Have you ever felt like you'd reached the end of your rope, that something had to change in your life? There are many terms for it – the last straw, rock bottom, wake-up call – but they all refer to a defining moment when you realize that you are DONE with whatever it is that's holding you back. Something has to change, and it all begins in your mind. This is especially true if that something is weight loss.That's the essence of “The Click”, which I experienced on January 15, 2016, the 1 year anniversary of my mother's death. For years I had struggled with my weight, yo-yoing up and down the scale. I went on diet after diet, would lose 20-30 pounds, only to put it all back on. I couldn't seem to manage long-term weight loss, and it frustrated me to no end.After getting married in 1995 and having triplets in 1997, the struggle continued. My weight hovered near the 200 pound mark for years. Then in 2006, I discovered the treadmill desk. Finally, an easy way to exercise at home! I promptly lost 50 pounds, and thought I'd solved my weight loss problems forever. Wrong. A series of devastating setbacks left me overweight yet again, this time without my mother's calm voice of reason and loving support.Which brings me to that cold January day in 2016. I was 60 years old, standing at my mother's grave, and … something finally clicked. It was like the flipping of a switch. It was time to reboot my life. I didn’t have a name for it yet, but knew that it had to start with shedding the pounds that were weighing me down.What would be different from before? After all, I knew how to lose weight, and had done so many times. No, the big question would be, how to keep it off for more than a few weeks? Well, a lifetime of yo-yo dieting had taught me what NOT to do. Here's what I finally realized...The way you eat has to be a way of life, not a diet that you start and stop. “Diets” in the traditional sense do not work long term because they are temporary. Any weight you lose on a diet will usually find its way back to you.If you look at diet as a verb, well, you can do anything for a short time and lose weight. So technically, yes, diets do work. But most are not sustainable. You must find a way of eating that you can do forever.I had lost weight before, but it was always temporary. This time would be different because of the lessons I'd learned along the way. I knew better than to follow any diet, or to deprive myself of anything I wanted. I was not giving up any of my favorite foods.So I came up with a plan. Not a diet … a customized lifestyle created just for me.I was ready and determined. With age comes the awareness of how precious time is. Tomorrow is promised to no one. And if you think about it, we know for sure that time is limited and WILL run out. The time to do anything is NOW.My journey began on Monday February 1, 2016.* * *In “The Click”, you'll DIETING doesn't work. Think diet the NOUN, not the VERB.The beauty of mindless exercise and how you can use it to trick yourself into losing weightWhy there should be NO foods that are off limitsThe most important change you can make (does not involve diet or exercise)8 steps to sustainable permanent weight loss at ANY age Instead of reading another diet book or forcing yourself to follow someone else's food plan, why no
A moving book by Sharon Odom about losing the weight for yourself not others. Odom went through a lot to start the weight loss journey and she reach the other side healthier and happier in The Click: How I Lost 90 Pounds and...
Simple and straightforward advice, like having a friendly co -pilot with you on your weight loss journey
I really enjoyed this one - Sharon gives solid advice and encouragement with just the right amount of "tough love" in this easy-to-read memoir of her own weight loss journey. It's a nice balance of her story and her strategies. Definitely recommend for anyone looking for a genuine guide and not a guru peddling a gimmick. 💜
I'm in the process of losing weight and getting fit. Looking for a shot of motivation, I found Sharon Odom's book about her slog to fitness. It's a very enjoyable read, lots of progress photos. She breaks down her results month-to-month. Motivating!
It's not fluff, not an airy-fairy "I did it, you can too" thing. She talks basics: watching calories, strength training, consistency--all the hard, boring things that actually work. She doesn't push a diet or fitness regime. It's about getting realistic, finding what works personally, and following through.
I recommend the book to anyone trying to stick to a routine--any routine--to get fitter and lose the pounds.
I didn't read the book as much as I scanned it bc it was repetition from other weight loss books. I did grab a couple of tips here and there but mainly I just think her journey has been awesome n I am happy for her!
From 190 to 160 on my 5'7" frame (sure it sounds like a lot but I have 32 DDs and a 28 inch waist so HEARING from other people that I didn't need to lose anything because it all looked prepositional didn't help) and it's nice to read something periodically to stay focused on maintainig. Plus- I've read a lot a lot of these books since losing some weight, and while they've all been inspiring- this is the first one that I've come across that has actually TAUGHT me something. Plateaus aren't necessarily plateaus- they're the cycle of a fat cell that takes days or weeks to... Well- nevermind. You'll get there when you read this. The bottom line is this is relatable, interesting, inspiring, and well written. There are a lot of great tips that I've forgotten about that have kept me focused without feeling like work. Listen, I'm aware of all the whining about diet culture- but I've lost my father, grandfather, and brother to unhealthy lifestyles and I'm trying to stay healthy (40 is around the corner) so I can stick around. If you're ready to do the same- check this out.
