 8 inches, and 0.9% body fat, my inflammation disappeared, along with my joint aches and pains. I am sleeping soundly through the night and waking up refreshed and ready for the day, often before my alarm.
I am no longer suffering from debilitating exhaustion, and I have developed a renewed appreciation for exercise, including strength training to help maintain muscle mass.
I now view exercise as something I get to do rather than something I should do, and I recognize how it positively impacts every area of my life.
Before SFSSD, I frequently suffered from headaches caused by stress and eating the wrong foods. About halfway through the program, it dawned on me that I had not experienced a single headache the entire time.
I had been relying on Excedrin to manage those headaches and was concerned about the long-term effects it could have on my liver. I am thrilled to report that I have not needed to take any medication since beginning the program.
An unexpected bonus has been increased confidence and the fact that not being exhausted all the time has led to a renewed sense of intimacy with my husband, who is certainly enjoying these benefits as well.
The Mental and Emotional Transformation
The mental improvements are harder to explain, but what I notice most is a sense of pride in myself, a newfound joy for life, and a commitment to truly enjoying every moment.
One of Donna’s favorite sayings is, “What we focus on expands,” and I have found that to be absolutely true.
If asked, I would have said I was naturally a bit pessimistic and a worrier at heart. That is no longer who I choose to be.
Today, I choose joy. I choose gratitude. I choose appreciation for this wonderful life I have created.
God has been so good to me, so why would I ever want to second-guess these many blessings?
My focus is on LIFE.
Looking Ahead With Confidence
With both of my parents still living at ages 85 and 91, longevity is on my side, Lord willing. As I help them navigate aging and all that comes with it, I have seen both the best and worst of our healthcare system, care facilities, home healthcare, and hospice.
Because of those experiences, I am determined to maintain a healthy lifestyle for as long as I live so I can remain physically capable, mentally strong, and able to care for myself in my later years.
I love what I have learned on this journey and look forward to continuing this wonderful work in progress. I am also excited to share what I have learned with others so they can experience these benefits as well.
I know my story doesn’t end here, and I can’t wait to discover what comes next.
Thank you so much for this amazing opportunity and for helping me create a much-improved life.
