Let’s go back to as long ago as I can remember, I’ve always been overweight. I am sure that I weighed close to 400 pounds in high school. I was made fun of, laughed at, the butt of most jokes. It was the most debilitating and humiliating experience of my life. It still shakes my core when I think about it. Into my adult life, I was always the smart one, career driven, money maker but never had a “real boyfriend” only met men online because I could be whomever I wanted to be and never had to meet them. CATFISH! It all caused me to overeat and love something that wouldn’t make fun of me or judge – FOOD! It was always there, always satisfying, always forgiving, and never judged.

Fast Forward to 2010, I was a new parent. I weighed 325 pounds. I was sad, depressed, unmotivated, heartbroken, alone, lost – I could go on and on and on. High blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, joint pain were all a part of my everyday life. It took me years – 2555 days (seven years) to be exact to beat this addiction and TAKE MY LIFE BACK.

How did I beat my food addiction? Yes, it is an addiction. Addiction is defined as “the fact or condition of being addicted to a particular substance, thing, or activity.” Set realistic goals! What’s realistic for you, may not be realistic for me but they all have things in common. You did not gain overnight, you will not lose overnight! Be Realistic!

This will assist you on your journey!

1. ADMIT that there is a problem.
2. GET HELP! (Mental health is a huge part of the process because overeating and finding comfort in food is an addiction.)
3. DO THE WORK!!
4. Set Goals (small goals and hold yourself accountable to them.)
5. Take Pictures (document your journey, there is truth in pictures.)
6. Use Weight Loss Tools (i.e. MyFitnessPal – application available on iPhone and Android.)
7. Workout (At least three-five days per week – gyms are not necessary. Do SOMETHING every day.)
8. Eat WHOLE foods (Remember, it is 80% nutrition/20% exercise – focus on eating good simple foods!)
9. Celebrate ALL wins!
10. Enjoy the Process (You will fall off, you will become discouraged, there will be temptation – stay strong).
11. Treat Yourself! (NOT WITH FOOD, you are not a dog!)
12. By setting realistic goals, you are sure to achieve them! Be intentional daily! Wake up with purpose and go for it! You are worth it!

@cheinspires – Starting weight: 325 pounds; Current Weight: 170 pounds