A New Year's Resolution Success Story

One year ago, Drs. Clint (68) and Vickie Lambert (69) decided they were going to be healthier in the new year.  One day after Christmas, the two embarked on a customized meal plan with the help of a tool offered at Greenspring retirement community, where they have lived since May 2008.  The tool, My Nutrition, is an online resource which allows residents to view the nutritional value of each meal item served daily at the community’s four restaurants.  

Now, one year later, Clint has lost 45 lbs. and Vickie has lost 35 lbs; the two have reached and are maintaining their desired weight.  They have lowered their daily caloric intake, but still continue to eat three balanced meals a day.  “It is nice to finally feel comfortable in our clothes and enjoy the positive comments from our friends and acquaintances,” said Vickie.

“The My Nutrition program is just another step forward in our efforts to provide healthier options for our residents,” said Greenspring’s Director of Dining Services, Burt Allman.  For instance, there are plenty of options for vegans and vegetarians, as well as fruits, vegetables, and even desserts with no added sugar or salt on the menus at Greenspring.  Additionally, the program makes it simpler for those with certain food allergies to filter out menu items containing wheat, soy, shellfish, milk, eggs, tree nuts, and peanuts, as well as providing residents quick nutritional information that can be a guide for those closely monitoring their diets.

The Lamberts have almost entirely cut out sweets from their diets, but on occasion will have applesauce or yogurt at night to satisfy a sweet craving and almost always complete dinner with hot mint tea.  They’ve also minimized their intake of wine, which they admit is difficult as active wine club members.  “Our friends now ask whether we are going to drink rather than automatically pouring wine for us,” said Clint.

“We’ve also made significant behavioral changes, such as eating more slowly and not rushing off after a meal,” said Clint. The couple does eat dinner at Greenspring every night of the week and visits each of the community’s four restaurants during the week. “We also know that often times hunger may be a sign of dehydration, so we’ve been able to curb hunger by drinking water, iced tea, or hot tea,” said Vickie.  Having nursing backgrounds, both Clint and Vickie knew what the right choices were when it came to food, but just weren’t practicing it.  “The biggest change has been minimizing the quantity of food intake,” said Clint.  “We were just eating too much.”

The two also ensure that they don’t live a sedentary lifestyle.  Clint and Vickie take their dog, Sir Barkley, on two walks per day around the sprawling Greenspring campus and the two are regulars with Greenspring’s Wii bowling club and Greenspring’s archery club. “Most importantly, we just feel better every day,” said Clint.  “We have more energy and just experience an overall feeling of wellness.” 

On Sundays, Vickie organizes the next week’s meals by using My Nutrition and they are able to make adjustments due to social engagements that crop up.  “My Nutrition makes it easy to determine what we are going to consume each day to stay within the weight parameters we have set for ourselves,” said Vickie.  “We hope what we have done helps someone else decide to take control of their food intake.”

About Greenspring: Greenspring is situated on a scenic 108-acre campus in Springfield, Virginia.  The community is home to nearly 2000 residents, many of which reside in the 1405 independent living apartment-style homes.  At Greenspring, over 200 resident-run and resident-driven programs promote an engaged, fulfilling lifestyle that is reflected in resident satisfaction levels that exceed the industry average.  Life at Greenspring offers a true sense of community and is an exciting alternative to the typical retirement community.  Additional information about Greenspring can be found at www.ericksonliving.com.