Enjoying Your Food!

One of the things I really worked on when I was on my journey to losing the weight is something I still try to implement.  I enjoy the food I'm eating. Sure, when you change your entire life around and start to eat to live and not live to eat, you might be eating some things that are new to you and or in some ways not all that enjoyable. (Considering most foods out there that make us fat are not the altogether taste good sweet treats.) The important thing for me when I took the step to becoming a better me was to eat and do nothing else. Okay, that sounds bad. No don't just eat, eat, eat, all day. But when it's time for a snack or a meal, I focused on my food. I would even process in my brain about the food I was eating and how it was going to help my body become stronger, more resilient, and healthy. I tried to avoid eating in front of the TV, computer, or anything else that would distract me. Otherwise I mentally wasn't processing that I was eating, so the need to feel like I should eat again sooner than later would arise. Often times, I would even try to justify my eating when I did it that way. Not good.

I really enjoy trying to savor the flavors of my food these days. I remember in the past, there were many times where I felt like I was inhaling my food. In so doing, I gained weight, not even caring about what was entering my mouth. It think that it's fair to say that can be a common thing with obese people. (As scary as it sounds, yes I was obese.) I try to have a large glass of water with me anytime I put food in my mouth. It helps. Again, I try to focus on eating slowly, drinking often during the snack/meal and like I said, tell myself about the good foods that are going into my body and what they will do for me. Now, don't get me wrong....I still eat naughty things and when I eat those things I have learned (I believe a lot of that learning has come from feeding my body and brain with good foods) that they are there for my enjoyment, not as a medication of sorts. I remind myself that I am bigger than the treat, and I am in charge of my body, not the food. I have told my brain that treats and I have become friends. In a good way. You see, I never deprived myself of them on my journey. Yep, I lost 133 pounds eating treats. Not every day, no. But I wanted to enjoy them occasionally and learn how to enjoy them in the proper way, mixed in with the good whole foods I was eating at other times during the day. Learning the balance is the trick. Our brains are trained to perk up when sweets, treats, grease, naughty foods are present. Why? Because that is society and that is what the majority of us have been exposed to. It's what's out there. It's whats most convenient. 

I'm a firm believer though, that if we focus on the good foods we are putting into our mouths and remind our brains often of what a difference they are making, we will naturally fall in love with eating healthy. I know it may sound odd to some, but it's worked for me. In fact I love to eat healthy now. I even order healthy on the menu when I easily could order something naughty for an evening. It comes natural to me. Almost like the roles have been reversed. (Always looking for healthy instead of always ordering what sounds good whether it's good for me or not.) I promise, the more you focus on your mealtime, slowing down, savoring the flavors in your food, and not being distracted, the more food will become your friend instead of your enemy. No, it's not easy, but I promise it's worth it!

One of my favorites! (Pulled Pork Salad)

Yep, and an occasional naughtiness

Sharing My Story 101

Saturday morning I had the chance to speak to a group of ladies who are just finishing up there own version of a "Biggest Loser" challenge. Believe it or not, it was the first time I really have spoke in that kind of setting. The crazy thing is, I don't know what made me say "Yes" when I was asked to do this as I am so not a public speaker and REALLY don't care to speak in front of groups of people. But guess what? I tried it. It's not so bad. Not only that, it blessed me to be able to do it.  I seem to share my story or at least bits and pieces of it to people all the time but to actually tell it how it was for me from start to finish turned out to be very special. (Yes, I only teared up a couple different times but I just couldn't help it.)  

In some ways there were some ladies in that room that I knew had to have felt the way I had in the beginning months of my journey. I could just tell. My heart hurt for them. This challenge had only been going on for a few months, and when you have a large amount of weight to lose, as did I, it's hard for others to tell you're even making progress in those first few months other than feeling better about how you are eating and physically feeling. Almost always, others haven't quite noticed the weight loss has started. 

