57

In my lifetime I’ve probably gained and lost the total weight of the New York Giants. I couldn’t believe all the love I received when I recently posted I’ve lost 57 pounds. I’m a little over a third of the way to my goal. In case you were wondering that’s a whopping 150 pounds total. I know that sounds like a lot of weight because it is. It’s not that I want to be “super skinny” or even a single digit size because I won’t be. I would be at a size that is healthy for my height, age and bone structure.

Writing about weight loss is a very personal and difficult thing. I’ve lost weight before. I’ve written about it before, but never in the “middle” of the process. My journey started last June when I went to the doctor’s. He wanted to put me on medicine for diabetes. I didn’t want that. He said lose weight or else he’ll have to give me medication. He suggested Atkins or South Beach. He said it was the best for high blood sugar.

I’m not here to advocate a diet program. There are so many ways to lose weight out there. A person has to do what is in their heart to do and what works for them. For me it has worked and I need to keep in mind - eat less, eat better and exercise more. I followed my doctor’s advice and I’ve lost 57 pounds without exercising.

I tried about a month ago to exercise. I put on a dance exercise DVD. I know it’s important for my body to warm up and cool down so I started with those. I didn’t expect to not make it through the warm up. What I needed was oxygen and a paramedic.

I’m happy to report that I tried that same DVD again and got through the warm up, 95% of the exercise and the cool down with no need for paramedics.

This has not been an easy journey but it’s a rewarding one. My knees feel better and I can walk easier than before.

Even though people have told me I have great discipline, I really don’t. What I have is determination. What I have is a goal I want to reach. What I have is 50 years of life and I’m just too tired to keep going up and down the scale anymore. What I want to do is stay healthy for my future grandchildren.

I’m pleased with my progress so far. I’m grateful for a husband who loves me no matter what that scale reads. He’s told me I’m beautiful and that he loves me everyday of our married life regardless of my dress size. He just wants me to be happy.

Hopefully in the future I can report continued progress towards my goal.

© Nadine Zawacki 2012