Before
After
You know why I started Weight Watchers in the first place? It's not because I wanted to be "skinny" or popular or get a date or a boy to like me. It goes so much deeper than just my appearance (although that is a nice side effect! And on another side note-it takes a while to look at yourself differently, smaller. That's hard to do after being overweight all your life). I started it because I was tired of being overweight and trying fad or crash diets only to put the weight right back on. I also wanted to lose weight because it was time. I was a mom and a wife and I had more to think about than just myself. When I first started, I didn't have Hailey yet. I was 1 pound away from my 10% when I found out I was pregnant with her. I quit the program and honestly could not wait to get started again. The week after my 6-week postpartum checkup, I rejoined. I was even more motivated than the first time. Now I had 2 kids to keep up with. I joined because I have always been overweight, but never learned how to do anything about it. I never learned what healthy eating was. I never learned how to stay active. I was an active child-swimming, dancing, riding my bike and playing outside, but somehow, that wasn't enough. I didn't know the foods that were good for you and the foods to avoid. Sure, I knew the basics, the ones everyone knows, but that wasn't enough for me. It was time to learn. I'm the head grocery shopper in my house and if I bring home foods that are healthier, my family is going to benefit without ever realizing it or it being an issue. My children are going to grow up eating healthier and in turn, hopefully making healthier decisions for themselves when they are old enough to do that. My husband may live longer because of the choices I make at the grocery store. I knew it was time to learn how to eat. Not only for myself, but for my family. You know what else? I've seen how your health can affect your life and the lives of those around you. Both what good health can bring and what ill health can bring. You don't have too much control over your health, but there are some things you can do to improve your chances and this is what I'm doing with my chances. If I can help it, I don't want Ahmad to have to take care of me or worry about me in my old age. And if he needs it, I want to be there to take care of him. I want to keep up with my children in their activities and help them practice soccer or swimming or tennis. I want to climb the stairs in the stands to cheer them on as they run the bases or are on top of the cheerleader pyramid. I want to be able to play with their children, pick them up, carry them around, snuggle them and love them. I want to go to their practices and games and cheer them on. I want to be around for as long as possible and I don't want to miss out on what is most important in my life during that time. That's why I did it. And that's why it's going to stick. I've been doing this for 11 months now and I've got it down pretty good. I know I still slip up from time to time, but that's allowed. What is important is that I get back on track and make it right again. It's a necessity that I keep this weight off. You know I grew up with asthma? And I'm training for a mini-marathon and haven't used an inhaler once? I don't know if I just grew out of it or what happened, as my usage has decreased over the years, but I have to think this has helped.
If you have never been overweight, it might be hard for you to understand why this is such a battle for some people. Food is everywhere. You have to eat to stay alive. There's no way around it. It's not enough for some of us to say "Well, I just won't eat as much". It's not that easy to control all the time. And once you are overweight, it's hard to decide it's time to lose the weight. I was 30 when I very first started Weight Watchers. That's probably 28 years of being overweight. Yes, I knew I was overweight all that time and sometimes I did try to do something about it, but obviously it didn't stick. It takes a lot to admit that you need to lose weight. It takes a lot to admit that you need help to lose weight. I've come to realize that Weight Watchers is a support group of sorts. I never thought I would need a support group for anything. But I do. And I'm ok with that now. I wasn't always before. It's hard to admit you can't do something alone or that it needs done in the first place. And it's a hard thing to do-lose weight. It's something that you have to think about every day. Several times a day or more. It's something I think about constantly. What am I going to eat for breakfast? When am I going to eat it? What about a snack? Do I need one? What will I have? What should I pack for lunch? What time should I eat? Do I need another snack? Am I really hungry? What about dinner? Are we going out? What will I order? Is Ahmad cooking? What is he putting in it? What if I'm still hungry? Is it too late for a snack before bed? I'm telling you, it's constant. But it's easier now. It's manageable. I'm in control now and I know how to stay in control.
From a size 16 to a size 6!
You know what my two favorite things were after I lost a good bit of weight? I think I'd lost over 30 pounds when I noticed the bone structure in my face as I washed it. I love washing my face now. I can feel my cheekbones and my jaw line. I never could before. It feels good. And I discovered that I could cross my arms across my mid-section. I never could do that when I was heavier, at least not comfortably. There are such little things that people who are overweight don't experience or have a different experience about, it's amazing.
So, here's a cheer for me. I'm tooting my own horn. I did it and now I just have to keep it up. When I need a pep talk, I can come here and remember why. That's all I'm going to need-the most important people in my life need me just as much as I need them. They are the reason for living and the reason for taking care of myself.
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