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!

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

Can I Climb Your Mountain With You?

Do you ever feel like the amount of weight you have to lose is almost out of reach? Like it seems impossible? Like climbing straight up the side of a mountain without any preparation? I know there have to be some of you out there because I know I used to be one of those very someones. The good news is, it really wasn't as bad as it looked, especially because I had planned out my route, my course of action. 

You see, I never started my journey with the idea that this was going to be some type of diet or eating plan to get me to the top of the mountain and that when I got there, I would celebrate and forget all that went into the planning. I wanted it to become something I enjoyed, was excited about, and had a passion for. (Healthy eating and exercise that is.)  I wanted to succeed to the point that it made me want to reach out and not only share my story with others but inspire myself to keep learning and trying new things that my body wasn't capable of doing before. That alone, excited me.

When I first set off on my journey I think the important thing to remember was that I had my pack ready to climb that mountain. It was already full of everything I was going to need to get to the top. My eating plan, my course of exercise, motivation, determination, and of course my water bottle. Nothing was going to stop me and once I got headed up the trail, there was no turning back. My thought was often, "I've come this far....onward I must go." 

Often times I think it's easy to set out on a weight loss journey and not have the tools we need in our pack to make it up the mountain without failing or deciding it's too hard, and we give up and turn back. Don't be one of those people. I once was, and it did nothing for me other than make me feel as if I'd failed. Just the thought of another attempt at some point then became daunting. 

I've seemed to have developed a passion for hiking since taking my weight off and I think it honestly stems from what I went through to climb my own mountain to weight loss. God being a huge part of that. Most hard things in life can't be done alone. Well, I guess they can but it's only adding what I would call boulders to your pack when climbing up that mountain. Making Him part of who I was becoming each and every day was taking weight off my shoulders as I climbed. He believed in me. Often times more than I believed in myself. Climbing and hiking is hard work. It takes time and planning, but in the end the reward is spectacular.  Whether it's to see the top of the world or a beautiful new you.

I did a lot of hiking this summer. Some hikes were harder than others, but I'd have to say Mt. Rainier was probably my favorite. Not only because of the satisfaction it gave me to climb it and to say I can do hard things, but just the awesomeness of how huge and massive that mountain is.I couldn't hike very far without stopping in my tracks and staring in awe at its beauty. What a testimony it was to remind me of just how big our God is and what He is capable of.

(Me and my best friend, Tam, on Mt. Rainier a few weeks ago. Pure awesomeness!)

So, whether you have 50 pounds to lose or 150 pounds to lose, you can do it! In fact, I love hiking so much I'd love to climb your mountain with you. What do you say? I can't wait to see the picture from the top, can you?  The view will be spectacular!

Your Body Will Tell You When You're Done Losing Weight

Have you ever heard people say this? "I'll be happy when I get to 125." Or how about "I'll be happy when I'm the same size I was in high school." Let's not forget about the next two. "I'll be happy when I weigh what I did when I first got married." " I just want to look like what I did before I had kids."  I know I'm guilty of such thoughts. I always said, "I want to be 140-145." For me that was huge coming from a girl that was nearly 300 pounds. Seems reasonable, right? Not always. The reality of it is that we should never get fixated with the number on the scale. It's a great guide but it doesn't get to make all the decisions.  Your body does.


