It's not a diet - it's an eating plan!
Why it works: you eat everyday food! It's not like NutriSystem where you can only eat their supplied food. It is just you, going to the grocery store, going out to eat with friends, and eating a piece of birthday cake at a party. Because, let's get real, no one wants to show up to a family BBQ with a frozen entrée dinner you have to eat from your diet company. This is for real people with real lives and I love it!!
Looking back on my 2013 new year's resolutions list, I talked about how I wanted to think about my appearance more, and I have definitely done that. I get up and get dressed in cute clothes and actually think about what I am going to wear in the morning. But now it's time to think about a different type of appearance - my body.
Though most people cannot believe it when I say it, I need to lose 100 pounds. I am way over my BMI (body mass index), which means I am too heavy for my height. When you tell most people that you are changing your eating habits and need to lose weight, they say, "Oh no! You are beautiful! You look great! You don't need to lose anything!" (At least that's what I hear.) Well, truth is, I DO need to lose weight. It's not a matter of beauty or how you look, it's about your health!
Losing weight can help you feel better and battle illness, which sounds like pretty good perks to me! Over time, excess weight can cause joint damage, because your body has to carry around the extra weight all of the time, and it can cause heart/lung problems, because your heart and lungs are trying to keep up with having to carry the extra body weight. Plus there are many more issues that can occur. (Just turn on TLC and watch one episode of My 600-Pound Life. You will see the impact your weight can have on your health and quality of life.)
I have to literally lose almost half of myself. It isn't a vanity thing (though I will definitely look way better at a healthier weight!), but it is a health thing. By eating right, and knowing how to splurge on bad-for-you foods like cookies and ice cream, I know I can give my body the proper nutrition and still enjoy the things I love. Since I have been sick with my illnesses, it's time that I start taking better care of myself and be more conscientious about what I put in my mouth! Who knows, this diet change might not only better my nutrition, it may even help me to lessen the affects of my illness! :)
I started Weight Watchers on January 2, 2014. I lost 5 pounds in the first week! And now in the beginning of July, I am proud to announce that I have officially lost -31.6 pounds total so far! That's a lot considering I have only been on the program for 6 months!! I cannot wait to see what happens within this year!
So, -31.6 lbs. down, 68.4 lbs. to go! (That number sounds way better than 100!) I am so excited to be sharing my weight loss journey with you! Thank you for all of your support every step of the way! It means so much to me!
Until next time, go enjoy a yummy, well-balanced meal! (Grilled fish with zucchini and rice anyone? I'm obsessed with that right now!)
Chelsea <3
*Today's Happy Thought: SNACKEEZ! (It's such a simple idea, a cup and a bowl in one, but it is pure genius! Why didn't I ever think of it?!)
