I've pretty much always struggled with weight issues. After having Micah, it took a while to get the baby weight off. Then after I finally got it off, I found out I was expecting Asher. After Asher, I struggled even more. I would lose a few pounds then fall off the weight loss band wagon. Then pick it back up and start again, to only lose a few pounds again before falling off the "diet" again.
Towards the end of 2014, I had some situations come my way that really challenged me and made me think. Mainly, about allowing God to fully infiltrate EVERY part of my life. Not just my marriage, or how we raise our children, or ministry........but everything. Even my eating and how I treated my body. I didn't want to diet again. I knew it needed to be a life style change and thankfully that's exactly what happened.
Michael was approached very shortly after the New Year about joining Team Lean, a ten week challenge through the YMCA. There was a spot for him on the team, and a spot for me too. I was excited because it would mean that Michael and I were doing it TOGETHER! We talked and prayed about it and decided it would certainly be a great idea to help us start truly eating healthy and exercising. Yes, it was a competition....for money. And yes, I am a little competitive. So I knew it would help me stay motivated during the ten week challenge. During this challenge, each team member of each team had to weigh in weekly. Our team was made up of 5 people. And there were 29 teams total. They did not give you a set exercise plan to follow or diet to follow. That was all up to each individual.
Michael and I talked at length about how we wanted to go about this. We wanted to make better eating choices all around, eat clean and healthy, and exercise several times a week. We used the myfitnesspal app to help hold us accountable with our eating and exercise. We ate lean meats, vegetables, and fruits. We cut out most breads, and all sweets. We only had pasta maybe twice during the 10 week period. It wasn't always easy, but it was worth it.
For exercise, I went to the gym and walked/ran on the treadmill or the elliptical 4-5 times a week for 45-60 minutes. On the days I didn't make it to the gym, I worked out at home doing zumba or just walked the neighborhood with the boys.
I had several approach me asking what "plan" I was on or if I was taking something to make me lose weight. I did this just by changing the way I viewed eating and food, making better choices, exercising, and not making excuses. No pills. No "plan". And I'm down almost 28 pounds in 10 weeks.
We aren't finished. We have smaller goals to hit but I'm not focused on any certain number on the scale or any certain size of clothes. This isn't about getting to a certain weight or size, it's about making better choices and being healthy. It's about staying focused on glorifying God even in this aspect of my life.
The 10 week challenge is over, and our team will find out this Thursday how our team finished for the challenge. While the challenge is over, the changes we have made aren't. We desire to continue living lives that include healthier eating habits and exercising and taking care of our bodies.
I'm so thankful for the family and friends that have encouraged us during this journey. And I'm thankful that Michael and I are in this together!
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