It's My Decision

The most important aspect of losing weight is making it a choice. When my PCOS flared up a couple of years ago, the doctor put me on a hormone that caused weight gain (up to 20 pounds), severe vertigo (I have Meniere's disease), extreme fatigue, and other symptoms I do not want to discuss. After many months on the hormone, I got off of it and realized I was going to have to take a natural approach to shedding the pounds. Hormones have never worked for me and with PCOS, the more weight I had on me, the worse the condition got...

There are many components to the decision of getting healthy. First, is realizing this is a life long journey. Second, it is going to be hard work. Third, you will have to make lifestyle changes that will be challenging from the beginning. Fourth, you have to decide everyday that this is important for your health and well being. It is okay to be selfish sometimes and you need to take care of yourself (my coach and I have discussed this and it is hard to do sometimes).

I chose Noom because of their psychological approach to healthy living. They teach you how to function in your environment and that you are in this for the long haul. They help me navigate eating nutritious meals and I didn't have to give up my favorite foods. Those are reserved for my once a week "splurge" meal. A lot of programs make you buy their food and drinks. That is how you are supposed to lose weight with their stuff. I know that will not work for me, because I will go right back to eating what I want and the weight will come back. I needed something that will help me where I am at and Noom did.

It is hard work because, every day, I have to make the decision to eat healthy. Sometimes I have had to remove myself from situations that will cause me to stumble. If I couldn't, finding the healthy options on a menu became optimum. Working out was a challenge for me as well. I love working out with my husband and friends, but it took time to develop that attitude. Finding activities that I love doing and the social aspect of them has made it fun for me.

Eating healthy, when you are on the go or at a restaurant is difficult. I had to learn to pack lunches that were filled with different types of protein, veggies, and fruits. Breads, pasta, and other heavy starches are at a minimum. I used to eat a lot of sugary treats and fast food, those are now reserved for my one meal a week "splurge" day. Choosing salads and other nutritious foods on menus was hard at first, especially when I want to order the juicy, bacon cheeseburger! I learned to do it and have felt better for making those wiser choices. That alone has been enough to keep me going. I feel great!

When it comes to my health, I had to learn to be selfish. I had to let people know what I was doing and that it is important to me. If I want to be around for my family, friends, and enjoy life to the fullest, I have to do all the things I mentioned above to achieve that goal. The end result for being selfish is more energy and strength to be there for others. Sometimes it is the most selfless thing to be this kind of selfish. It was a hard lesson to learn, but I am glad I did.

Proverbs 3:5-6- " Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."