It has been 6 months, and counting, since I made the decision to redirect my life towards health and wellness. It feels like it has been a lifetime, but truth is: 6 months ago, I ate fast food on a regular basis and worked out probably once a month (few months?? never??). I really have come so far since then, but that is not to say I haven't had setbacks along the way.
The most important thing I have learned is that this transition is gradual, and by gradual I mean it takes time, patience, and commitment. What was holding me back most, throughout this process, was lack of knowledge, In order to truly commit, you must learn about your body and it's relationship with food. Read books & articles, talk to friends/mentors, and keep asking questions. For so long, I was relying on what other people told me about MY body. What I learned over time, is that I have to figure these things out for MYSELF and for MY body. This transition to a healthy lifestyle is all about you. It is your body, your mind, and your time.
For example, I have always heard people say "Drink lots of water!"; I'm sure you have too. Personally, I did not truly know why this was so important. I assumed that more water would keep you hydrated and healthy, so it made sense to me. But, these are just general terms and understanding. When reading the book The Best Life Diet by Bob Greene I was able to grasp a complete understanding of why drinking water is so important. Incase you do not know either, here is a sum-up of why: The more water you drink the more efficient your blood flow becomes. This allows for an increase in oxygen absorption, which in turn allows you to burn more calories. This is a very minimal explanation in relation to fat loss, and is only one of the many benefits of drinking water. I am sharing this with you in hope that you go explore many "common health facts" and commit yourself to bettering your understand of your body.
As of now, I am four pounds down but, my mind is clearer than ever before. Getting to where I am now (the beginning) does not have to take 6 months. My biggest setback in this whole journey, was myfitnesspal. The very first thing I did when beginning the transition, was count every single one of my calories, and measure all my macros, everyday. This turned into an obsession. My friends told me so, but of course I didn't listen, and simply explained to them that I was just tracking what I was eating and not limiting myself. Truth is: I was limiting myself to the fullest extent. I was either reaching my goal, or utterly failing and decided to binge that day because I had already "failed" anyways. Looking back, I can see how toxic of a cycle this was. When you set your "goal" on this app (mine being lose 2 pounds a week--I wish!) it automatically adjusts your goal calorie intake. After entering all my personal data (weight, height, age, activity level) my goal was set for me to 1250 calories each day: DO NOT DO THIS. I was not aware at the time that this was WAY to low for me: a growing teenager. So, I did it. I cut back my food significantly, and for a long time. I dropped 6 pounds immediately, but did not feel the "overwhelming happiness" everyone talks about when living a healthy lifestyle. All I could think was "this is so hard, I cannot do this forever". That thought in itself is the exact reason why insane elimination diets ultimately fail. But, I wanted the body (like everyone) so I kept it going. I realized it became a problem when I would eat half an apple, instead of a whole apple, because it was too many calories. Like seriously? With the help of some friends and a better understanding of my body, I stopped obsessively tracking my calories, I stopped weighing myself every Sunday, praying for results, and really started my journey to a healthier life, the right way. With that being said, this is not me trashing myfitnesspal, or placing any blame. I am simply bringing awareness to the danger of obsessive calorie counting. My calorie intake should NOT be 1250, it is should be 1800-2000, find what yours should be. I do strongly encourage you to become aware of what you are eating, because this will allow you to naturally eliminate things from your diet that are holding you back. What I really learned is how to eat. Eat often, but eat nutrient-packed wholesome food.
So this is where I am: the beginning. And I am fine with that. I finally know how to do this right, and I know it will work. Even though I may not have the perfect body, or perfect eating habits, I have come so far. I went from not knowing or caring about my body, to growing awareness and appreciation for who I am as a individual, and who I am becoming. Embrace the journey.