Center Grove teacher lost almost 40 pounds
SUBMITTED PHOTO Krista (Metheny) Hensley sports heart leggins while holding a heart in celebration of National Heart Month. By B. Scott Mohr
Editor
When Krista (Metheny) Hensley’s mother suffered a massive heart attack and was hospitalized for 19 days, and a cousin died of heart issues about 18 months ago, it served as a wake-up call to Hensley, who was overweight, pre-diabetic and had high cholesterol.
She was shocked that her mother, Diane Metheny, had a heart attack because she was thin, a nonsmoker and didn’t drink.
Since then she has dropped 38 pounds and wants to shed 10 more. “It would be ideal to lose more, but I won’t be upset if I don’t,” said Ms. Hensley, who calls her weight loss a lifestyle change and not a diet. I had to buy a new wardrobe, but it was worth it. I’m in better shape in my 50s than I was in my 40s. I am off my cholesterol medicine, and I don’t get exhausted like I used to; there is no more huffing and puffing. I have so much more energy, and I’m happier.”
She started her journey with the guidance of a health coach. Once the pounds started to come off, Ms. Hensley took up walking and later bought a recumbent bicycle. “I took my time. Once the weight started coming off and I was better able to manage my stress, I began to feel a lot better,” said the bubbly 29-year English teacher at Center Grove High School, who also likes to hike and bike.
Ms. Hensley’s diet is balanced within the food groups. “I haven’t given up anything. I still eat lean red meat, but I have cut back on salt while using more spices and herbs. I load up on the veggies. I have learned a lot of new recipes and eat 95 percent of my meals at home; I take my lunch to school every day.
She indulges occasionally and says, “I love my cheese and a good meal out. But I make healthy choices at restaurants. My weight loss has been easy to maintain because I pay a lot of attention to portion sizes.”
And making health choices is what Ms. Hensley wants to stress to all women, as failure to do so can lead to heart disease, the No. 1 killer of women. It’s vital to educate women about the importance of living health lifestyles, said Ms. Hensley, whose sister is Southport High School basketball legend Amy Metheny, who led the Cardinals to the state championship in 1980.
Ms. Hensley has posted her progress on Facebook with pictures, like the one of her and her parents walking in the American Heart Association’s Heart Walk, which they plan to make an annual affair.
Now that Ms. Hensley enjoys good health and feels great again, she knows her risk of heart trouble is lessened, and that’s something her children, Maddie, 20, and Gavin, 14, can take heart in.
Editor
When Krista (Metheny) Hensley’s mother suffered a massive heart attack and was hospitalized for 19 days, and a cousin died of heart issues about 18 months ago, it served as a wake-up call to Hensley, who was overweight, pre-diabetic and had high cholesterol.
She was shocked that her mother, Diane Metheny, had a heart attack because she was thin, a nonsmoker and didn’t drink.
Since then she has dropped 38 pounds and wants to shed 10 more. “It would be ideal to lose more, but I won’t be upset if I don’t,” said Ms. Hensley, who calls her weight loss a lifestyle change and not a diet. I had to buy a new wardrobe, but it was worth it. I’m in better shape in my 50s than I was in my 40s. I am off my cholesterol medicine, and I don’t get exhausted like I used to; there is no more huffing and puffing. I have so much more energy, and I’m happier.”
She started her journey with the guidance of a health coach. Once the pounds started to come off, Ms. Hensley took up walking and later bought a recumbent bicycle. “I took my time. Once the weight started coming off and I was better able to manage my stress, I began to feel a lot better,” said the bubbly 29-year English teacher at Center Grove High School, who also likes to hike and bike.
Ms. Hensley’s diet is balanced within the food groups. “I haven’t given up anything. I still eat lean red meat, but I have cut back on salt while using more spices and herbs. I load up on the veggies. I have learned a lot of new recipes and eat 95 percent of my meals at home; I take my lunch to school every day.
She indulges occasionally and says, “I love my cheese and a good meal out. But I make healthy choices at restaurants. My weight loss has been easy to maintain because I pay a lot of attention to portion sizes.”
And making health choices is what Ms. Hensley wants to stress to all women, as failure to do so can lead to heart disease, the No. 1 killer of women. It’s vital to educate women about the importance of living health lifestyles, said Ms. Hensley, whose sister is Southport High School basketball legend Amy Metheny, who led the Cardinals to the state championship in 1980.
Ms. Hensley has posted her progress on Facebook with pictures, like the one of her and her parents walking in the American Heart Association’s Heart Walk, which they plan to make an annual affair.
Now that Ms. Hensley enjoys good health and feels great again, she knows her risk of heart trouble is lessened, and that’s something her children, Maddie, 20, and Gavin, 14, can take heart in.
SUBMITTED PHOTO Krista Hensley (center) with her parents, Diane and Harold Metheny, at the American Heart Association’s Heart Walk.
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