I credit the actual weight loss to my changed eating habits mostly. I read and reread Eat to Live by Dr. Joel Fuhrman and as much as I hated the idea of changing my eating that much - to go "that healthy" - I realized I wasn't after just weight-loss, I was after better health and better long term health. And I knew what Fuhrman recommended was the best way for me to go about achieving short term health, long term health and weight-loss. It's amazing what having a child will do for your desire to live as long and as healthily as possible. The thought of leaving this earth before seeing all of my grandkids and even great-grandkids, makes me want to really take care of and cherish this body that God gave me. And lets face it, the number of deaths in America from weight related diseases is just escalating. Everyone knows it. No one wants to admit that they might be eating in a manner that will send them down that path in 15 years, or 10 or even just a few short years. I find that people often joke about the bad food they consume, I think to lessen the consequences and seriousness of the situation in their mind. Unfortunately joking about a food pyramid of cheese, chocolate and pasta doesn't change the actual consequences that will one day catch up with you.
I'd like to sit here today and tell you that healthy people really DO come in all different shapes and sizes, but unfortunately, I'd be lying if I said that. Healthy people do come in A LOT of different shapes and sizes, but not ALL shapes and sizes. There is no way around the fact that the more excess fat you contain on your body, the more strain you put on your body and organs to function daily and the higher risk you are at for certain diseases.
So if you are struggling with your weight or health, I cannot encourage you enough to go pick up Eat to Live and read it. Even if you don't like it after the first couple chapters, read it till the end and then evaluate. It just made sense. I can't tell you how good it feels to know that I am putting truly good food in my body; to know that I am taking care of my God given body the best I can; and to know that I am doing everything in my power to be around for my loved ones as long as I can.
So what is the magical weight-loss goal I achieved? Well, I lost 35lbs, my height is 5' 3", and I am square in the middle of the 'normal' BMI chart now. Can you figure it out? You should be able to figure out my starting and ending weight with those numbers, just go find a BMI calculator online. And while you're there, check your own to see if you need to make adjustments in your diet.
I don't have great before and after shots, but hopefully you can see the difference in my face in these.
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| 2008-2010 |
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| 2011 |
Please feel free to ask me any questions you like. Make today be the day that you change your health for the better!
Praise the LORD for giving you such wisdom and perseverance to see you through!! You've always been beautiful both inside and out but you do look so full of energy and just *lovely* in your 2011 pic!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the link to the BMI calculator....like you said, it is nice to be considered in the 'normal' category every once-in-a-while....we get to be normal together..how fun!
Love,
Amanda
I've been waaay scared to read that book...although I want to read Live For Health, that seems a little less daunting. I'm not any good at huge changes, they typically last all of a week....but I could probably handle starting with small changes and working my way up =) 35 lbs (or 25 and an increase of 10 in muscle mass) is my long term goal too! Short term goal is just to get rid of the baby weight!
ReplyDeleteIt's always nice to see someone else succeeding! Great job and thanks for sharing!!!
Oh, this is FABULOUS. I am so excited for you!
ReplyDeleteSteph
Thanks guys! Encouraging comments before, after an during the process are so invaluable and wonderful. So thanks. :)
ReplyDeleteJaime - oh do do DO read the book! Is Live for Health by Fuhrman too or is that someone else? Big changes are hard, I totally admit. It was TOUGH initially. If you can figure out a way to make them happen, they are totally worth it though. :) But small changes working up to big changes are good too! Let me know if you need good food ideas! Good luck to you! :-)
Jaime,
ReplyDeleteI think you've found a new 'calling'. You articulate your journey so well. You'll inspire many people along the way.
You are correct about the 'jokes' about health. You hear people laugh about 'Well, you have to 'go' somehow.'
In my family of origin, it's smoking.
I've lost many relatives to lung cancer in the last few years. In response to warnings about the dangers of smoking, I'd hear the above comments about 'have to go somehow'.
Problem was, after watching several of them die, it's not just 'going'. It is a long, slow, and painful way to waste away.
That's the problem with the jokes about overeating. Most people aren't just going to 'keel over' one day. The process of the disease progression from overeating can also be slow, long, and painful.
We need to wake up and quit making excuses for abusing these 'fearfully and wonderfully made' bodies.
Congratulations to you. Spread your message of HEALTH!
:-)
Lucy was crying during my last comment and I was distracted. it's actually Eat for Health - a 2 book set and yes, they're by Dr. Fuhrman...supposedly a slightly less drastic way to change your eating/living habits for the better. I think Jason would be heartbroken if I stopped cooking/eating lasagna, steak, and other favorites but I'm all for making pretty big cutbacks and looking for some new favorites to dominate the menu!
ReplyDeleteJaime - I totally understand the child induced distraction. :)
ReplyDeleteI was wondering if you meant Eat for Health. I have heard about it but never read it. If you do, let me know what you think and what all is in there. I probably should read it so I know how it's different from Eat to Live. William was a little heartbroken about the changed eating habits initially too. Reading the book and talking with one of his male friends who was following the book really helped a lot. It made sense to him too. And when it became clear that it wasn't just about his wife losing weight, but about both of our healths, and selflessly sacrificing cravings now to help ensure we'd be around longer for each of our families and for OUR growing family, it was easier for him to jump on board. And William still has the opportunity to get the foods that he misses on his occasional lunches out at work. So that might make it a little easier for Jason. If you can get him to read the book along with you, I think that's a huge jump start right there.
Teresa - It is truly a shame all the jokes that are made to rationalize any bad/unhealthy activity people are participating in. I share with you in your frustration over that mentality.
ReplyDeleteBut thank you so much for your encouragement! Every bit helps fuel me even more to share what I've learned with anyone who will listen. :)