Have you ever asked yourself: “How did I get here?” It could be because of anything-school, career or family. I have. I asked myself this question in June 2016, when my clothes were no longer fitting me. I don’t mean I gained a casual 5 pounds, but I mean 40 pounds since graduating high school! I can recall that day so clearly. I was getting out of bed, getting ready to start my day. I walked to my closet and pulled about five different bottoms to discover none fit. I nearly cried. How did I let myself go so bad? I settled on a Maxi dress that was elastic and decided that was the best option for two reasons: it fit and it was comfortable.

Now you would think that since I had such a negative revelation, I would have done something immediately, but that didn’t happen. While studying for the MCAT, applying to medical school and my boyfriend leaving to a different city, life didn’t allow me to focus on me. It took me another month and a half to begin my journey to weight loss. As of July 25, 2016, I joined Weight Watchers and decided to change my lifestyle, not start another terrible diet. Now that I am starting my fourth week in the program, I have incredible news to share. I have reached my first goal. I have lost ten pounds! It hasn’t been easy, but the reward of my clothes fitting better and having more energy is so worth it.

So if you’ve been debating on changing your lifestyle for the better, that’s what I am here for. I want to share with you some helpful tips that have helped me along my journey so far. By no means am I a nutritionist or personal trainer, I am just an ordinary woman striving to live the healthiest and happiest life she can. So here we go…

The first step to starting your weight loss journey is accepting where you are at in your life. It’s realizing that you are WORTH it and deserve a life of happiness and fitness. It doesn’t mean that you need to be a size zero or weigh the same weight you did in high school. It just means finding balance within yourself and being a healthy individual that can enjoy life to its fullest. I believe that it’s not until this occurs do you begin your weight loss journey. If you don’t realize that you are worth it, you will fail time and time again. Trust me; I’ve been there and done that.

After accepting the fact that you are WORTH the time and effort it takes to live a healthy lifestyle, it’s realizing that it’s just that. It’s a LIFESTYLE, not a DIET. I hate that word. It’s awful, scary and so confusing. I mean have you googled what kind of diets are out there? I have! There is the no carbs diet, the cabbage diet and even the cranberry juice diet. They’re endless, confusing and trendy. I mean let’s get real…pizza is fantastic, cake is delicious, and food adventures are the best thing about traveling. And that’s the issue with dieting, you deprive yourself of everything you love! To do what? Lose a couple of pounds then put them back on?! No! It’s ridiculous. So that’s when I realized what I needed to do was change my lifestyle, I chose Weight Watchers for that reason. It allows me to eat everything I want, but in moderation. I have enjoyed pizza, but instead of 3-4 hand tossed slices. I have had 1-2 thin and crispy slices with a side salad. It’s realizing that I can still eat all the delicious food, but more of the healthy greens and delicious fruits. So instead of dieting, change your lifestyle and eat in moderation. I know what I’m saying. Trust me, I’ve been there and done that.

Third, after deciding you want to change your lifestyle, you NEED to change your lifestyle. Be proactive and not reactive. Stop waiting for the “next Monday” to come or the “next holiday to pass” and just do it! Do it for you and ONLY you. That’s when you will see results. If you have gotten this far, I congratulate you. It’s not easy. I know. Now you know what else isn’t easy, cleaning out your closet because clothes don't fit you. Oh my goodness, if you know me, you know I love clothes and shopping, so having to part with some of my favorite items did hurt. But ask me why I did it? I will tell you! Because who wants to be eating a salad with grilled chicken, two tablespoons of ranch with a bottle of water when their pants are cutting them in half? I realized that the reason I didn't see “progress” was because I was fixated on fitting into the clothes I owned, so what I did is unbelievable. I’ll tell you the secret…are you ready? I got rid of it! I got rid of all the clothes that were holding me back and bought myself a couple of items that would fit my current body, nothing fancy or expensive because I knew that I wanted to focus on my weight loss. But yes, do yourself a favor and rid yourself of all those clothes cutting you in half because you’re too embarrassed to go up in size. It’s so much easier eating right in clothes that fit. Trust me; I’ve been there and done that.

Next, you want to find yourself an accountability partner or partners. Don’t go telling the whole world that you have started a weight loss journey, because if you have tried this before they’ll tell you. “Again? Are you going to do it FOR REAL this time?” So be selective of who you tell, tell those who will support and motivate you, not tear you down and remind you of where you have been and where you are. You want to make sure your circle of motivation is composed of those individuals who believe in you and want the best for you. Trust me; I’ve been there and done that.

The next step was the hardest step. It was getting active. I am not a fan of sweating or getting calluses on my feet. You can call me a girly girl. I know that I am. I never was into sports, and I am definitely an indoor person, but if you want to see results and want them to show up quicker...get active somehow. Now this doesn’t mean preparing for the Olympics from one day to the next; it means just doing more than what you’ve been doing. For me, it meant walking around my neighborhood at least three times a week. I mean walking, no jogging and definitely no running, but just moving my body and getting myself active. So find something that makes you happy, it can be lifting weights, swimming, running or simply walking. But as Nike says, “Just do it!” It will add a little burst of energy to your life and allow time to yourself. I promise the sweat is worth it when the weight begins to fall off. Trust me; I’ve been there and done that.

Last and most important is create goals for yourself, realistic and attainable goals are of utmost importance. The moment I realized that I wouldn’t look like a Victoria Secret Model overnight is the moment I was able to attain my goals. Make a small goal with a little reward, and then gradually increase your goals and rewards. For me, my primary goal is to lose 40 pounds, so I decided to break down my goals and rewards by every ten pounds that I lost. They are as follows: 

-10 Pounds in Weight Loss: Post a Tumblr Blog about my journey, so that it’s no longer private, but now I can be held accountable by everyone. 

-20 Pounds in Weight Loss: Purchase cute Nike leggings. 

- 30 Pounds in Weight Loss: This one is still in the works. I haven’t quite decided yet. 

-40 Pounds in Weight Loss: Having the opportunity to purchase the wedding dress of my dreams. 

It’s important to realize that the goals and rewards you set for yourself are meant for you and you alone. The goals should be reasonable and within means. They should be far enough, so that a reward is valid, but not far enough to where it feels like there’s no progress. The rewards should also progress gradually. They should motivate you to keep going and encourage you to finish what you set out to do. They should be for you, so yes I know what you’re thinking. “What kind of boyfriend does she have that would make her lose weight?” Let me be the first to tell you that was never my situation. On the contrary, my boyfriend is loving and has seen me as beautiful regardless of my weight. But I know sometime soon our lives will change, and we will say “I do.” I want to be able to see myself the way I have always envisioned myself on my wedding day. So find what makes you want to live a healthier lifestyle, it will make all the difference. Trust me; I have been there and done that. 

Wait a second; I know I said that was the last thing, but I realized something. We never talked about motivation. If you want to be successful in you living a healthier lifestyle, make sure you have something that motivates you. For me, it’s this: 

- I plan to practice medicine one day, and I want to be the best example I can be to my future patients. 

-I want to get married to my best friend, and I want him always to be proud of the dedicated woman that I am. 

-I want to have a family of my own day. I would love to have a huge family with five kids running around. I want to be there for them as their mom and best friend, but most importantly I want to be an example for them. 

-I want to be the best version of myself in all areas of my life because I deserve it and I am worth it. 

So there you have it, the beginning of my journey to living a healthier lifestyle. It’s not hard really. It’s just coming to the realization that you are worth it and that we only get one life to live! So do it, do it for you and whatever else motivates you. You’ll be glad that you did.

Sincerely,