NEW BEGINNINGS

I was very depressed about the new year approaching. What new diet was I going to start? What foods am I going to promise never to eat again? Will I vow to go to the gym everyday for two hours a day and eat only fruits and vegetables. I felt so defeated! I had already tried every diet in the book. So what now? 

January 2, 2014 I met with a therapist who specializes in eating disorders. Yes! I am an African American woman and I went to see a shrink. Well... our community has a very bad misconception when it comes to mental health. I was pretty desperate to go see a shrink and I felt like I had exhausted all other resources. LOL. What I learned from the visit is I have an unhealthy relationship with food. Of course! That makes sence! When Im stressed... I eat. When Im bored... I eat. When Im sad... I eat. Hell... When Im happy.... I eat! Ok... So now what? What is a girl to do about it? The therapist recommended that I go on NO MORE DIETS!!! I eat when Im hungry, and I dont eat when I am not. OK... Again... Sounds simple enough, but what is a girl to do when I a am craving ice cream or McDonalds fries? The therapists answers, "I can not tell you what to do with your time when you are not hungry and just want to eat. You are going to have to figure out how to enjoy your life in other ways than with food. When you reward yourself with food, its not an ACTUAL reward. You are punishing yourself." She continued to say, " If you love yourself, you will take care of yourself. Especially, since that is what you so desperately want to do." Lastly... she gave an analogy of kids being outside playing. If they are really having a good time, you will have a hard time to bring them in the house just to eat. "Enjoy your life and not food!"

The meeting was enlightening. I felt empowered when I left. But now the journey had begun. I had to find new ways to enjoy my life instead of eating. So... I started a journal. The first couple of days were rough. Everyday is still a challenge. But I am learning to enjoy this jouney. My starting weight was 182lbs.  My weight as of today, 10 days later is 175.6lbs!!!! I have lost 6.4 lbs!!!! I want to lose 25 more lbs. Believe it or not, I feel great. My clothes fit better. My energy levels are threw the rough.

What have I done??? Glad you asked.... Lol
1. Planned my meals.
2. Logged all my food.
3. Watched a lot of weight loss videos on you tube.
4. Filled my refrigerator with food I CAN EAT!!!! I LOVE SKINNY COW ICE CREAM and FIBER ONE BARS. I often have ATKINS for dinner. I eat Baked Cheetos. I sometimes have naked smoothies for breakfast.
5. I allow myself a cheat day.
6. I go to the gym 3 times a week for at least two hours. One hour is cardio either treadmill, elliptical, or zumba class. And the second hour is a strength training class.
7. Drink water all day long... On my way to work; At lunch; On my way home. I carry a water battle with me everywhere. I keep water at my desk at work.

And the best part..... 8. I have found things I like to do with my time besides eat!!!!! A. I might call a relative or friend that I havent talked to in a while. B. My daughter and I watch youTube covers of people singing Beyonce songs or people praise dancing. C. I go to the park and play Basketball with my kids. D. We go to the library and I get nutrition books and work out videos. E. I do the Work Out videos at home with my daughter and my sons laugh.

I know my journey is just now beginning, but I wanted to start this blog to keep me on track and one day be able to motivate others that we CAN DO THIS!!!!

And how did I forget... Prayer and Meditation! Meditate and see yourself where you want to be. Pray and ask God to help you!