I remember shortly after I met with Jacob my trainer for the first time and I told him of my goal weight, he said he could get me to whatever weight I wanted the scale to say but that my body might tell me otherwise. Huh? In other words, my body might be happier at a different weight. What do I mean when I say my body might be happier elsewhere? Well, for me it means getting down to that lower weight range (the day I hit my goal I weighed in at 143) and then when I go into maintenance mode if the scale wants to move slightly up or down it will, and it will then decide where it's "happy place" will be. One of the things Jacob warned me about when I reached my goal was letting my body find it's "happy place" - the place where it was most comfortable. I remember him telling me it's so much harder to make it a lifestyle and a forever thing if every time you eat something naughty the scale goes up. You don't want it to get discouraging and feel like all the work and effort you've put in is going to be too hard to maintain, when in all reality your body just may need to find its "happy place" which is usually within a five pound range. For me, I wanted to weigh 145 and I'm always 143-147. Always! Yes, sometimes 147! Do I get upset? No! Can I still fit into my size 6 clothing? Of course! I have found that if you allow your body to do just this, and find a "happy spot" where it's most comfortable for you, where you can still LIVE and enjoy normal food including treats here and there, you'll be far more successful in keeping the weight off and making the new you someone who will be around for quite some time.


It's been 19 months since that Saturday in January that I reached my goal weight and I'm happy to say that I've maintained that weight since. How have I done it? I've let my body do the talking and have not gotten fixated on a number in my head. 


What are your goals? Are you fixated on that number at the end of your journey? If so, start entertaining the idea that your body will be the one doing the talking in the end. It will let you know where it is comfortable hanging out, without changing your clothing size one bit! The scale is there just to play mind games. The body is there to tell us how it is!

This was my scale weight this morning. I know, scarred feet, missing toenails, and in need of a pedicure but I just wanted you to know that even if the scale would have read 147 today, I would have not panicked! I've learned my body has a "happy place" and it can vary from day to day. Chances are, your body has a "happy place" too. 

What if?

My mind has really been playing tricks on me lately.  I've spent so much time catastrophizing about my feet and this upcoming half marathon I'm running in two weeks, that it really has me in a bad spot. I just can't seem to wrap my head around the idea that one day my feet can run 9 miles in the pouring rain and love every minute of it.  Yet a three mile run a few days before or after that has my feet in a total tizzy and me feeling like it's the hardest thing I've ever done. It's as if my spirit and I want to do one thing but I'm living in a body that is broken and will only cooperate on occasion. In fact, here are a few of the things my mind has been telling me lately:


What if my feet don't get better?
What if I never can run like I did before?
What if my foot cramps up during the half?
What if I can't get the charlie horse to go away?
What if I can't breathe because I've been missing runs?
What if my toes go numb?
What if I can't make it up the hills?
What if my feet feel heavy that day?
What if I can't keep up?
What if my feet are throbbing?
What if I have to walk? 
What if I can't finish?
What if....what if.....what if?


Not good, I know. After some wise council and a good talk with a friend, I've decided I need to fill this head of mine with all the positive what ifs. It's not always an easy thing to do but just trying it the last couple hours has brought hope and a bright spot into my day.


What if I wake up race morning feeling great?
What if my feet don't cramp up?
What if I feel light on my feet?
What if the nerves in my feet don't bother me to run up hills?
What if I experience no charlie horses?
What if I can turn a corner without my feet hurting?
What if I can run the whole way?
What if I feel like I can breathe?
What if I can run pain-free?
What if my feet are happy?
What if I hardly notice them?
What if I feel like I could run forever?


For me right now, all my what ifs seem to be about my feet. Maybe your what ifs are about your weight or exercise? Regardless, I know for me, If I can find peace and joy in the second list of what ifs, then regardless of what happens on race day, I'll be a winner!

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!

Becoming Active = My Daily Vitamin

I was reflecting last night on how different my life is in so many ways now that I'm half the size I used to be. One of the the things that stuck with me as I was mulling this over was the difference in how active I've become.

Looking back, it's sad for me to think of what a slug I was. I'm not meaning to say this to put myself down, but it's the truth. That's how I lived from day to day - lazy, unmotivated, tired, and so out of shape I barely had motivation and energy enough to accomplish the simple things around my own house. Everything was a chore! The sad part of this equation is the fact that I must have thought it was okay to some degree. I know I wasn't 100% happy with myself, but I obviously didn't let it bother me enough to do anything about it for many years. I guess I wasn't sick enough of my body and lifestyle to do something about it sooner. My heart is crumbling in some ways looking back.  It's almost as if I wasn't that person, and I think, "How sad for her. I was wish there had been something I could have done to help her sooner."

