RUMFORD — When Theresa Arsenault saw a photo of herself from last December on her Facebook page, it made her appreciate how much work she did to reach her weight-loss goals and be healthy.

Last April, she won the Biggest Loser weight-loss challenge held by the Greater Rumford Community Center, losing 23 percent of her body weight, or 44 pounds.

“Oh, my gosh, I really did come a long way,” she said when she saw the photo.

In the past, she had lost weight and regained it, but after winning the GRCC’s challenge and knowing how much work it took to achieve her goals, she feels she has the resolve not to regain that weight.

“I didn’t put all that work in to let (the weight) come back on, and plus I feel so much better,” she said.

Now when she eats food that isn’t good for her, she doesn’t feel well.

During the weight-loss challenge, Arsenault did the Paleo diet, which is high in lean proteins, fruits and vegetables, as well as healthy fats, such as nuts, seeds, and avocados. Dairy, processed foods, starches and sugars are avoided on the Paleo plan.

“I’ve introduced stuff back into my diet; I do eat breads once in a while, (and) I do eat potato, but it’s not every day,” she said.

If she eats more than her “normal amount,” she said, she knows she has to “kick it back into gear” to keep from regaining the weight.

“I’ve fluctuated about 5 pounds and I try to go to the gym three times a week,” she said.

One of the most important aspects of keeping weight off and staying healthy is planning snacks and meals.

“I have to plan lunches and I find that if I don’t have something there that’s available (I’m) going to eat what’s not good,” she said.

When she attends her two daughters’ cheering competitions or games, she usually packs a bag with fruit, vegetables and yogurt.

“I think (losing weight is) 80 percent what you eat and 20 percent working out, because if you’re not fueling your body correctly, then no matter how much you work out, it’s not going to help (you to be healthy),” she said.

When asked about how the Biggest Loser challenge helped her in her weight-loss goals, she said the amount of support she received from her team members and all of the other people she met during the challenge kept her motivated and on track.

“I think that was a help, to have other people (participating) or just to have everybody doing the same thing. You know, everyone joined that for the same reason: They wanted to get healthy,” she said.

This year’s Biggest Loser weight-loss challenge runs Jan. 5 to April 10. Participants will form teams of two at $60 per person. Prizes for the winning team and the percentage-loss champion will be awarded. Weigh-in will be held Jan. 5 at 6 p.m. at the Greater Rumford Community Center. Call 369-9906 for more information.

mhutchinson@sunmediagroup.net