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I have never posted about my weight-loss journey anywhere. All of my friends and family know that I have tried to lose this unwanted body fat for quite a few years, but most of them do not know that this time I have succeeded. And, my success is only because, I merely told Jesus to take the wheel.
I know that I am not the only who has had to struggle with weight, and, so instead of sharing my story elsewhere, I have chosen to share it here.
I was lean as a kid. My younger sister and I were often mistaken to be twins. I mention that because that notion didn't last long. While my sister remained as lean and pretty as ever, I started gaining weight at the age of 10. We ate the same food, played the same games, participated in the same activities. Our routine was exact. However, our weight wasn't. I guess this is where genetics comes into play. I just got blessed with the fat gene (low metabolism, to be precise).
As the years passed by, I managed to lose the weight till about the age of 15. Even though I weighed about 55 kg (120 pounds), which is pretty much perfect for a girl, all of 5 ft 3 inches, I was still teased for being "fat". I was called pig, guinea pig, bulldozer, motu (fatty), and likened to any character on screen that was round or fat. Well, apparently, round characters like Po from Kung Fu Panda still remind people of me, but, I've grown to actually like that now. I'm cute and squishy, you know
From age 16, I just kept gaining until I reached a whopping 75 kg (165 pounds) when I turned 24. I'm not embarrassed to share my weight, anymore. After a fabulous 2 week vacation by the beach, right after my 24th birthday, I got back home and stood on the weighing scale. I was stunned. When in the world that I become THAT fat? That's when I decided that I had let myself go way too far, and I needed to get fit. I was always healthy. No ailments. Never been hospitalized. The worst illness I've had is a viral fever and cold. But, I knew that if I didn't put a stop to this, I would possibly continue gaining, and that would be a huge risk to my health, and my life.
I started my journey with a prayer. Losing weight is more of a mental process than a physical one. Once you make up your mind, you can push through anything. And, work-out pain? Piece of cake! But, that's only when you have a clear focus, a clear goal, and that motivation to press onward. I have tried to lose weight 3 times before, and I failed. Miserably. This time, I spoke to Jesus about it. I told him my weaknesses, and at the beginning of every day, I asked him to make my mind strong, to be there with me through it, and even though I knew I could possibly lose the weight without God, I was pretty sure I wouldn't be able to keep it off, without Him.
Because, it's a lifestyle change. When you become born again, you don't go back to the old you. I wanted to be born again into this lifestyle of fitness. Into becoming a new me. Into learning nutrition and health. Into eating healthy, and exercising regularly. And, you know what? It was easier than I thought. Before I even knew it, I had lost 22 pounds (10 kg) in 3 months. And, no, I didn't go on strict diets or exercise hours a day. I followed a simple plan, and I relied on God to strengthen me. It worked! I didn't go to a gym. I lost all the weight within the confines of my bedroom. So, I call total crap on anyone who says that they can't lose weight because they don't have the money or the time. Heck, I work a full time job, a freelance job, study for a Masters degree, and yet, have time for God, family, friends, and of course, me.
Today, I feel so much more healthier, energetic, and life seems much brighter! There are things that fat people go through that only other fat people can understand. I use the word "fat" and not lighter words like "healthy" or "plump" or "chubby" or "curvy" or "fluffy", because I had to be direct with myself and come to terms with the fact that I was fat, and I needed to do something about it. If you're wondering why I have posted this here, it's because I want to pay it forward.
If there is anyone here who can relate with this problem, and who requires a get-fit partner, I'd be glad to help! Also, it will help me to complete this journey. I'm not done. I still have quite some way to go. But, I know that I will get there.
I've tried to do many things in life by myself, not realizing that I need God in every single aspect of my life. Including him in a weight-loss journey would have seemed silly to me before, because it's something so mundane for God when there are so many people struggling with way bigger life-threatening issues. But, I learned one thing. Nothing a child of God does is insignificant for Him. He pays attention to the little details in our lives. He wants to be a part of everything. Letting God on this journey was one of the best decisions I have made. I have not only changed physically, but mentally and spiritually, as well.
God is AWESOME!
