Weight Loss Wednesday: 50

Had you told me a year ago, "Megan, you're going to lose 50 pounds", I would have laughed in your face. I would have considered it impossible.

But a year ago, I was a different person. A year ago I had a broken heart and a warped mind. I had poor self esteem and low confidence. I hid from the world. I lacked ambition and drive. Looking back at it now, THAT almost seems impossible. THAT almost seems like a stretch.

Because that is so far from where I am now.

All it took was a minor health scare and a real, sit down conversation with a doctor to get me going. That was the first step of many. And with each step I continue to take, I feel better and stronger than ever before.

I wanted to share with you all some things I have learned along the way. These are in no order, just how they appear in my mind.

• Celebrate every small accomplishment. I remember when I first started working out and I could barely do a mile on the bike. Now I can do 10. With each mile gained, I celebrated.
  
• Self affirmation really does work. And by self affirmation, I mean talking to yourself- positive things, of course! Today was I was running and feeling like I was going to die, I just kept saying to myself you are so awesome! You can do this! Keep running! You are your best cheerleader.
  
• Don't be afraid to say no when someone offers you something. It is okay to turn down a cookie or a donut or whatever else is being offered. It's not rude. Just politely decline. If you do take, it, however, do not beat yourself up. Eat it, enjoy it, put it in your food log.
  
• It's also okay to order something special at a restaurant. Don't let anyone make you feel bad for it. Take your time and choose carefully. Want that omelette with egg whites instead of regular eggs? Order it. Burger no bun? Order it that way.
  
• Change up your exercise routine. This was the biggest thing I had to learn: you can't get very far doing the same thing over and over again. Shake it up and mix it up. Your body will be confused, but grateful. Don't be afraid to try new things.
  
• Do not rely on the words of others. This is YOUR body and YOUR health. At the end of the day, you are doing this because YOU want to and because it will benefit YOU. So don't listen to anyone who tells you that you can't, and also, don't do this for anyone else.
  
• Seek out advice from professionals. It has taken me a team of people to help get me where I am- I have learned so much about diet and fitness from them! 
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• Keep your emotions in check. Don't let them get the best of you.
  
• Do not become obsessed. This is actually something I STILL struggle with. I have to remember to not become obsessed with the scale or numbers and just keep going. Obviously you need to check in occasionally to be sure you are on the right track, but also make sure you aren't being crazy. I was crazy for a minute there.
  
• Plan your meals ahead, get all your groceries for the week. Cook your meals as much as possible, and try to cut out processed foods.

That's all I got for now. 

Friends, thank you for being with me on this journey. Thank you for your comments, encouragement, hugs, and love. I am so appreciative. 50 lbs is a lot. It's still sinking in that I have actually lost 50 lbs. I am so happy, so proud of myself and so ready to keep going!

What happens next? I still have weight to lose. I am still considered overweight. I have between 70-80 lbs to go still. I know it's not going to be easy. This has already been the hardest thing I have ever done in my life, and it's not over yet. But I will get to the point where I am no longer considered overweight, where I am healthy and where I am able to live life to my full potential. 

I want you all to know that you have the ability to make positive changes in your life. It doesn't have to be weight loss. But if there is a goal in mind, or something you have been wanting to do, you CAN do it. Trust me. This is coming from someone who couldn't walk up a flight of stairs 6 months ago. You CAN do it. You are WORTHY of doing it. Now, you just need to take the first step.

Thank you again, I cannot express that enough, I am on cloud 9 celebrating 50 pounds gone.