My Journey Towards a Better Me

If you've been following 4BabyAndMom for any amount of time, you've probably read about my struggles with weight, and know that I'm a plus sized mom. Despite of my size, I still see myself as a "Healthy Mom". Yes, I may not look as cute in spandex and sweat bands as my super-thin-model-esque sister, but I take pride in knowing that I eat well rounded meals, drink a ton of water and exercise- in some way, shape, or form- every day. No matter what I seem to do, losing weight is always a struggle for me.

I love myself, but I do struggle with knowing that I once wore a very small size, with no big ol' belly or cellulite. I think it's important for women everywhere to know that you can still live a healthy life style, and make healthy choices, without being a size 8. With all of the media hype on super-skinny Hollywood celebrities, I try to impart to my kids that you should be comfortable in your skin, no matter what your size or shape is. They know as long as they feed their bodies "the good stuff", it will continue to grow and develop the way it should. I'm proud to say my kids eat almost everything- from salmon, to nuts, to berries, to veggies.

I'm in another wedding this October, and my biggest fear came true. The dress my best friend chose didn't come in my size. The largest size that they carried was four inches too small on my natural waist line. I bought it, with the hope that I could drop the weight, and if not, (as the sales lady assured me), we could buy extra fabric and add it to the dress. (Did I mention the average size of the Bridal Party is a size 8?) I was devastated.

I took that bit of news- either rebuild a dress or lose at least 4 inches- and used it for motivation. I went to a local store and stocked up on some vitamin supplements. I knew I was eating healthy, but I was concerned I wasn't getting 100% of my full amount of daily vitamins. After being introduced to SAM-e supplements last year, I started taking them during my stressful times of the month, so I researched and started taking a daily multi-vitamin to help meet any of my daily requirements that I might be coming up short on. I also bought some CoQ10 to help with my energy, and some Vitamin D. I had from February until October to fit in this dress, and by God, I would!

I eat healthy choices, grilled seafood or fish, dinners that are mostly home-made; I'm a busy mom on the go, but I still take pride in eating a more balanced diet than most of the families I know. We eat veggies, we eat whole grains, and the kids drink mostly milk, and I drink a ton of water. I gave up junk food and fast food almost completely, stuck with the idea of "a little bit in moderation", and started following a daily food craving devotional. I know, that sounds odd, but I figured I could use any help I could get- even from the Big Guy himself. It was free on my Kindle, so I figured the only thing I had to lose were inches, right? I started walking every day, after the kids went to school. I even bought a pair of those toning sneakers.

Since I started this new regiment, I didn't really notice any changes in my physical appearance. I know that I've felt like I've had more energy, and been more active with the kids and around the house, but only one friend mentioned that I started looking a little different. I got the phone call in August that my dress had arrived. I went for my fitting in September, and low and behold- it fit!! I had done it. Little by little, I had accomplished the impossible- I lost at least four inches from my mid section!!

I don't know exactly how many pounds I've lost in total, but I know that it's been at least a few. I made a pact that I wouldn't step on the scale again until my jeans started sliding down on their own. I'm almost to the point now where I need to wear a belt, or they definitely start slipping. I'm proud of myself, for being a role model to local moms that are stuggling with their weight, who are starting to ask if I've been losing weight. It's still hard for me to look in the mirror and see the changes that my body is slowly making, but I know that with the extra vitamins I've been taking, my energy is up, my mood is up, and my body is making progress. Something it hasn't done through the plethora of diet fads I had tried to date. My focus has been on me... me & God, me and my health, and me and my future. For the first time in a long time, I've decided to make time for me again, and start taking care of myself. I have a feeling that I'm starting to balance myself out, little by little, with the supplements I'm taking, and I know that my journey has truly just begun.

Do you struggle with weight issues? Do you use any vitamin supplements? Do you consider yourself a healthy person?

Feel free to send some good thoughts and encouragement, as well.

“I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Nature Made and received promotional items to thank me for taking the time to participate. Vote for my entry at www.facebook.com/naturemade between 9/20/11 and noon (PT) 9/26/11.”