There will be some new people joining up and some who are veterns, but may not know me very well so here it goes...
My story....so far
CAUTION WORK IN PROGRESS!!
With extremely high blood pressure, obese and borderline type 2 diabetes I was told by my Dr basically if I wanted to continue to live to watch my kids grow up I needed to lose weight.... Or I would die from a stroke,heart attack and have to start medication for the diabetes (no if buts or maybes) , just a you choose.
I had tried weight watchers, Jenny Craig , diet shakes, Israeli diet, cabbage diet etc etc only to lose weight and then put it on plus some.
I had always watched the biggest loser and through Michelle's website saw this program, The 12 week body transformation. I loved the results her contestants got so thought why not I had nothing to lose..... Except the weight.
I am a mother to four children, run my own business, am a wife, a sister an auntie ( to a nephew who has had a double lung transplant last boxing day and inspires me every day), a daughter to a dad with Parkinson’s who had a stroke during round 3, and a daughter in law . I have always found that I am trying to do things for everyone else, and whilst making sure I am meeting their needs, was there for them I was neglecting to give any attention to “me”, and what I might need to keep me healthy (or happy)
During the 1st round my blood pressure came back into line round 2 I managed to go to the USA for 4 weeks (worst food in the world for weight control) and lost 2 kilos and I was off all my blood pressure medication permanently.
Now after round 3 I am 29 kilos lighter than when I started and so far not moved into having type 2 diabetes. I am facing all challenges that come my way with enthusiasm and now have also been chosen as one of the Ambassadors for this program. This in is itself is a huge opportunity to support others in their journey to feel like me. As Mish says to "pay it forward"
I have also been learning to deal with my emotional eating, and issues with self esteem....the issues with self esteem led to the eating.... And around in circles I would go.....I have been learning how to build willpower and make smart choices with food and exercise.
I have always felt uncomfortable about my size, judged and unattractive and so tended to be a wallflower quiet in the background.... Or at home on the couch with my crisps, chocolates, and wine.
With all the demands of life I have learnt to not make excuses as to why I could not eat right, why I could not exercise..... I now plan my day to include exercise...I have found 6am (or earlier ) is best for me, then I can also meet all my other demands, and that planning my menus for the week are key. I am also coming to terms with putting myself and my needs first.... no-one will die (hopefully) while I go to the gym for an hour or two, or if I complete a bootcamp weekend, or a 24 hour walk for life....all of the challenges I have undertaken since joining this program, in fact it will mean that I am still here to meet their needs.
This program has shown me that I can complete amazing challenges, that I am a strong powerful woman and I can do anything I put my mind to. I am also starting to feel a little more comfortable about my appearance and certainly not dressing in bags to hide my body lumps!! I am getting out and about .... buying nice clothes, dressing up and going out more.... now participating in and living life ... Not just watching it go by.
I have found that being able to chat to, and exercise with people who also understand what it's like to have issues with food and have struggled to exercise, is important to my successes they inspire me and I can see their achievements it makes me want to work harder.....they get me, they know why I gave in to the chocolate or the chips and gravy their not saying it's ok but they are saying it's not the end of the world don't give up don't throw it all away, then a bit of a butt kick and that helps .... Michelle’s video messages too... have all hit home in one way or another and especially those on on how to plan and manage the inner teenager has been the most powerful tool for me to me the support, and the family feeling of belonging is important .... It's still not easy .... But I'm getting there.... I have 20 kilos to go and by the end of round 1 2011 will be at my goal..... And the best version of me I can be!!!!
This is a transformation of Mind, body and Spirit!!!!!! CAUTION WORK IN PROGRESS!!
