I gained 20 pounds in the last year and my recent bloodwork is better than ever, including my cholesterol and glucose levels.
We’ve experienced an incredible amount of stress over the last 12 months. Garret was laid off from his job in October (he has a new job now, yay!). Ryan and I had the flu. Garret and I had covid. I had a visit to the ER and was diagnosed with diverticulitis. Our summer was rocked with some other personal things I won’t divulge here. It’s been a doozy. None of this impacted my healthy habits. I continued to exercise daily (except when I was sick). I've been eating a balanced diet full of lean protein, veggies, and fruits with limited starch and sugar. I don’t drink alcohol anymore. I can count on one hand how many times I’ve eaten things like chips, French fries, or pizza. I don’t enjoy these things like I used to because I don’t like how they make me feel. Feeling good is the priority.
I'm working on removing the extra weight because I want to, and I'm doing it in a way that works and feels good for me. When I look at the big picture, I’m good. Everything is moving in a direction I feel very proud of.
Diet culture is so consumed with the number on the scale, that folks miss the bigger (and better) picture. Most often, that’s what causes them to derail.
If I was consumed by the number, I’d miss all of these wins:
Weight fluctuates. I stopped making this a problem.
I love my body and treat her well.
I don’t criticize my body anymore… ever.
Overall, I feel great physically, mentally, and emotionally… and I’m up 20 pounds.
With everything that has happened in the last year, I haven’t eaten emotionally or binged once. There’s been no stress eating. Nada. Zero. Zilch. This is amazing considering food was my go-to for so long.
I rarely get cravings anymore, and I know how to manage them.
During some heavy shit, my healthy habits haven’t derailed.
I ended the transactional relationship with exercise. I exercise because it feels good, and I love it. I don't expect anything in return.
I buy new clothes with zero drama because I know the size doesn’t matter.
Getting dressed every day is easy. There are no more meltdowns in my closet.
Seeing my reflection in the full-length mirror feels peaceful.
I enjoy having my picture taken and being seen in photos (even old ones).
I understand that my body holds onto weight for different reasons, and I’m working through this with support.
I'm still down 100 pounds from my highest recorded weight.
If I was still stress-eating, I likely would have gained everything back plus more. I know because I rode that hamster wheel for a long time. It feels good to be off it. Anyone who has struggled with food and their weight knows what I'm talking about.
This is the transformation: It's freedom from diet culture; having the confidence to make decisions; owning the choices; and continuing to move forward even when things don't go as planned.
It's so easy to forget how far we've come when we're looking in the wrong direction. That's why it's so important to make a list, review it regularly, and celebrate ALL the accomplishments as often as possible.
Even with weight gain, my bloodwork is better, and that's what really matters.
It’s a blessing to be free from the torture and help others along the way. If you’re tired of suffering and buffering with food, and any of the wins above sound like a miracle, reach out. A healthier relationship with food and your body awaits.
xo,
Amy
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