Starting my healthy life
Hi all,
First of all, let me say that what I've seen of this forum so far has been very inspiring to me. To see people hit their goal weights and lead healthier, happier lives is truly remarkable, and the support that people still trying to shed the pounds receive is really great.
A quick overview on me: I was a skinny (and flexible!) child, but I developed bad couch potato and eating habits when I reached adolescence. My weight swelled until I was overweight by the end of high school, and the pounds increased during college.
That said, I rarely had any issues with my weight. When I saw pictures of myself, I dismissed them as unflattering camera angles (denial is a river in Egypt). It was a doctor's visit in August that made me realize I had a weight problem. I was almost pre-diabetic! I couldn't believe it. Me, diabetic? My doctor then told me that my BMI was almost in the obese range. Again, I could hardly believe my ears. I never imagined myself as obese--a little chubby, yes, but not the 'O Word'!
That was the day I knew I had to take better care of my body. I figured out what I was doing wrong, and vowed to correct them. I knew I never exercised much, if at all, so I made it a point to make time for it every day (3 days of strength training, the rest 30 mins of jog/walk combination). The biggest surprise was my diet. I always thought I had a decent diet... boy, was I wrong! I started counting my calories and keeping track of everything I ate. I stopped eating out as much (I had no idea that a Chipotle chicken burrito was 1200 calories!) and I learned how to prepare healthy and delicious meals at home. Despite rumors of healthy eating being more expensive, I now spend far less on food than I ever did!
I went back to the doctor this week, and after roughly a month of eating right and exercising (I didn't change much in September), I lost 15 pounds! I started my journey at 190 lbs, and I'm down to 174. Despite the numbers, I feel far healthier than I have in years. I always get a good night's rest, I feel more active and energetic during the day, and most of my stomach problems are gone. While I have a goal weight, the health benefits are what keep me going.
Well, that was a lot of talking... more than I anticipated. I hope I didn't bore you too much. 8D Thanks again, and see you all around the forum!
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