One of the best parts about my morning was not only did I get to speak to these great women, but I got to bring my trainer Jacob with me! The one who inspired me, pushed me, and believed in me far before I ever even believed in myself. Love him!  It was great to hear him talk to these ladies about how they can accomplish just what I had done, even if that means following a different path to get there. "Just do it!" he says. 

I so badly when it was all over wanted to pull those few aside that I knew were struggling and are where I was to tell them they can SO DO THIS. In fact my heart wanted to do it for them but God reminded me I can't. This is one of those things they will have to overcome on their own and I get to help Him be the cheerleader. One day at a time. Each day getting closer to that goal. Yes!  

I'm grateful for my sunny Saturday morning yesterday. It was a chance for me to reflect on again, what I had been through and how far I've come. Not only that,  I could remind myself how much happier life is for me now compared to then. That in and of itself is worth helping  others want to make the change and get healthy. We can do anything as long as we believe we can.

How Do You Talk to Yourself?

It's interesting how the body and mind work. When I look back on all the "then" moments and compare them to the "now" moments, there is such a HUGE difference. We really are what we tell ourselves......

I'm too fat.

I can't.

I need to go on a diet.

This is just how I was born.

It's too hard.

I'll never be small.

I like food too much.

I can't run.

I don't have time.

It's my metabolism.

I'm too tired.

I'm too old.

I don't enjoy exercise.

I can't give up sweets.

I'm unmotivated.

I'll start on Monday.

....and the list goes on. Any of this ever sound like words that have entertained your brain at one point or another?

The good news is.....we really can become what we tell ourselves.......

It makes me feel good to take care of myself.

I can do this.

I have energy.

I am happy.

I'm motivated.

I am a runner.

I can eat anything in moderation.

I'm healthy.

I'm small. (smaller)

I love to exercise.

I feel empowered.

I'm in control.

I can do hard things.

I am a winner!

Believe, Don't Just Expect!

I found myself reflecting in the past few days on my journey and what has gotten me where I am today. I have to say that I wasn't very good at what I'm about to talk about for quite some time, but the reality is in order to get to your goal and be the person you want to be, you must first BELIEVE!

Like I said, I was very bad at this for months. In fact, if a grade were to have been given like in school, I can assure you it would have been an F, along with a letter wanting to meet with the parents. In other words, for months I was just going through the motions. I was eating well. I was going to the gym. I was drinking water and even losing weight. It's what I expected. Who wouldn't expect that after making those changes? And to some they may have even felt like sacrifices. I mean if I were going to school each day, somewhat trying, and getting my work in, you'd think I'd at least be passing the class right? Wrong! We cannot just expect...we must work at it.

For many months I didn't believe in myself. I didn't believe I could do it. I had so much weight to lose that it often times scared me. I was overwhelmed. I'd even find myself in tears about it.  I'd never be tiny, but I at least wanted to be smaller than I was at that moment. I didn't know how to even picture what that would look like. I didn't know if I was capable. Bottom line was, I didn't believe in myself!  All I knew was that I was going through the motions in hopes that I would see results. 

Results came but I learned quickly that unless I started believing I could do anything I put my mind to and keep on a path of a healthy lifestyle, like FOREVER, I would just be back at square one. Gain back the weight and feel even more like a failure because I wasn't able to do it the first time (or second or third). I learned that I couldn't do any of this until I believed in myself. I know I already blogged about the mind last week, but it really is key. It has the power to make or break you in all of this. We honestly cannot do all of this and just expect to change or expect results. We need to believe.  

I know it may sound a bit awkward that I believe in those of you who struggle with weight loss issues even though I've never even met you, but I do. I really do. If I can come from a place where I was and accomplish what I have, so can you. I honestly believe this. I know I don't know your personal situation and/or the things you are dealing with on your plate of life at this time, but I believe you can be the YOU you want to become. I believe you can make good choices. I believe you can listen to your heart. (I know it wants to be healthy and craves nothing but for you to be happy.) I believe you can honestly do anything you put your mind to. No, it's not easy but I believe you can do it. God believes in you. I believe in you.  Do you believe in you?

What Do You Do When You Are Frustrated?

