No matter where you are or what condition you are in, you have a chance to make healthy changes to better your situation. I say that because I used to weigh 460 pounds, was bed-ridden with disabilities and chronic pain. I now weigh 200 pounds less with no weight-loss surgery and can walk with a walker and on my own at times. The pain is still difficult to deal with, but not as difficult as when I was lying in bed and concentrating on the pain. You see, I wasn't looking for a way out: I was accepting a fate. I've discovered that staying on my SparkPeople plan gives me a sense of control that I wouldn't otherwise have in my dizzying world. Without SparkPeople, I would have nothing to ground me. It is my security blanket and passion. It is always there for me. Food used to be that security blanket, but now it stands between me and my new passion for health. How the change came about, I'm not exactly sure. It was years in the making. I think I just began to want to live and do more than I wanted to eat. Then I wanted to prove to people who said it couldn't be done, that it could and anyone could have a second chance at life. For example, I did a 5K at the mall with my walker, named Freedom. I had to rest on each side of the mall, but I did it! Now I finally feel like I am in control. There are no more off-limit foods, just foods I choose to eat less often. People can't tell me what to eat or whether to exercise, because I won't let them anymore. Only my tracker and I deal with my food issues. I feel proud logging minutes of exercise- EVERY ONE COUNTS. I don't subscribe to the ''no pain, no gain'' theory. I believe that if you move, you are better off. Each move helps you reach a higher level of mobility. What I'm really saying is that learning to eat healthfully and move is freeing. It puts the control ball back in your court. Never look at it again as ''I have to go on a diet.'' It isn't a diet. SparkPeople promotes healthy choices and portion sizes, and moving for the sheer joy of what you like. Saying ''I'll never eat ________again'' is unrealistic. Also, jumping up from a bedridden state and walking is unrealistic, as there are steps to be taken. Think of what small goals you want to do RIGHT NOW--and do them. Start slow--maybe walk to your mailbox, or eat one less bite. If that feels good, try leaving 2 bites and maybe lifting some small dumbbells for 3 minutes to music. The changes don't have to be big. They have to be in proportion to what you are already doing. Already running a mile? Try 1.10 miles. I've lost 200 pounds now and I can finally live again. If I can do this, you can, too! I'm just a housewife from Indiana, not a celebrity or fitness guru. We can do this! What will I do with my second chance at life? I will spread the news as much as I can that life gives second chances. Right now, I host SparkPeople Member Rallies and am beginning to give talks about my story with SparkPeople.com. I also have an idea of when I'll be starting coaching school, if I can save the money. I feel like my destiny lies in helping others overcome obesity. At 47, it is an odd age to figure out what to do with my life. But it's never too late. Whether you are disabled, well, positive or negative, remember ''What I can do is my choice. What I can't do is not my choice.'' Work like nothing else to expand your choices. What will you do with your second chance at life? |
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