I've had a lot of people ask me what I eat. Believe me, I never thought I would be giving out tips on food. I'm still awful with recipes but here is a sample of a couple days of food for me. I'll even put approximate times next to each time I eat. You'll see I really do eat every 2-3 hours. I think that is one of the keys because, for the most part, my body is never really hungry.
From last week, here is what I ate on Tuesday -
Breakfast (7:15am)
Blended a smoothie - Double Chocolate Whey Protein Powder, 1/2 cup of Milk, 5 strawberries, 1/2 a banana and a little spinach (you won't even taste it!)
- I usually eat the other half of the banana as well - This is around 300 calories and fills me up
Snack (10:00am)
Plain Greek Yogurt (w/no cal sweetener mixed in) and granola
Small Cutie Orange
Lunch (12:30ish)
3 WASA crackers (in the cracker aisle) w/avocado, turkey and sliced veggies
- I use carrots, celery and tomatoes but other stuff is great too
Apple
Hot Green Tea & 3 york peppermint patties
Snack (3:30)
KIND plus protein bar (in the organic section where I shop)
Light String Cheese
Snack (I was hungry when I got done at the gym) (5:30ish)
Small Cutie Orange
Dinner (7:30ish)
Cheeseburger (no bun) made from Laura's Lean Beef
Salad (lettuce, spinach, carrots, celery, tomato & a little shredded cheddar cheese w/light italian dressing)
Hot Green Tea & 3 pieces of Dark Chocolate
The times are pretty much the same on Wednesday but I ate different things -
Breakfast
Whole wheat English Muffin w/peanut butter
Banana
Snack
Plain Greek Yogurt w/no cal sweetener, strawberries & blueberries
Lunch
Salad (same veggies as above) w/crushed almonds as protein (never knew that was considered a protein..)
apple
hot green tea & 3 york peppermint patties
Snack
KIND bar
Light String Cheese
Dinner
Tilapia filet
Small Orange
Hot Green Tea & 3 pieces of dark chocolate
I don't know if anyone cares... but that's what a typical day looks like for me :)
Sunday, September 8, 2013
More Fun!!
I'm going to take a break from my story - just for a paragraph :) Since I started writing this, I've had many people say so many nice things to me - Thank you so much! I never thought I would inspire anyone so to hear that from people means the world to me. Just know that it is a lot of hard work but, if you are willing, it is completely worth it!! Even the sore muscles :) These last (almost) 8 months have honestly been some of the best I've had in so many years. Don't get me wrong, I've always had a great life but I never really found myself. I feel that over these months, I've started to discover myself and find what makes me happy. It's hard for me to remember how I felt last year at this time. All I know is, I never want to go back there. And I know that, in addition to my awesome family, I have a few more people in my life these days that make me feel like I matter and who I consider to be the reason I've found success and am still making so much progress.
So, it was mid-June, I'd lost 54 pounds and I was entering my first full week of summer. During that week I had agreed to work a swim camp in the morning with school age kids to make some extra money. I've worked it before and it was usually hard to get me to play in the water with the kids. Not this year - I actually didn't mind being in my swimsuit! And, I still managed to get a workout in every day. A couple of mornings I got up early and did a walk/jog at the park near the Y. It felt good to get it done early. By now, I think everyone knows how much I hate pushups... they really are an evil invention ;) But, one day that week I asked Renee' what weight stuff I should do - she was busy so I joked around with her and said... no response means no pushups, right?? I should have kept my mouth shut...She responded with, of course pushups, 100 total. I thought she was kidding - apparently not. I was allowed to split them up into shorter segments but my arms were killing me by the time I got done - I told her 100 pushups was mean... but I know they are good for me. I now looked forward to working out - crazy!
That Monday afternoon, I sat on my couch and, with my resume and cover letter complete, I stared at my computer for about 10 minutes before I hit 'send'. I was excited and scared all at the same time. I had no idea if anything would come of it but was proud of myself just for hitting the send button.
