Thursday, October 20, 2011

Over a Year Later (An Update to my Weightloss Journey)

So, wow. It's been over a year since I posted about my weightloss journey (original note here) and here I sit, still healthy and fit. Yes! I overcame the curve of many people who lose weight. It is very typical that without help and radical change in one's life, weightloss can be temporary. I've seen it many times. I made a personal vow for that not to happen, and thus far have maintained my loss.

Does that mean I still work out, still eat healthy and still take some supplements to help? SURE! It may not be as much as when I was actively losing, but it doesn't take as much effort to maintain in my case.

So what is it like now for me? Do I still struggle with my self image? Yes, actually, I do sometimes. My self image is greatly improved though!!! I carry myself, nowadays, much better overall as a person!  Have I fluctuated at all? Being transparent, yea, sure! Case-in-point, I had back/kidney stone issues back in April that cause a minor fluctuation (not much AT ALL), but getting back to normal routines has gotten me back to where I need to be!

Do people still get surprised? YES. It's sometimes weird for me that it was that dramatic and that there are still people who haven't seen me and will walk right by me without recognizing me. It happened the other day! I still get the same old question of, "How did you do it???" I also still encourage a lot of people in their journeys or help people get kick-started in theirs.

So how have my habits changed from when I was initially losing to now that I'm just maintaining?  
*I still do my best to monitor portion sizes. In fact, practically every time I go to a sit down restaurant (with the exception being sushi), I box up half my food. I also stick to the menu items that indicate "Healthy and Fit" or give a Calorie count. I try to make my lunch instead of eat out. When I eat high carb meals, I'll take a Carb Blocker (just like when I was losing) to help out (doesn't give me permission to eat more carbs, but just to help block the ones I am eating). I still don't eat terribly a lot of sugars or sweets. Doesn't mean I don't treat myself occasionally! I rarely drink soda (ask me about "healthy" energy drinks though!). I drink A LOT of water (I add various flavors to them! Think "twist tube" supplements).



*I still work out. Wish I could tell you that you can stop exercising once you get healthy and fit, but you can't really for an active and healthy life. I'm not in the gym 5-7 times a week because of my busy schedule, but I'm in there regularly 3-5 times a week. I do a lot more running and a lot more weight training. I use Sports Nutrition products to help with endurance and recovery during/after my workouts (they make a TREMENDOUS difference). I run races. In fact, races give me short term goals to strive for. I'm always wanting to improve my times.  

*I still take supplements. Nowadays, instead of the more targeted "weightloss" supplements, I take more of the preventative or muscle building (don't worry, I don't want to be the Hulk, just lean) type ones. I eat more protein and strive for more fulfilling foods. I take a multi-vitamin everyday that is good for my overall health (I rarely get sick).  

*I set personal goals. One of my main ones is to run a half marathon and then a full marathon. I strive to encourage 1 person a day as best I can in their health/fitness goals. The biggest daily goal I have is to have a Positive Mental Attitude about all aspects of life (PMA). Did you know that just changing your attitude can help with your health? :) Start with small goals and you'll see that they are more achievable, but remember to set that long term goal as a reminder.

I'm sure some of you might be thinking, she's just trying to sell me something. SURE. I'm trying to get you to buy into your own life! I do "sell" things that can help jump-start your journey or help you just get healthier and more fit, but that's not really the point. The point is your health. I can't tell you how much losing weight has changed my whole life. My blood pressure is a healthy 102/60. I have a resting heart rate in the 50s. My iron levels (which I do supplement) are higher. I'm stronger, leaner, and I inspire myself on a daily basis (not to mention others have said they are inspired).

I did this for myself. I did it to prove to myself I could do it. I did it so I can live longer. I overcame what I could control. In that process, I became a better me in ALL aspects. And now I share it because this journey is for you, too. You can do it! Just give yourself a shot, and if I can do anything, and I mean ANYTHING, to help, just ask.

"Health is a choice, so choose wisely!" ~Dr. Chet Zelasko

Before (June 2007)     --        After (October 2011)

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Old Journal Entry from the Year 2000

Wow... so tonight I read through a "sappy" love/life journal from 1998-2000 and the following is an entry from the start of the year in 2000. I thought it was powerful. In fact, I kinda exclaimed outloud, "Wow!"

I don't think it was written about any one person (not that I can remember), and it seems there are some possible religious references as well. So here goes:
***
I am...
I am but a pawn in this game of love.
Surrounded by pieces ready to take me; yet my goal to check the king is seemingly so far away.
The currents rip my heart apart, tearing my fragile soul to pieces.
Like a magnet, I am drawn to the opposite pole, the one who seemingly forces me to him.
How can this be?
He is the light, the sun I am drawn to when I am stuck in the darkness so full of loss and chaos amongst the others who search.
The everlasting candle when the others burn out and melt, leading my path in life.
When I can't go another step up the staircase called life, he picks me up and carries me like I am crippled.
But I am! Crippled by this thing called love; as its uncompassionate nature gauges voids in my already sore heart.
Love tortures my heart as it hangs from the gallows, teased and smitten by those who seemingly cared about it.
Can love so strong ever be felt by such a one for me?
I am pricked by love's beautiful rose as I pull it closer to my bossom.
Love is but a poison to the lips, not destroying, but negatively affecting.
Like a wolf in sheeps clothing, it waits to pounce and maul my heart.
I am addicted to love's security and the feeling of being wanted and cared for like a drug that will eventually, if taken in the long term without success may kill me.
Like a fly to fly paper, I don't know how to save myself, until I am pulled to safety from love's quicksand truly, madly, and deeply!
****
Did that not have you going WOW, too? I am trying to remember the anguish I must have been feeling at 17. Sometimes, I can still relate to these same thoughts I had back then. It's all apart of the journey though. I press on.
 Me at 17 (Senior Prom)