I have struggled with weight for most of my life, especially as an adult. Now after losing weight and feeling stronger and healthier than I have in years I am so thankful I finally understand the importance of eating healthy and exercising regularly.
Even though I knew the basics of what it takes to become healthier, I would never really stick with anything; not for any length of time at least. So, what has kept me focused this time? I believe that being held accountable has helped me to persist with this healthy lifestyle.
After winning the New Year, New You contest I quickly realized I would have many people watching to see if I would actually be able to lose the weight. With so many wondering if I would stick with it, I acknowledged the tremendous amount of responsibility placed on me, as I would need to set an example for those who were monitoring my progress.
On many occasions over the past few months I have run into people who I haven’t seen in quite a while, and they are amazed at how much better I look. I find it interesting that the majority of the time they use the phrase, “You sure do look good” rather than, “You sure have lost a lot of weight.”
After their generous comments are made and the wonderment of how I managed to lose the weight is inquired I encourage them by sharing many of the tactics that the Dream Team has communicated with me.
Looking and feeling healthy is exactly the goal I wanted to reach; losing the weight has just been an added benefit. In addition to being in better physical shape I am now more confident due in part to having reached many goals that I never dreamed were possible; such as running (currently 3 miles average per day) and a weight loss totaling 70 pounds.
As I struggle to lose these last 9 pounds and maintain the weight I have lost, remaining accountable to others keeps me motivated and focused.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 says: Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
I have been fortunate to have had many opportunities to be able to encourage others in becoming healthier; as a result it helps me to stay healthy so that I will be an example for them.
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