Rockland Realtor Featured in Woman's World for Weight Loss

New City Resident Dawn Barclay was almost 200 pounds, had high blood pressure, was suffering from metabolic syndrome, was pre-diabetic, had glaucoma setting in and could barely walk because of her unhealthy condition.

“My doctor said, ‘If this doesn’t go away, I’m putting you in the hospital,’” said Barclay, a realtor with Keller Williams Hudson Valley Realty in New City.

But that was about 22 months ago, now the 53-year-old is 75 pounds lighter and no longer ails from any of the aforementioned illnesses after starting the Mediterranean diet and an exercise regiment.

Barclay’s story was featured in the June issue of “Woman’s World Magazine’s” in a piece titled “The World’s Healthiest Diet,” a diet which the Rockland County Department of Health has promoted to its residents.

Barclay’s life used to consist of a daily cocktail of a variety of prescription pills for high blood pressure, her pre-diabetic condition and depression—until she got fed up.

“I didn’t want to add more medication or anti-depressants, “said Barclay. “I didn’t want anything else, so I figured this was time to pull myself together.” 

She started physical therapy, changed her diet and began using a treadmill.

“I was so excited I could walk again,” said Barclay.

Her new diet ruled out sugar; processed foods; and starch, which meant no bread or potatoes.

“The Mediterranean diet is full of fresh and delicious foods and flavors, and includes nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables, grain products, legumes, nuts, fish, poultry, yogurt, cheese, olive oil, and fish and seafood, rather than red meat,” said Michelle Kleinman, RD, a public Health nutritionist, according to a county press release.

Barclay gave up all of the foods she loved and now sticks to chicken, fish, lentils and nut butters for protein, as well as lots of fruits and vegetables. She also minimizes her dairy intake.

“Exercise is a really important part of it. I don’t think you can really diet without exercise,” said Barclay. “When I switched company schedule thrown off I was not being as diligent at the gym a I would could see a pound or two come back.”

Barclay has been off her blood pressure and anti-depressant medications for about a year and goes to the gym everyday for about an hour.

“I’m able to conduct a healthy life now," said Barclay. "My business has really increased because of the spring market and switch of companies and I’m able to keep up with it. I’m incredibly busy with my work I have the stamina now to keep up.”

Most of Barclay’s weight came off in the first eight to nine months, the last few pounds took a couple of months a year to get it all off. 

“The real story is the maintenance,” said Barclay “I’ve lost weight before but I’ve never maintained it. I’ve dieted before this seems to be a lasting way of eating for me.”

Barclay was contacted by Woman's World Magazine in March after she was featured in the Huffington Post about a year and a half ago when she lost 55 pounds.

“I think anybody who wants to get healthy can,” said Barclay. “I don’t think you have to wait until you have metabolic syndrome to improve your health and energy. Give up bread and sweets for a week and you probably won’t even miss them. I thought ‘Give up grain? I could never do that!’ Well I tried it. You might surprise yourself!” 

Here are some tips on the Mediterranean diet from the Rockland County Health Department:

• Use healthier fats when cooking, such as olive oil and canola oil, instead of the saturated fat found in butter and margarine.  One to 2 tablespoons of oil is all you usually need when cooking.

• Add healthier fats to your meals such as nuts (almonds and walnuts), avocados, and fish.

• Buy beans - they’re high in fiber, cost less than meat and are not as perishable.

• Grow some fresh herbs, such as basil, this season. Herbs and spices are classified as calorie-free and salt-free and add so many flavors to foods.  
  Choose antioxidant “all stars” such as strawberries, fresh figs, oranges, walnuts, cherries, tomatoes, spinach, and broccoli.

• Fruit for all courses!  For example, grapes can be served as an appetizer on a cheese platter, apricots on a green salad, grilled orange segments give chicken that Mediterranean flair and grilled peach halves with frozen yogurt are delicious for dessert!

• Use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream in baking or a dip

“Living a healthy lifestyle is also an important part of the Mediterranean diet, such as getting plenty of exercise and enjoying meals with family and friends,” said Kathleen M. Henry, R.N., M.A., Acting Rockland County Commissioner of Health.