Like so many women, I have been fighting with my weight my entire life. The true definition of a yo-yo dieter. I felt like every Monday I would be trying to start another plan, after failing every week after week. I reached out to Maria because her story seemed so similar to my own. She was real and she knew where I was in the moment.
I’m in my 40’s with over 100 pounds to lose and had no place to start. I realized I needed to make a change the day I could barely bend over and tie my own shoes. I quickly realized that if I don’t make a change, my health would be at risk taking a path of potential chronic disease. I knew in the upcoming year we had big plans, my oldest daughter would be traveling to Florida, making her confirmation and we had vacation plans. I did not want to look back at those pictures and see this unhealthy version of me.
I had a goal; I had the motivation, I was ready. I started and week by week the weight began to release. I realized that I did not have to be this way forever FINALLY! Planning out day by day and Maria’s plan made it SO SIMPLE! I was finally making daily, weekly, and monthly goals for ME. Personally, writing it all down really helped get me to a healthy state of mind. This is probably one of my biggest takeaways. Until we really look at what we are doing and what is eating at us, we will continue to stay in that vicious yo-yo diet mindset.
So many milestones on my journey, but I will mention two that really hit home for me.
On August 14, 2020 (8 months after I started my journey), I turned 44. On that day I couldn’t have been more thankful for finding Maria. I took my daughter back to school shopping and thought I’ll buy myself a new pair of jeans. Luckily, the dressing room was opened. Because the size I picked was too big, I had to go back to get a smaller size. Never have I had to go back for a smaller size. I had not fit into a size 12 forever. If I had to guess, like 15 plus years ago.
My next BIG moment was on my 1-year anniversary of starting my journey, December 30, 2020. The picture on the right is with my daughter Lily. Over the last year I have lost an equivalent to my daughter Lily and then some, over a 100 pounds. I just could not believe that over this past year, a year of so much adversity, I felt such a sense of accomplishment that I had FINALLY gained control of my health. I just could not believe that I lost the equivalent to a Lily and then some. It was a surreal moment for me. I finally beat something I had been fighting all my life, my weight.
Not only did I beat my never-ending battle of eating for the wrong reasons and releasing over a 100 pounds, but I gained so much more. What did I gain? I have so much more energy, I can now bend over and tie my shoes, I don’t have my health weighing on my mind any more, I no longer have the worry of fitting on rides or worrying about the weight limit to ride, I no longer have to worry about fitting into an airplane seat or having to ask for an extension, I’ve eliminated my risk of chronic disease, I’ve gained more confidence, increased my muscle, released over 40% of bodyfat, I cleaned out my “safety nets” of old clothes (there is no going back), and I am looking forward to Spring and Summer shopping, exercise is no longer a chore, it’s a lifestyle and I love every minute of it.
The hardest part is starting but Maria is with you every step of the way! She knows how you feel, she knows what you are thinking, and she’s been in your shoes. All you have to do is make that ONE SIMPLE DECISION and just start. What are you waiting for?