The reason why I’ve chosen this title is because it’s true! Growing up I never had a weight problem, but as I got older, especially after having children, I have always fluctuated in my weight. Once I became an aerobic instructor while living in Arizona, I was more mindful of what I was eating. I did what nearly every women who is active would do and that is “watch” and be “aware” of what we’re eating.
Once we moved from AZ back to Michigan where I grew up, I continued with being active by brisk walking every day and of course keeping a close eye on my diet. But once we moved to Florida, and started the first church in the history of our beautiful town of Ponce Inlet (Ponce Church) I let it all slip. I found myself walking less and eating all the wrong foods, especially sugar! I remember driving over the bridge to the local Duncan Donuts getting my chocolate glazed donuts and coffee and sitting by the river enjoying the view. This became a habit and a bad one at that! Then with the stress of starting a new church, I turned to food for comfort and this continued for nearly nine and a half years apart from one brief 6 months or so when my heart was not functioning correctly and because of a short bought of depression brought on by the doctors not being able to pinpoint the problem, I was unable to eat and so I quickly dropped the pounds. But thanks to the Lord for sending a heart specialist to find and fix the problem, I began getting back to my old self. I did begin to exercise a little bit more, but not enough.
Another thing that I have noticed over the last few years is my body’s response to sugar. I found that I am not able to eat too much of it (which is a good thing) due to the fact that my body reacts similar to a diabetic. When I was in the hospital a few years ago I asked them to check for diabetes but the results came back negative. Needless to say, I am very happy that I cannot eat sugar like I did when I was younger. Which now brings to mind Paula Deen. We all know her as the Queen of butter and cream. Not anymore! She was recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and has lost 2 pants sizes. She says she also walks 30 minutes a day. Good for her! Not only has she adopted a healthier lifestyle, she’s also now able to influence all of her butter lover fans!
OK back to my story. Due to the lack of regular aerobic exercise and healthy eating, I maintained a very unhealthy weight for many years up until about 5 months ago (2012). Last summer I began to ride my bike a couple of times a week and watch my sugar intake, and because of this I did begin to see a slight difference, but not enough. My plan was to lose weight to buy a nice dress for our older sons wedding (November 12, 2011) but I did not quite reach my goal. I was hoping to be able to fit into a size 13-14, but was disappointed when all I could wear was a size 16. I hated this! I know hate is a very strong word, but I was so disappointed in myself that I allowed myself to get to this size! I like Paula Deen, do not weigh myself, that my friends can be one of the most depressing things a woman can do. I like to go by inches and dress/pant sizes (I learned this method from being a certified aerobic instructor. Those who do weight training increase the muscle which weighs more than fat)
So when did I REALLY wake up? When I saw some photo’s of me dancing in a line with others at our sons and Brandi’s beautiful wedding. I could not believe what I saw!!! I thought to myself, “Do I REALLY look like that?!!” Well friends this wake-up call moved me to take it serious this time. In December of 2012 I began to ride my bike daily, I don’t mean a leisurely ride, I mean serious aerobic pedaling. Again I started to see a little more difference in the way my clothes fit, but still not enough. About six weeks ago I read an article that helped me with choosing healthier foods and continue my exercise regime. It said to cut out 500 calories a day. Mine began with peanut butter of which I LOVE! Every night I would eat a peanut butter bagel or toast. Not anymore!! Just 2 tablespoons of my favorite Smucker’s Natural Peanut Butter comes packed with a whopping 200 calories and 16 grams of fat! Another thing I began to do is eat more fruit! Fruit has fiber (which helps you to feel full longer). I have also cut out bread. I now eat high fiber wraps in place of bread. I eat tuna, turkey and chicken wraps. I no longer order fries when I go out to eat, I get a side salad instead (another tip from my article) and if I want a taste I’ll take 2 or 3 from my hubbies plate!
One other MAJOR change I’ve stumbled across Smart One’s by Weight Watches. No, I am not a member of Weight Watcher’s but I was turned on to this very tasty, low-calorie a high protein, high fiber entree’s when I saw one in our freezer. I ate it and it was soooo delicious and it filled me up because of the protein and fiber content! Listen folds, I’ve always steered away from frozen meals because in the past they tasted awful, especially the “diet” ones, ugh! But not these, I buy the meatless versions. They have a huge variety to choose from. I purchase mine at Wal-mart for only $1.98 per entree (meatless), what a deal!! My husband and our younger son loves them too! So when I don’t want to cook, we just heat up a Smart One! And instead of bread with my meal, I take one of my Flat Out fiber wraps and lightly brush with EVOO add a little garlic salt ( very little) slice them in tortilla chip sizes and broil for approx; 1 minute. We also make our own healthy pizza (no meat) using whole wheat flour and it is just simply delicious! I also opt for baked chips instead of the regular. Be careful with these as well, watch your portions! I no longer sit and eat half a bag, I put a serving in a small bowl. Oh yeah, it really helps to use smaller plates and bowls, you’ll eat less, but your eyes see a full plate, trust me it works!
I am happy to say that I have finally fit into my new pair of white summer shorts that are 2 sizes smaller than what I’ve been wearing. Now I am not finished with losing inches, but I have learned from the article that I read to be “patient”. Losing weight the healthy way is the best way!! I do not look at it as dieting, I see it as making healthier choices!
