Less of Me....

I had been keeping a private blog about my efforts to loose weight and get healthier, but I have decided to share bits here, because the results do make my life more joyful and just might be encouraging to others.

So far I have lost over 30lbs. I also had sleep apnea which went away very quickly and now I am much more comfortable. Also it is now much easier to get clothes I like.

It has taken me a long time to get to this point. Many factors have made it more difficult, such as my son's illness and there has been the odd step backwards I am pressing ahead.

I have learned to cherish each pound lost...

On this journey it is very easy to forget that food is not the enemy......

Food is a wonderful delight created by our amazing Father who made us with taste buds so that we could appreciate his gift. Take time to choose food which will not only taste good but will do you good and don't forget to say Thank You for the gift.

Neither is your body your enemy....
God made it... look after it!

 

The "experts" say that keeping a journal helps with weight loss and so I did. At first I kept it on a page on my private blog, but started a 181 Day Health Diary on 11th January which shouldhave run up till 11th July (my husbands birthday).

Unfortunately my plan got derailed in May (sigh) between back problems and other health issues, but I have started on my journey again.

Between Christmas and New Year I lost my 4th (out of 6) sibling and have already lost a nephew.

It's scary... The life expectancy in my family is very low - averaging out at just about the age I am. It's not that I am scared of being dead... I am confident of where I will end up by the Grace of God.

What scares me is having to face my God knowing that he had more for me to do but that my choices brought me home sooner than he intended

Also I want to be strong and healthy enough to do the job he put me here to do.

I can't do anything about any genetic factors (but God can handle them) but I have to take control or the choices I make.

I don't have a particularly unhealthy lifestyle.... I have never smoked, or done any drugs and I drink very little alcohol so the only factors I can improve on are diet and exercise.

So back to the Health Diary....

 

It's a hard back notebook with Russian dollies all over it (ideal shrinking lady symbol don't you think?)

I attached a matching two sided pencil case, to keep all the bits and pieces I need to fill it in.

 

Everyday I keep a note of what I eat and drink and any exercise I get. There is a space once a week to make notes and at the back I write hints and tips which are particularly helpful.

This is where the child in me comes in the thing is covered in stickers...

I have butterflies for when I have done a workout dvd, flowers for when I go for a walk...
Now I have added stars for 5 minutes on the bike and circles for a glass of water...
Not to forget my favourite... I have Russian dolls and symbols from their tummies... every weigh-in I get a symbol for a half stone and a doll for a full stone... so  now I get 2 of each!

I am such a big kid .... but that is OK because.....