Healthy Habits

Winning the Battle

After I wrote my last post about my weight loss "battle," I had to rethink how I was presenting my situation.  Calling it a battle seems so negative--so win/lose.  At times, I guess I feel that way.  But right now I'm winning the battle and it feels great!

I have focused on three things:  commitment, goals and support.  I've committed to shed some pounds.  I've set up goals for myself and shared those with others.  And most importantly, I've relied on help. 

I mentioned before that I hired a certified personal trainer.  Her name is Linda Jassmond.  I've known Linda for years and have worked with her in the past (pre-car wreck).  I really felt this time I couldn't do it alone.  I had tried to begin a exercise program on my own and kept setting myself back.  So, Linda has been a huge help keeping me positive and motivated to do the type of exercises my body currently allows me to do.  I've been able to slowly intensify my routine and not get re-injured along the way.  I've benefited by having more energy while shedding pounds and inches. 

Linda has been such an encouragement to me and having that accountability buddy keeps me on track and focused on my goals.  It really takes a combination of things for success.  I need to have good nutrition (that's where the Cinch program comes in), exercise, and the right frame of mind.  I don't view this as a short term project but as a continued way of life.  And I'm loving it!

(To learn more about Linda and her new book, Journey to Fitness, Chronicles of a Working Woman, visit www.fitnesslinda.com)

 

My Battle with Losing Weight

Okay.  Today is the day.  I have been pondering the idea of sharing my weight loss story for some time and am finally getting it down in words.

I have struggled off and on with my weight all my life.  I know I'm not alone in this struggle but sometimes it feels that way.  I've been through the ups and downs. The liking myself--hating myself esteem issue.  Feeling BAD and GUILTY about something I ate.  Eating more because I felt BAD and GUILTY!  Feeling like I might as well not bother about what I eat because I'm too depressed about how heavy I am.  Knowing I can always start tomorrow--so I pig out to celebrate my starting tomorrow!  And with the added weight comes the sore back, sore feet, and more stress. (I'm not even going to mention the variety of cloth sizes in my closet!)

FINALLY I get so sick and tired of feeling this way that I make a promise to myself to never be this heavy ever again.  I promise myself, and others, that I'm going to make a change.  I'm going to lose weight and keep it off.  I know I'm not alone here either, but knowing that doesn't make my task easier.

I found a fantastic weight management program to help me reach my goal.  Shaklee has a program called Cinch.  The products are clinically tested (only products I'd consider).  The other great thing about them is they target the fat--not muscle.  This helps keep my metabolism (what's left of it) working better.  I had excellent results a few years ago.  In a short period of time I lost 10 pounds.  You might be thinking so what--10 pounds.  BUT--I lost 15 inches!  The fat just dropped off!  AND I was able to keep the weight off by continuing to use the products.  It was a lifestyle change--not just a short term program.

Then I got in a car wreck.  I wasn't hurt badly, but was restricted from exercising for awhile.  Well, the pounds went back on.  I was upset about my circumstances and I let it get to me.  I was angry that I couldn't do the things I loved--like play tennis and garden.  I was tired of the physical therapy and the continued pain.  I let that anger fester and the weight increase. When I tried to do more, I just hurt more.  Sound familiar?

Okay.  So late this spring I put my foot down (again) and I got help.  I hired a personal trainer to help me exercise safely.  For me, exercising is key to keeping my weight down.  I have always had the Cinch program to help me with my food choices and Cinch Club online for support and education.  I started slowly, with a goal to play tennis by the end of the summer.

Well, so far so good.  I have been able to gradually increase my exercise level, I've been eating well--not hungry at all, and the weight is coming off.  I've lost over 15 pounds and numerous inches since June. I can fit in my "mom" jeans again! 

It's really been about more than the weight.  More than the exercise.  It's a continuing journey to create a better, healthier me.  My plan is to continue to share (shorter) stories about my journey.  Feel free to contribute your stories as well in comments.  I know we can gain support from each other's messages.