Real talk
I must preface what I’m going to say, by saying, I don’t want to discourage anyone. I certainly want everyone to pursue a healthy, fit lifestyle. I want everyone to reach for their goals and be the best they can be. It’s just that since I’ve been through it — weight loss and pursuit of fitness, I would like to offer my unsolicited advice.
Yesterday, I was at the gym and New Year’s resolution folks were packed in there like sardines. I looked around and seen people who were pumped up, some looked rather lost, and some who had teamed up with a friend. If you fall into the category of folks who has deemed that beginning January 1 you are going to be fit and healthy. I caution you, this is more than a New Year’s resolution, this ladies and gentleman is a lifestyle resolution. It’s best you sit down and create a realistic plan for yourself that includes small steps. My concern is too much, too soon and then if results aren’t seen you may become discouraged. Results, real results, lasting results from exercising and eating properly take time. This will not happen overnight. Whether you need to lose 10 pounds or 100 pounds.
If you’re like me once your committed to doing something you like to dig in and go for it. That’s fine and dandy, but please understand that this is a lifestyle change and a few weeks of exercise and eating right won’t classify you as healthy or fit. This is going to take hard work and perseverance.
Another thing, I’ve noticed lots of different weight loss challenges going on. These are great ways for folks to come together and jump start a fitness plan, receive support, tips, and motivation, but again it will take more than 30, 90 days. I hate to burst your bubble, but I just want you to be realistic. Have a plan. Take your time. It’s your whole life.
I know, it can be done. I’m the gal who has lost 170 pounds through diet, exercise, hard work, staying the course, believing in myself, and never giving up.
This article may be helpful too:
Sherri McMillan’s four steps to healthy resolution success link text
Chrisetta Mosley
I am a product – and now a survivor – of childhood obesity. As a child, my family always told me that my extra weight was merely baby fat and I’d eventually grow out of it. I never did. Instead, my childhood is filled with memories of not being able to ride a bike, flattening its training wheels from being over the recommended weight, and avoiding P.E. classes by any means necessary. For years, I wore my fatness like a wounded soldier wears a Purple Heart - with pride. I owned the look. I dressed it up. I worked the room. There wasn't a skinny girl who intimidated me. I made sure my hair was laid just right. Nails polished. Outfits coordinated to the tee. Accessories to compliment every outfit. But everyone has a breaking point, and mine came in the spring of 2004 when I tipped the scale at nearly 400 pounds 388 to be exact. I was MISERABLE trapped inside of that body. I no longer wore my Purple Heart with pride. Rather, I was ashamed and frightened. Ashamed that I had allowed food to become my everything – frightened I would die because of it. Drastic times called for drastic measures... Today, I’m bound and determined to live a better, healthier, active lifestyle. I realize I’m no longer a passenger in my life, I’m the driver. I’m overcoming my inhibitions and I’m slowly but surely saying farewell to my old childhood nemesis, obesity. For once and for all, Farewell Fatso!