Weight loss Success Story- My Climb!
One of the most - if not THE most - often-made resolutions at the beginning of each year is that of starting a weight loss or fitness program with the goal of finally losing those extra pounds that have crept on over the years. Whether we're battling a few or many such pounds, the daunting task of adopting a healthier lifestyle is challenging for most people.
Challenging -- but thankfully, not impossible.
The My Natural Me team recently interviewed a young lady (we'll call her "Angela") who committed to getting the weight off, made strategic lifestyle and diet changes, and was successfully able to drop over 70 pounds. We wanted to know what it was that motivated her to get started, what kept her going in the face of any roadblocks along the way, and how it has affected her life since.
MNM: Tell us a little about the start of your weight loss journey.
Angela: I went on an international trip last year, and for the first time ever, had to ask for a seat belt extender. My friends brushed it off and attributed it to international planes being smaller, and seat belts varying in size from airline to airline, all of which is true. But I didn't like the feeling of having to ask for the extender! I wanted to feel comfortable traveling. This was my reality check that my weight was no longer "under control." This was my motivation.
MNM: Were there challenges to getting started?
Angela: There were, the primary one being that my body was in constant pain. I'd go to the doctor for treatment and was more than once dismissively told that I was experiencing pain because I was fat and needed to lose weight. I was bluntly told to exercise and make better food choices. What these doctors didn't understand was that exercising -- even walking for 30 minutes as they recommended -- was painful! And as for my food intake -- I actually thought I was eating pretty healthy already. It was discouraging.
So many medical professionals are dismissive of their obese patients, making the assumption that their aches and pains are a result of laziness and lack of trying. They forget to treat the person on the inside, forming their opinions based only on what they see on the outside. What they don't understand is that their treatment methods often affect whether a person pursues or receives proper medical treatment. All of that was going through my head as I faced my health issues.
MNM: In spite of everything, you've been able to successfully get healthier. How do you feel now--physically, mentally and emotionally?
Angela: I feel phenomenal in every way! The best part of this journey is that I no longer have to take the pain medication I'd gotten used to taking several times a day just to function.
My primary doctor referred me to a cardiologist who specializes in weight loss. The focus of his practice is essentially teaching people to eat whole, unprocessed foods, eliminating simple carbohydrates and sugar from their diet. This was a change for me! As I mentioned earlier, I really did think I was eating well. I counted calories, fat, and protein based on the Standard American Diet. What I didn't realize was that I was eating foods that were causing inflammation in my body, and was unwittingly the very cause of my own arthritis pain!
Within two months of changing my diet, I was able to stop taking pain medication. And I can now easily walk those thirty (and so many more) doctor-prescribed minutes each day. I feel great!
There's been another added, unexpected benefit to this journey. I'm no longer surly! Those who are around me tell me that I seem to always be in a great mood these days. I hadn't realized that I'd been in such a bad mood for so long! But I realize now how difficult being in chronic pain all the time made it for me to project positive. How could I when my focus was on simply trying to physically survive the day?
And my relationship with food has completely changed too! It feels great not being tied to the pull of it all day, literally wondering how long it would be until I could eat again. I no longer have the hangry low-sugar spells I used to have when three or four hours had passed and I hadn't eaten, because now I fuel my body with the proper energy necessary to function.
MNM: What message do you have for other women who are fighting the same struggle?
Angela: My message is to remember these key things: NEVER compare your journey to anyone else's journey. We each have our own unique circumstances that have led us to this point in our lives. Focus on you, and don't worry about others. Some friends and family may not understand or support the changes that come with this process. Don't worry about that. As your body begins to heal from the changes you're making, your resolve against the naysayers becomes formidable.
In my personal opinion, food addiction is the only addiction you are unable to quit cold turkey. You can quit smoking and drinking, but you can't quit eating. Understand that your brain chemistry is working against you around the clock. You are not weak and you do not lack willpower, but you do have to work hard to reset your brain. Removing the chemicals that affect your brain -- primarily found in processed foods -- is the only way to fight the addiction. Become aware of and avoid your triggers. For me, that has involved removing tempting, unhealthy snacks from the house completely. I control what comes into my home, so this particular battle is one I can win. Others in your home may not be happy about the changes at first, but they will adjust because they love you.
Most importantly, love yourself exactly where you are today! For most of us, this will be an ongoing and possibly lengthy journey. If you wait until you are "perfect" (which is not a real thing, by the way), you will miss out on so much of life.