My one year anniversary to a new me!
This month, I will be 40 years old but I feel like I am 20 again! I am truly celebrating since I have changed my lifestyle.
One year ago, I omitted white flour, sugar and starches from my diet. For those that have known me for years, know that I have talked diets/fitness for years yet always I threw in the towel when it came to...ahem, as Dr. Phil says...Getting Real with my weight!
On May 2nd of last year, I hosted a womens banquet at my church and decided to view the recorded video later that evening. It was bittersweet being the most awful time of my life and the very best experience intertwined. I literally sobbed. It sickened me to watch myself waddle up to the podium. The woman sure sounded like me but I did not see myself, all I saw was a heavy woman I did not recognize...A woman I did not want to be and yet I had to sadly face the facts...I was severely over weight and it affected every area of my life. A Light Bulb moment flickered in my spirit with remarkable strength and determination! I decided from that day forward, I was going to get real with my weight and do all in my power to do something about it!
One year later, it is no longer a diet but a new lease on my life. A way of living for me. No telling how my health would have deteriorated if I kept eating the way I have most of my adult life. As a result I have lost 45 pounds, over 65 inches disappeared, went down from a tight size 18 to a loose 10/12 and have a new body of defined muscle tone.
The physical aspect is only a small portion of my success. I am able to do most activities with strength and ease. I am no longer self concious that I am not good enough, but can accomplish most anything I set my mind to. I am assertive and have renewed sense of worth at my workplace with employee's and customers.
My parenting experiences with my teen DD has never been more vibrant. She allows me to chaperone her jr. high dances every month and she and her friends enjoy talking to me there in front of all her peers. DD also likes to assist me in picking out my new wardrobe, letting me know whats cool to wear and whats not! To be accepted by my 14 year old is priceless!
My marraige has improved, DH has always loved me unconditionally but now I can tell he is really physically attracted to me. We are planning a Harley trip and I am no longer mortified to have my rear end viewed off the back of DH's bike.
I never realized how much I was missing out on life and in my relationships. I gave up so very much of what was truly important to indulge in eating the way I wanted. I used to say;"Oh well, I may be fat but I'm happy" but that was such a lie and a lame excuse!! I was never really happy being unhealthy.
It has not been easy. Actually, in the beginning it was very hard but as time wore into new habits, it has gotten much easier. There's always the holiday parties and the sugar-laden treats that pose as temptations. I combat these occasions by coming to the gathering fully loaded with ammunition of foods that I can eat. I am not in the least deprived by omitting the junk foods from my daily diet. I am eating whole grains, fresh vegetables, salads, lean proteins, cheeses, nuts, eggs, berries and drinking lots of water. I have never ate so good than I do now.
This is a way of life for me. I never want to go back. My next year's goal will be one of instilling exercise into my life. That is my 40th Birthday present to myself. I want to be here for my loved ones for as long as possible. The next 40 years of my life are going to be so much better.
Summer 2005,(swimsuit season and beaches) here I come!!
* I owe a huge amount of support to this site and its members!!! I couldn't have done it without you!! The inspiration gleaned here when I had so much to lose was motivating. By visiting this site on a daily basis, I was able to divide my mountain of fat into little hills, one day at a time till they were merely ant hills. I love coming here to be spurred on to know that this is the way for me! The recipes shared here are awesome and have really helped to have variation. The struggles and celebrations are truly amazing when I can identify and say, "Hey, I've been there" , "Me, too", "Way to go!" or "You go, Girl!" I am so appreciative of the dedicated men and women that comprise this support community, I recommend this site to many! Thank you and bless YOU ALL!
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