I'm not who I was

At the encouragment of several people, I'm blogging. Go me! I've spent the past 3 years changing my lifestyle and becoming someone new, and change is hard! As we all know. I've googled more than my fair share of help through the process, and I thought maybe, my journey might help someone else.

In August of 2007, as my marriage ended, I hit 200 lbs. My family took a trip to Israel and later, the photos really startled me. I had no idea I'd gotten that big. Almost immediately, I started a modified version of the Slim Fast diet and lost 50 lbs within a year. That first year was cake in comparison. My lifestyle and eating habits had been so unhealthy, that even small changes brought big results. I moved and life changed again, and I gained 10 lbs back. The next 2 years were spent struggling with that same 10 lbs; losing it and gaining it back repeatedly. I joined a gym. I ate healthy. I did all the "right" things. But I was still stuck half way to my goal and pretty frustrated with the on-again off-again progress, or lack there of. The hardest part was sticking with it when my motivation waned. It was easy to do a good job when I was highly motivated, but I was missing my gumption. I would skip entire months of going to the gym, and drifted in and out of healthy eating.

Finally, in November of 2010, I found the most awesome personal trainer in the world. She steered me through some rough spots, and got me on the right track, and helped me find the gumption to keep going even when I had no motivation. I read a lot of articles, gleaning new tidbits here and there, and am constantly on the lookout for tips and tricks. I also have a couple of really amazing fitness class instructors, as well as a group of fun, encouraging people in those classes who never fail to keep me going. I didn't understand the importance of finding that core group of supportive people until they suddenly appeared, and now I couldn't do it without them!

The best quote I've read so far (and I wish I could link to her blog, but I've already forgotten where it was) was something about giving 100% energy if you expect 100% results. This helps motivate me a lot. At the end of the day, when it's dark and cold outside and I'm ready to go home, but I still need to put in 30 minutes on the bike, this keeps me going. Do I want 100% results? Yes, yes I do. Then I guess I need to put in 100% energy.