Getting active and healthy as a family

By: Courtney

In general, I was always pretty happy. I have a wonderful husband, two adorable little girls and we have a great life together as a family. But in October 2010, I was 265lbs and my husband was over 300lbs. One night, my three-year old asked if we could all go swimming at the local pool. My husband and I looked at each other and both knew there was no way we were going out in public in our bathing suits! At that time, we did what any loving parents would do – we lied and said the pool was closed, and then vowed to change our lives. Within 24 hours we were on an entirely new road toward a healthier lifestyle – we swapped white flours for whole grains, cleaned out the cupboards, swapped pizza night for SUBWAY® sandwich night, and started a new fitness routine.

I wish I could say that was the end of it and that it has been a smooth road since then, but changing your life isn’t easy, and it isn’t always quick. We were very determined and we had a great support system in each other, in our families and even in complete strangers! I challenged some local residents in two online communities to join a weight-loss competition*. I thought only a few people would be interested, but I was blown away when 52 people signed up in less than 72 hours, from all over Canada and through the United States, as far away as Louisiana. Getting active was a challenge at the start. The first time I stepped on a treadmill I couldn’t even run for a full minute. So I taught myself to run – outside I would use lampposts and say to myself, “okay, just two more posts” before I walked. Now, I can run until I choose to stop and I love every minute of it. Last August, only 10 months after starting our lifestyle change, I completed my first triathlon.

In October 2011, one year later and more than 100lbs lighter, I was selected as SUBWAY® Restaurants’ Commit to Fit Ambassador. This past summer, SUBWAY® Restaurants challenged Canadians to Commit to Fit as well, by taking the pledge online at www.facebook.com/subwaycanada. I’ve shared my story with Canadians across the country and am proud to help encourage others to lead a healthier, active lifestyle. It’s a great online source of motivation and provides opportunities for you to share with your friends and family the steps you’ve taken that day to live a more balanced life, from joining a new team or eating a new vegetable.

Today, being active and playing sports is a huge part of my family’s life. As we began incorporating activities such as walking, running and swimming, I realized there are tons of ways families can be active together. During the winter, we take the girls downhill skiing weekly. When the weather is nicer, we swim in the lake, go for long walks or play soccer together in the yard. It’s always so much more fun being active together, so wherever possible, we look for ways to involve the kids. Plus, we want them to live a long, healthy life and know that starting young helps set the foundation.

I’m thrilled to be working with SUBWAY® Restaurants this year and participating in Sport Day. On September 29, I hope you can get your family and friends together and join one of the thousands of community programs to get out there and be active!

Thirty-two year old Courtney Belanger, who lives in Milton, Ontario, is the ultimate family woman and SUBWAY® Canada’s Commit to Fit Ambassador. In 2011, Courtney took on SUBWAY® Canada’s Commit to Fit Challenge and in nine short months she lost 120 pounds and went from a size 18 to a size 6. Today, Courtney is a paid endorsers of the SUBWAY® brand, whose favorite fitness activity is Hot Yoga, among many others. * Those considering starting a weight-loss program, should first consult an appropriate medical professional