You would think working in an office would be a an easy way to pack on extra pounds. After all, my time was spent sitting at a desk for 8 hours and I had full access to crap food vending machines and a cafeteria. But I didn't. I was always able to manage my weight even after having children. Even for the first few years of being a stay at home mom I seemed to manage my weight fairly well. I think always being on my feet and on the go helped with that. It wasn't until this past year (2014) that I have managed to pack on an extra 20-25 lbs and move up 5 pant sizes. Of course I didn't purposely let myself go. Nobody does. What I think happened was I allowed myself to become so consumed with carrying for everyone else that I put myself and my health on the back burner. I began eating foods that were quick and convenient, and I put no time aside for exercise. Age seems to have also taking its toll on my metabolism.
Anyway, it wasn't until I went shopping for new clothes (because I was getting tired of wearing stretchy yoga pants) that discovered what my new size actually was. It was like a slap in the face. I could be wrong, but I imagine this is what most people go through when the realize they are gaining weight. So anyway, shortly after this rude realization I began searching online and watching YouTube videos that taught nutrition. I began making small changes to the way I ate and incorporated a 30 minute walk into my everyday morning routine. About two weeks after starting these minor changes, one of my friends on Facebook had invited me to join her weight loss accountability and support group. I was reluctant at first because I was to embarrassed to have to share anything about myself and I knew we would probably have to do weight ins. But, I decided to just suck it up and dive into it. I am so glad I did. I had no idea of the impact that support from other people would have on my goals. Before I knew it I was totally drawn in. Checking in to see how other people were progressing because I found their progress to be inspiring and motivational. It kept me going everyday. On days that I felt like giving up, they would remind me that small progress is better than no progress at all and so I kept pushing forward.
Today I am on week 4 since beginning this whole endeavor with the challenge/support group. The very first time I weighed in and shared my weight with the group was on October 25th. I was 175.5. Today is November 18, and I now weight 170. My goal is to eventually get back to my normal healthy weight which has always been between 150 and 155. I would be happy at 155. Needless to say I would like to be able to wear my old pant size as well.
In addition to blogging my journey I have also decided to keep a video journal of my progress, which I began 3 weeks ago shortly after I joined the group. If you are interested in seeing my video journal you can click here. I share my favorite foods & weight loss tools, my weight progress, measurements, among other things. My hope is that one day I will reach my goal and look back at how far I have come. If there is a day I feel like giving up, I can go back at watch that first video where I explained how important this is to me and why I am doing it. I can see how far I've come. And of course I am hoping that after all is said and done, I am able to inspire others as well. So that is all for my introduction, I will be back very soon with weight loss blog #1. Take care and be healthy.
-Stephanie
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