However, I thought I would give a much needed update to my healthy journey/lifestyle change. Of course, if you are a friend of mine on facebook you have probably seen the countless posts about different milestones. But, I think I'll just talk about it again. If it can motivate anyone in anyway, then my job has been done.
I set out on this new journey at the beginning of the year and honestly, I didn't know what to expect. I had tried so many times before to lose weight, to eat healthy, and to decrease dress sizes...but it was always short-lived. It never lasted. Well, friends, I am a little over 4 full months into this new lifestyle and I'm still going strong. As I've reflected back on how it used to be and how it is now, I've noted a few obvious differences:
1) I don't overly concern myself with what the number on the scale says. Sure, I weigh myself at least once a week, more for curiosity than anything, but I don't get discouraged when I gain a pound or two (like I used to and then subsequently drown my sorrows in a box of pizza). I know with a little extra work, it will come off. It's just a number. It doesn't define who I am.
2) I'm doing it for me. Yes, I want to feel energized so I can keep up with my son. Yes, I want my husband to be proud to call me his (which he's never given any implication otherwise but you know we women). But, ultimately, I am doing this for no one else but me. Selfish? Ah, maybe. But if I try make it about someone else, I will fail as I have in the past. I want it for me...not for anyone else.
3) I'm relying on God. This is never more present than in my current food choices. No other explanation exists for the sudden change in taste buds but God. I now can honestly say that I have a favorite veggie. I've never had a favorite veggie. If asked on some survey what my favorite veggie was, I would have left it blank. But let me tell you, if a recipe calls for zucchini, I'm most likely going to try it. I've grown quite fond of it and have labeled it a staple in my household...pretty much up there with whole wheat bread and bananas.
4) I allow myself an indulgence every now and then and don't beat myself up about it. My stomach may not agree with my indulgence but the rest of me is okay with it. I know it's not a constant and that the remainder of my food choices for the day or even week will be good. Case in point: I decided I wanted a sweet treat so when my brother in law and hubby drove together to McDonalds last night, I asked for a McFlurry. It was delicious and frighteningly sweet but I was okay with that. My stomach on the other hand was not as thrilled. Eh, so I won't be eating a McFlurry again any time soon. Big deal...
5) I'm still celebrating all my personal victories. I'm not getting burdened by the healthy food. I enjoy finding new recipes to try or throwing a spin on some new favorites. I keep a menu each week of the dinners we will eat. I generally leave the printed recipe out and my wonderful hubby usually has it made or almost made when I get home. That's a huge help. I eat leftovers for lunch (yes, I have grown to love leftovers). I drink water, water, and more water. I've cut out soda...had one cup in the last 4 months. Hubby and I have cut out coffee except on Sundays. That's our treat...the delectable Haitian coffee from church. We buy a cup each and we know the money goes to missions. That's the only coffee we drink during the week.
So, I've lost 21 pounds total and have gone down 2 pant sizes. I felt like I had new clothes from my own closet. I know the weight I have left will come off slowly or I will definitely need decent exercise to kick start it but at this point, it's simply about being healthy. I eat a mostly vegetarian diet. I may have chicken every once in a while (like in my zucchini chicken enchiladas last night) and seafood...but for 90% of the time, I'm meat-free. Except for my occasional indulgences, I do my best to stay away from sugar and super processed foods. I'd really like to branch into full clean eating but no rush. I'm just taking it one step at a time. I know I will succeed this time because this time, it's different. It may take me another year to get to my official goal....but I'm not rushing. I'm just thrilled to finally be doing this. I'm thrilled to be in the size and weight range I was at when I first got married. Nothing will stop me from reaching my goal.
I'm enjoying this journey. And I really appreciate the support and encouragement I've received from so many...especially my best friend and partner in life, my wonderful hubby. He is the biggest encouragement I have. I just hope that I can be an encouragement to others as well on their journeys.
This is probably a year and a half ago but I was at my heaviest then I think.
And this was me a few weeks ago after our walk-a-thon.
I don't know about you...but I see a big difference.
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