With regards to food.... Renee' was convinced I could become an expert in the kitchen by the end of the summer. I just smiled and nodded. I knew there was no way that would ever happen. I get so confused looking at recipes that I just give up. If it hasn't already been written, someone should really write a cookbook for people who aren't very smart about food....like me. But, I said I would try to find some new stuff when I had time. By this point, although I knew what a garlic clove was, I still had no clue how to use it so I started buying the minced garlic and I use that now - makes my life soooo much easier!
I was also working on a list of goals that I wanted to work towards over the summer. That's another part of this that I found was crucial to my success. I was writing things down and setting completion dates for myself. It was Renee's idea but it worked - imagine that :) It made me do something rather than just sit on the couch and fall asleep all summer.
With how busy I was that first week, I wasn't sure what to expect from my weigh-in on Thursday. Guess what - I lost 4 more pounds!!! Which meant - a total of 58 and I had achieved my next goal - 2 weeks early!! Unbelievable. I almost cried. Those goals that I mentioned above - I had written some at the beginning of February and one was to be down 45 pounds by vacation - I had more than surpassed that and it was an absolutely amazing feeling!! Of course, now I needed a new goal.... Stay tuned to find out what it ended up being :)
Enjoy the picture below from mid-June (My nephew and I tried to take a "selfie")
So, it was mid-June, I'd lost 54 pounds and I was entering my first full week of summer. During that week I had agreed to work a swim camp in the morning with school age kids to make some extra money. I've worked it before and it was usually hard to get me to play in the water with the kids. Not this year - I actually didn't mind being in my swimsuit! And, I still managed to get a workout in every day. A couple of mornings I got up early and did a walk/jog at the park near the Y. It felt good to get it done early. By now, I think everyone knows how much I hate pushups... they really are an evil invention ;) But, one day that week I asked Renee' what weight stuff I should do - she was busy so I joked around with her and said... no response means no pushups, right?? I should have kept my mouth shut...She responded with, of course pushups, 100 total. I thought she was kidding - apparently not. I was allowed to split them up into shorter segments but my arms were killing me by the time I got done - I told her 100 pushups was mean... but I know they are good for me. I now looked forward to working out - crazy!
That Monday afternoon, I sat on my couch and, with my resume and cover letter complete, I stared at my computer for about 10 minutes before I hit 'send'. I was excited and scared all at the same time. I had no idea if anything would come of it but was proud of myself just for hitting the send button.
With regards to food.... Renee' was convinced I could become an expert in the kitchen by the end of the summer. I just smiled and nodded. I knew there was no way that would ever happen. I get so confused looking at recipes that I just give up. If it hasn't already been written, someone should really write a cookbook for people who aren't very smart about food....like me. But, I said I would try to find some new stuff when I had time. By this point, although I knew what a garlic clove was, I still had no clue how to use it so I started buying the minced garlic and I use that now - makes my life soooo much easier!
I was also working on a list of goals that I wanted to work towards over the summer. That's another part of this that I found was crucial to my success. I was writing things down and setting completion dates for myself. It was Renee's idea but it worked - imagine that :) It made me do something rather than just sit on the couch and fall asleep all summer.
With how busy I was that first week, I wasn't sure what to expect from my weigh-in on Thursday. Guess what - I lost 4 more pounds!!! Which meant - a total of 58 and I had achieved my next goal - 2 weeks early!! Unbelievable. I almost cried. Those goals that I mentioned above - I had written some at the beginning of February and one was to be down 45 pounds by vacation - I had more than surpassed that and it was an absolutely amazing feeling!! Of course, now I needed a new goal.... Stay tuned to find out what it ended up being :)
Enjoy the picture below from mid-June (My nephew and I tried to take a "selfie")
Saturday, September 7, 2013
More Great Things!