Love to all,
Genevieve
(Btw, I'm really contemplating if I should post a before and after photo like all those numerous motivational videos on YouTube. )
Oh, before I forget.. A special thanks to Doggy and Meggars who have been quite the inspiration!
I know that I am not the only who has had to struggle with weight, and, so instead of sharing my story elsewhere, I have chosen to share it here.
I was lean as a kid. My younger sister and I were often mistaken to be twins. I mention that because that notion didn't last long. While my sister remained as lean and pretty as ever, I started gaining weight at the age of 10. We ate the same food, played the same games, participated in the same activities. Our routine was exact. However, our weight wasn't. I guess this is where genetics comes into play. I just got blessed with the fat gene (low metabolism, to be precise).
As the years passed by, I managed to lose the weight till about the age of 15. Even though I weighed about 55 kg (120 pounds), which is pretty much perfect for a girl, all of 5 ft 3 inches, I was still teased for being "fat". I was called pig, guinea pig, bulldozer, motu (fatty), and likened to any character on screen that was round or fat. Well, apparently, round characters like Po from Kung Fu Panda still remind people of me, but, I've grown to actually like that now. I'm cute and squishy, you know
From age 16, I just kept gaining until I reached a whopping 75 kg (165 pounds) when I turned 24. I'm not embarrassed to share my weight, anymore. After a fabulous 2 week vacation by the beach, right after my 24th birthday, I got back home and stood on the weighing scale. I was stunned. When in the world that I become THAT fat? That's when I decided that I had let myself go way too far, and I needed to get fit. I was always healthy. No ailments. Never been hospitalized. The worst illness I've had is a viral fever and cold. But, I knew that if I didn't put a stop to this, I would possibly continue gaining, and that would be a huge risk to my health, and my life.
I started my journey with a prayer. Losing weight is more of a mental process than a physical one. Once you make up your mind, you can push through anything. And, work-out pain? Piece of cake! But, that's only when you have a clear focus, a clear goal, and that motivation to press onward. I have tried to lose weight 3 times before, and I failed. Miserably. This time, I spoke to Jesus about it. I told him my weaknesses, and at the beginning of every day, I asked him to make my mind strong, to be there with me through it, and even though I knew I could possibly lose the weight without God, I was pretty sure I wouldn't be able to keep it off, without Him.
Because, it's a lifestyle change. When you become born again, you don't go back to the old you. I wanted to be born again into this lifestyle of fitness. Into becoming a new me. Into learning nutrition and health. Into eating healthy, and exercising regularly. And, you know what? It was easier than I thought. Before I even knew it, I had lost 22 pounds (10 kg) in 3 months. And, no, I didn't go on strict diets or exercise hours a day. I followed a simple plan, and I relied on God to strengthen me. It worked! I didn't go to a gym. I lost all the weight within the confines of my bedroom. So, I call total crap on anyone who says that they can't lose weight because they don't have the money or the time. Heck, I work a full time job, a freelance job, study for a Masters degree, and yet, have time for God, family, friends, and of course, me.
Today, I feel so much more healthier, energetic, and life seems much brighter! There are things that fat people go through that only other fat people can understand. I use the word "fat" and not lighter words like "healthy" or "plump" or "chubby" or "curvy" or "fluffy", because I had to be direct with myself and come to terms with the fact that I was fat, and I needed to do something about it. If you're wondering why I have posted this here, it's because I want to pay it forward.
If there is anyone here who can relate with this problem, and who requires a get-fit partner, I'd be glad to help! Also, it will help me to complete this journey. I'm not done. I still have quite some way to go. But, I know that I will get there.
I've tried to do many things in life by myself, not realizing that I need God in every single aspect of my life. Including him in a weight-loss journey would have seemed silly to me before, because it's something so mundane for God when there are so many people struggling with way bigger life-threatening issues. But, I learned one thing. Nothing a child of God does is insignificant for Him. He pays attention to the little details in our lives. He wants to be a part of everything. Letting God on this journey was one of the best decisions I have made. I have not only changed physically, but mentally and spiritually, as well.
God is AWESOME!
Love to all,
Genevieve
(Btw, I'm really contemplating if I should post a before and after photo like all those numerous motivational videos on YouTube. )
Oh, before I forget.. A special thanks to Doggy and Meggars who have been quite the inspiration!