The author writes like she’s talking to a friend who hasn’t seen her in a few years and is shocked to see how much weight she’s lost. You’re that friend and you tell her you want all the details.
Sharon explains you have to find what works for you. She worked from home and had space for a treadmill desk and a neighborhood where she could walk. I have neither, so I’ll have to find something else that works for me. I never played sports and hated gym class, so I’ll have to keep looking for my exercise. I’m able to cook my own meals, but I’m in a household with someone who can’t so I sometimes struggle with cooking five meals in one day. I think I’ll start supplementing with protein shakes and bars to be able to take all my vitamins and medications (hormones, which is a whole other book of reasons for weight gain and not being able to keep it off).
I enjoyed the book and will keep it in my library for reference. It’s easy read that doesn’t try to get too scientific. Sharon is also very encouraging.
I am heavy and over 60 and trying to get my weight and health issues under control. I do not have a walking/treadmill desk. But I do have lots of cleaning, outdoor chores and other avenues to reach a more active state, and I am going to use some of the hints in this book to make some healthier choices in my life re exercise or at least movement and eating better. The love of sweets has long been a downfall for me. But I think if I can control that I can get closed to the healthy body and weight I should be. I liked the short chapters, and lots of straight talk. Move more eat less and count your calories and movement and try to balance them so that you can make a deficit in the calories in so that the weight will come off.
A lot of good nuggets…I would have rated higher, but when she was promoting exercise as a way to lose weight, that was a GIGANTIC fail for me. Exercise is not punishment for eating poorly or overeating. It’s how people become wrong side up with losing weight. They replace a bad habit (overeating) with another (over-exercising). Most of her points are great and many people would benefit, but steer clear of her exercise component, because it’s not the best advice for a person trying to lose weight, most especially a person over 60. If you’re trying to get started, this book is better than many, many others.
I immediately was intrigued when I saw the title of this book and the visual on the cover. As I am currently going through my own weight loss and fitness journey at nearly 50 years of age this was an incredible book to read. Knowing that it is possible to get to goal weight, the stronger and live a life that is sustainably healthy is such an encouragement! I highly recommend this book for anyone who is on their own journey and just needs a word of encouragement along the way!
After ready this book I looked up Ashli weight training on YouTube, bought some weights and started taking this weight thing more seriously. I like this straightforward, simple approach. Makes sense to me! It is a lifestyle approach to losing weight and keeping it off! And as a senior myself it’s good to see someone I can relate to succeed! Congratulations!
I enjoyed reading about Sharon’s journey and found many areas in the book i identified with. I too am 61 and have been on diets for as long as I can remember losing and gaining the same 20 lbs never reaching the 75 lbs I need to lose. Thank you for sharing your story. One question though - how did you end up in Rochester, NY (my hometown!!!)?
This book is for those that have hit rock bottom and are mentally READY to experience their click! This is why I resonated so much with this book cause I’m there and it helped me reiterate and process where I am and where I’m headed as it relates to my weight loss journey! Love love love the insight it provides ❤️💯
I could really relate to this book. The writer was down to earth and just gives it to you straight. Most books about diet and exercise drag on an on but this book offer encouragement and motivation to find what works for you and do it.
Well written and interesting. Have had an interest in diet and exercise for a long time Author doesn't mention but seems to be aware of the mental rewards of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
I thought it very practical-your mind has to be ready for any change we make. The other thing I really appreciated was the description of maintenance-very down to earth information.
Thank you, Sharon, for being so open about your journey! It was really refreshing to read that someone my age found a way to lose weight without suffering. I was questioning whether this could be done when I stumbled on your book. You have really inspired me!
I've been on and off diets alot. Some of the authors ideas for weight loss were interesting. I think I will incorporate some of them for my weight loss journey. Even though I only have 25 lbs to lose it gets harder with age. Thank you for this book!
Uplifting quick read ! Finally a realistic weight loss story from a 60 year old mother of 4. I enjoyed Sharon's humor and her practical and honest sharing of her success,the plateaus and losses along the way.
I have known that to lose weight you have to take in less calories than you burn. The thing that works for me is that she did it eating foods she loves ( or at least likes). I am so motivated to finally succeed. Thank you for sharing your journey.
It all about accepting yourself as you are and getting real about making the changes necessary to be the healthier, happier and stronger version of yourself you’ve always wanted to be.