The last few days of work are usually for finishing up some work, cleaning out files, etc. It's pretty boring but has to be done. Then something major happened. My friend told me about a job opening at a school thisclose to my house. I was in no way looking for a new job, but I was intrigued. I'd have an opportunity for a change, new experience, to meet new people, and to work about a mile from my house. However, I was also totally freaked out at the thought of leaving a place that I was so comfortable. I had been at my job for 9 years. Was I really ready for such a huge change and leap of faith?
Of course, I started to come up with excuses, I didn't have a resume, I have too many years of experience, etc. But deep down I wanted to apply. I mean, if I didn't get it, I wouldn't lose anything. I'd gain some experience and be able to know that I went after something I wanted - which I never would have done a year ago.
Mostly through text message, I talked to my brother and sister to see what they thought - I've always trusted their opinions and they know me so well. Both had good points and, ultimately, thought I should go for it. I also asked Renee' what she thought (I really trusted her thought process - and still do). She said kind of the same thing I was telling myself - what's the harm in trying?
Of course, since I hate making decisions I was still going back and forth. I watched my niece that Friday night for a couple of hours and was able to talk to my sister and brother-in-law a little bit more about it. They both really encouraged me to apply.
In the end, I decided to apply. Putting together a resume for the first time in over 9 years was a bit of a daunting process. But I also knew I had so many skills and experiences that would make me a great candidate for the job. I started to work on it that weekend and decided I would send it in the following week. I was scared to death but excited at the same time....
In the middle of all of this, I was still going strong on my adventure to change the rest of my life. Wednesday was my last day of work for the school year. I was able to go swimming with the kids that afternoon and get a good workout in before teaching swimming that night. On Thursday, I lost another pound and realized how close I was to meeting that next goal. I had lost 54 pounds and 58 was totally within my reach by the time we were scheduled to leave for vacation.
It was really nice outside that week so I told Renee' I would probably go for a walk on Friday morning to enjoy the fresh air. She had a different idea - she thought I should try a walk/jog - every minute, on the minute. I don't like to run. I never have. But, I knew I would eventually have to try it if I wanted to continue seeing success. So, I agreed. In the morning I went to a super flat walk/bike path near my house. I ended going for an hour of walking for a minute then jogging for a minute! I couldn't believe I was able to do it - and I didn't fall over. That was my message to Renee' when I got done... I'm still standing so I would call it a success :) I was exhausted but so proud of myself.
That was just the beginning of what I knew was going to be the best summer I've had in a long time. I was so excited to think of all the things I wanted to do and was going to be able to do. I was starting to feel like a completely different person and in the best way ever! And the great things would keep coming my way...
Of course, I started to come up with excuses, I didn't have a resume, I have too many years of experience, etc. But deep down I wanted to apply. I mean, if I didn't get it, I wouldn't lose anything. I'd gain some experience and be able to know that I went after something I wanted - which I never would have done a year ago.
Mostly through text message, I talked to my brother and sister to see what they thought - I've always trusted their opinions and they know me so well. Both had good points and, ultimately, thought I should go for it. I also asked Renee' what she thought (I really trusted her thought process - and still do). She said kind of the same thing I was telling myself - what's the harm in trying?
Of course, since I hate making decisions I was still going back and forth. I watched my niece that Friday night for a couple of hours and was able to talk to my sister and brother-in-law a little bit more about it. They both really encouraged me to apply.
In the end, I decided to apply. Putting together a resume for the first time in over 9 years was a bit of a daunting process. But I also knew I had so many skills and experiences that would make me a great candidate for the job. I started to work on it that weekend and decided I would send it in the following week. I was scared to death but excited at the same time....
In the middle of all of this, I was still going strong on my adventure to change the rest of my life. Wednesday was my last day of work for the school year. I was able to go swimming with the kids that afternoon and get a good workout in before teaching swimming that night. On Thursday, I lost another pound and realized how close I was to meeting that next goal. I had lost 54 pounds and 58 was totally within my reach by the time we were scheduled to leave for vacation.
