Are You Still On Track?
Are You Still On Track? Get organized. Spend less. Save more. Eat less. Exercise more. We are two months into 2015. How are you doing with those New Year’s Resolutions? Statistics show that 45% of Americans make New Year’s Resolutions and only 8% actually achieve them. Change is never easy and I am the first one to admit how difficult it is to break bad habits. Join me today and let me share with you my own struggle and journey.
Never Said It Would Be Easy
Prior to having my oldest daughter, I had lost 130 lbs. over a span of 2 1/2 years. After her birth, I thought I would be able to lose the pregnancy weight as I knew what to do. Unfortunately, no matter what I did I couldn’t lose the weight. My hormones were whacked out and no matter what I did the weight would not budge. I was so frustrated.
After seven years of feeling helpless, I finally found a doctor who listened to me. I wish I could say it has been an easy road but it hasn’t. I have stumbled a lot along this journey and have had to pick myself up and keep going. My best friend (AKA my hubby) has been my biggest motivator when I have felt like giving up.
Before and After
Being 42 years old and trying to lose weight is not easy. It has taken me 1 1/2 years to lose 56 lbs. Now, I am down to my last 10-15 lbs. and it isn’t wanting to budge. I attend Zumba classes and have been strength training. Unfortunately, I have developed a second hernia and can’t do anything for now and must focus even more on my food intake.
Throughout this journey, I have had to change some of my food choices. I am Hypoglycemic and so I have to make sure my choices allow me to keep my sugar levels stable. Normally, you would think this equals bland and boring food. Honestly, it has been totally the opposite. I am eating better than ever and the food is DELICIOUS. My kids are loving the foods I am preparing and have some favorites they beg for on a daily basis.
My Love
Shortly after my journey began, my husband went to my doctor and discovered he had developed the beginning stages of diabetes. This was a big wake up call for him as diabetes and heart disease runs in his family. His youngest brother had a heart transplant in his thirties and passed away in his forties.
My hubby has done extremely well and has lost 65 lbs. Right now he is struggling to lose his last 20 lbs. He is also focusing on his food intake and making sure that he is eating foods that keep him full. He has embraced the changes we have made because the food is tasty and satisfying. He has discovered that healthy eating=good tasting food.
Lets Empower Each Other
As women we have all struggled with our self-image. Some of us may feel too big, too small, not pretty enough, not good enough. The truth is WE are perfect just the way God created us. Are there areas we can improve? Of course. None of us are perfect. Our bodies are the temple of God and we are to take care of them.
Through this blog, I would like to share with you my love for crafting and cooking. Some days, I will share recipes and teach you how to incorporate crafting into them. All recipes will be family approved. This means my family has tasted them numerous times and have given it a thumbs up.
My desire is to share with you and learn from each other. If you have a recipe, information, or nugget of wisdom that you have learned, please leave a comment or email me and share it. Lets empower each other towards better health. Together we are stronger!!!
Thank you so much! I have the dreaded Crohns Disease and my diet is limited. With all the new meds I find myself gaining weight and not knowing how to control it. I would love some idea’s and recipes. You are a great example to me. I totally understand what it’s like to have medical problems.
Wow! U go girl!!
Thanks Donna!!! Got more good news today at the doctor. Will share with everybody soon. 🙂
Monica, You always inspire me whether in crafting or cooking! I look forward to the recipes you share, especially your traditional foods. Stay strong!
Mary.
Mary, thanks so much for being so sweet and kind. It was wonderful seeing you in January!!! Look forward to sharing yummy recipes and my love for crafting. 🙂
You have accomplished so much! Your husband being there for you and himself is a testament to the entire healthy balance of your family. I am so proud of you for staying the course and getting so close to your goal weight! I have lost 13 pounds over the winter using my fitness pal and keeping my carbs at 30 per meal. For me, I am proud of my hard work too. Just 5 more to go….
Roberta, thanks so much. Yes, my husband is an amazing support system and brings such balance to our home. I am so proud of his accomplishment. We received awesome news about both of us today from our doctor. Will be sharing in the next few days. Congrats on your weight loss and that you have found something that worked for you. It is a lot of hard work but so worth it. You go girl and work off those last 5 lbs. I am cheering you on!!! 🙂
Thank you, dear Monica. Your words today have been encouraging and a soothing balm to me.
<3 J
jwoolbright at gmail dot com
HerPeacefulGarden.blogspot.com
Janis, thank you so much. It is not easy to share such a touchy issue not knowing how it is going to be received. I am so glad to hear that my words today have been an encouragement and soothing balm for you. Hugs and prayers going your way!!!
If you only knew how badly I needed this motivation! I had taken off about 75 pounds, with about 35 to go. The last year or so, I’ve put 30 of those back on. It’s amazing how ‘bad’ I feel again, how sluggish, frumpish, etc., and I’ve been trying again to lose that which I’d already lost! I was at the ‘giving up’ point this morning, and voila! This post has put me back on the right track and in the right mind set. Can’t wait for you to share some recipes! Hugs and blessings to you for rescuing me today!!!
Patti,
Sister, don’t give up!!! We are here for each other. Hold on tight! I have a very yummy recipe I will be sharing tomorrow and more throughout the week. Hugs!!!
Thanks for sharing your journey, you & husband look wonderful and shows your accomplishment. My husband also has been trying to loose weight also, but it is so hard. I look forward to your recipes to help. Thanks for your compassion and so true we are all guilty of not taking care of our bodies. Have a very blessed day.
Evie,
Thanks for writing. It is so hard but we are here to help each other. Wait until you see what I share tomorrow. You can make this for him and give him a little pick me up to boost his self-confidence. Hugs!!!