May 9, 2016- that’s when it all started. I needed to overhaul my eating habits to help me deal with depression, blood sugar issues, and lethargy. Fast forward to now, over a year and a half later, and I’m that person.
“Nope, I don’t eat that.” “No, thanks, I’ll have sugar free Jello with whipped cream.” Nah, I brought my own snacks.”
Yep. I’m the annoying “it’s not a diet, it’s a lifestyle choice” person in the room. Except for one difference- I don’t want to put it in people’s face. I try not to make a big deal. But when you’ve lost over 40 pounds, people notice, and sometimes they ask questions. What can I say? After struggling for most of my life, I finally figured out what works. For me. Not for everyone.
If you ask me questions, I’m more than happy to answer them, but most people can’t deal with what I say. No bread? No pasta? No potatoes? No rice? No cake? (You get the picture) Yes. None of that, but only for a short time. You have to figure out how to add healthy carbs back into your diet after you’ve sent yourself into ketosis. It’s a process. It’s a TOUGH process. Detoxing from sugar addiction is BULL****. You should stay away from sharp objects so that you don’t harm your family and friends. Don’t plan any road trips that will confine you with people for long periods. Nope, don’t do it.
BUT- after you get through that, it does get easier. The choices you have to make about food get easier too, but they NEVER STOP. This is probably the biggest thing I have learned. I will forever be making choices about what to eat, and I won’t always choose well. As long as I choose the good stuff over the bad most of the time, I’ll be okay. Especially if I do well with the easier choices, like sandwich thins over wheat bread, zoodles over pasta, and Jello over cheesecake (sometimes).
I didn’t want this to sound preachy, and I fear it does, but I have had enough people ask questions about my weight since I started this journey that I felt it was worth mentioning. Anyone who has known me for any length of time can tell you that I have truly struggled with weight and body image for a dog’s age and yo-yoed too many times to count. It took a complete re-examination of my habits to finally “get it”. I’m living proof that you can do it and maintain it. I have NO PROBLEM answering questions and helping with tips, so don’t hesitate to ask.
