Just getting started...
Throughout my entire life I have struggled with my weight. Growing up I was never really taught the importance of nutrition or exercise. I was a chubby kid all throughout elementary school and junior high school. In high school my weight would fluctuate 30-40 lbs at a time. It has been like that every since. Every year my weight will range between 20-30 lbs. To gain or lose 3 or 4 pounds in a week is a common occurrence. I have always been used to this way of living.
I have also had very terrible self esteem throughout my entire life. I have always felt chubby, very insecure and maybe even less than everyone else because of my weight. I have always been tired of feeling this way. I love myself on the inside and have always had the desire to love myself on the outside as well.
Ever since I have turned 30, I have a different view on the way I live my life every day. Every day is a gift and it does not last forever. Our youth does not last forever. I have a 4-and-a-half year old daughter that I want to watch grow up. I want to set a good example for her future. I want to be able to educate her on nutrition and exercise and be a living example of how to take care of yourself to live a long and healthy life!
After the holiday season (I am now 30-and-a-half) I kept my weight down during Thanksgiving and Christmas (yay me!). Then in the first week of January my Grandmother passed away and I became very depressed. I did not have any intention of letting myself go; but in a little more than one month I had gained almost 15 lbs! I never realized before how much of an emotional eater I had become! I would reward myself with various "treats"... just to help me feel better emotionally. "Comfort" types of food... pasta, pizza, stews, soups, chilies, etc. Which of course in the long run, made me feel worse and worse because of how terrible I felt when I looked in the mirror or put my clothes on. In the beginning of February I talked with my significant other about joining a gym. I have the DVD's at home and I even got a Wii Fit for Christmas. But I didn't have the motivation that it takes to make myself do it at home. On February 17th I walked into Gold's Gym. Their monthly membership dues were more than I had expected on paying but I knew that this was the push that I needed to get into shape and start to feel good again.
I met with a personal trainer on the very next day. Chris kicked my butt! And it was just what I needed! Of course a couple days later I was diagnosed with bronchitis and a sinus infection and I had to stay out of the gym for another two weeks. But Chris kept on me and I made another appointment with him. And then another one three days after that. My introductory training package had been fulfilled after 3 hour long training sessions, but it has forever changed my life. In the short time what I was with Chris I lost 2 lbs, one inch on my waist and one inch on my hips! Plus he taught me a lot about nutrition. I have changed my eating habits and I now workout in the gym 2 to 3 times a week. That is more than I ever imagined that I would go!! I work a full time job, to which I commute at least 45 minutes a day, and I'm a Mom!!! And I feel better than I have ever felt in my life! I've only been going like this for just over a month but I feel stronger every day. My clothes are really starting to feel different and I just feel so much better about myself! I couldn't imagine my life without this! I am so thankful for my support system, without them I might not have the strength to do this on my own!
Oh and another LIFE CHANGE that I have made................. I ALSO QUIT SMOKING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! For so long I wasn't sure that I could do it. For the past couple of years I have only smoked 2-4 cigarettes per day. There always seemed to be something going on in my life to prevent me from giving up those last couple of cigarettes. Stress, depression, etc. My bronchitis in February really opened up my eyes to what could be my future. It was my second or third respitory infection in the past year (starting with pneumonia last May). I thought about my future and I thought about Emily. During my illness of course I did not smoke. Afterwards, when I started feeling better, I remember sitting outside having my first cigarette in a few days. I put it out halfway through and thought this is the most ridiculous thing I could be doing! I am already 4 or 5 days down! I bought the Nicorette patch at Costco and I quit smoking! I am doing so unbelievably well!! I wish I could be the advocate for everyone who needs to quit smoking. I wish it could be this easy for everyone. I instantly felt better. I feel better every day. The biggest change I have found that surprises me the most (besides now that I smell amazing every day) is my attitude. I was so afraid of going through this phase of terrible misery. Moodiness and grumpiness. Well to tell you the truth of course I feel a little moody from time to time. But more than anything I have LESS mood swings and LESS anxiety!!! I feel incredible.
My family is so proud of me!! They love to have Mommy back!! I want to tell the World!!! :)