If she can, shouldn’t we all be able?

There are some people who seem to defy everything I think would work against them to lose weight.
This client lives on her own, is older, must use a walker to get about, and really doesn't have access to convenient shopping. She relies on others to buy her food and bring it to her. Normally, I am very careful about putting older people on a ‘diet' as studies have shown that if they lose too much muscle with the weight loss, it isn't good for their health long term. But she was determined to lose weight.
When she first came in, she was complaining of fatigue, sore back and difficulty getting about (she had to hire a person to assist in cleaning her flat).
I realize how difficult it is for people to change eating habits and I truly wasn't certain how manageable it would be for her lose weight, because she really wasn't much of a snacker, and she had limited exercise capabilities. But, she was determined!
Over the past few months, she came into the office every week to see our counsellors. I was asked to see her this week because "she wanted to lose more weight!!!” When I saw her, she was down 45 pounds, had much more energy, was cleaning her flat on her own and her posture (from a very bad back) had improved. I was astounded!
I was so astounded, I had to ask ‘What did you change?' She looked at me as if I was a bit demented, and simply said "I did what you told me to do!” As it turned out, she had previously been eating a diet that was heavy in carbohydrates (bread, potatoes, rice etc.). We simply suggested that the current thinking is that this food group is the culprit in most weight gain, and try to eat more protein to support her muscles, eat more fat, and eat a small amount of carbs in the form of vegetables and some fruits.
Her pounds melted off week, by week, by week. What intrigued me was how she was successful while others struggle. Her diet was no different than anyone else. She simply "stuck to the plan.”
The reason I tell you about her, is that, without being able to exercise and by simply doing exactly as we instructed food-wise, she has lost a significant amount of weight and has regained a lot of her lost energy.
For others, I realize daily life events get in the way of organizing food, and watching portions and we all fall back in the trap of mindless snacking. Which brings me to her underlying reason for losing weight. She was determined. She wanted less back pain and more energy.
Be determined. Write things down. Don't vary amounts. Watch (no, stop) those late evening snacks.
She is an inspiration, because if she can do it, so can you. Just keep trying and never give up.
Dr. Doug