I was looking through some pictures this weekend and came across this picture of me shortly after my foot surgery. It made me reflect a bit on one of the set-backs on my journey and how regardless of my situation I had to press forward. Sometimes I think we all fall into this trap of sorts, and it doesn't require having bi-lateral foot surgery to get into this mindset. 

Ever felt like you're making no progress? Ever feel like you've tried everything and nothing is working? Are you unmotivated? Has life's circumstances weighed you down and the thought of keeping up with healthy eating and exercise sound daunting? I know I can answer yes to each one of these things as I felt them all at one point or another on this journey. The interesting thing is that each one of these scenarios is different yet can be very debilitating and similar in their own way. 

How would any of these examples be any different than me having foot surgery? There is a BIG difference. You see, each one of these scenarios can be very real but the good news is, you have the power to physically do something to make it better. You can move. You can walk. You can run. After having foot surgery I couldn't to any of those things for weeks and I had to rely on my support team (the people you've been getting to know in my posts recently) to do practically everything for me. It was a very hard, trying time for my little brain. Often times now I find myself thanking God for feet that can walk. For feet that can run. It's not until something you're so dependent upon is taken away that you really gain an appreciation for what your body can do for you. Don't take it for granted!

In the days and weeks following my surgery, I spent many quiet hours with God pondering my circumstance. It was made very clear to me on several occasions that WE have the power within to make whatever situation we're in a good one. Even though I couldn't get off the couch or out of bed to get to the gym or even walk for that matter, I had to train my brain it was all going to be okay - my body would remember what to do when the time came for me to walk again. (This was not always an easy thing for me.) 

We have the power to be who we want to be. We have the power to change our lives for the better. We have the power to make whatever we are feeling into something better.  I am so grateful for all these little things that may not seem important to some but are important to me as I relive my journey. They are helping me to mold this whole experience into something more than just losing weight and being healthy. It's not always easy, but I promise it will be worth it!

P.S. I had the best post-op nail artist ever (Tam-the one you all got to meet on Friday when she guest posted).  Her Nike swooshes kept me motivated and inspired that this too shall pass. Take a look...

Yep, green is my favorite color.

A little Boise State spirit on this one.

Stretch Yourself!

One thing I’ve learned on this journey is that everyday is a new day. Not one day is the same, and with each new day, it got me closer and closer to reaching my goals. Often times the words I find myself preaching to others who send me emails with questions are: One day at a time. One step in front of the other. Stretch yourself! 

 I want to focus a few thoughts on the last thing I stated. Stretch yourself! Sometimes this one is not always easy. It’s not easy to try new things. It’s not easy to do things that challenge you.  It’s not easy to push yourself. It’s just not easy to do hard things. (Not to mention, sometimes these things are scary.) What I will tell you though, is that the more you try, the more you push, the more ice that can be chipped of that mountain, the faster you’ll be able to clamp on and get to the top - a success story, believing you can do anything! 

Changing our life around in order to get healthy and have our bodies stay that way is not supposed to be easy. If it were, there wouldn’t be so many people struggling with such problems on a daily basis. Not to mention, our bodies need to know and feel our commitment. It needs to know we're serious. 

Stretching ourselves is a good thing. Sometimes when we have to stretch ourselves and work hard for something we want so badly, we learn to appreciate it more because we had to work so hard at it and make it a priority.  We appreciate it more than we would if it were to have come easily and naturally. Sometimes I think this is the way God has planned it. He doesn’t want us to take our bodies for granted. He doesn’t want us treat them in a way that is unhealthy and disrespectful. If we’ve taken the steps to get back control of our lives, He wants to make sure we’re in it for the long haul. He wants us to feel the joy and peace that comes from treating our bodies like a temple. The joy and peace of feeling healthy and whole, like anything is possible. 

Our bodies truly are a gift and I know from personal experience that stretching myself was the ONLY way I was going to make it this time. I’d sold myself short and taken the easy route too many times before. It was only when I stretched myself, tried things I never dreamed were even possible, that I became the Paige I am today. If I did it, so can you! Believe in yourself, stretch yourself!  

