A Change is Gonna Come

In January 2013, I made the long overdue decision to lose weight. 
For as long as I can remember my weight has been an issue but I had never really done anything about it. But after a particularly indulgent 2012 festive season, my weight was at its highest (or at least it felt that way as I did not weigh myself regularly). Suddenly, it was 2013 and I was still fat, still living at home and still working in a job that was going nowhere. So, I decided to change all of that starting with my weight. 
On 10th January 2013, I weighed myself for the first time in about a year, and I was saddened, surprised and ashamed to see the figure that was looking back at me - 19st 3lbs (270lbs). I was horrified that my weight was so high. And it was then that I swore to myselft that I never wanted to see that figure ever again. 
I literally went cold turkey and cut out all of the crap foods that I had been consuming. Junk food, take-aways, ready meals, you name it, if it was bad for you then it was part of my diet. I swapped the junk for fresh fruit and veg, delicious homemade smoothies and wholesome soups that were perfect for the cold lunchtimes in January. Pretty soon the weight began to fall off me because my body was so surprised at the all of the nutrients that it was receiving. Then, in February I began exercising, really for the first time ever. My weight continued to fall and I managed to get into a routine of healthy eating and exercising at least 4 times a week. 

Me in 2011 compared to me in May 2013

 Six months later and I am pleased to say that I have lost around 70lbs, and I am still going strong. Obviously as my body is now used to being spoiled rotten with delicious healthy meals and getting regular exercise, the weight is coming off a lot slower now but I am fortunate in that all of the time I have been losing I have never gained. I'm fortunate enough to be in a position where I can control the treats and occasional indulgence because I've learned so much about food and what it does to my body. I haven't dedicated myself to a crazy diet - I have simply chosen to eat the right foods, in balance of one another and allowing myself to eat the treats that I want as long as they are consumed sensibly. Weight loss for me has been about educating myself about food and once you get your diet in check, everything else really does fall into place.

As we head towards the back end of 2013, I'm aiming for another 30 or so lbs to come off by the end of the year. I am going to be using this blog as a platform to share my journey and encourage myself to keep going, to keep fighting and to keep believing that this journey is possible. I have every faith that in 12 months time, I can return to this post and be proud of what I have achieved.