It was really nice outside that week so I told Renee' I would probably go for a walk on Friday morning to enjoy the fresh air. She had a different idea - she thought I should try a walk/jog - every minute, on the minute. I don't like to run. I never have. But, I knew I would eventually have to try it if I wanted to continue seeing success. So, I agreed. In the morning I went to a super flat walk/bike path near my house. I ended going for an hour of walking for a minute then jogging for a minute! I couldn't believe I was able to do it - and I didn't fall over. That was my message to Renee' when I got done... I'm still standing so I would call it a success :) I was exhausted but so proud of myself.
That was just the beginning of what I knew was going to be the best summer I've had in a long time. I was so excited to think of all the things I wanted to do and was going to be able to do. I was starting to feel like a completely different person and in the best way ever! And the great things would keep coming my way...
Friday, September 6, 2013
Last Full Week of Work ... Summer on the Horizon!
June had finally arrived! If you work in education - It's like waiting for Christmas to arrive when you are 6 years old! I love what I get to do every day. Working with teenagers is so fun. I get to see them go from young teenagers to young adults ready to go out in the world and make something out of their lives. It is a really cool feeling. And it was amazing to me how all the changes I had made over the last 4 months were allowing me to enjoy my job more every day. But, 2 months of freedom was within reach and I couldn't have been more excited!
Renee' and I were still communicating regularly and I was still sending her my food journal every night. What started as me being unsure what I was getting myself into, but knowing that I needed to change things, had turned into an awesome friendship that I feel so lucky to have in my life.
That week was a busy one. As I mentioned before, I teach swim lessons as something a little extra to do and the summer session started that week. It was funny how my priorities had changed. I had to be in the pool at 5:30 so I made sure I got home from work in time to go for a walk before I had to leave. One of the little things I noticed with teaching... I was able to hop out of the pool without using a ladder for the first time in years! I had so much more energy and was excited to be there.
Wednesday was graduation which meant I would be at rehearsal most of the day and would spend the rest of the afternoon walking around Oxford because I didn't want to waste time and gas driving home. During rehearsal I am on my feet a lot and running around, getting extra chairs, putting signs up, etc. This year I wasn't tired. After the kids left, I had a couple of hours to kill. I actually went to a restaurant and had lunch by myself - which never would have happened the previous year. I also went to Starbucks, had some green tea and read on my Kindle for a couple of hours. And I wasn't uncomfortable. I did do a little people watching but, who wouldn't in that situation :) I couldn't believe I did all of that all by myself. This is from somone who (still, to this day) hates situations where she doesn't know anyone. Amazing what a little self-confidence can do for a person.
Since I didn't really get a chance to exercise on on Wednesday that week, I wasn't expecting much from my weigh in that week. The scale had a different idea - 3 more lbs! I was in absolute shock that I was only 5 lbs away from my next goal and I had a month to get there. And I still hadn't eaten sushi again... ;)
Of course at this point, Renee' started trying to get me to eat new foods. As you know by now, I don't understand food. She mentioned something called mahi mahi... I just said, 'more fish??'.. which also would mean more recipes... I still haven't tried it or found recipes for it - Avoidance is a difficult thing to get rid of sometimes!
That weekend I remember being a busy one - Supervising the ACT, trying to finish things up to get the condo on the market, babysitting my favorite little kids (all in one day)... I even made fish for my dinner when I babysat the kids and my nephew looked at me and said, Mimi, what is that awful smell?? It made me smile because I totally agree with him that it smells bad. I told him it was my dinner and he made a face that looked a lot like the one I used to make whenever a certain someone would mention fish...
Sunday was the first meeting of the book club I joined. I wasn't anywhere as nervous as I thought I would be. I actually beat my friend to the restaurant and introduced myself to two people I had never met - That's quite an achievement for me. Once everyone was there, we ordered appetizers (well, I didn't) and talked for a long time. Although I didn't say a lot (still working on that confidence thing...), I did talk a little bit and I had the best time. They all are so nice and really funny. They had me laughing most of the night!
