The best way to get a grasp of one’s journey is to have a rear view glimpse of where they came from. Don’t worry, this is not going to be my memoirs, just a brief synopsis of how I arrived here today, and the way I spent 46 years trying to circumvent my DNA.
Yes, it did start the day I was born. As the story goes, my parents found great delight upon the arrival of a baby girl, but then shuddered when theyturned me upright. This is how they tell it, “We took one look at you and said ‘oh no, you have your Father’s shoulders’.”. Dad was a college football linebacker. My fate had been sealed before my Apgar score was ever recorded.
Childhood memories include threats of shopping in the husky department and restrictive calorie diets as policed by my parents. My entire young adult life was spent achieving lifetime status with Weight Watchers, and every fad diet in between. Exercise was an after thought. Success was mine for the short term, but with every step forward,I took two steps back. In other words, I would lose the weight, but it would always find me, and come back twofold. Friends said I was just athletic looking, and indeed I did play sports; defense, just like Dad.
My Journey
Fast forward to June, 2010and the day I chose to play offense for myself and transform my body into all it could be. Webster’s Dictionary defines transform as 1. to change in composition or structure; 2. to change the outward form or appearance of.
Changing my composition was exactly how I tackled this challenge.My goal was to burn fat and build muscle. The metamorphosis is unlike any I have experienced before. Have I finally unlocked the secret code to my chromosomal curse? This is how it happened:
1. 20 lbs was the goal in the three month time frame losing at least 1-2 lbs a week.
2. I methodically planned my weight training and cardio workouts in a structured balance. I never missed or strayed from the plan. (Prior to this I was doing much more cardio than weights.) My weights were done through the metabolic effect plan ala The New Me Diet book. I always lifted heavy weights when I could and afterward added a 30 minute moderate walk. Interval cardio or a 60 minute walk was done on the opposing days.
3. I completely rearranged my diet. There was no measuring or weighing of food, and there was no point system, or bizarre rituals. I had never tried it this way before. Lean protein took the lead over carbohydrates. I chose complex carbohydrates instead. Healthy fats were encouraged more now than before. Sugar was out. Protein bars and whey powder were in when it came to keeping my hunger at bay. Portion control was crucial as was watching calorie intake!
4. I told friends, family, co-workers and acquaintances about my goal. This was my way of being held accountable. Most cheered me on. My immediate family watched with loving support.
5. I ignored negative energy.
The weight was slow to come off in the beginning, but then it seemed to fall away. My energy level and confidence are soaring. I’m down 22 pounds as of September 2010.
I feel as though this is a shining moment for all women who say they can never change. Imagine if we had a world of fit women who stopped blaming their kids, their thyroid, and their genes for their weight. What about women over 40 who think they’ve tried everything only to see little if any results? Have they? I thought I did.
My personal transformation is not only about the buttoning of jeans, and the unbuttoning of genes; it is a life long lesson in planning and achieving. I am living proof that determination, not difficulty is the key to success. We only get a one way ticket in life, for the remainder of my journey, this is my path.