Extender seat belt prompts change.

It’s taken me a few days to write this post.  I’ve been grappling with my inner demons and too scared to share but I need to change things and the best way to do that is to make yourself accountable so here goes.

I’ve not been what society defines as thin since I was a teenager.  There were a couple of years in my 20s where I managed to be a size 14 but apart from that I have been battling my weight for most of my adult life.  I was a dancer.  Was awarded a scholarship to a prestigious dance school and attended for 3 years.  Then my body changed and was no longer what the industry would accept.  I took a lot of time coming to terms with that and gave up dance for a long time.  Fast forward to now and I am still fighting my body.  Col likes to eat out and I have been riding that wave for a few months now.  Then the world collapsed around me when I had to request a seat belt extender on our flight home from Brisbane.

I know my clothes have been a little tighter but was trying to focus on just enjoying every moment.  So now we focus on enjoying every moment with lots of salad and exercise!  Unfortunately, Col doesn’t understand.  He can eat whatever he wants and not put on any weight.  He says he loves me just the way I am but that isn’t the problem.  The problem is that I don’t love me just the way I am.

I’ve spent most of my adult life trying to find the balance that will work for me.  It seems my body is allergic to food, and I just look at it and put on some weight.  I don’t mind exercise but always seem to find an excuse.  So, no more excuses Rachel!

This week I have commenced yet another attempt at losing some weight.  I’ve discovered the Apple+ fitness area and they have so many enjoyable dance workouts.  In fact, they have so many different workout’s it’s sometimes hard to choose which one.  So, we are on day 4 of the new journey.  So far, I have had to have some serious discussions with myself about the importance of sticking to it and I have done four awesome dance workouts.  I’ve closed all the rings on my apple watch three days in a row and working on my fourth.

I’ve also begun a shake up of the food we eat.  Col is along for the ride within reason.  My challenge is to stick to my guns and not be tempted when he brings home something I would normally enjoy.  I’ve had food delivered from a reputable weight loss company.  So far so good.  I have enjoyed everything I’ve eat.  I must talk myself out of hunger for al little bit while my body gets used to the reduced intake.  Drink more water they say.  Only problem is at my age that results in more visits to the lady’s room!

I’ve set some goals.  I’m not aiming for a particular weight but for that size that when I accidentally catch a glimpse of myself in a mirror I don’t break down in tears.  So for now the goals are to exercise for 30 minutes every day and limit my food intake. 

How about you? Are you on a similar journey?  I’d love to connect with other people working on their health.

Here’s to a happier and healthier Rachel who doesn’t have to request a seat belt extender on her next flight!