I couldn't believe how much I was enjoying being around people again and I loved how I felt comfortable in my own skin again. Little did I know, it was just the beginning!
Thursday, September 5, 2013
Hitting a milestone - So Fun!
It's the last week in May and in the midst of everything I was already changing, I had decided I wanted to try to sell my condo. Through some conversations with Renee' and a couple of other people, I was realizing how isolated I felt at home. When I bought my condo, my parents lived 5 minutes away and my brother lived 15 minutes away. I had friends who lived within a 5-15 minute drive and I was only 20 minutes from work. Perfect.
Then everyone started moving to other parts of Cincinnati. One by one, I felt more and more alone but I hadn't admitted that to myself until recently. There wasn't anyone's door I could go knock on or call up and ask them to meet me for a walk or something. I was really alone. Plus, I spend so much time with my family in other parts of Cincinnati that it, in the long run, it would probably save me money on gas! I decided, with some encouragement, that if I could sell my place, I could move kind of halfway between my family and work. Like I've said before, I have the best family and they all pitched in to help me fix a few things and make it look even better.
I was also close to hitting 50 pounds. The previous week I'd hit 47. Renee' was actually the one who first put the idea of 50 in my head. I really didn't think it would happen that week. Imagine my surprise when it did .... :) I think I cried a little, laughed a little, smiled a lot and wanted to jump up and down but I still wasn't allowed to jump! I don't think anyone was able to wipe the smile off my face all day! In 4 months I had lost 50 lbs. I've said it before, it's unbelievable what can happen when you look at all aspects of your life and decide to make a change.
I remember that Thursday I went for a walk outside and it was really hot! Imagine my surprise when I put a pair of shorts on and walked a few miles in them?!?! If you don't know me, you'll hardly ever see me in shorts. I'm just not comfortable in them. But to know that I was comfortable in them and able to walk was the most amazing feeling! I'm telling you... it's the small things!
That weekend my brother brought his kids over while he worked on a few things at my condo. I was laying on the ground playing with a 5 year old and a 1 year old and it was amazing how I wasn't uncomfortable at all. I could get up and down easily and my nephew and I played tag in my basement - and I enjoyed it!
The most memorable part of that weekend was cleaning out my closet. At that point, I only had 2 days left where I had to dress up. So, I got the garbage bags out and cleaned almost all of my clothes out of my closet :) Everything was too big. In fact when I looked at my closet after I was done, I had more empty hangers than I did clothes. It made me smile like you wouldn't believe. I would be living in sundresses and sweat capris all summer. And shopping for a whole new work wardrobe come August. It was probably one of the most gratifying experiences of my life to drop all of those bags off at Goodwill.
Now I get to go shopping!! The next week would be a busy one but it was my last full week for the school year. 4 months, 50 pounds less, putting myself out there a little more every day and still so many more exciting things to come!
Then everyone started moving to other parts of Cincinnati. One by one, I felt more and more alone but I hadn't admitted that to myself until recently. There wasn't anyone's door I could go knock on or call up and ask them to meet me for a walk or something. I was really alone. Plus, I spend so much time with my family in other parts of Cincinnati that it, in the long run, it would probably save me money on gas! I decided, with some encouragement, that if I could sell my place, I could move kind of halfway between my family and work. Like I've said before, I have the best family and they all pitched in to help me fix a few things and make it look even better.
I was also close to hitting 50 pounds. The previous week I'd hit 47. Renee' was actually the one who first put the idea of 50 in my head. I really didn't think it would happen that week. Imagine my surprise when it did .... :) I think I cried a little, laughed a little, smiled a lot and wanted to jump up and down but I still wasn't allowed to jump! I don't think anyone was able to wipe the smile off my face all day! In 4 months I had lost 50 lbs. I've said it before, it's unbelievable what can happen when you look at all aspects of your life and decide to make a change.