I'm not really even sure I can tell you when or how I came to fall in love with being active. I do know that it didn't happen overnight and I do know that for the longest time I felt like it was a chore. I wasn't enjoying it, but I felt like if I wanted to lose weight, I had no choice. (I was in diet mode.) Once I started to see my own progress, even in the smallest way, it motivated me to work towards taking a little more weight off. (Never in my wildest dreams did I think that would include over 130 pounds.) I think I got to the point of enjoying who I was becoming when I wrapped my head around the idea that this was a lifestyle - something I wanted to keep doing the rest of my life. I learned that what I was doing for myself made me feel good. It made me look at things in a different light, and really, it become easier. Easier not only to move physically, but easier to eat better and give my body the fuel it needed.

As time went on, not only have I fallen in love with getting to the gym and having sore muscles, but I've discovered a love and passion for hiking and running. Two things I never dreamed I'd participate in like I do now. The last two summers all I can do is look forward to hiking and getting outside as much as I can.  And the fact that I ran my first  half Marathon last summer and am currently training for my second here in 6 weeks almost makes me giddy. Like I'm a normal person now. I love the fact that being active is like my daily vitamin. Not a day goes by that I'm not thinking about what I'm going to do that day to be active. 

What a wonderful life it has become!

I'll Start Monday!

I read something yesterday that caught my eye - "I'll start Monday!" How many times have we heard that? Or how about, I'll start next week or In January I'll start doing that."  Why do we do that? I know I was guilty of it for years but the reality of it is,   we need to start today! Whatever it is we are wanting to do or change needs to start now. The thing about losing weight and formulating a regular exercise routine is that it's not a diet, it's  lifestyle. Diet says the word, temporary. Lifestyle, says the word, forever. Think about it this way,  In order to be healthy on a long term basis this is not just a temporary fix. It's got to be something you are willing to commit too forever. Have you been one of those people who's worked really hard for a period of time to take some weight off, or develop a new exercise routine, only to either slack off, take a break for a time and in the end you've ended up gaining it all back and them some? You're back to square one and often times with more to lose than the first time around? I know for me, there was a time when I took off 40 pounds following a specific eating plan, and felt like when I had reached a certain weight, I had done what I had set out to do, and it wasn't going to get any better than this so I went back to my old way in hoped the weight would stay off. Wrong! I learned real quickly by not making that one decision into  a lifestyle and something I would work at everyday, the weight came back and the exercise stopped. It was daunting and something that really bothered me. Almost as if I was a failure. Then that effects your self esteem and so many other factors in a persons life. Maybe that's why things are different for me this time around. Maybe I needed to go through that experience so I'd learn it doesn't work that way.

I knew when I started on this journey this time around I was determined to make it work. To make it a part of who I am. To make it a part of my lifestyle. In my mind there was no other option. It was not  just going to be a phase, it was going to become a new part of who I was. I had tobelieve that! I had to look myslelf in my bathroom mirror and tell myself those words- sometimes on a daily basis until it became a reality. Now, often times when people are expressing to me how much of an inspiration I am to them and that  they're going to get serious about their weight, and or exercise program, I have no qualms in telling them; "Don't bother unless you're serious! It's not worth it!"  Yes, we are human. We like food. But until we can wrap out heads around the fact that food is to our friend and to be used  as fuel not our enemy, I truly don't think as a people, we'll be able to change for good.

Something to think about:

If you wait until tomorrow to eat right, you'll never eat right, because tomorrow never comes. By the time it comes, it's today. Until you're ready to lose weight today, to eat healthy right now, in this meal, you never will. There's nothing that will be there tomorrow to make you do it that isn't here today. We need to keep in mind that having the desire is our starting point, but in order to make eating healthy a lifestyle, we need to realize there will be no finish line!