Some people might call what I have been doing "diet and weightloss" or "work out plan", but for me it is more than that. This is a lifestyle change, a mindset change, and a determination not to be the person I was.
I have struggled with my weight since I was a teenager. I was put on prednizzone for my asthma and was on it for years. No matter what I ate, how much I ate, or how much I exercised I continued to put on weight because of the medication. So I kinda got in the mindset, it didn't matter how I treated my body.
After I was off the meds for awhile I found that I could loose weight by controlling what I ate. However, I did not do it in correct ways. I would binge and eat whatever I wanted to for one meal a day, and ignore the other meals, relying on caffeinated beverages to keep my energy up and do the things I needed to do. I am ashamed to say that this kept up alot longer than my "young and dumb" years.
After I had my daughter I lost alot of weight and liked the way I looked.
I played with working out on and off, but nothing seemed to "stick". I would work out for awhile, and then I started making excuses not to work out. I always have wanted to be toned, but just lacked the determination.
A big change happened the day I turned 34, a friend of mine, for my birthday invited me to work out at her gym with her. I started going semi-regularly,and knew I needed to change. Not only for myself, but to show my children a good example, I wanted to teach them that you need to take time and take care of yourself.
I continued going to the gym until last July when I found out about a "crossfit type" group that met on the military post we are stationed on. I found out I liked picking up heavy things! I had never really worked out with weights before, relying on cardio only to keep my weight down. The group was extremely encouraging and I just kept going, and I found out that I like to work out! was shocked! Me, enjoying working out......I never thought that would happen.
Over the winter I got out of the habit a bit. The weather was bad and my husband had surgery and that kept me house bound. And then Maria Kang shocked the the online world with her "What's Your Excuse" picture. Where others took offense at it, I took inspiration. A friend of mine started a "No Excuse" workout group and I joined. Its an awesome community of women who workout together, support each other, celebrate any and every victory and push you to be the best you can be.
This year, 2014 things have just kinda clicked for me. It really hit me this week as we are in the middle of moving, but I am still making time for my workouts. Before I would have used this week as an excuse to "take it easy", but I have found that taking the time to work out has provided me with more energy and much needed breaks from the moving drama! I have loved the changes in my family as well. My kids are focusing on being active. We have gone on hikes and are planning more active things to do. My son, my little professor wants to be an "American Ninja Warrior". He has also made me promise to try out for it in two years time.....that will be interesting!
This really has been a journey, and I know the journey is far from over. I know I will have days where I slip up, but I am able to get back up a lot quicker than a used to. I want to encourage other moms to take time for their health. It isn't being selfish, it isn't wrong, it is setting a wonderful example for our kids. It is taking good stewardship of the bodies God has given us.
