Climbing to the Top

On Monday, as I was walking to school, I saw this woman struggling to climb stairs. She was a full-figured woman, weighing at least 300lbs. She was carrying a massive suitcase and another bag in her other arm. After climbing about 3 stairs, she would stop and take a break. I didn't know her, but I decided to approach her and ask her if she needed help. I took her suitcase and bag, brought them to the top step, making it a lot easier for her to climb. She was out of breath but took the time to thank me. I explained to her that I once knew what it felt like to carry a heavy-load (I wasn't talking about suitcases...) and she smiled. I realized then, just like her, I have to take each day one step at a time.

Physical Abuse

It's funny how food- something we need to survive - can destroy us.
Hmmmph.
Just a thought.

Proud.

Quote

I found this on a friend's Facebook page, and I love it!
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If you are going to fall in love with me, it’s only fair that you know what you are falling in love with. You are falling in love with my insecurities, and my obsession with trying to figure out what everyone thinks of me. You are falling in love with my immaturity, my constant need to feel loved and appreciated, my overactive tear ducts, my internet obsession, my tendency to be too clingy. You fall in love with my troubled past, and my hopes and dreams, and how I’m a hopeless romantic at heart. If you fall in love with me, you fall in love with my self-hate and all my imperfections and my perception that nobody could ever love me. But, you are also falling in love with the way my eyes will smile when I’m with you, the way I’ll text you in the mornings just telling you I hope you have a great day. You’re falling in love with the occasionally humorous and/or thought-provoking things I say, and the way I blush when people ask me about you. But to me, the most important thing will be that you are falling in love with me, despite my thinking that it is impossible.

some people pray, i turn up the radio

Thanksgiving

Every year I seem to write a Thanksgiving blog, and it seems that every year I seem to write the same thing: I am thankful for everything and everyone. This is true, I am grateful for every aspect of my life, otherwise I wouldn't be the person that I am today, but this year, I've decided to pinpoint a couple specific things that I am especially thankful for.

I am thankful for...
- My health. This year has been an emotional roller-coaster for me. With a lot of perseverance (some may call it being stubborn), and hard work, I have managed to lose about 40lbs, and have been able to maintain a healthy lifestyle. I can't remember the last time that I have felt this amazing, and it's unreal. Besides my clothes fitting better, and me gaining more confidence, I've discovered a new me. Along with shedding the pounds, I'm getting rid of this dark cloud that has been following me since my early teens, and now I can say that my smile is starting to have more meaning.

- My family. We fight, we bicker, we have our different points of view on many subjects, but most importantly we love.I know that you guys will always be there for me, to support me with all of my endeavors and life decisions. I couldn't thank you enough for everything through out the years and the many blessings that you have provided me with.

- My friends (my second family). I'm thankful for all of you... You know who you are. Thanks to you, my life has more meaning. You guys have given me the ability to love everything around me. The moments that we share together mean more than you can ever imagine, and I wouldn't change anything about the years that we have spent together. I am who I am because of you...so thanks. I smile a little bigger when I'm with you

-The Little Things in Life.Books. The feeling of the autumn air on my face. Hair products. Music. School. The smell of a vanilla candle. Laughing hysterically with my coworkers. Receiving a compliment about my good customer service. Hearing a favorite song when I'm out clubbing. Walking to school from the train station. Exercise. Going for a run in the dark. Come home at night and looking at the stars. Car-rides. Going for coffee. Catching up with friends. Having the opportunity to travel. Finishing a good book. Watching and getting inspred by The Biggest Loser. The summer sun. Mom's hugs. Cuddling with blankets. Playing music loud and dancing around when no one is home. Getting dressed up and feeling pretty. Laughter.

Happy Turkey-Day, everybody. <3

Six Week Weight-Loss & Detox Program

Lately - even though I have been continuing to watch what I eat and exercise - my weight loss has been at a stand-still. I would work hard, no weight would come off and I was feeling gross. I don't know what it was, but I felt like my digestive system wasn't happy with me. After hearing my aunt Susie talk about this detox program that she did for six weeks, I knew that I had to find out some more information about it. Basically, the program requires the participant to remove all processed food from their diet. Also, we're not allowed to eat any carbohydrates (bread, crackers, cereal, granola bars, etc.) and sugar (fruit, cookies, ice cream, etc.) and any dairy products that we ingest must be full fat (10% yogurt, cheese, sour cream, etc.) In addition to eating protein (meat, nuts) and vegetables at every meal, we are required to make a homemade lemonade (de-mineralized water, lemon juice, maple syrup & cayenne pepper) that will help cut our appetite and speed up our metabolism. As the weeks go on, we'll begin to cut out some meals, working towards your final detox week where we will only rely on the lemonade for nutrients.

When I first mentioned the whole thing to my family, they thought that I was completely insane. My aunt, who isn't out of shape nor overweight, did this because she too was having digestive problems and in the process lost 12lbs. So I figured, hey, if she can do it, so can I.

I had no choice but to tell some friends about it. At first, I kind of wanted to keep it a secret because I didn't want anyone judging me, but as soon as I brought my yellow-water to work, I had a ton of questions. After explaining the detox to Ariella, Kim and Mandy, I managed to convince them to join with me. It makes the whole process a lot easier because we have each other to rely on for support, meal tips and exercising.

Every Friday we meet with Astley, the naturopath that set up the program, and provides guidance through out. He gives us some tips and then sends us on our way for the next week's challenges. I have to admit, I really like this guy. He has such an optimistic outlook on health, it's really inspiring. I know that I am capable to lose weight and keep healthy on my own, but knowing that I have to work hard for my weigh-in every week, it keeps me motivated because I don't want to disappoint him.

I have no problem telling you readers my weight, because I hope that someone out there comes across this blog and gets inspired from it. Just remember, to keep working hard and the numbers can only go down... not up. That's what I keep telling myself... It can only get better from here.

Starting Weight (before detox program): 208lbs
(Before I started working out and eating properly I was at 235lbs)
WEEK ONE: 6lbs (202lbs)
WEEK TWO: 5lbs (197lbs: Bye 200's, I'll NEVER see you again!!!!)
WEEK THREE: 3lbs (194lbs)
WEEK FOUR: 1lb (193lbs... disappointed.)
WEEK FIVE: 3lbs (190lbs)
WEEK SIX: 0lbs (190lbs: Since I detoxed last week, and this week I was eating food again, it was obvious that I wouldn't see a change this week)
End Weight (after detox program): 190lbs

... and it's not over after this.