I remember that Thursday I went for a walk outside and it was really hot! Imagine my surprise when I put a pair of shorts on and walked a few miles in them?!?! If you don't know me, you'll hardly ever see me in shorts. I'm just not comfortable in them. But to know that I was comfortable in them and able to walk was the most amazing feeling! I'm telling you... it's the small things!
That weekend my brother brought his kids over while he worked on a few things at my condo. I was laying on the ground playing with a 5 year old and a 1 year old and it was amazing how I wasn't uncomfortable at all. I could get up and down easily and my nephew and I played tag in my basement - and I enjoyed it!
The most memorable part of that weekend was cleaning out my closet. At that point, I only had 2 days left where I had to dress up. So, I got the garbage bags out and cleaned almost all of my clothes out of my closet :) Everything was too big. In fact when I looked at my closet after I was done, I had more empty hangers than I did clothes. It made me smile like you wouldn't believe. I would be living in sundresses and sweat capris all summer. And shopping for a whole new work wardrobe come August. It was probably one of the most gratifying experiences of my life to drop all of those bags off at Goodwill.
Now I get to go shopping!! The next week would be a busy one but it was my last full week for the school year. 4 months, 50 pounds less, putting myself out there a little more every day and still so many more exciting things to come!
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Adjusting to Changes, Finding What Makes Me Happy :)
The next week was the last full week in May which is always a crazy time for me. It means lots of graduations and end of year celebrations, awards days, etc. Almost as busy as February!
I had two night commitments that week which made it hard to figure out how I was going to get exercise in. But one thing I was starting to get better at was knowing that it was okay to just do a little bit. And I was trying to move more throughout the day. Instead of staying in my office all day, I would get up and walk around the building for 5 or 10 minutes at a time. It woke me up and refreshed me if it was crazy day. So, on those busy days, I would try to squeeze in a 30 minute walk, some body weight exercises or something else small but productive.
I do a lot of work with the career-technical school and students who attend there. One of my night commitments that week was two of their graduation ceremonies. Although it makes for long days, I looked forward to seeing the counselors from other districts. I had become friends with some of them. It was fun to be friends with people who are in the same field as me but also wanted to know me outside of a work environment. Made me feel even stronger as a person!
One of these friends invited me to join her "book" club. Every month or so they would get together and have dinner and discuss a book (if anyone read it...). Four months ago, I never would have considered going to a restaurant to eat and talk to people I didn't know. But, I was starting to discover a new me. This new me wanted to meet people and be social and I thought this was a great place to start. So, I started reading the book and enjoying the messages that were posted on the invites! They seemed like a great group of people! It was one more thing I was so excited I was able to push myself to do.
Once I made it through that crazy busy week, I had Memorial Day Weekend to look forward to. I got to babysit my niece and nephew on Saturday night (I love my alone time with them). We went to a park, went for a walk, got some dinner and made a trip to Orange Leaf (frozen yogurt). It was a good time! While playing with them, I could see such a difference in my energy level. So fun! The next day, we did a family deal where we got together to look at old pictures and reminisce about all the fun memories. Another fun way we were able to celebrate mom and dad's 60th birthdays. Looking back at the pictures of even my nieces and nephew made me realize even more how fast time flies. I want to cherish every moment I get to spend with them and not be tired and constantly out of breath when I am chasing them. It was even more motivation to keep going on this path I had started.
This picture is from Memorial Day Weekend at the park with my family - I actually didn't care that my whole body was in the picture! That's a first for me!
I always dread going bathing suit shopping - who doesn't?? But this year, I had no idea what to expect. Imagine my surprise when I was able to buy two suits that were not plus size. And they actually looked decent (as bathing suits go). What an amazingly gratifying feeling!
All the little things were starting to add up to seeing a new Amanda. If someone had told me at the end of Winter Break that by the time summer arrived I would be energetic, excited and looking forward to all life has to offer me, I would have laughed in their face. I just didn't have a positive view of life. But now, I could finally see all that world had to offer and that trying to be my best was completely worth it. I felt like I was finally changing into the person I always wanted to be and knew I could be!
