Hello 2011… Goodbye 2010

As 2010 comes to a close, I’d like to thank God for giving me the courage, strength, and love for myself to fight this battle against obesity. When I set out walking back late in December ’09 I never imagined exactly where my feet would carry me. And, oh where and how they have carried me. I started walking merely to clear my head, but eventually I really started to enjoy the walks. One day while walking I had an epiphany – it was this day that has forever changed my life. 

I won’t bore you with a recap of my triumphs and struggles in 2010. Those of you who have followed and supported me know the stories. I will say this -- this is the last year that I’ll be fat. This time next year you won’t even recognize me. There, I said it, it’s in writing. My word is my bond.

My personal goal for 2011 is to continue to lose weight, strengthen my body – especially my core, and build my physical endurance. I pray for the continued mental strength and toughness I need to defeat obesity. This is the HARDEST thing I’ve ever done in my life and now that I’m closing in on defeating it for good, it only gets HARDER.  

As we begin a new year, blessings and peace to you all. For any of you struggling with weight issues and longing for a better, healthier lifestyle I hope that my story will inspire and support the internal motivation necessary to make it happen. Remember, YOU can do anything you set your mind to.

For once and for all, Farewell Fatso!

                                

        Since January '10 I've lost 54 lbs... But, gained so much more.



12/10

 

8/10

10/09

                                                               
                                   150 lbs. ago ... MISERABLE

7/04

I Apologize

Dear Body,

If only I would have cherished you long ago, but instead I abused you and took advantage of you. For years, I ate all the wrong food. Not once did I think of how the food I ate affected you and your ability to perform. It was very typical of me to eat enormous servings of fat laden foods and then wash it all down with sugary drinks. I avoided physical activity like the plague. I never stopped to think about the damage I was causing you by my lack of exercise.

Oh, precious body. I’m so sorry for everything I’ve done to you. Thank you for hanging in there with me despite all the abuse. I realize how fortunate I am to not have developed any major conditions or diseases due to my neglectful ways. It has taken me the better part of my life to figure out what a truly intricate, amazing, and beautiful machine you are. You deserve the highest of respect. I vow from this day forward to never forsake you again. I promise to eat healthy foods that nourish you and to exercise regularly to keep you strong.



Love always,



Chrisetta

Me, Myself, and I

There I was all by myself, trembling, sweating, and about to give up on the  plank. No Megan. No Group X instructor. Just me, myself, and I. If I gave in and released the plank, who would know? It was in that moment I recalled being in Boot Camp fatigued and ready to collapse to the ground from plank position when the instructor, Jen said these words, “Don’t give up on yourself.” I held the plank that day because of those inspiring words and ever since have used them to help me get through tough workouts. After all, throughout all this there is only me. This isn’t a show for anyone else. I don’t show up at the gym just because I want to be seen there or have bragging rights about having gone there. I started this journey because of an internal desire to change myself. At 388 lbs. I was a miserable soul, so whenever I get discouraged or feel like giving up I remember the alternative. This battle is not being fought for Megan or anyone else. This battle is mine and mine alone. I push myself to the limit because I never, ever, ever want to return to that lonely, miserable place again. I push myself because I want to be healthy and fit. I push myself because I want to look good. Heck, one day I want to sashay around in a pair of 4” heels. So when I’m working out and at the brink of giving up from embarrassment, fatigue, or a combination thereof, I push through. This is a battle I’m determined to win. I will never give up on myself. 

Steel Good

I love a warm bowl of oatmeal on a cold winter’s morning. For months, I’ve been reading and hearing about the benefits of Steel Cut Oats, so recently I decided to give them a try. I was quite impressed. They have a denser, nuttier texture and you can really taste the goodness. With each bite, you just feel like what you’re eating is wholesome, and it is. Steel Cut Oats are rich in B-vitamins, calcium, protein and fiber but low in sodium and unsaturated fat. And, get this, just one cup of steel-cut oats contains 8g of fiber. These little oats pack a big nutrient punch which means you stay full longer.

So what’s the difference between instant oats, rolled oats, and steel cut oats? Basically, it’s the processing. Instant pre-packaged oats are pre-cooked and sugars and additives are included - by far they’re the worse possible choice. Rolled oats are steamed, rolled, re-steamed and toasted – so although they are processed they would make a much better choice than the instant crap in the pouches. The King of oats - Steel cut oats are unrefined, they are only cut two to three times using a steel blade. They are a little pricey, but not if you shop at a store that sells them in bulk. Winco sells them bulk for .67 a lb. While the leading brands, such as Bob’s Red Mill are more expensive.

I prepared about two cups of oats and added two diced apples and dried cranberries. Yum-o! The oats do take a little longer to cook, but are well worth it. Since they do take longer to cook, I made a few servings and put the remainder in the fridge - they re-heat well. As always it’s important to pair complex carbs with protein. I typically eat about a ½ c. of oats with two scrambled eggs. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so make it count!

Sources: Wikipedia

Here are a couple of related articles:

http://www.myyogaonline.com/healthy-living/nutrition/why-choose-steel-cut-oats

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1494650/the_skinny_on_steel_cut_oats.html?cat=5

Fit by 40

2010 has certainly had its ups and downs. Throughout this year I’ve made some HUGE changes in my life. As the year comes to an end I’m sorta in an emotional funk, but I’ve decided I’m going to fuel EVERY emotion I have into transforming my body. I still have a lot of work to do and the time is NOW. My motto is “Fit by 40” that gives me one year to get to goal weight and another year to tone and condition my body. It’s within reach and doable.  So when I’m sad, it’s gym time. If I’m ticked off, it’s gym time. If I get a sweet surprise that puts a smile on my face, it’s gym time. It’s gym time! No more playing around in this comfortable zone. It’s time to tighten up my game plan and execute.  I need someone to challenge, motivate, and hold me accountable. It's time someone helps me take this to the next level. I think I found just the person to do that. This afternoon, I have my first session ever with a personal trainer (Thanks for hooking me up Shannon - love ya!).

Check out the photos taken from my personal fitness assessment.