You know what is scary?

Being overweight.

I’m going to guess that most of us struggle with our weight.

If you eat more calories than you burn you’re going to gain weight. (Period)
In my country we consume a lot of calories and a lot of our food is hard on the human body.  Pizza, french fries, potato chips, triple layered chocolate cakes, and fudge brownies galore.

Unfortunately we wear it around our midsection, thighs, and face and we’re not proud.  At any given time you may over hear a conversation about someone trying to lose weight or how another person shouldn’t eat this but my goodness how can they resist?

I’d rather not think about what i’m eating or how I should be working out.  The minute my mind goes there I get a little sad because I know what I have to give up.  Can we just admit we can be a little lazy, with no self-control or discipline at times? It’s true about me.

Here’s the thing, i’ve been jumping out of photos lately.  I’m serious, it’s crazy but if a camera is pulled out i’m as far away from the shot as possible.  I’ll think of a thousand things to get in the other room because I can’t stand to see myself in a picture.  I judge myself and can only imagine the things people must think.

I was tired of avoiding public gatherings.

The other problem is that i’m afraid of going down a road full of sore knees, trouble breathing, sickness, isolation and depression.

So I prayed really hard that i’d have strength to change and overcome really bad eating habits. It’s actually a great place to start by admitting exactly where you’re at.

But by the third day I was going through withdrawals.  Seriously folks i’m not going to lie I grabbed a handful of tortilla chips and munched away. I said forget this! Then I ate a pickle and thought how can I live without these!?

My husband and I talked and I decided to forget my momentary relapse and move ahead. I drank a bottle of water and the next morning found myself at the gym again.

I ate spaghetti squash with marinara and i’ve been eating a lot less than what i’m used to.  I’m learning about new foods and today ate the most incredible salad i’ve ever tasted.

I’ve tried diet pills, cleanses, two-week attempts at a diet but came out right back to old eating habits. This time I’m giving up on perfect plans but that doesn’t mean not to make any.

In a notebook is a list scribbled out with better food options.

Breakfast-eggs, oatmeal, or fruit
Lunch- salad, soup, sweet potato
Dinner-Spaghetti squash, Fajitas, Black bean bowls
Snacks- Fruit, veggies, pretzels, yogurt, almonds

Here is the good news…

COFFEE is on the menu. Minus the heaping spoonfuls of creamer…

I did a little digging and found lighter coffee treats if I stop to get coffee and have a game-plan for eating out. Not to say that’s going to be easy and i’m not trying to fool myself.  Part of changing is making choices everyday.  It’s going to be hard in the beginning but in the long run it will be worth it.

There are still moments I need to flip open that notebook to remind myself that I will still eat and that also the food i’m discovering is good.

 

I also make out a meal plan each week. (I’ve done this for awhile) It helps to take a peek during the day to remind myself what meal is coming.  I love to know my next meal!

 

 

 

 

Right now i’m going to the gym a few times a week and they have this great area for Garrett to play. This is a huge blessing!

I actually wasn’t going to write a thing about losing weight or adjusting to a new lifestyle but I thought it would be fun to encourage someone else.  I can’t do a before/after picture YET but if you stick with me i’ll share it when I reach my goal weight.  That will be a great day!

If you aren’t struggling in this area i’m happy for you and i’d like to say thanks for reading still! If you are having a tough time i’m nudging you today to take off with me. Believe that even you can push away a bag of chips, or take a smaller serving at dinner.

I’m going to be over here sharing in this with you as we adjust to new eating habits and a more activity. I promise to be honest.  Like for example mashed cauliflower does NOT replace mashed potatoes.  There’s no comparing the two in taste. I won’t pretend the two are the same ever again.

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1. Stop giving up.  You don’t have to be perfect and if you fall off move ahead!

2. Drink water

3. Gather up some recipes that are on the lighter side and have fun discovering new dishes. (Write out a meal plan and grocery list)

4. Reach for fruit or a veggie instead of salty foods or sweets.

5.  Take a walk, browse the web to find some great at home exercises, swim, run, bike, hike, play tennis, Frisbee golf, or any other fun activity that you can think of.  Decide to add something into your week at least 3 times for a good 30 minutes.

6. Write down what you eat.  It really does help! I won’t encourage tracking calories for the rest of your life but I do think it’s a great starting place until we learn how much we’re really eating.

7. I have found that sticking a piece of gum in my mouth helps when i’m bored and wandering closer to the pantry.

8. Pray that God would give you the strength to overcome obstacles that will surely be in your way.

 

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I realized no one could do this for me. No amount of inspiring weight loss stories would actually make me lose weight. I hope that over the months to come what is shared here is both an encouraging word and the push you need to finally take off from a lifestyle that’s left you feeling down.

I’ll be here cheering you on!

Send an email (Lauramoore18 (at) gmail.com) or leave a comment if you’re taking off with me and chasing freedom.

Until next time,

Laura

*I believe faith in God plays a huge role in a healthy lifestyle but that is an entirely different post being written!