Friday, 5 October 2012

Cycle of Change

I have never been skinny and I don't want to be. However, I do want to drop about a stone and be able to fit into my old jeans. When I started this blog I was about 10lbs lighter if not more. Some people can't really tell because the weight didn't go to my chest (darn!) or face really. My upper body increased but not significantly I can still wear a UK12 and Medium Blouses (THANK GOD!) which is an American 8 dress size. But all my jeans my sevens, citizens, true religions, miss sixty's earnest sewn and etc... cannot go anywhere! So you guessed it, the weight went to my mid section and THIGHS! I don't compare my size with anyone's but my old size, for motivation.

For the last year I have been on and off the cycle of change. Working out, but I didn't really change my eating habits much. I then adopted a bad habit that I escaped in America.... eating late at night. The 'happy' weight came on and I didn't even know it until I went home last summer and my parents told me I was bigger. I didn't think I was. However, I tried on some of my old clothes in my room in the states and low and behold I couldn't fit into A LOT of my clothing.

A year later I have reduced, not back to my old weight yet but the inches have reduced, a bit. I started noticing it's not only about working out, it's about what you EAT, and your relationship with food! I love Nigerian food but I can't tell you last time I've eaten pounded yam or semo, (I don't like Eba). I have, well had an addiction to fast food, but over the last several months it has reduced and my sugar cravings are now satisfied with fruit mainly pineapple. I went to McDonald's last week and was sitting there looking at everyone eating fries and burgers, while my aunt used the restroom and I didn't flinch! That has NEVER EVER happened to me EVER. If I used to smell the fries, I'd want fries. I guess I can thank myself for that but it is a huge accomplishment.

So what am I saying? I have been on and off the cycle of change for the last year or so, but I haven't given up and I am reaching my goals. I have seen improvements over all in my eating habits, yet I know there is so much more for me to accomplish. When I find myself relapsing I dust my shoulders off and get back on track. I've been doing Insanity on and off for the last 3 weeks but stopped for a week; restarted today. I know I'll be to my goal weight and I don't want to do fad diets or any of the above. I know I am overweight and I want to be a healthier size, as a future Pharmacist I don't want to be those that say do as I say not as I do. Plus I miss my jeans! I haven't bought a bigger size because I always knew I'd be wearing them again and I refuse to buy clothes in a certain size...

If you're like me want to live healthier you can! It's not only about being overweight, chubby or obese as I have slim friends who I can walk miles around and are in worse shape than me! Ask any of my close friends, I've cried saying I'm fat and wanted to starve myself but never did because I know the short term success would be very detrimental in the end. In addition, I've seen friends that loose the weight and pile it back on, plus some making me see first hand that it starts with habits and if your habits don't change you won't. The cycle of change pertains to any aspect of your life that needs improvements. Don't wait for tomorrow, start today and if you relapse start again, never give up. It's not easy , but nothing in life worth attaining ever is.

4 comments:

Chi-Chi said...

a great post!

I have always been conscious of my weight, size and how I looked in general....didn't really start appreciating my body until i was 24 - that was 2 years ago.

however in the last year I have embraced exercise.....not so much to lose weight, but to get healthier fitter and stronger. I have to say that the goal of weight loss was secondary, but i have lost weight and people say it all the time. the surprising thing is i actually enjoy working out!

i think that if people exercise just to lose weight and be skinny, it won't really work as effective as the person who exrcises for fitness and strength.

i get where you're talking about; wanna wish you all the best. it's not easy, but the things/dreams worth having never are (as you rightly ended your post with!) x

www.thatgoodgirlchi.blogspot.com

Sid said...

Wow! we use the same model here in America, but we called it The Stages of Change. We use The Stages of Change when talking about drug addiction. I never thought about using in my weight goals. I am so pressed to use it with my clients. Hmmm, maybe I'll assessed where I fall on the Stages of Change Model when it comes to being healthy and fitness. Thanks for sharing.

www.sidsaysthatsroxy.com

Unknown said...

Fab post !!!! This is everyone's story thank u for sharing

B A R B A R A said...

Oh well, I am more pear shaped than anything else and so my thighs are big and my hips really wide. I add weight easily and this has been a problem for me as it takes a lot to take it off. I am so awed by how comfortable you are wearing short dresses and really fitted clothes, I am so looking forward to not being that body conscious again.

You skin is gorgeous and thank you for visiting my blog. Hope I get to meet you next time you are in Nigeria.
Barbara
http://barbsiesmusings.blogspot.com/
Lagos, Nigeria