Just like it was a stretch for me to do many things on this journey, I keep stretching myself.These are a few pictures from hiking with my hubby last weekend. Once we made it to the waterfall, we had to rock climb around the side of a mountain in order to see it. If anyone knows me well, I don't do heights. Trust me, it was a stretch, but one I'm so glad I pushed through!

Mt. Si - I Can Do Hard Things!

Another hiking post. I think it's because my body is wishing it were off somewhere today on a really good hike. I was looking back this morning on one of the very first real hikes I ever did. It was a couple of years ago when visiting Seattle with my best friend Tam. Growing up in the Northwest and exploring its beauty was not something I'd let myself participate in until recent years, so to hike in the Northwest is by far my favorite. It's beautiful in every way.

On this particular day, we were doing Mount Si. (4167 feet elevation in 4 miles) I had done other little short what I like to call "prairie" hikes, but this would have been my first real hike. I had waffled with the idea of climbing it this day as I was getting over phenomena, but for the most part, I was feeling good. Not to mention, there had been talk about us climbing this mountain all summer, so I didn't want to back out.This was a big deal for me, as Mt. Si is one of the most well hiked trails in the Northwest and something I'd grown up hearing that people did but never in my wildest dreams thought it would be something I would do. (Almost as if I wasn't allowed to.)

Tam and I set out and started up the trail from the base and learned real quick that the first 1.5 miles is pretty steep. I was huffin' and puffin' most the way and honestly think I wanted to question what I was doing but wouldn't let my mind go there. I wanted it, and I wanted it bad! When we got to the 1 mile mark a couple of gentlemen were on their way down and asked us about our water. We told them what we had in our pack and one of them explained that we'd need WAY more than that, so he sent us on our way up the mountain with what he had left. (Again, another indication of "What have I gotten myself into?" But I didn't let my mind go there.) As we climbed, we stopped, and climbed and stopped some more. Huffing and puffing along the way - face beat red and all. In other words...totally out of shape climber! 

At the time I weighed 178 pounds so I'd already lost 100 pounds.  I had just never had my body do something like this before, so it really didn't know what to expect. Not to mention, in the big picture of life, my body had only really been in an active state for a very short percentage of time. As we continued on, I felt my mind want to wander and go to a place of doubtful thinking several times but I just wouldn't let it go there. (I think this is a key thing for all of us in many aspects of our journey.) We stopped and took several pictures along the way. Proof that I was on this mountain God created. Climbing it no less. (The picture taking was a good distraction too.) 

As the day went on and we summited and made it to the top, I remember feeling like I was on top of the world. We climbed up to a rocky area and sat for a while and I remember pondering, talking to God, feeling like I could do anything. Anything I put my mind to. Anything my heart desired. I knew at that point I was going to make it to my goal. I knew I could do hard things. And to top it off, I couldn't have asked for a better climbing partner. 

Often times I wonder what would have happened if I would have allowed myself to listen to the voices in my head and would have turned back that day. Would I have finished? Would I be where I am today? Probably not. How grateful I am for a God who sees my potential and pushes me through. Who puts a fog between me and those voices in my head and who has been there for me every step of the way. He never said it would be easy.  He only said it would be worth it.

 I'm happy to report, I've climbed Mt. Si several times since that day. I've felt the need to do it every year, last year twice, and then again this summer. It means something to me. It holds a special place in my heart. It's where I discovered I was a climber and I can do hard things. 

July 2012

Scale vs No Scale

Personally I think scales are evil. (I don't use that word often so you know my thoughts on this one must be serious.) Some things to think about...

Things the scale does in your favor:

May or may not accurately keep track of lost pounds

Things the scale does NOT do in your favor:

Plays mind games with you.

