Most of the blogs I read focus on the same thing. Weight loss. Although I understand that weight is a high focus issue in our society, it’s not an issue I’ve had to struggle with.  Don’t get me wrong, I’m very aware of my body size, but my “diet” and my fitness level since I moved out on my own at 17 is how I’ve managed to maintain my size.  I’ve been conscious of what I feed my body as well as how active I am.  I’ve been called “lucky” but it wasn’t luck.  It was hard work, determination and dedication to remain healthy long term through illness, 7 pregnancies, a few surgeries and aging.  It has been a lifestyle.

Samuel was 14 months old here snuggling with me when I was recovering

I think this is pretty much the worst picture of me.  My 7th pregnancy resulted in a miscarriage of twins at 19 weeks which was the catalyst for 3 surgeries ultimately resulting in a hysterectomy, 5 blood transfusions, my doctor telling me I was dead on the table and my husband planning my funeral in the waiting room.  One comment on this picture is that it looks like I have no soul and indeed, I felt apart from myself during this time.  With the down time, the recovery, the lost pregnancy I ended up 34 pounds heavier than I am right now.  It was the heaviest I’ve ever been and at 159 lbs really it isn’t a lot to complain about.  A year later I stepped onto the stage in my first fitness competition for the bikini division.

Winning 1st place in the bikini division

My years of banked compound interest invested in myself and my health allowed me to bounce back relatively quickly, although not without a lot of effort.  I get asked pretty frequently for advice on different programs of exercise.  Here’s my advice:  First of all diet is 90% of the battle.  You literally are what you eat.  You’ll get out of your body what you put into it so decide what you want.  It’s hard, it can be more costly, it’s sometimes bland, it’s not necessarily exciting but eating clean CAN be easier, you get better about cost, you learn how to use spices and get creative and it becomes a lifestyle not a punishment.  Diet is simply what you put into your body, not singularly a means to lose weight.  And don’t forget to drink water, drink water, drink water.  Secondly; move your body.  Walk, jog, drag yourself, do a dvd, go to the gym.  Whatever gets you out the door or motivated.  Know that it may change with time, with weight loss, with increased fitness levels.  Just DO IT!!!  Third and finally, listen to your body and don’t discount the use of supplements.  I take only natural supplements to remind my body what it’s supposed to do on it’s own or replace what I’ve lost.  I’ve controlled hot flashes, poor sleep, GI issues, etc…  with just natural vitamins. 

Me yesterday lounging for half an hour.

To wrap it up, there’s a fantastic article that I really appreciated and I hope you take the time to read it.  It’s important to be happy with who you are, not too be too critical of yourself and to work on the things you want to change.

http://www.rxmuscle.com/rx-girl-articles/8342-real-women.html