I lost my first five pounds. Once I finally got in weight loss mode, it took me about 6 weeks to get there. I know it’s only the beginning, but I cannot tell you how excited I was to see that scale finally hit the mark. I have had seasons where nothing I did added up to even 2 pounds; Being here feels like quite an accomplishment. I’m coming back, y’all! As promised, this is OUR weight loss journey. I am going to walk you through everything I feel that has been helping.
BEFORE WE BEGIN: I have learned this: God first = weight loss. When I first started in August, I was in willpower mode, and was not doing very well. But then, I remembered my spiritual toolbox: reading my bible, praying and seeking God’s help, following what he already told me (discipline, eating within hunger and fullness), and sharing my testimony with others (e.g. YOU ALL)
Alright, let’s start at the beginning:
- I fast one meal, one day per week.
I had done this when I first lost weight, but until I started the group, did not really think this needs to be incorporated. Nope. Still matters. Here is why: Fasting denies the “flesh”, i.e. the part of me that usually is the reason why I gain all the weight in the first place. By praying about my weight loss (e.g., praying for self-control, God’s help to make me stronger) and concurrently not eating when I really, really, want to, I am becoming stronger and increasing my SELF-CONTROL. I have been noticing I am less tempted to eat when I know I should not, and I find it easier to stop when I notice my body has had enough.
- When I can pick what I am eating, I operate by the 60/40 rule (totally made up by me, ha!)
Over all my weight loss attempts, I have finally become mature enough to know that permanent weight loss is associated with eating more of the foods that I know are best for me (e.g., fruits, vegetables, brown rice and beans, light on the bread, no dessert). So, Monday-Friday (4pm) (about 60-64% of the time), while still eating within my hunger/fullness, I eat with maturity. I know what is best for my body, and I try to feed it accordingly.
Now here is the fun part:
Starting on Friday at 4pm, I eat typically what I want, i.e. no food restrictions: I just follow the rules: Only eat when I am physically hungry, and stop when I had enough, pay attention to my body, and still use wisdom. No calorie counting, no stress. Just eating like a normal person without a weight problem: within my hunger and fullness signals
Also noteworthy, but KEY: I TRY MY ABSOLUTE HARDEST to not eat between meals and snacks. No grazing behaviors allowed. That usually keeps me in a good place of normalized eating signals (e.g feel hunger throughout the day, and can stop when I’m satisfied, knowing I’ll eat again in about 2-2.5 hours.
- I work out at the gym at least 3 days/ per week for at least 30 minutes
I have toyed with this rule, but have come to see, if I want to lose weight (e.g. 2 pounds/week), I MUST get a good workout (i.e. sweaty and gross afterward) at least 3 days a week. I typically do a couple things: 1) use the rowing machine for about 15-20 minutes, and break up the time by walking fast on the treadmill 2) take a Zumba class 3) running intervals (run 2-4 minutes (speed: 4.4), walk 1-3 min (speed: 3.2), repeat until I get to 30). I also usually end the workout by either doing sit-ups or using 2-3 weight machines (reps: 10-12, 3 times). On a good day, I will work out for 60 minutes, but if time is tight, 30 will have to do.
If I am really on my game, I will take another walk at some point in the week. Usually while I am at work. Nothing strenuous – just brisk walking for at least 20 minutes.
NOTE: I have also started usually high interval intensity training (HITT). That means: I go as hard as I can for 1-4 minutes, and then I rest (1-4 minutes), and repeat. I think this has also been helping. It is supposed to be a great fat burner.
- Talk to my Freedom Chasers Group, making videos, and praying for you all
I believe my weight loss is attached to you all. We are in this together. I know God did not bring me here just for me to have another self-focused weight loss story. I pray for your freedom, and know that the encouragement I receive from your stories, and likes and loves helps me to keep going. Thank you, friends!
In summary, I walk around feeling free, no stress, no rules, just discipline and wisdom. Could I lose weight faster if I followed all the diet rules? Perhaps. But, I know from previous experience, that this is a lasting 5 pounds. Not likely to come back. I am building a strong foundation (Luke 6:46-49) that will bless me, and my family. Prayers for you all as you journey!
