#fitkitten

November 1, 2014, I stopped eating grains and added sugar.  What started as “I feel miserable and want to lose weight.” turned into something so much more.  I’ve learned so much about myself this year. 

I’ve learned that I have a very strong will power. I’ve learned that I can be physically strong.  I didn’t know that lifting weights can be not only enjoyable but also addictive.  I’ve learned how good you can feel when you eat for fuel and not for fun.  I’ve discovered how much easier it is to run when you have less weight to carry around.  I’ve learned how to push myself; swim just one more lap, run just one more mile.  Sadly, I’ve also discovered how differently people are treated when you are larger now that I’m not so large.

I really didn’t know if I was going to make it a week when I made the decision last year to change my life.  One year later, I’ve lost 70 pounds but I’ve gained a lifetime of knowledge, I’ve gained confidence, and I’ve gained a whole new perspective on life.

I’ve learned how to say no and stick to it.  I’m sure all those foods I declined over the past year were delicious but they didn’t fit into my game plan.  Those that love and support me understood why I was saying “No.”  I’ve also learned the joy of saying yes.  I went on more spontaneous outings this past year.  I’m rarely ever too tired to do something with a moments notice anymore.  I’ve also learned that if I am tired, it is usually because I’ve not been paying attention to my food and my macros are off.

This year, I learned how to take care of myself.  I’ve discovered that by putting myself first, I’m not being selfish.  By taking care of myself, I’m better able to take care of those around me when they need me.  By taking care of myself, I’ve reduced my stress levels even though the things that cause me stress haven’t changed.

I still have a bit of weight to lose. I’m not at the finish line just yet. In the next year, I hope to achieve some weight lifting goals and shave some time off my running times.  I plan to become a competitor; an athlete.  I’ve never thought of myself that way; not even when I played sports in school.

Last Halloween, I spent the evening eating everything I thought I would miss.  I went to bed feeling absolutely miserable because I was stuffed full of all the things I used to use to give myself comfort; that temporary high of happiness.  Turns out, I didn’t miss any of those things at all. 

One year ago I started this journey.  I wonder where I’ll be next Halloween.

At about 1:50 of this video - This is pretty much me at every single family/friend/work function that I've been to for the past year. Even my most favorite food has not been able to tempt me this year.  I think I'm just going to start telling people "Oh sorry, I'm in training camp." and leave them wondering just what exactly it is that I am training to do. 

I know that I’ve probably offended a bunch of people in the past year by refusing to eat whatever they’re trying to give me but offending someone who isn’t supportive of my goals is far better than trying to run of that slice of cake later.  I’ve got a long road to go, I don’t need to have to run off anything extra just to keep from hurting your feelings.  Those that know why I’m saying “no” understand and are (hopefully) proud of me for not giving in.