Not too long ago, I'd say about 4 years ago, I weighed almost 200 pounds (90.9kg), 198 pounds (90kg) to be exact. I never did exercise, I ate whatever I wanted to eat and whenever I wanted to eat, I simply did not care.
I did consider losing weight a few times when I got tired
of people telling me how much weight I have gained and when I could not find
any nice outfits that would fit me. I tried to eat healthy and not as often but
I loved food too much, and the thought of exercising was just not exciting at
all. I did not have the willpower to stick to it. And to be honest, those tries
actually made me gain more weight. I just wasn't blessed with good metabolism.
One day, I decided to step on a scale and I was shocked
to see that I was 2 pounds shy of being a whopping 200 pounds!! That really
woke me up! Not to mention that my career was also determined by how you look
and not forgetting stamina. But the biggest motivation to change was the fact I
had two little ones who needs a mom and a mom to be healthy so she can stick
around for a long time.
I wanted to better myself. I wanted a new ME. I wanted to
do it mostly for myself instead of someone else. I wanted me to be healthy so I
can set a good example for my kids and that I could take care of them better.
I started with Zumba. That was a huge change. Shy with 2
left feet and no rhythm, and there I was, dancing up a storm. The class was
definitely fun. However, I wasn't losing the weight as fast as I had wanted to.
So I started brisk walking twice a week. After a couple months, I was jogging
6km (3.72 miles) in an hour. Still, the weight was only gradually going down. I
will be honest; it was starting to get very demoralizing. However, I guess I
wasn’t losing it as fast also because even if I had cut down on my eating, I
was still eating more than I should. So can you imagine how much I was really
eating before??
Not too long into the exercise routines and salads, etc,
I learned of Juice Cleansing. I gave it a shot. I started with a 7-day juice
cleanse. I had nothing to eat, just 3 juices a day and water. The first 3 days
was a struggle but after, it was easy. Weigh in after 7 days and I had lost 10
pounds! That was motivation to keep at it.
Oddly enough, I think all I needed was that juice
cleanse. My body got acclimated and it started accepting healthier food. I cut
on carbs and I started experimenting with healthy recipes. I continued to jog
and did a juice cleanse each month.
Eating more fruits and veggies did not sound disgusting
anymore. In fact, the thought of sipping soda made me sick. I stuck to water,
juice or oolong/green tea. Overall, my diet has changed drastically.
I won’t lie. I still have issues with my willpower. But
each time I think of indulging or treating myself to an extra sweet dessert, I
remember how far I’ve come. I think of all the hard work I’ve done to get to
where I am so why would I allow myself to go back to where I was before?
As of today, I weigh 44 pounds (20kg) less than when I
started my journey and it has made a big difference in my life and in my
career. I still have a bit more to lose but I will gradually work on it as long
as I continue to follow this healthy lifestyle.
Aside to everything else, CONFIDENCE has been the biggest
benefit from this journey. I am more secure about myself. I feel comfortable in
my own skin now.
So before making another unhealthy choice, always remember
when your clothes didn't fit, when your body felt sluggish, your skin didn't
glow, you didn't have energy, and how you wanted to feel beautiful.
Being healthy and fit isn't a trend. It is a lifestyle