I had two night commitments that week which made it hard to figure out how I was going to get exercise in. But one thing I was starting to get better at was knowing that it was okay to just do a little bit. And I was trying to move more throughout the day. Instead of staying in my office all day, I would get up and walk around the building for 5 or 10 minutes at a time. It woke me up and refreshed me if it was crazy day. So, on those busy days, I would try to squeeze in a 30 minute walk, some body weight exercises or something else small but productive.
I do a lot of work with the career-technical school and students who attend there. One of my night commitments that week was two of their graduation ceremonies. Although it makes for long days, I looked forward to seeing the counselors from other districts. I had become friends with some of them. It was fun to be friends with people who are in the same field as me but also wanted to know me outside of a work environment. Made me feel even stronger as a person!
One of these friends invited me to join her "book" club. Every month or so they would get together and have dinner and discuss a book (if anyone read it...). Four months ago, I never would have considered going to a restaurant to eat and talk to people I didn't know. But, I was starting to discover a new me. This new me wanted to meet people and be social and I thought this was a great place to start. So, I started reading the book and enjoying the messages that were posted on the invites! They seemed like a great group of people! It was one more thing I was so excited I was able to push myself to do.
Once I made it through that crazy busy week, I had Memorial Day Weekend to look forward to. I got to babysit my niece and nephew on Saturday night (I love my alone time with them). We went to a park, went for a walk, got some dinner and made a trip to Orange Leaf (frozen yogurt). It was a good time! While playing with them, I could see such a difference in my energy level. So fun! The next day, we did a family deal where we got together to look at old pictures and reminisce about all the fun memories. Another fun way we were able to celebrate mom and dad's 60th birthdays. Looking back at the pictures of even my nieces and nephew made me realize even more how fast time flies. I want to cherish every moment I get to spend with them and not be tired and constantly out of breath when I am chasing them. It was even more motivation to keep going on this path I had started.
This picture is from Memorial Day Weekend at the park with my family - I actually didn't care that my whole body was in the picture! That's a first for me!
I always dread going bathing suit shopping - who doesn't?? But this year, I had no idea what to expect. Imagine my surprise when I was able to buy two suits that were not plus size. And they actually looked decent (as bathing suits go). What an amazingly gratifying feeling!
All the little things were starting to add up to seeing a new Amanda. If someone had told me at the end of Winter Break that by the time summer arrived I would be energetic, excited and looking forward to all life has to offer me, I would have laughed in their face. I just didn't have a positive view of life. But now, I could finally see all that world had to offer and that trying to be my best was completely worth it. I felt like I was finally changing into the person I always wanted to be and knew I could be!
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Has it Really Been 4 Months?? Time Flies!
The first time I met with Renee' was in mid-January. By the middle of May, I felt like I completely different person. I was happier than I had been in years, on my way to being healthy, sort of understanding this whole food thing, and looking into ways to meet and be around more people.
Starting with being happier, it's really amazing what meeting new people, opening up and becoming friends with them and seeing that there are actually people out in the world who wanted to know me as a person was able to do for my attitude and outlook on life. Although I have always been blessed with amazing people in my life, I think (well, actually, I know) I always felt like I blended in to the background. Whether that was true or not, it was how I felt and that feeling had a huge impact on me. Over the last 4 months, I had started to come into my own as a person. Can't believe it took me til the age of 33 but, hey, we all move at our own pace, right?
I couldn't (and I know I wouldn't) have gotten this far without so much love, friendship and support from all the people in my life who matter to me. And the list was growing!
The third week in May I was able to go to the last training session with the adult group on Tuesday. I actually did most of the exercises (except anything with jumping). I was kinda proud of myself. Then she made us do something called a wall sit. I hadn't done one of those since middle school! I didn't make it the whole time without standing up a couple of times but I think I made it a decent amount of time. At the facility there is this thing called a sled. I don't know why it's called that because it's not like I can ride down a hill in the snow with it - but that's another story :) Anyways, there's weights on it and everyone had to take a turn pushing it across the floor. I didn't think I would be taking part in this oh so fun exercise. But, Renee' had a different idea - I should have known! She asked me how I felt about pushing it and I just shrugged my shoulders. That would mean I would have to be up in front of a group of people. But, I did it (I didn't really have a choice). I could barely push it myself -so she helped me a little. But I was proud of myself for what I did do.
