Have you found yourself avoiding mirrors, posing for pictures, or perhaps refusing to go out because nothing fits you?
I have been there believe me on and off for years. As my very wise friend once told me to, "Love yourself first in order to love others". My friend does not know this, but it became my mantra later on and changed my life. In my head all these thoughts were confusing me because I wanted to love myself, but if I could only be thinner then I would feel better and like myself. Does this sound familiar? If only I get this then I would be happy whether it is weight loss, a career change, more money, kids whatever it is you fixate your life on this one thing in then what happens we get that one thing? You want more if you place your life on outward happiness you will never find your inner joy.
As you can see I was desperate. I had to have a heart to heart with my head and my eating habits. The problem is that I worked out at least 3-5 times a week so as I reward I comforted myself with the reward of food with small doses of indulgence. I would have pizza with salad; my thoughts were the salad cancels out the pizza right? Well I played those excuse games until my annual check-up came with my doctor, and I had a reality check. At my doctor's visit I asked my doctor for help out of frustration and not having anywhere else to turn. I told the doctor I have been trying to lose weight, and I just cannot do it by myself. I exercise and I try to eat right, but I JUST CAN'T DO IT! Help! Please!
The nice doctor said to me that it takes 21 days to learn a new habit. The habit he said is that it does matter what you put in your mouth on daily basis-no processed foods, no white flour, eat 80% of your daily intake before 5 pm or at least 4 hrs before bedtime..... blah blah blah... I have heard this before and the doc said, “I will give you this little pill to help.” What? Wait a minute here! Did you say a pill? Yes, he did; an appetite suppressor pill that is safe for short term usage and it will help to form the new habit of eating clean. The first month I lost 15 lbs which is more than I lost in last 15 years! It was the jump start I needed; do not be afraid to ask your doctor for help. The doctor helped me in changing my eating habits and maintaining portion control and balance. I have pizza, but I scrape the toppings off and eat it without the dough with some salad or veggies. I like potatoes, but I have also found that garlic cauliflower mashed potatoes are also very satisfying.
Some people say, "You are what you eat” or “You are what you repeat"...it sounds like a cliche, but mostly you are what God made you to be an individual with problems and faults so love yourself first. I changed my eating habits, and I feel so much better. I have more energy for me and my kids. I can still indulge from time to time, but I know the difference and I only need a little to satisfy my craving. It's a constant struggle do not beat yourself up; you have the choice to make healthy choices and every day is a new beginning. Take the challenge, and I hope my story helps and inspires you to best your best self.
