My Journey to a Healthier Life Part I

The good news so far is that I now weigh 205 lbs. I have been watching my portion sizes and eating at least 6-7 servings of fruits and vegetables on most days. I have continued using stairs instead of elevators as much as possible and doing my dancing exercise for about 15 minutes at least 3 times daily. I have slipped up about two times with my meals: I ate more than usual on Valentine's Day when my husband and I went to a restaurant for dinner. Also, one day at work I gave into temptation and ate one slice of spinach and cheese pizza in addition to my salad. Overall, I am on target and I am determined to live a healthy lifestyle.

My Struggles with Obesity

Since about 2008, I have been steadily gaining weight and presently I weigh 210 pounds at 5 feet 7 inches  In 2007, I started to work the night shift and I would eat at nights and attended college in the morning and slept in the evenings. I worked night shifts for 3 years. I  hardly made time for exercise as my main focus was on my college assignments. This form of prioritization was not helpful towards my health as I saw my dress sizes increased. Currently, my dress size has increased 4 sizes. I have tried dieting and have had my weight yo yo back and forth. Once I lost 15 lbs in 2 weeks and then put on the 15 lbs plus extra weight. Therefore, I am choosing to change my lifestyle so that I can live a healthy life.

I have started to watch my portion sizes, use stairs instead of elevators, park my car some distance from my destination, dance to music 3 times per week, and eat more fruits and vegetables. I will continue to practice these activities until they become routine. Later I will add more activities such as walking around the lake to my selfcare plan.

I have a desire to change my lifestyle because I know that obesity is a risk factor for many diseases such as type II diabetes and heart disease. Also, as a nurse I should be an example to my patients. I feel like a hypocrite when I have to talk to anyone about diet and exercise. Now, I love myself just the way I am; however, I know that I do not have a healthy weight and my lifestyle has caused me every pound of excess weight that I carry. I am also aware that I had made poor choices that resulted in obesity and it is up to me to make right choices to get my life on a healthy tract. I take full responsibility to get my weight under control.

With God's help and my support group I know that I can do this. I will be accountable to my daughter for making healthy choices.

If you struggle with overweight or obesity take control of your life today. Together we can choose to live a healthy lifestyle. It's possible!!