Later that week, I stepped on the scale and I had lost another pound - I was learning to accept the small successes as well as the big ones. That night was my nephew's preschool graduation. I wore a pair of jean capris and a shirt and actually felt comfortable. The picture below is from that night.
When I look at that picture compared to one from January, I can't believe how different I look. Not just thinner (although I was definitely seeing that), but just happier. When I looked at that picture, I could see the happiness in my own eyes. It was, and still is, an amazing feeling.
That weekend we threw a surprise 60th birthday party for my parents. I was able to see some people I don't see very often and it was so much fun to hear the compliments on how great I looked. But it was also fun to have conversations with people I may not have been comfortable to talk to in the past. For anyone curious, there are never foods I can't eat. I just choose to make better decisions. However, that night, I did eat a piece of cake and have a little ice cream. However, I also had salad for dinner. "It's all about balance" - I had heard that a lot in the last 4 months and I was starting to believe it :)
Just 11 days left in the school year and a whole summer to look forward to at this point in my adventure - I could only imagine what life still had in store for me.
Starting with being happier, it's really amazing what meeting new people, opening up and becoming friends with them and seeing that there are actually people out in the world who wanted to know me as a person was able to do for my attitude and outlook on life. Although I have always been blessed with amazing people in my life, I think (well, actually, I know) I always felt like I blended in to the background. Whether that was true or not, it was how I felt and that feeling had a huge impact on me. Over the last 4 months, I had started to come into my own as a person. Can't believe it took me til the age of 33 but, hey, we all move at our own pace, right?
I couldn't (and I know I wouldn't) have gotten this far without so much love, friendship and support from all the people in my life who matter to me. And the list was growing!
The third week in May I was able to go to the last training session with the adult group on Tuesday. I actually did most of the exercises (except anything with jumping). I was kinda proud of myself. Then she made us do something called a wall sit. I hadn't done one of those since middle school! I didn't make it the whole time without standing up a couple of times but I think I made it a decent amount of time. At the facility there is this thing called a sled. I don't know why it's called that because it's not like I can ride down a hill in the snow with it - but that's another story :) Anyways, there's weights on it and everyone had to take a turn pushing it across the floor. I didn't think I would be taking part in this oh so fun exercise. But, Renee' had a different idea - I should have known! She asked me how I felt about pushing it and I just shrugged my shoulders. That would mean I would have to be up in front of a group of people. But, I did it (I didn't really have a choice). I could barely push it myself -so she helped me a little. But I was proud of myself for what I did do.
Later that week, I stepped on the scale and I had lost another pound - I was learning to accept the small successes as well as the big ones. That night was my nephew's preschool graduation. I wore a pair of jean capris and a shirt and actually felt comfortable. The picture below is from that night.
When I look at that picture compared to one from January, I can't believe how different I look. Not just thinner (although I was definitely seeing that), but just happier. When I looked at that picture, I could see the happiness in my own eyes. It was, and still is, an amazing feeling.
That weekend we threw a surprise 60th birthday party for my parents. I was able to see some people I don't see very often and it was so much fun to hear the compliments on how great I looked. But it was also fun to have conversations with people I may not have been comfortable to talk to in the past. For anyone curious, there are never foods I can't eat. I just choose to make better decisions. However, that night, I did eat a piece of cake and have a little ice cream. However, I also had salad for dinner. "It's all about balance" - I had heard that a lot in the last 4 months and I was starting to believe it :)
Just 11 days left in the school year and a whole summer to look forward to at this point in my adventure - I could only imagine what life still had in store for me.
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