The H word ….Health – Week 3
I am forever changed …already. An overstatement? Maybe. Maybe not. Anyone who knows me knows I am prone to rash announcements and exaggeration but I am also known for taking the bit between my teeth and determination. My observations thus far are many.
Energy – when people say ‘I have so much more energy’ it means nothing. When you say ‘I look FORWARD to waking up early. I feel HAPPY when I wake up. I don’t want to have a nap at 3 or 5pm. I don’t dread the day or night. I feel stronger in mind and body. I am conscious of everything I do through the day instead of muddling through. Cooking and caring has become a pleasure and an achievement I can acknowledge. My down time is quality and fulfilling. I can power through a work day clear headed. ‘ THAT is what energy is.
After only 3 weeks my body is responding. I feel proud now and protective of it again. I can look people in the eye as an equal. I am on a journey and I have a secret – life is very very good when you feel very very good.
There is no way this would have been possible before now with my mothering schedule. And that’s ok. You need to be ready. Don’t be dissuaded if anyone wants you to overindulge in food or wine – just say no – you don’t owe anyone anything – if you want the food or drink great, if not, don’t and drink water to add to your water total for the day. Enjoy the outing, enjoy your friends, but put yourself first.
I went out for a Saturday lunch and had 2 glasses of red and the salad above. It was mammothly enjoyable! The wine went straight to my head as I had only had salad, and I did need to use my determination afterwards as it would have been so easy to have the instant gratification of more food but I didn’t NEED anything, I didn’t want to go back to my old habit which is Red Wine = cheese = more red wine = lots more cheese = feel bad. Woke up immensely proud.
Body – I can bend over in the kitchen to reach the back of the Tupperware cupboard without straining. My stomach used to get in the way. I can comfortably cross my legs without my stomach getting in the way. I am breathing much easier. I can mop, sweep, clean with only minor puffing. My clothes feel better – I wear mostly stretchy clothes for comfort but my bras and fitted clothes that were dying now fit. I am blessed with thin legs so it’s my middle and upper body that carries the weight and I have noticed that is where the biggest change is as I suspect that is the bread and of course the bubbly.
Food – I have embraced the change and really enjoy the preparation. The house is filled with fresh herbs, spices, fruit, vegetables, salad, oats and meat. Each day starts with oats and fruit, then fruit or nuts and dates for morning tea, salad or veg with a protein for lunch, and meat and veg for dinner. Easy. Cheap. Healthy. Lots of water. A couple of cups of tea and a black coffee also through the day. I still don’t miss my cappuccino at all and think that is really telling – was it a habit or a need – obviously a habit as I feel better without it. I cook potato and sweet potato with a meal for the rest of the family but skip that and enjoy the other seasonal vegetables from our local amazing fruit and veg shop
Movement – this week coming I need to start moving more, starting with a walk this morning. Clothes are ready so there are no excuses. I wont do a marathon – I want to enjoy it – maybe a half an hour to start. Already I am consciously making myself more active, I do have to add a walk and few exercises at home. No pressure just adding some exercise when I can – whatever I can manage.
Posture – working on this as often as I can. I have noticed I stoop. Not sure whether it’s the weight of my boobs, trying to look invisible or just the effort required to stand tall but it’s an important part of self esteem.
Self worth – because of the New Leaf Nutrition method and Bridget’s teaching, my self worth is on the improve daily. I find myself stopping as soon as I catch myself criticising myself. Just a note – I am paying Bridget – I am her client – she is not paying me to promote her business. Anything on this blog is my personal journey which I am sharing merely because I know there are hundreds who feel the same way. And for others who don’t – well it maybe shows an insight into the overweight mind so in future you might better understand.
I also question the chicken and the egg – are we self conscious because we are overweight – or, are we overweight because we are self conscious? Are we unhappy because we are overweight or, are we overweight because we are unhappy?
I am in a good place so I can make these changes and I am immensely grateful that it’s my time to focus on myself. I am having huge fun with my boys and there is more laughter and less stress – just because of one decision. 💙 You don’t need to spend anything extra on fancy clothes or equipment or gym membership – this is my work water bottle – 1.5 litres and I have one beside my bed and one beside my TV chair.
So, today – soon, I will do my weekly weigh in – regardless of the result again I feel great and know I am so much healthier and more in control than 3 weeks ago. I enjoyed exposing my body on Mooloolaba’s main beach this week-end….and I didn’t give a damn – maybe next week I’ll take a pic of my knees too! See you next week Ladies. xx (oh by the way – I lost another 2 kilos).