Fluctuates whenever it wants (without permission mind you)

Adds stress

Is an obsession

Is never consistent

Is depressing

Easy to compare with others

It's obvious that without hardly thinking about it the list of negatives has far out listed the positives. All the more reason to get rid of the scale. I'll be honest, maybe getting rid of it altogether isn't best for everyone. I think each situation is different and should be looked at carefully. I know for me, as I was losing my weight (and remember, I had a lot to lose), it was nice to have the scale around so I could visually see the numbers fall off since I didn't notice a difference in my body for quite some time. After I lost the first chunk of weight, I continued to use the scale as a guide, but I mostly went off of measurements and how I felt. How you feel I think is key if you're going to make it a lifestyle. 

Once I hit my goal, (Jan. 2011) I've committed to getting on the scale only once a week. I personally picked Wednesday (mid week).  It's a chance for me to check in and make sure I'm still in check, but for the most part I go on how my clothes fit. I figure even if my body changes in some way, as long as I can still fit comfortably into those size 6's, I'm good to go. Not only that, when I tend to let my clothes do the guiding, it's just another confirmation that I've truly adopted a lifestyle change. For so many years I was concerned about my weight, what the scale said from one day to the next, and if I could ever fix it. What a wonderful feeling it is to just feel normal for once. Like I fit in with everyone else.

I know the scale is a part of life, but I'm glad I've gotten away from the addiction of it. It was a bad one. Just like any other addiction out there. If we aren't careful, it won't take long for it to destroy us. It's SO much better to LIVE life, eat what you want, (in moderation of course) put your trust in God, and use your clothes as your guide to success. Personally, my clothes are the best scale out there!

Do You Know a Sabotager?

What exactly would qualify a person to be a sabotager? Answer: Anyone who says or does anything to slow or discourage your weight-loss progress. Believe me, one might think this is crazy to even think people would do such a thing, but the reality is that it happens more than you think. Not everyone out there is always dishing out compliments or passing words of encouragement along. I know for me, I had times of discouragement and frustration, and it wasn't because of what my body was or was not doing. It was because of the things that were said  to me by others. 

It's not unusual for people to give me a hard time about my food choices whether at a family dinner, a large gathering, or at work. It happens. Common things said are, "Paige would never eat that!" or  "Paige, don't watch what I'm eating." What about "You eat naughty things?!" Or how about "If the skinny girl is going to eat some then I guess it's okay!" It's like being talked about as if I have cooties or some sort of disease. Then there are the ones who try to dress me and tell me what I should and or shouldn't be wearing. (Seriously?) Or what about the people that ask me about my workouts or my running regimen and then do everything they can to out do me and my goals. Always comparing to my routine and how they can do it better or faster. (Sad but true.)

These people are sabotagers. And the sad thing is that even though I've been hurt by them time and time again, there is a side of me that feels sorry for them. Sorry that they are so unhappy that they feel the need to out do or be better than others. You see, that's the problem. Most times these sabotagors are people who are struggling themselves with some aspect of their life and it honestly makes them feel better to make comments and excuses about your food, make wardrobe suggestions, as well as make you feel as though they are out doing you in some way when it comes to getting in shape.  

The good news is that you don't have to let these people ruin your progress. This was a hard lesson for me to learn as I fought with the idea of why people would do such a thing, but then I quickly was reminded that God has given me a strong sense of strength and will power in all of this and regardless of what others think and say, I am fighter. I fought long and hard for what I've gained and the body I now have. Nothing or no one has the right to take that away from me. 

Some of the things that helped me along the way: Hold tight to the positives. Make a list of the victories. And Don't let ANYONE sabotage your progress! You are the star of your own show. Let no one for any reason get the glory in this except for God.

This is What I Know....

I know what it's like to weigh nearly 300 pounds.

I know what it's like to want to eat where no one can see me.  

I know what it's like to wake up in the morning felling very bloated and full.

I know what it's like to look at myself in the mirror and cry because of the disappointment I see.

I know what it's like to have to ask for a seat belt extension when boarding an airplane.

I know what it's like to eat a whole box of Kraft macaroni and cheese all to myself.

I know what it's like to always be pulling at the front of my shirt to hide "the roll."

I know what it's like to start a new eating plan only to have it fail.

I know what it's like to sit in a chair and hear myself wheeze.

