Pep In My Step

It's funny how a few small things can change your life and perspective. Currently almost under 200 pounds it feels totally different. A few years ago I used to wear a lot of dresses and skirts but when I began gaining weight I started to 'cover' it up. I wore lots of slacks and pants or jeans normally. I had stopped wearing heels and chose comfortable 'work shoes' with any outfit. So today I looked in my closet and realized my clothing attire needs some assistance, meaning, I need to pull out a dress or two because I'm fabulous and It's not just because I lost some weight but my mindset has changed tremendously. I wore a simple dress to work but it was the pep in my step that got people's attention.

I often wonder what it takes for us to really embrace our weight and why many women have body image issues. I wonder if all those years at the heavier weight I lied to myself and others when I said I loved myself. Was I loving myself when I was stuffing my face with convenience foods, on a daily basis and eating over 2400 calories a day. I don't think I was. Maybe I was internally processing my self loathing by using food as escapism. I still am working that part out.

I know as an emotional eater I have to keep myself focused on the here and now. If I'm upset about something, I will process that, than pick up a bag of chips or grab a bag of McDonald's or Burger King's. If I am upset I cry, write a poem, call a friend, dance or move my body. Or i lay in my bed. I drink some water but I do not go and use food as an escape. The here and now can be over whelming if you constantly drown life's misery, challenges or problems through other means. Its okay to keep it raw and real. It's okay to just breath or feel the emotions. It's not okay to constantly use food to stuff those emotions or problems. You gain more weight, your problem is unresolved and you have no outlet. Finally it's not healthy. Not at all.

Being brave to question your investment of health or lack of, can be startling but you only have one life and if you want to live it freely, be brave and bold. Be real with yourself and don't try to be fit for life because of others, you have to do this for yourself. You have to have a support system and you have to take it each day at a time.

Wishing you a productive week ahead as you find a 'pep in your step' make sure to take some time to love yourself by figuring out ways to make health a priority in your life. It goes a long long way.

Making it Happen for Me

Self reflection. If you told me that I would do as much in 10 months with my healthy life I would have laughed at you. It has been such a beautiful and great journey to take the time to invest in my health and i'm 80% to my goal. I am currently a size 18, last year I was a 24 and I have a goal of getting at least to a 16 comfortably. I am currently eating very healthy -- veggies, fruits, protein shakes, whole wheat and grains. I've added Quinoa, Couscous and Orzo to my eating plans. I try to drink lots of water, and treat myself but now eating at least 80% of my meals meatless -- which took me at least 9 and 1/2 months to graduate to. I don't buy meat anymore, not that meat is the enemy but I used to eat lots of meat, bread and carbs daily. Now I eat meals that fill me up more and offer health benefits.

I still walk daily and use my weights and resistance bands. I am getting back to the gym shortly and still drinking green tea.

Eating out is not the enemy I just order what makes sense for me.

It's nice to see the progress and one day I will post some pictures so you can see the progress though that might be a little scary for me. But I"ll take up the challenge. Maybe when I hit my goal I will shoot for a 5k or something. Im not a runner but last year started to try to run and was embarrassed at how I let myself go.

This year things are different, I have inspirations from personal family and friends. I do appreciate the support from my friends online and in real life. This time this health journey is to help to empower myself. I'm making it happen for me in big ways to benefit my life and those who rely on me (work and personal).

It's a good feeling.

As the year comes to a close I know I will be celebrating big time in January 2012 (not with a honey bun or combo meal) but with more vigor and perhaps a spa appointment. Maybe I'll get my locks professional done. Who knows. It will not be food related. I am more than congratulating myself through food rewards.

My journey in the months goes as follows: January 2011 - I started my journey with weight watchers. Took me a while and I lost 20 some odd pds with them. However it stopped WW and continued my journey with Myfitness pal.com in April 2011 where I have lost an additional 46+ pds with. Total weight loss so far is about 70 something pounds which is amazing. I went from eating all convenience meals to eating fresh and organic meals. In the middle of the process I added some work outs, dvds, and additional supports. I have an online fitness coach and lots of fitness buds who help and support this journey. Overall, it's been a great journey but filled with hard work, blood sweat and tears. Also finding out that I need to really focus on non food rewards for myself. In my old life, I would celebrate with food. Now It's plane tickets, nail appointments and clothes. ROFL.

Wishing you a blast of a weekend. Keep it healthy.

Love,

Mocha