Mary's Weight Loss Journey
My weight loss journey began after returning home from visiting many friends that my husband and I had not seen for many years. For the past five years, I spent all my time and physical and mental energy taking care of him. In our marriage, Alvin’s illness priority #1; therefore, I had no time to think about my own needs. After Alvin passed away in August 2017, I had nothing but time to think! So, just as I had put my heart and soul into his every need, I decided to do the same for myself.
I started when I visited with my sister in Colorado for three weeks during Thanksgiving. I immediately joined a gym through the Silver Sneakers program, which allowed me to save money on a membership. I also hired a fitness trainer, and that taught me a lot about how out shape I was and what I needed to do to get better.
I left Colorado to visit with friends in Arizona. The first two days, I exercised with my friend, who was also trying to lose weight. I could feel myself becoming ill. One week later, I was in Texas with my niece, who fortunately incorporated exercise as a part of her lifestyle. During this time, I was on medication for my illness. One week after that, my trip took me to California, and unfortunately, I continued to get sicker and therefore had to come home to Atlanta, Georgia, the next day. After seeing my primary doctor, I started a 10-day course of antibiotics for bronchitis, and a 3-month course of blood thinners to remove the blood clots from legs and lungs. Despite traveling and sickness, I never gave up. I was determined to continue my weight loss progress.
The good thing about my journey currently is that my daughter is also working toward losing weight. Her joining me is a plus because we have chosen to support each other as we follow our paths to weight loss. We purchase and cook all our food together. I went to see a dietitian, and based on the information given to me, we have changed our diets about three times. Each time we felt it was a change for the good. We take different avenues for our choices with exercise, and there are times when we make an effort to exercise together.
My weight loss goal is 150 pounds, which means I have approximately 105 pounds to shed. As I write this article, I am happy to share that I have lost 35 pounds so far. I feel a lot lighter and healthier. It is not easy, as I continue my journey.
In the past, I felt as though I could never get my weight down, mixed with the loss of my husband. I never thought I would reach where I am now. For a long time, I have felt like I am carrying around two people, mentally and physically. (Attention Box) The weight for me has been physically challenging. My feet hurt, I have pain in the middle of my body when I am standing up, I automatically bend over, and now I have a hump at the base of my neck. Arthritis has taken over in my body and last, but not least, I have been pre-diabetic for the past couple of years. When I go to the doctor now, my blood tests have been excellent!
I guess you would assume that with my current weight loss, I should be satisfied, yet it is the complete opposite. My determination has taken over my life. Not only am I watching my calorie intake, but I am also making sure that my diet has enough carbs and nutrients along with no chemically based foods. I have made a point of eating organic foods. I think, for the first time in my life, I have found a way to enjoy eating meals because they are healthy, delicious, and easy for me to make. I know I will lose weight with this diet. Once my weight is where I want it to be, I will learn to maintain it.
When I look back at my life and relationship with food, I realize that this attitude has been coming for many years. As a young woman raising children, I worked at a health food store. At that time, I started learning about healthier choices that I incorporate today. Growing up from a little girl, I have never favored eating red meats. That is something that I have not had a problem with leaving out of my diet. However, no one is perfect. My imperfection comes from eating large meals. I am not where I want to be; I am a work in progress.
In conclusion, I thank my daughter for all the research and the support that is necessary to succeed in my journey. I am so proud of myself! Moreover, for all of you reading my story, remember if I can do this with all the aches and pains at the ripe old age of 72, then you can do it too. You have to get real with yourself!
Mary Baker is an Executive Assistant at PoWR
