Smarty Mom: Becky Ginn

By Rachel H

The new year always brings about new resolutions. Today’s Smarty Mom gave herself a resolution two years ago to become a healthier person. She did just that, and managed to lose 90 pounds throughout the course of the past two years. We thought she would be perfect to profile at the beginning of this new year. I hope her story will be an inspiration to you today.

Becky has lived in the Triad since she started at Wake Forest back in 1992. (With the exception of a short stint in Florida!) Becky and her husband, Adam, have three children; Kate, 10, Isabelle, almost 8, and Ava, 5. (Becky is on the far left in the photo above.)

She is a stay at home mom who volunteers her time at Brenner Children's Hospital, and also in her children’s schools. She is treasurer of the Whitaker PTA as well. Becky is one of the friendliest, kindest, most caring people you will ever meet. I am excited to let you get to know her more today …

We have highlighted Brenner Children’s Hospital on our site many times. They do so many wonderful things for families in need and also events in the community. Tell us more what type of volunteer work you do with the hospital.
I used to work for the Department of Pediatrics before I had children, and I loved working with kids. I am on the Speakers Bureau Committee, and we go around to various civic groups letting people know how Brenners helps out with so many things in our community.

How can others get involved with Brenners if they are interested in volunteering?
They can go to this website: http://www.brennerchildrens.org/FOB/, and sign up to be a Friend of Brenners.

What prompted you to start a healthier lifestyle for yourself?
I had my 3 children very close together, so I didn't devote much time to my health when they were really small. When my youngest daughter started going 5 days a week to preschool, I figured that would be the best time to get in shape. I was struggling to keep up with them, so I knew I needed to do something to get more energy.

Just losing five pounds is like climbing Mount Everest to me. How in the world were you able to lose 90 pounds and stick to it?
I didn't make it a goal to lose 90 pounds. My goal was to get fit, which made it a lot easier for me than setting a weight I wanted to achieve. I didn't have a set number in mind, so I didn't set myself up for failure. I actually didn't weigh myself while I was actively losing weight, because it wasn't about the number on the scale to me. I could tell my clothes were getting bigger, and I was getting wonderful feedback from other people.

Much of your weight loss can be attributed to a class you took a few times a week called Metabolic Effect. Where can readers find out more about M.E.?
Metabolic Effect, or ME, (www.metaboliceffect.com) is a 30-minute interval-based workout that really kickstarted my weight loss. I could barely move after my first class, but I have been doing it for over 2 years now, and it is wonderful. I keep telling myself I can do anything for 30 minutes!

What is your best advice for someone who is making a New Year’s Resolution to either lose weight, gain weight, or keep a healthier lifestyle?
I think you have to change slowly. I used to drink about 5 regular cokes a day, and I just started out by giving that up, and then I moved on to working out more, adding more veggies to my diet, etc. I think if you try to change everything at once, you are setting yourself up for failure because you are depriving yourself.

Now on to the easy questions …
What is your favorite activity to do with your children?
Play Wii, or play basketball, soccer, etc. with them outside. I also loved coaching Girls on the Run while my oldest daughter took it.

What is your favorite park in the Triad?
The Whitaker Elementary School playground!

The best birthday party you ever attended?
My 6th grade surprise party!

What is the funniest thing that one of your children has ever said to you?
Well, I was playing with my youngest daughter's hair one time, and I happened to say to her that she should never cut it, and she her eyes got really big and she said, "Don't look under my bed." (Of course I did, and found a bunch of her curls under there!!)

What is your favorite restaurant that you go to as a family?
Moe's

Favorite “Mommy Time” activity?
Going to movies with my girlfriends

Favorite place for a date night?
Milner's on Stratford Road in Winston-Salem

Favorite place to get a good deal on kids clothes?
Gazoodles in Winston has great sales, and their clothes are really high-quality, so I can hand them down to each of my daughters.

Favorite gadget or utensil for around the house?
Dustbuster

You could not live without?
My cell phone

I wish someone had told me sooner about …
Metabolic Effect!!

Becky, congratulations to you and all of your accomplishments! I also take the M.E. class at the YWCA and must admit that I actually like it! (And I do not like any form of exercise!) So for those of you out there wanting to try something new, M.E. just might be the class for you. Thanks for your inspiration and all your answers today, Becky!

Don't forget to register for our fabulous giveaway from Andrea Halsey Photography! Click here to learn more about her business and register.

We also have a bonus giveaway this week! You can win tickets to the Monster Jam on January 15th. Congratulations to today's winner, Carrie Pope! We will be contacting you with details.

To register for the Monster Jam giveaway, click here. Don't forget that you must be a newsletter subscriber in order to qualify for either giveaway. Good luck!

Posted by Triad Smarty Pants at 5:00 AM