No, that's not a picture of me with someone else -- those are before and after shots. When I first compared the two, I was shocked.
My average reduction in weight over three years has been no more than half a pound a week, but as you can see, over time, it added up! On the left, I weighed 258 lbs; on the right, 198 lbs. Since then, I've lowered my weight to 186 lbs, and I'm on target for my goal weight of 145 lbs by June 2011. I plan to post more pics here as I reach short term goals.
These two photos reflect the difference a simple change in lifestyle can create. What did I change? I no longer skip meals. I eat healthy food in balanced proportions. I increased my overall activity level and am no longer a couch potato. No, you won't find me running a marathon, but small things matter. I walk faster from the car to the store, park farther out, walk through a local park as often as I can, and I do housework ... well, not harder, actually, but let's say with more enthusiasm. I cut fewer corners. I get back up and go back for something I forgot rather than waiting. I do it now.
So why am I talking about my weight? For years, I wouldn't. I rarely allowed myself to be photographed, and tried to dress (in black, of course) to conceal my apple shape. When I discovered I was at serious risk to die from the same type of heart disease that had killed both my parents, I woke up. My weight was putting me at risk far more than my genes ever could.
With the help of my doctor and a nutrition class at a local hospital, I created a program that included all the foods I enjoyed, even chocolate. Seriously, my goal in life has never been to see how long I can resist M&Ms (tm).
You may have noticed I haven't once said that I "lost" weight. That's because it was no accident. I did it on purpose, and I have no intention of "finding" it again. I no longer think of eating in relationship to whether I've been "bad" or "good." I am disciplined. I changed the way I think about food.
This week, three of my sisters and I made a pact to share updates on things we do for ourselves that help us live healthy lifestyles. Each of us promised to email the others weekly (we live all over the US) and each of us will find something positive to share. Knowing I have to do something good makes me start looking for an opportunity to take advantage of, and that provides a shot of energy all by itself. Next week, I'm telling them about this page. ^_^
To a healthy life...
