Kirsten’s Corner: The One About Getting to ONEderland

Once upon a time there was a recovering chunky-butt named Kirsten who decided she wanted to work in a gym-o-awesomeness and surround herself with healthy, fit-minded peeps. As part of her indoctrination into the land of IFAST-dom, she was awarded an assessment that verified her strengths and weaknesses as a dormant athlete. She quickly proved herself to have the dexterity of a Weeble-Wobble. They sent their noble and optimistic warrior, Sir Jae, to feverishly train Kirsten in the art of Anti-Humpty-Dump-tery. This is her story…

WEEK 43:

For the last few months, I’ve had one goal at the top of my program: ONEderland.

For those unfamiliar with the term, ONEderland is a mystical, magical, unicorn-filled place where rainbows shine all day and the scale, when stepped on, starts with a “1”. For me, a woman who was once shopping for timeshares in THREEderland, it’s a big deal.  So when I stepped on the scale this morning and it said 199.8, I did what any self-respecting, professional, middle-aged woman would do; I cried like a baby.

But my external transformation pales in comparison to the changes I’ve made on the inside. In the past, I took care of everyone around me, and then, if there was a morsel of time, energy or money left over, I’d do something just for me. This approach was systemically flawed. I’d pack my daughter’s lunch but rationalize that the drive thru’s dollar menu was good enough for me. Having the opportunity to take care of myself was perpetually the exception instead of the rule.  It wasn’t until I committed to my weight loss journey that I finally understood that by taking care of myself first, I could be a better mother, a better wife, a better employee, and a better me.

What also feels downright wonderful? The realization that I’ve developed enough strategies and built enough of a support system, that I never have to use food as a coping tool ever again.  Little by little, pound by pound, I’ve learned to have control over my food instead of letting it have control over me.

I’d like to lose another 25 pounds or so before the scale numbers stop dialing down. It may take me another year to make it happen, but I’ll get there. After all, Rome wasn’t built in a day. And the same could be said about the breadth of my britches.

Living happily ever after,
Kirsten

LAST POST’S GOALS:

• Dial in on the mindless eating. If it doesn’t require a plate or silverware, chances are I’m better off without it! GRADE: A-
• Finished the ever-lasting remodel and enjoy the comforts of home GRADE: B+

THIS POST’S GOALS:

• Make food and fitness choices that keep me working towards the last 4 pounds of my next goal: -100 Pounds
• Plan breakfast. Plan lunch. Plan dinner. Plan snacks. Even if we’re going out, I will plan for it so I’m supporting my long-term goals.

LESSONS LEARNED:

For about 6 weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year, I really struggled to find my give-a-flip with food choices. I knew I *should* give said flip, but I just didn’t. I gained 6 pounds. Then, luckily, one day I woke up and it was back. And I’ve been grateful and rocking and rolling ever since.  As my doc once told me, the only thing harder than losing weight, is losing it multiple times. If you ever find yourself in a similar situation, here are a few stops on the scavenger hunt map that I recommend:

• Look at old pictures, try on your “before” pants, take your measurements, call a girlfriend, get your bloodwork updated. In short, do what you’ve got to do to remember your why.
• Keep the fridge stocked with good food choices. If you can eliminate temptation too, go for it. Unfortunately, I don’t live in a household where that’s possible. My junk-food kryptonite? Hard boiled eggs and grilled chicken thighs. If you ever come over and we’re out of either, check for robotic clones. Seriously.

Kirsten’s Corner is a blog post written by Kirsten Shaw to document her health-fit journey. It is intended to offer humor and inspiration and should not be misconstrued as medical advice or the opinions of IFAST.