A Lifestyle Change for the Better

Change is hard. It takes time, patience, and determination. I am changing, both physically and mentally. This is not an easy journey, nor is it a short one. I am talking about my health. I have been overweight for most of my life. Things never got so out of hand that I became obese, for which I am grateful, but I have never been the best me I can be. I have done all the diets, and failed them all, because my heart wasn't in it. This time things are different.

It started when my dad got diagnosed with lung cancer. He smoked for 30 years, but hadn't smoked in 8 years when we got the news. He was paying for the choices he made when he was younger. I don't want to make that same mistake. When I was in college I gained more than my fair share of the Freshman 15, but in my senior year I lost 19 pounds. When I came home, I gained it all back, and then some.

That is not going to happen this time around. Because finally my heart and my head are on the same page. This is not about getting skinny for me. That will be a nice bonus, but I'm much more concerned about changing my lifestyle. I need to fuel my body with healthier foods and exercise, and that's what I'm doing. So far I've lost 18.4 pounds. It's a great start and I'm happy, but I still have a ways to go.

I know I'm winning this time around because of all the small victories along the way. The last three movies I've gone to I didn't have a single kernel of popcorn or a single sip of soda. Yes, it smelled delicious, but it's just not worth it for me. When I eat out, I make much healthier choices and I make sure I know how my food is prepared and what's in it. I am making time for exercise which is something I have actually come to enjoy. Speaking of soda, I've given up soda except for one time a month. Sometimes I crave it, but most of the time, I find I really don't need or want it anymore. This is huge!

I am loving my new life. Like I said, I've still got about 30 pounds to lose, but every victory counts. I will get there, no matter how long it takes. And when I make it, I will be the best me I can be.