This archive report was first published on 11 August 2019.
My Unconventional Childhood and Weight Challenges ¶
Growing up, I faced a unique set of challenges that contributed to my weight issues. At 14, I started working to support my family, and we even experienced homelessness at one point. As a result, I relied heavily on fast food, which was all I could afford and had time for.
By the time I was a senior in high school, I weighed 220 pounds and struggled with self-esteem due to verbal abuse at home. However, I graduated high school, moved out of my mom's house, and attended community college while working three jobs.
Breaking Free and Finding Fitness ¶
As I entered my 20s, I started dating and met girlfriends who helped me come out of my shell. I began partying, but a bad breakup and verbal abuse triggered a flashback to my childhood trauma. I realized I needed to love and respect myself before I could accept and receive love from others.
After a routine physical, I was diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a hormone disorder that contributes to weight gain. My doctor suggested I consult with a nutritionist and consider a low-carb diet. This marked the beginning of my weight-loss journey.
My Fitness Journey ¶
Initially, I felt self-conscious about working out, so I started with at-home workouts using Jillian Michaels videos six days a week. I also cut out carbs completely for two months and lost 40 pounds. However, I eventually signed up for a Planet Fitness membership and fell in love with the treadmill, plyometrics, and calisthenics.
As I changed physically, I noticed my friends viewed me differently, and I even lost some friends who didn't have my best interests in mind. I spent a lot of time alone in the gym, reflecting on my life and letting out anger from my childhood and abuse.
Discovering Nutrition and Wellness ¶
After falling in love with fitness, I began to explore nutrition and wellness. I learned to tune into my body and observe how it responded to certain foods through trial and error, guided elimination diets, and consulting with nutritionists and a holistic doctor.
I discovered that some foods I thought were good for me were actually causing symptoms. I cut out vegetables like broccoli and asparagus, as well as red meat and pork. My typical day now consists of celery juice, egg whites with turkey sausage, chicken and shrimp in a spinach salad, walnuts, and taco lettuce wraps made with ground turkey.
My Journey to Self-Love ¶
When I started my journey in 2017, I weighed almost 240 pounds. Now, I'm 167 pounds, and I'm happy with that. It's not about a number on the scale, but where my body and mind feel the best. I've learned to love myself and receive love in the way I deserve. I've cut out toxic people and ways of thinking from my life and continue to learn about my priorities and values.
