Weight Loss Journey

Twelve Months: My Journey to health, wellness and renewal

Twelve months. 365 days. 8760 hours. 525, 600 minutes. 31,536,000 seconds. One year ago today (November 11, 2013) I made the decision to take control of my health, wellness and lifestyle. I accepted the gift of the 24 day Advocare Challenge kit from my friend Amee and was ready to start the challenge. Stepping on the scales that Monday morning I choked back the tears, shame and deep sadness as the number stopped at 285; it was time for a change. Suffering under the physical and emotional weight of a severe food addiction that I tried to keep hidden for over 20 years my body hurt, my heart ached, I was sad, ashamed and full of fear; I felt as if I had reached the end of my “rope”. Within a few days I began to notice changes in my physical body as my emotional self, my spirit began to awaken. Each day I would take a “selfie” to document the changes that were taking place. One particular morning I struggled to figure out what was so different about the image in the mirror. After staring at myself for a few minutes I realized that there was less makeup on my face and my hair was straighter than before. There staring back at me was a new emerging version of myself; I no longer felt the need to hide behind the mask and big fluffy hair. A friend referred to this change as Karla 2.0 or K2 if you will.

As of today, I have lost 88 pounds, dropped 5 clothing sizes and have a renewed spirit, a healthier body and more energy than ever before. Life is better than I imagined. In honor of this particularly special anniversary I’ve put together a list of lessons (ahh haa moments) learned this past year.

• I’ve had to move my seat closer to the steering wheel
• I can cross my legs!
• My feet have gotten smaller and my shoes are cuter.
• A preschooler fits in my lap a lot easier now.
• I can take a bubble bath. As difficult as it is to admit, I wasn’t able to fit in the standard bath tub in my house. Now bubble baths are part of my everyday life…rub a dub dub!
• Hugs are so much better when the person hugging you can wrap their arms all the way around you; it’s simply
• perfect.
• I can sit crossed legged on the floor!
• I bought a belt!
• I can run!
• I can drink a gallon of water every day.
• Brussels sprouts are still gross but I’ve learned to eat them because they are good for my body.
• My closet is full of color.
• Climbing stairs is not a death sentence; I actually choose to take the steps now. It’s a great way to get in a little extra cardio.
• I can sleep closer to my husband at night.
• My pants have zippers in them!

As I embark on year number 2 I look back at the past year and give thanks for all I have been blessed with. The journey is far from over but the trip so far has been one of hard work, determination, deep faith, steadfast prayer, un-ending love and support from those who love me unconditionally; so awesome.

To my dear friend Amee, I can never thank you enough for blessing me with the gift of Advocare that put me on the path to better health. More importantly I am grateful for the gift of your love and friendship. To my husband David words cannot express my love for you and the gratitude I have for your patience, for taking up the slack and allowing me to focus on myself. I love you with everything that I am and everything I am yet to be. To my children, Melinda and Christopher you make my world beautiful. Thank you both for loving me and encouraging me to keep going. I am honored to be your momma. To my coach and friend Alfred, thank you for believing in me when I didn’t believe in myself, for answering countless questions, encouraging me to push just a bit harder, for keeping in touch for sharing your knowledge and never giving up on me. To my gym family who makes me laugh hard, think deep, run faster and farther and keeps me on my toes. You all make my workouts more fun. To my special friends (you know who you are) who pray for me, encourage and love me unconditionally I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your presence in my life is a gift that I cherish.

As I look forward to the next twelve months I realize that my first goal of 80 pounds lost has been met; it’s time for a new goal. After much thought and lots of prayer I have decided to set a new goal of a total of 135 pounds lost; only 47 more to go. I have also decided to begin to train for a half marathon (13.1 miles) in mid-April. I am excited about the next “leg” of the journey and what the future holds for me. Every day is a gift that I treasure.

I encourage you to take time for yourself; make the decision to get healthy. For me Advocare gave me the jump start I needed to get going in the right direction. Whatever you do do it for yourself and do it well. Life’s a journey to be enjoyed; enjoy it.

Peace,
K2

Advocare results 

 

Karla’s weight loss journey started with ADVOCARE!

Also check out Karla’s 24 Day Advocare Challenge updates and Wellness Wednesday posts for more weight loss food plan tips.

 

Order ADVOCARE HERE!

 

I am proud to introduce a new column to Madame Deals! I think we all need a touch point a place we can go to be inspired. Karla is my children’s teacher, a good friend, and a person with a heart of gold. I hope that her words will inspire you to do more. We are only as good as the people we surround ourselves with. It is important to listen with your heart and proceed with your eyes open. Enjoy!

Read more Karla’s Korner , also please visit Karla’s Lifetime Moms page and read her articles.

Check out Karla’s 24 Day Advocare Challenge updates!