I have struggled with body image for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I was very thin, which isn't considered attractive in the Latino community. My childhood and teenage years consisted of pointed remarks about being too thin and recommendations for weight gainers.
I stayed fairly thin into my adulthood until a few years after I had Jeremy. I gained a lot of weight, about 25 pounds, in the span of a few months. While I was not overweight, I was carrying a large amount of fo body fat. Plus, I was always feeling sluggish and depressed. I started looking into solutions into losing the weight. But what would happen is, I would lose the weight and gain it right back. I would try the fad teas, the "miracle" workouts, just to gain it right back. About two years ago, I decided to take my fitness more seriously. I give my best effort towards my job, parenting and other endeavours, why should my body be any different? The most important part of a healthier lifestyle, is consistency and effort. Below are some of the most important things I learned during my fitness journey.
1. The Numbers Don't Mean S**t After A While
When I first started working out, I was HYPE when the pounds started melting off. But then, I realized that the numbers were remaining the same. And then I started gaining weight! I started getting discouraged until I saw that my clothes were fitting me and/or feeling looser. I was gaining muscle! So, I know now not to go crazy over the scale, I pay more attention to inches lost and how my clothes feel. In the photos above, there's only a 3-pound difference between them.
2. You Appreciate Your Body More
I had al these sorts of aspirations for when I began to work out. I was going to be out here with a six pack and all that. Truth is, it takes a lot of hard work and dedication. And while I still don't have a six pack (yet), I celebrate the other milestones. Such as being able to do pushups or being able to run a mile without passing out. And at the end of the day, this is the body that gets me through the day. It brought life to this world. And for that, I learned to be kinder to it.
3. Exercising Keeps Depression At Bay
It takes 21 days to break a habit. After a couple of weeks of healthy eating and exercising, I noticed my energy levels went up. I didn't have to drag myself out of bed every day. Then, one day I realized, it has been months since I felt depressed. The anxiety levels were low. While I do get little bouts of depression now and then, I have something to combat it. The gym keeps me busy and provides goals for me to focus on. I also cut back on eating sugar because I noticed that it helps with depression.
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| top & leggings: F21 |
4. You Change Inside & Out
Besides making dealing with depression either, I was also making other positive changes. I felt more confident. Like I could kick some serious ass if the opportunity ever presented itself (I have weird daydreams, sue me). I felt better about the clothes I was wearing, which as a clotheshorse and blogger is very important to me. My skin was clearer and my energy levels were consistently high.
The point of this post wasn't to be all preachy. I just wanted to share how this was a real journey for me. It had ups and downs, and moments where I wanted to give up because I wasn't seeing the results. My journey hasn't ended, it continues as I become a bit better every day.
