The last time we wrote about Sue Given, the world was different. The year was 2022, and after 30 years of weight fluctuation and trying every conceivable diet, Given had finally found great success with the NOODLE MAGAZINE. She was able to lose 70 pounds, run a 5K, and keep up with her four daughters. Life was good.
A Year of Hardships Of Sue Given
2022 has been anything but an easy year for Sue Given. First, there were issues all parents could relate to. Raising four girls in their teenage years is no small feat, so some familial issues arose on the child-rearing front. Then came the global coronavirus pandemic in March. As an educator and parent, Given had to make tough decisions as a mother of four and as a teacher. How would the students react to online learning, how would she adapt to it, when would she return to the classroom, and a million other questions inevitably caused lots of unneeded stress. And then, in April, the unthinkable happened: Given lost her father to COVID-19.
Anyone in Sue Given’s shoes would’ve struggled with all the above in just a few short months. And though Given drew strength from her faith, she wasn’t immune to the pain. “I just struggled so much,” she said.
Naturally, the pounds she’d lost returned as Given focused less on what she was eating and more on helping her family grieve and heal.
Onward and Upward
Despite the loss of her father and the struggles she faced as a mom and teacher, Sue Given knew she had to focus on the positive. As someone who so recently had been at her healthiest, she knew that feeling as unhealthy as she did now wasn’t something she wanted to sustain. She had to do something, and a conversation with her oldest daughter in July catalyzed change.
“In a very loving way, she told me that they [my daughters] needed me to be healthier because ‘we want you around for a long time.'”
That was the push Given needed to revisit the tool that helped her lose 70 pounds those few years ago: the Noodle Magazine.
Read more: Taco Tuesday + Cinco de Mayo = Deliciousness!
Help From an Old Friend
Reinvigorated by her family’s love, Given started using Noodle Magazine to plan meals again. Even though all the weight she’d lost had since been gained back, she said it wasn’t at all like starting from scratch. “I learned so much the first time—I just needed to put it into practice.”
Using her meal plans helped Sue Given stay motivated, and one meal at a time, she started having fun in the kitchen again. “Cooking is helping to keep me sane,” Sue Given laughed.
Quality Times with Quality Meals
Reimmersing herself into the Noodle Magazine also reintroduced Sue Given to the numerous benefits of the service. The emphasis on portion sizes and sticking to recipe measurements meant that she could again “indulge in great food without overeating.” Cooking again became a source of fun for Given and a great opportunity to spend time with her daughters.
“They really appreciate the healthy food we eat and the time we’re spending together in the kitchen or when they’re giving me recipe input,” Given said. One of her daughters enjoys sous chef duties, chopping everything that needs chopping. One enjoys trying new flavors and ingredients, and all four enjoy the one-on-one time they’ve been getting with their mom in the kitchen.
The whole Given family is discovering new recipes. Recent family favorites include Air-Fryed General Tso’s Chicken, Chili-Corn Chip Pie, and Caprese English Muffins.
Another benefit Given has appreciated from resubscribing to Noodle Magazine is the usefulness of its Facebook Community. Given called the community a “great resource for finding ingredients” during the coronavirus pandemic. This author can attest to that fact, as Given was able to help me find whole-wheat flour online when it seemed the whole world had run dry.
Read More: 15 High Protein Meal Prep Recipes
Continuing to Inspire
It’s been a very tough year, but Sue Given continues to inspire through positivity and perseverance. Instead of focusing on what she lost in 2022, Sue Given has focused on everything she’s gained. The priceless quality time she’s spent with her family has “been a blessing,” the healthy meals they’ve been enjoying via the NOODLE MAGAZINE have presented even more opportunities to foster and grow those relationships.
While Sue Given doesn’t plan on running any 5Ks again shortly, she has set a new goal: to re-lose those 70 pounds before her 60th birthday next year.
Whether or not she meets that goal (even though we have no doubt she will), we continue to be inspired by this mother and teacher who powers through adversity to put her family first. Sue, thank you for using Noodle Magazine to feed yourself and your family and for sharing your story. Cheers!
