For about 30 years, I neglected my body, my health and my well-being. As a result, my weight during my adulthood gradually went from 150 lbs to 400 lbs. My focus was on family and career. I did not exercise regularly, and I used excessive eating and consuming unhealthy foods on a regular basis to self-medicate during the difficult times of life.
I was not obese as child. During pubity and my early teens, I wore around a size 14.
During my early twenties, I weighed around 165 lbs, and tried to lose 30 lbs or so. I was not successful on my own, so I tried diet pills. I lost the weight--temporarily--and when I stopped taking the pills, I gained the weight I had lost plus more! My weight just kept inching up over the years. My DR tried to help me by giving me various diets to follow, we even tried a liquid diet. I'd always lose 20 lbs or so, then gain it back plus more.
It is not easy being morbidly obese--joint pain, back pain, headaches, low energy, fatigue, physical limitations, negative reactions from society,being made fun of, not fitting into average size chairs, the need for a seat belt extension when flying, sweating constantly, difficulty walking, etc. I felt like others could not see the real Veolia--I felt that I was trapped in a fat cocoon and wanted to escape!
One day I took a good look in the mirror and was not happy with what I saw. I saw that I was not taking care of the precious gift I had been given. I knew I had the power within me to change, so gradually, I did. I started eating less and lost around 130 lbs in 1.5 years. I then added walking practically everyday and lost an additional 132 lbs. Now, I have lost a total of 262 lbs without surgery, pills, special diets, equipment, personal trainers, or pre-packaged foods, etc. I have kept the weight off for 19 months. I now focus on eating healthfully (most days) and daily exercise.
Now, my personal pleasures come from various sources, not just good food – specifically, my faith walk, spending time with family and friends, physical activity, encouring others, etc. Also, I am very active in my church and was recently ordained as a Deacon.
Now, I feel GREAT!!! I am the happiest and most fulfilled! Now I look forward to getting up early, getting going, and enjoying life--living each day to the fullest! It is indeed a Joy to be Fit!!!
The First Simple Steps
I went to a local department store and decided to buy 2 pair of New Balance walking shoes. I went for a walk the next day and was embarrassed at how out of shape I actually was. I could barely make it back home.
I decided I would do it every day, nonetheless, and in a short period of time, my clothes were baggy.
I then became more interested in the quality of the foods I consumed and began shopping primarily at The Fresh Market grocery store.
I noticed that I ate even less food if the quality was better.
My lifestyle evolved to a daily routine of walking and eating delicious, healthy foods (most days). I lost 132 pounds when I started walking – the weight just came off.
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