I will be celebrating my 1 year anniversary of restarting my journey of transformation on April 20, 2016. I am blessed that I have lost 67.6 pounds and counting. It has not been easy. But I am still committed to the process and grateful that God is helping me to move forward.
Many people ask, “What’s the secret to my success?” There’s no secret or magic formula. The truth is that I made a decision to change. I was able to begin changing my mindset, exercise and food habits and my life. As a result of my surrender on April 20, 2015, EVERYTHING changed!
Changed My Mindset
This was the first step of my process. I had to BELIEVE that my life could truly change. I had to BELIEVE that this time my process would be different. I had to BELIEVE that God could truly heal my pain, fears, rejection, lack of faith and low self-esteem. I had to BELIEVE that I had the ability to do the work and be an active participant in my journey of transformation! I had to BELIEVE!
I know that this sounds so simple, but this is my truth. Once I made the decision to BELIEVE, EVERYTHING changed. My actions followed my belief! I was finally able to do my work (i.e. change my appetite, exercise habits and lifestyle). My process began with a 40 day commitment to daily physical activity. And look at me now? Almost 1 year later, I’m still on my journey!
This process of changing my mind hasn’t been easy. I have to CHOOSE to renew my mind daily. It’s easy to go back to the “old mindset” because that’s familiar. I’m learning to embrace this “new mindset.” I know the outcome of the “old mindset”. But God is blowing my mind at the changes that I’m experiencing as a result of my “new mindset.”
Changed My Exercise Habits
I went from a completely sedentary lifestyle to doing some physical activity for 40 days. I walked in my neighborhood or did a Zumba DVD, every day! This was a huge accomplishment! But God knew that I needed to complete this goal at the beginning of my journey. I was able to keep my promise to God and to myself.
Once I saw that I was able to push myself physically and remain committed, I willingly sought more opportunities to challenge myself. I found monthly workout routines designed to jumpstart my commitment to fitness. I searched Google and YouTube and found modifications for exercise routines I had difficulty performing.
I created a monthly workout calendar to track my workouts and progress. I even participated in exercise challenges! My “old mindset” would have never allowed me to participate. The fear of failure, ridicule and shame would have been too great. But God helped me to push past my fears and try something new. With prayer and declarations of scriptures, I was able to finish my most challenging exercise routines. I am becoming stronger!
Changed My Food Habits
I loved to eat! And at 5’4” and 280 lbs, my body displayed all of that love! My favorite foods were pizza, fast food, chips and dip, chocolate, cakes, and pies. I drank soda and juice. When I restarted my journey of transformation, I didn’t want to sacrifice my food choices and flavor. But I knew that I had to let my old mindset towards food and my food choices die so that I could live a healthier lifestyle with a new mindset.
How could I do this? Would I successfully be able to maintain this new lifestyle feeling deprived and living with so many restrictions? Fear tried to rear its ugly head and prevent me from making changes to my diet. But God! He knew that I didn’t need to make drastic changes. He wasn’t trying to set me up to fail.
So, I started with small changes and started seeing results. I cook more of my meals, rather than eat fast food or processed food. I found healthy substitutes for my favorite foods. I learned how to read nutrition fact labels to determine the correct serving/portion sizes.
After researching the nutritional value of salt, I stopped cooking with it. I make my own spice blends and still make flavorful meals. I began tracking my meals via My Fitness Pal. This helped me to see the effects of the unhealthy foods (when I do indulge) on my daily nutrition goals. I also drink more water. I am learning how to make healthier choices!
Changed My Life
One of the biggest changes I’ve made on this journey is my perspective. Before, I believed that weight loss had a specific ending point. Once I achieved my weight loss goals, I was good! But God has clearly shown me that isn’t the case. Yes, I will achieve my weight loss goals. But this process doesn’t end.
As long as I’m alive, I still have more opportunities to change and become better. I can become better at responding to trials and adversity. I can become better at making healthier food choices and creating healthier meals. I can become stronger and more disciplined with exercise.
I’m not perfect. I don’t strive for perfection anymore. I am learning how to seek God’s wisdom daily to live a healthy life spiritually, mentally, emotionally and physically. This is my NEW life! I am CHANGING!
What things need to change in your life in order for EVERYTHING to change?
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