Through "Thick" and Thin
I’d like to introduce myself by saying that my story offers some ground-breaking, unique point of view of losing weight. It does not. There are many, many people just like me who have found the strength and drive to pursue a life changing decision to be healthier people. The fact that my story is common is the very reason that I am choosing to write about it. There are millions of people out there who were just like me at some point: unhappy with the way they looked, the way they felt, the way others viewed them, but also confused, afraid, and unsure about how to change those circumstances. However, there are just as many people who decided to ignore the demeaning voices in their heads that told them they couldn’t change, and do it anyway.
I am telling my story to discuss all of the complexities (emotionally, mentally, and physically), that come with the very difficult process of transforming oneself. Here are a few fun factoids about my circumstances before my weight loss, and now. Heaviest weight: 298 lbs (September 2011) Lightest weight: 150 lbs (July 2013) Current weight: 170 lbs Exercise “plans” used: 2011: Walking 2012: Zumba, EA Active (Wii), Elliptical, Stationary Bike 2013: Running, Cycling, Cross Training 2014-present: All CrossFit, all the time “Diet plans” used: 2011-2015: Strictly counting calories using MyFitnessPal to log food intake 2015-present: “If It Fits Your Macros” Background: I come from a single parent home of low socioeconomic class. I grew up in western Pennsylvania, received my bachelor’s degree from Allegheny College, and my master’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh. I am 30 years old and currently reside in Northern Virginia and teach English at a local high school. I am married to an incredible man who supports me in every way. |