I know what it's like to have red marks in betwenn my thighs from them rubbing together.

I know what it's like to shop in the "fat lady" section at the store.

I know what it's like to eat becasue I am bored.

I know what it's like to grow out of clothes.

I know what it's like to have a closet full of clothes that I've already grown out of.

I know what it's like to crave bread and pasta.

I know what it's like to live in a fat body.

I know what it's like to feel constant indigestion.

I know what it'a like to cry myself to sleep with who I've become.

I know what it's like to not want to get up in the morning.

I know what it's like to have no motivation.

I know what it's like to think it's impossible.

I know what it's like to send the family off on a hike or a bike ride and have to stay home due to size and no energy.

I know what it's like to be a failure at something.

I know what it's like to catch my "fat" self in a 360 degrees mirror.

I know what it's like to have to suck it in to button the pants.

I know what it's like to hope the weather is cold enought to allow me to hide under a jacket or vest all day.

I know what it's like to feel like people are staring at me when I go out to eat at a restaurant.

I know what it's like to aviod the camera and not want to be in pictures.

I know what it's like to feel hopeless.

I know what it's like to give up.

I know what it's like to be made fun of.

I know what it's like to want to be like everyone else.
I know what it's like to feel trapped or like a prisoner in my own body.

But the good thing is, this is what I also know........

I know what it's like to set goals and accomplish them.

I know what it's like to treat my body like it's worth something.

I know what it's like to be determined.

I know what it's like to smile

I know what it's like to be normal.
I know what it feels like to crave healthy food.

I know what it's like to climb a mountain.

I know what it's like to have hope.

I know what it's like to ride the rides at the amusement park.

I know what it's like to buy clothes that fit.

I know what it's like to say "thank you" when someone gives me a compliment.

I know what it's like to share with others my testimony of what I've been through.

I know what it's like to dream.

I know what it's like to work hard.

I know what it's like to eat what I want in moderation.

I know what it's like to be happy.

I know what it's like to be in control.

I know what it's like to not be afraid of the camera.

I know what it's like to be a size 6.

I know what it's like to encourage others.

I know what it's like to have energy.

I know what it's like to cook healthy.

I know what it's like to love what I see in the mirror.

I know what it's like to enjoy shopping for clothes.

I know what it's like to love to exercise.

I know what it's like to feel healthy.

I know what it's like to learn to run.

I know what it's like to have people tell me I'm beautiful.

I know what it's like to run a half marathon.
I know what it's like to lose 133 pounds.
I know what it's like to think "I can do anything!"

                         I know what it's like to be a winner.

This is what I know!

How Serious is Your Weight Problem?

How many times have you been in a room and heard someone say, "I've tried so many diets or different ways to lose weight and my body just won't cooperate? I give up!" Or what about the person who says, "I'm just big boned and being heavy runs in my family." I bring this up because it's something I've heard on both accounts just this past week. 

I know I've blogged on this subject briefly before, but it's a topic that creeps in the minds of the overweight population often, and it really doesn't need to be there. I admit, there were times in the past that I know I felt this way, only to learn in the most recent years, it's just an excuse! A big fat excuse! I'm sorry in advance if that offends anyone, but it's something I've become passionate about. It's not a diet that is going to make you lose the weight. It's a lifestyle. You're not heavy because you're big boned or because larger framed people exist in your family. Those are just excuses. (Don't get me wrong. I've been guilty of trying to use them too.) How many people have you seen that have transformed their lives and are tiny now? Maybe not many but there are a few of us out there. If it was genetics or the fact that they truly were big boned/framed, they would have never made it to tiny. 

You see, obesity is a disease just like any other disease out there. In some ways it's even more serious because it goes undetected in many cases and isn't diagnosed or treated until it's too late and a loved one is lost because of being uneducated and making poor choices. Obesity is not just the outward appearance of a large looking, unhealthy person but also a person who has a number of other things going on, including elevated cholesterol, "hardening" of the arteries, enlargement of the heart, blood clots, diabetes, depression, and growth of cancerous cells which can lead to more serious health issues.  It's proof that obesity is not just on the outside shell of someone gaining weight.

