How Have I Changed
| August 4, 2012 | Posted by Carrie under about me, diets don't work |
Day 4 of the August Blogger Challenge topic is How Have I Changed in the last 2 years.
I wrote this post on November 17, 2010. 5 Ways I’ve Changed and 5 Ways I Haven’t. I also wrote another post How I’ve Changed on May 20, 2011. Reading back on both posts, they still fit how I feel about myself. I think I’ll paste the text in here from the first one since it’s Saturday and maybe you all don’t feel like clicking links 
5 Ways I’ve Changed
and 5 Ways I Haven’t
(originally published 11/17/2010)
June 1, 2009 was the day I made a conscious effort to change my bad habits. When I look back on the person I was then in more than just pictures, there are some major changes:
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I can’t remember my last fast food meal – You could say Fast Food was an major downfall of mine. I loved the convenience and it fit right into my secret eating tendencies. My kids still get fast food occasionally, and I find a healthier option for myself. The thought of putting those processed food items in my body doesn’t have any appeal to me anymore.
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I enjoy exercising – I love the energy of my workouts. I feel different, sluggish, icky on days I don’t workout. I strive to exercise 6 days a week and rest 1. On the rest day, I enjoy my rest and look forward to working out again. I try to mix up my workouts between elliptical machine, running, walking and strength training.
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I don’t feel guilty about food – I’m learning to be picky about my treats and when I do have them, I don’t feel guilty. If the treat isn’t worth it, I won’t eat it.
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I run – I’m the person who would have told you a few years ago that I HATED running. Now, I’m the person whose run 2 5K’s and is training for 2 more. A serious runner friend of mine even tried to talk me into doing a Ragnar Relay with her. That’s a little beyond me right now, but I did give it some thought. (edited to add: I ran that Ragnar as well as 3 half-marathons since)
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I blog – I love having a place to work through the thoughts in my head. I hope that my story helps others with their journeys. I’m surprised at times about how much information I share and how I let total strangers in on this journey. I feel supported by so many internet buddies and that’s just vital to my motivation. I love to offer up support in return, it makes my day to cheer people on.
At the same time, there are some things about me that are the same:
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I don’t weigh myself – I started weighing myself when I was losing weight to stay on track. When I was maintaining, it got obsessive and I’m learning to trust myself again. So, I’ve stopped weighing myself.
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I love to try new foods – Maybe foods now aren’t as fatty and the portions are smaller, but give me some interesting veggies or some international cuisine and I’m a happy camper.
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My life isn’t perfect - I might be thinner, fitter and more confident but all the crazy ups and downs of life still happen to me. I am learning to manage the drama a little better, it’s just all still there.
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I love peanut butter and chocolate – Reese’s are yummy, and peanut butter on most things is quite heavenly. I still love it all. I’m learning to love it in moderation without forbidding it to myself. Give me some peanut butter on a banana and I’ve got the perfect, pre-workout feast. Mmmm.
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I look in the mirror and don’t like everything I see – I still see much of the fat girl. My giggly parts are still giggly. They’re just smaller and giggly. Body image issues haven’t gone away. I’m working on loving my body, but I also worry that loving it too much will make me complacent and I’ll gain the weight back. I want to love my body but demand it to be healthy. Does that work?
What makes me happiest about reading this list is that it still applies. I hope these things come through in my blog. I’m proud of myself for keeping true to myself on these pages.
So much can change in 2 years!! I’ve stopped weighing myself but I’m sure it won’t last long!!
Fancy Nancy recently posted..Looking Back….Flashback to 2010!
Thank you. I got on the scale a few months ago and while it wasn’t the number I would like to see, it was *exactly* the number that I thought I’d see. So, I’m going with being honest about how my clothes are fitting and not worrying about the number.
I really like this post! I’m participating in the blogger challenge as well so I love reading other people’s answers to the questions. Congrats on your fitness journey and keep it up!
Thank you. I’m enjoying the challenge as well. I don’t usually blog on the weekends, so the full month of blogging is a fun change. Congrats on your fitness journey too. I’m enjoying reading everyone’s posts.
You’re inspiring, Carrie. All of those things definitely come through on your blog. And from the way you write, I think you’re doing a better job of loving your body for what it has accomplished and by fueling it well. Congrats on all the (continued) changes!
Laura recently posted..One Million More
Great post! There are still a lot of times where I crave fast food or baked goods (my weaknesses), and I’m trying to get strong enough to have it around. Hasn’t quite happened yet… lol
Lori Lynn recently posted..Please Pray!!!
Great post!!! I have to admit that I do have fast food every once in a while but it has become a treat rather than a daily occurrence. It is nice to see your past lists still apply. We are all a work in progress.
Toni recently posted..So Much Can Change In 2 Years!
Thank you. I was happy to see that while some habits have evolved a bit, it’s nice to be reminded that I’m still the same person.
I like this post. I think you have talked about these things in more recent posts as well and like you said, you pretty much feel the same now! I think your 80/20 idea and the peanut butter comment above go hand in hand. You really have to still have those treats; you can’t deny yourself everything! When I was younger, my friend went on a diet where she only ate potatoes and mustard. I look back at that and wonder what she was thinking and worry that we are not well educated when it comes to being healthy! I am glad that you and all the other bloggers are out here, talking about running and eating Reese’s!
Travel Spot recently posted..Monday Misc
Thank you. Potatoes and mustard??? I remember the grapefruit diet. What were we thinking??