The words took me a little off guard, and I am pretty sure she regretted them after she said them. My swift response was, “no I am just fat”. At that moment I didn’t know if I should be flattered she thought I was young enough to be pregnant or just plain horrified.
What she didn’t know was that I was at a tipping point. Two years of being home for COVID and a whole bunch of eating my feelings, I had put on a few (quite a few) extra pounds. I felt sluggish and my blood tests were all out of whack. My primary care doctor was no help at all and my cardiologist just suggested the Mediterranean diet which might be ok if I lived in the Mediterranean.
After one cancelled appointment with a weight loss clinic, I decided to get serious. Of course the timing was great with the start of my weight loss journey starting 2 weeks before a European vacation. The good news is, we walked so much I didn’t gain any weight.
I think starting in college, food became comfort whenever I was sad. Velvet Crème donuts (RIP) were my go to soother. Back then, I couldn’t gain weight if I tried.
There have been lots of challenges and stressors in my life over the past 10 years and eating has just been part of the process of dealing with them. I am happy to say that even though life still has some stressors, I am finally learning that walking and talking are much better for me than sugar and salt.
So yes, losing 35 pounds has been on purpose. Eddie and I have done this journey together. I feel better, I look better (or so people tell me), and I have way more energy. Changing habits is hard, but I am determined not to go back. I want to be healthier and have more energy.
I do have to say that this is a personal journey for me, and not everyone is the same. Feeling comfortable in your own skin is where you want to be. I don’t think you need to be thin to be beautiful or even to be healthy, you just have to be happy with you.
So thank you to the person who asked me the question. Yes, congratulations are in order. I am healthier and have more energy, because you gave me the motivation to make a change.