I like to think of my body and my health just as any other serious illness out there. We need to. Your life is that important. If your child were diagnosed with cancer tomorrow and the doctor told you that you needed to do a series of treatments in order to save his/her life, you would do anything and everything in your power, including prayer to save that life, right? Well, our health when we are obese and unhealthy is just as serious and needs just as many treatments, dedication, and everything in our power, including prayer to save the life of the unhealthy, obese person.

I know when trying to lose weight that the road ahead can often look daunting and sometimes impossible. The good news is, just like any other serious health ailment, it can be overcome. If you've ever known of someone or experienced other serious health issues yourself, you know it's hard. It takes courage, (a lot of it) dedication, (daily) patience, (both with your mind and your body) a series of treatments, (healthy eating and exercise) and prayer (this was a big one for me). The way I look at any life threatening ailment, including obesity, is to remember that all things are possible with God on your side. It may not be easy, it may not be the answer you were hoping for, but in the end, a way will be provided and you will accomplish your dreams!

I Didn't Cheat - Not Once!

I received an email last week and the person on the other end asked me the question: "Did you ever cheat when losing the weight?" Here is the way I look at it. No, I didn't. Cheating is cheating and it will get you nowhere in life no matter what you are trying to "cheat" at. How many people get satisfaction and gratification when they cheat? I personally don't know too many. Most of the time all I hear is complaining and excuses.  What about the kids in school who decide to borrow the answers from their neighbor and cheat on a test? What about the people being dishonest just for their own self-gratification and to get what they want? In other words, they lie and cheat their way through life. Regardless, however you want to look at it.... it's cheating.

People need to learn to thrive within themselves and grow and blossom because they have a deep desire within who they are to accomplish what is placed before them, regardless of whether it's related to school, life, food, or anything else that may entice one to cheat their way through life. We need to learn to not rely on someone or something else in order for us to be happy.  We need to learn to be self-reliant. 

The way I look at it, cheating is nothing but an obsession, addiction, and way of thinking for some people - yes, food being a big one! How many times have you heard someone say they "cheated" and had a small piece of cake at a birthday party? Or how about going for ice cream or ordering a dish at a restaurant you normally don't order? I'm the first to admit at one point in my life I had this same mentality. To be honest, it's all I knew. It's all I believed. I think the point in my life when I came to terms and could admit that I wanted my journey to be a way of life and something that will be part of me for the long haul, is when the word diet and cheating started to fade away. Forever. 

I lost all my weight by eating healthy and exercising. I did choose to be very strict with myself and as disciplined as I could to get to my goal. Did this mean I never ate anything naughty? No, of course not. But I will tell you those times were very few and far between for a while and that seemed to work for me. ( I averaged a steady pace of 1-2 pounds a week.)  For others, you might need to plan those times more frequently but within reason with what you are trying to accomplish so you still see progress and reach your goals. Part of making it a lifestyle is learning to enjoy all the foods you love, even the naughty ones, in moderation. It can be done. It needs to be done. If we don't learn how to take control of this concept now, we will never be successful and struggling with weight will become a lifelong issue.

 I find for me the best way to enjoy treats or "naughty" foods per say is to build them into my menu. I plan for them. Nine times out of ten I know if I'll be attending an event or going out to eat and feeling the need to splurge and have a treat or order something new and fun off the menu. When I plan for it, it makes it a guilt-free experience and allows me to not only enjoy myself, but also allows me to stay focused and in check with my body and what I want it to do for me. It is then very easy to resume my goals and pick up where I had left off. 

Now, as I've been maintaining for a year and a half, it's so nice to be able to enjoy all foods, just in moderation. If I hadn't worked at introducing a few treats as I went along, I often wonder how successful I would be at maintaining like I have. I didn't care how long it took me to lose the weight this time, I just wanted it to stay off forever! If that meant doing it the way I did it, well I couldn't be more pleased. Really, there are no limitations...it's all about moderation!