If I wanted to avoid obesity forever, I had to change. So, I did. I built balance into my plan. I had a cheat here and there, went to the gym 3-4 times per week max and allowed myself to just LIVE from time to time. This was a mental struggle because I feared becoming too lenient would result in falling off the wagon. However, I’m well on my way and realize it’s a marathon and not a race. As you approach this weight loss journey, I encourage you to consciously build balance into your routine and keep it top of mind.
RELATED: 161-Pound Weight Loss: Respect Yourself Enough to Say “I Deserve Better“
The Greatness
Let’s move on to the GREATNESS. Because even though the struggles are real, the greatness that comes with this lifestyle is endless.
The Feeling: The Feeling: I think I preach this all the time but, life is beautiful. When you are genuinely happy in your body, the mind and soul just follow. Feeling great on the outside quickly snuck its way to my insides. I am ALWAYS on a high. People often ask me “why are you so happy allllll the time”. The answer is, I FEEL great.
My Health: These past years have been amazing health-wise. I go to the doctor and things are seamless. For over 10 years, I have been pegged as “perfectly healthy”. Do you know how good that feels? Especially coming from where I come from. I am aware this is largely due to my blessings, but a big contributor is the way I live my life. I am healthy! That feeling is indescribable. Especially when I used to dread going to the doctor and being told (again) that I needed to watch my weight. Oh, and always being handed one of those patronizing “Time to get healthy” pamphlets to review.
The Embarrassment–It’s gone: It’s been more than 10 years since my 100-pound weight loss journey and I haven’t had to be embarrassed by my size. I can ride a rollercoaster without worrying if I’ll fit in the seat. I can go into a store confidently knowing they’ll have my size. I can wear a FREAKING BIKINI (something I never thought possible). I have the stamina and confidence to run somewhere if I’m late. I can participate in recreational sports without worrying how my endurance will hold up. The embarrassing hurdles you have to go through with being overweight (that most will never understand) have completely vanished.
Hair, Skin, and Nails: I am now acne-free, I couldn’t say that growing up. I suffered with teenage acne and adult acne When I switched my diet for good, I never looked back. Also, my nails and hair are always thriving.
Courage: This is probably where I’ve seen the biggest change. Now, if I ever feel the least bit unhappy, I make the changes necessary to rectify. Losing the weight (and keeping it off) has helped me to see that I can do the “impossible”. So to say that this weight loss journey has changed me for the better is an understatement. My first real “accomplishment” in my adult life was losing this weight. After that, I felt (and continue to feel) invincible. I now set a goal, and I accomplish it without fail. Whether it’s buying my condo, excelling in my career, moving abroad, traveling the world, starting a business – I now have the courage to do anything I put my mind to. The accomplishment of losing weight was the catalyst to how I approach my life today.
Tameika’s biggest piece of advice? “One: Ditch the fad diets/extremes. Two: Be Patient and Consistent. Three: Slow and steady wins the race with this journey if you want it long term.”
For more on Tameika, follow her on social media, here.
Or check out her website here.