Marc and I got up a little early today, packed up the dogs and backpacks and headed to Oswego. We hiked 7 miles in, had lunch, and hiked the 7 back. It was a great hike, near perfect weather conditions, the dogs were loving life. As we walked back - with the upcoming surgery on my mind, of course - I had a lot of time to reflect on the changes in my life the last 2 years and how different my life is in so many ways - not just weighing a lot less.
Since I've lost so much weight, I always have people asking how I did it. 9 times out of 10, as soon as I start talking about eating right and exercising, this look of utter disappointment comes over their faces. Most people don't want to hear about that - they want THE ANSWER. You know, they want me to tell them this magic pill or some weird diet that will enable them to drop the weight.
Sorry, but it doesn't work like that. I have worked hard and many many hard choices in order to drop 208 pounds in about 2 years. It wasn't fast and it wasn't easy. It comes down to it being a total and complete lifestyle chance, NOT some fad diet. I think these diets like South Beach, Atkins, etc. are fine if you are someone who is just trying to drop 10 pounds in 3 weeks in order to fit into that dress to wear to your high school reunion. But if you are someone who has 50, 100, 200 pounds to lose, it ain't gonna happen with a fad diet.
I haven't had soda - not one drop - since May of 2010. I gave up Mountain Dew - which I LOVED - not because some weird diet told me that soda was off limits, but because it is TERRIBLE for you. I work out so much because I have committed to a lifestyle change, not because I am always motivated to work out.
I don't blame people for wanting a quick fix - I would have liked an easier road as well. But it just isn't reality. Weight loss and good health won't come knocking on your door. It takes hard work and dedication. Anyone can do it. But they have to DO IT.
Ok, I'll get off my soapbox now!
You are so right!! I would love a quick fix, but I know it doesn't work that way. My friend and I have said we were going to right a weight loss book. 500 pages. Page 1... Eat less-Move more.
ReplyDeletePage 2-500 nothing, blank paper. There is no secret, no magic. It is so simple and yet so hard all at the same time!!!
I am so excited for you and will keep checking in to see how you are doing. You are and inspiration!!!! You ARE amazing !!! Good luck with the surgery !!!
Thanks so much, Chris! I'm excited to see the end result. I like your book idea lol!
ReplyDeleteLOL - Eating the Right Foods, Fresh, cook it yourself, read ingredients, no soda, portion control, watch the calories, etc - This is HOW to lose weight! But people like you mention want a quick fix... Gaining Weight wasn't Quick, so Losing Weight isn't Quick either. I encountered similar responses from people when 60 lbs came off me. One has to be serious enough to transform everything for the better... Eating Right and getting Exercise!
ReplyDeleteGood to read of your sucess and thank you for sharing story of your journey.
-Roger