The story of me


The story of me

Someone suggested recently that I write my weight loss journey, because they viewed as an inspirational one. Let me set the stage and give some backstory.

I have, from as far back as I can remember (and with picture proof of this being the case) been an overweight person. I had what some would consider a tumultuous childhood, with lots of emotional challenges. We lived on a farm, and nutrition was never really discussed or taught in our household. As per my mother, I learned to eat when I was happy/sad/fill-in-the-blank. We also were that “clean your plate” family.  

I specifically remember hitting 200 pounds around the age of 12, and do not ever recall getting below that point until I joined Weight Watchers for the first time in the fall of 2002.  So, to say that I have fought being overweight my entire life is an understatement.   I have joined, and parted ways about 6 times with Weight Watchers, even having made ‘Lifetime’ one of those times.  Each and every time failing because it was not a complete lifestyle change, and I wasn’t completely ready to commit to never going back again. I had learned to use food as a coping mechanism, rather than eating to live I was living to eat and using it to soothe whatever ailed me. 

I've always been the person to overcome circumstances, my family had been economically not well off, as are many farm families. I knew from a young age that I wanted to go to college, and by the end of high school I knew I wanted to be a nurse. Despite being the first in my family to graduate college, I did so and entered the work world as an overweight nurse.

Let us fast forward to the age of 26, when I had a one-year-old beautiful little girl at home. I was my heaviest at this point, at 228 pounds.  Clearly I was holding on to ‘the baby weight.’ My mom had announced that she was recently diagnosed type 2 diabetic. I was on blood pressure medicine (some of that not entirely avoidable), and despite having a gorgeous little girl and a great husband-I was completely miserable with whom I was.  I knew that if I did not change, that I would put family and myself at risk of having diabetes and other health issues affect us.  I decided then I was going to re-join Weight Watchers and start running. Mind you, I started running in 1-minute intervals on a treadmill at the Y. But I loved the feeling of calling myself a runner, and soon enough I was running 1 mile regularly, and getting faster (and fitter!).  I continued my journey with Weight Watchers as support until I was sure that I had made a complete mindset change of never going back there again. By this time I was running races (and even getting faster!), and training for a half marathon. I continued my nutrition journey on my own at this point, and have continued to do so.

Now I can say that I am completely addicted to how running makes me feel, and the person that it makes me. It has opened avenues to meeting new people, who are just as dedicated to the sport as I am. It has helped me retain my weight loss, and keeps me honest on my eating habits (because you cannot run well when you do not eat well).  I have retained my 60-pound weight loss for around a year and a half, but of course I bounce a bit in the weight department. A number on the scale no longer defines who I am, because I am strong and healthy and continue the journey. It keeps me honest, but does not define me. I know that no matter what I will not ever be that sad, depressed, overweight person that I was ever again.  I will not allow my little girl to be that person either and am instead helping to teach her the importance of being strong, active and healthy. 

To be honest, the “we are so proud of you,” and the “wow, you look great,” comments keep me going. The comments about being ‘crazy’ about what I eat (because I am adamant about whole, organic produce and food for my family) are annoying but do not deter me. The sense of community in the running community is unmatched.  I know that because of these things I will never go back, and that makes me as proud of myself as I have ever been. I am passionate about helping others to be successful in life changes, and I am passionate about wholesome, organic food (to the point of being angered by our food supply in this country). Seeing overweight children breaks my heart, and I am passionate about that as well.  Overall, My life has been one of conquering mountains, and to have this one scaled feels best of all. 

With a 3 week old, and recently. 

Comments

  1. AnonymousAugust 25, 2013 at 9:21 AM

    Thank you for sharing this great story! You have taken some really important--and inspiring steps! You go, girl!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. BethAugust 25, 2013 at 9:36 AM

    This is awesome. I hope you keep posting with stories of what has worked and what hasn't, especially when it comes to foods and recipes. I absolutely love to cook and my husband is good enough to let me cook whatever and he'll eat it. Unfortunately i only know so many healthy recipes. Thank you for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  3. UnknownAugust 26, 2013 at 8:23 AM

    An amazing and wonderful story! Thanks for sharing it and inspiring others, like me! :)

    ReplyDelete

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