Starting out

Some of this is on the “About Me” page but I get asked a lot about how I lost my weight and how I got into running. It didn’t happen over night, it took years of me being over weight and “trying” (not really) to lose weight. I told myself I was a happy person, I didn’t need my world to revolve around food and how many calories, fat, etc I was eating. Truth was it did revolve around food, but in a bad way. I ate whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted. Never thinking about the consequences of my eating, or the example I was setting for my daughter. I ate my meals like it was my last one.

Not sure why it finally clicked but in June 2011 (the 13th to be exact) I actually started my journey. Here are a few things I changed right away.

  • Started walking
  • Went cold turkey on cheeseburgers and fries for one WHOLE month.
  • Switched flour tortillas for corn (it’s the little things)
  • Started eating the Special K protein bars for lunch, usually with fruit, veggies, cheese, etc.
  • Quit drinking Dr. Pepper
  • Starting drinking water and lots of it!
  • Cut my portions down
  • Started eating breakfast. I’m still not a big breakfast eater, but I’m trying.
  • Protein Shakes
  • I started tracking all my food and exercise in My Fitness Pal.  My user name is howmyworldruns, feel free to add me.

It was hard at first, really hard. But once I started seeing results it became easier. I tell myself every day I am happy, I am healthy. I will not go back to being 42 pounds overweight!

I walked 5-6 days per week, 4 miles at least with a friend. We walked all summer that year. When the time changed, it was harder for us to walk during the week so I started trying to run. More on that here.

I still struggle with eating the right food. I don’t have any special diets like Vegan, Vegetarian and Paleo. I just tried to eat the best way I could. I still eat almost all the same foods I just cook them differently and eat less of it. I have been trying new veggies. I still don’t like asparagus. I did recently try spaghetti squash and I will try it again. I do love Broccolini!

I have days when I don’t make the right choices, I just know the next day is a new day. I can begin again.

I love being able to encourage others. I love that I have made new friends in this journey. I love that I am a good example for Allyson. I think I have made my little family proud of me. I never thought I could achieve anything at my age, let alone be running half marathons and be considering a full marathon. I never thought I’d get up before the sun to run. I don’t get up that early for anything but vacation!

Thank you for reading this and for allowing me to share my story with you. Please feel free to ask questions or offer advice. It’s always accepted!

share this POST:

Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest

Related Posts