What to Expect During and After Weight Loss

Figuring that there are those out there that are curious and those that can relate, here is my list of what my body went through or is still going through since losing 81 pounds. 

1. Extra Skin and Stretch Marks: Yep, they exist. First of all (and some days I don't believe this) so what! The stretch marks aren't so bad and they are like war wounds they show where you've been and what you have accomplished! The extra skin for me has very slowing been reabsorbing. A regular exercise routine helps loose skin to tighten up or shrink. Also a regular exfoliating and moisturizing routine will help. 
2. Smell Nicer Naturally: If you have changed your regular everyday food intake to a more plant based diet and stick to eating this way then you can expect less body odor and less bad breath! Yay bonus!! 
3. Detox: You can expect your skin and or body to detox several times. This will happen with hives, breakouts, lot's of nasal draining and nose blowing, and additional elimination in the bathroom. 
4. Healthier Skin & Eyes: Also with a mostly plant based diet expect your eyes to shine and your skin to soften and glow! 
5. Body Shape Changes: Your neck and shoulders have a shape to them again.You have a waist again. You can see and feel your ribs and hip bones. Your thighs don't rub together. You can see your belly button and feet. Sometimes when you walk by a mirror you don’t recognize yourself. 
6. Reduce or Eliminate Illness: In my case I had a myriad of aches and pains, allergies and respiratory issues, female issues, digestive issues and the majority of them cleared up by about 95% or better. 
7. Gravity it's a Love Hate Thing: Gravity will make you angry and mock you especially if you've been overweight for awhile and don't have a stringent exercise routine. Once again I say (most of the time) so what! I am the happiest and healthiest that I have ever been. It's not all about looks!! 
8. Pretty Feet Are Fun: At least some of your shoes will be too big, when you lose weight; your feet shrink too. More excuses for shopping, not like a girl ever needed one!! :) My heels really used to hurt but now they hardly hurt at all. You can easily reach your toes to do your own pedicure and paint them pretty colors. 
9. Healthier Hair: Your hair will be healthier, shinier, even the hairline is slightly different and some of my gray went away and was replaced with my regular color hair again! 
10. Stamina and Energy Increase: Stairs and hills get easier. You have more energy, better sleep and better concentration. 
11. FOR LADIES ONLY!!!: You can expect to buy smaller pads. Your underwear don't roll down. Your bra's and undies are much more pretty and comfy. Look forward to an easier menstrual cycle, for me this was less cramps, less mood swings and less tenderness; just generally an easier time of it. 
12. You Will Need Your Jeweler: Your rings will need to be re-sized. I still have not done this so I am wearing my wedding ring one finger up. I am also wearing my original wedding band from back in the day when I was this size the first time!! <3
13. Re-Size Eyewear: Your glasses and sunglasses will need to be re-sized mine were falling off of my face. 
14. Shopping In Your Own Closet: Everyday in your closet is a surprise! Your pants get longer. You get to wear a belt again without it hurting, itching or leaving marks. Actually you almost have to wear a belt or your pants will fall down. You get to put almost all of your clothes in the dryer instead of hanging them up or freaking out because you accidentally dried something. You get to wear things in your closet that you bought on sale or at the thrift store that you just knew you would fit into one day. You are surprised by the items of clothing that still fit you and realize you were majorly squeezing yourself into many things.
15. Second Hand Stores Are The Best: That's still my favorite shirt, skirt, pants, dress...but surely I can make it work for me now that I have lost weight. Well unless you are a seamstress with time then no. Your before weight loss clothes will look terrible. Just take it to the consignment or thrift store there are plenty of beautiful second hand clothes out there for little to nothing that will look just as good if not better. Thrift and consignment stores are my new favorite places to shop. Your new ever evolving wardrobe will be fabulous and so will you! You will look like a million bucks but you will only spend a few! 

Remember never feel guilty for some food you ate or exercise you missed. Life is short; and however much time you have left choose to make every moment the best that you can. Just keep going and with a positive approach you will keep healing and will never be the same.

I can honestly say sometimes with overwhelming happy tears and do say on many days now “I love my life!” 

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Can Healthier Food Choices and Weight Loss Eliminate Allergies?

Hello Everyone!

It's been several weeks since I did a check in with y'all!! Things are going great. What I would love to focus on today is some of my health that I have gained back as a result of my nutrition intake and weight loss. 

One of the main things I severely suffered from that got worse year after year since 1992 was environmental and food allergies. This year is my first full year to go through all of the seasons since I lost the weight. I am happy to report that my allergies are reduced by about 95% so far. I have not taken one pill over the counter or prescription since last May. I have only had to use my inhaler a handful of times. In the mornings and throughout the day I barely have to blow my nose enough to fill one tissue, in comparison for 20 years I've used enough Puffs with lotion to own a share in their company! I can't tell you how great it is to garden, go for walks, clean my house, and not have any allergy and/or asthma attack!  

Have a great day!! Any step forward is progress, anyone can do this! Go for it make yourself healthier and reach your goals!!! 

Where Do Power and Weakness Come From?

This morning I was lying in bed listening to a show about innocence lost due to political corruption in the name of the politicians gaining more power. Saddened by yet another example of corrupt power it really got me thinking where do my power and my weakness come from? As I continue on my journey of healing my whole self I realize that my empowerment comes from the positive side of life. This past year I have felt the most power from love, kindness, socializing, lending a helping hand, hugs and dancing the Argentine Tango! By leaving the house no matter how much I wanted to crawl back inside myself and hide. I just kept pushing forward, making new friends, making eye contact in public and having conversations, exchanging kind glances and smiles. Power also came from accepting help from others. I let go of stubbornness and started both asking for and accepting help and finally admitting I couldn't do it all myself. Everywhere I've gone in the last year I've connected with positive people and have had my batteries completely recharged by them. On the opposite end of this is a large portion of my former life for the past 15 years. My weakness came from anger, sadness, giving in to depression, overeating for comfort, being a hermit and refusing to accept or ask for help. The past 15 years have had moments of beautiful positive power where I was able to connect and briefly snap out of it, but I would eventually just slide back and give in to my weaknesses. I must now give a testimony to what I believe helped me (us) the most.  It is our Argentine Tango Community, especially our teacher Mercedes. In addition to excellent instruction, she provides a positive, inviting environment where you can let down your guard and begin to open up and heal. This is so much more than a dance; it is culture, history, art, music, etiquette, friendship, therapy, exercise, and love. Thank you to my husband for taking me on a date night. Thank you to Mercedes, and to all of the friends that I have made. Thank you to Andy and Olimpia for providing a place that we can gather weekly to Milonga and socialize. We have a lovely community here in Hampton Roads. You all have permanently changed my life and given me power to pass that change on to others, one person at a time! ©