Smiling Because at Almost 56, I'm Healthier Than Ever!
At nearly 56, I'm celebrating being in the best physical and mental shape I've been in for decades. I'm strong! I started weight training last summer, and after six to seven months of consistent workouts and walking, I've seen some results. My visceral fat dropped by 2%, and I lost 4 pounds. Yes, that’s good, but I wasn't seeing the external changes I hoped for. My strength was increasing, but my waistline wasn't shrinking. Was it menopause or just poor eating habits? I decided it was time for a change.
Nine weeks ago, I began a program called Transformation 4 Life by @shellysorg. It’s a comprehensive health and wellness program, and I desperately needed help with food—it was time for a mindset shift and a learning process about nutrition. Bye bye processed foods and the old Weight Watchers counting points approach. I needed to understand how to truly fuel my body with lean proteins, healthy fats, and lower amounts of healthy carbs. I needed to know how it all worked the science.
Independently, I've also delved deeper into my food addiction and its ties to my Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). I realized (the last year or so) I was a binge eater, although I never let myself get sick from it. A few years ago, I even experimented with laxatives, but quickly stopped when I learned about the damage they could do to my system. Sometimes, I still find myself using food to cope with my emotions. Recently, I've been engaging with a daily devotional designed for managing alcohol use and other substances, and it's been transformative, I’ve been specifically using it in addressing my eating habits.
This journey has immensely benefited my coaching practice. Many people start using substances like alcohol to handle fear, anxiety, or pain from past traumas. Karla Adkins discusses this in her book, “And She Came Tumbling Down: Breaking the Bonds of Alcohol and Creating a Life of Freedom.” Assigning a job to alcohol often leads to dependency, a pattern similarly seen with ultra-processed foods. Both habits can lead to addiction. Understanding this is crucial, yet changing entrenched behaviors is challenging due to our neural pathways. Thankfully, due to neural plasticity, we can learn new habits—it's tough, but possible if you lean in and do the work.
As a Christian, I believe it's essential to rely on God and seek His guidance in everything, including health and wellness. This year, I’m focusing on my own “worthiness” and “enoughness,” meditating on what God says about these qualities. My word of the year is "worthy," and I’m inspired by my verse of the year, Jeremiah 29:11. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” It all ties together with the truths I’m learning by reading "Enough" by Sarah Jaynes, which beautifully contrasts the enemy’s lies with God’s truths.
Now, clothes that were hidden way in the back of my closet fit again—some are even loose! The dress I'm wearing in this picture has never felt this comfortable before.
So, how do I maintain this progress? I admit, the fear of backsliding is real, given my history of the weight rollercoaster. Here are a few tips I’m applying to stay on track, similar to strategies that helped me manage alcohol:
Morning Routine: Prayer, meditation, and gratitude set the tone for my day. I begin with the Lord’s Prayer, list ten things I'm grateful for, and then dive into a devotional and reflective prayer.
Bible ReCap: which is a devotional/ and accompanying podcast reading the Bible in chronological order.
Disciplined Eating and Workout Routines: Matt and I plan our weekly meals. I use the MyNetDairy app to log my water intake and keep our workouts scheduled. Reading labels. If I can't pronounce it, I’m probably going to pass on it.
Consistent Scheduling: Planning my days helps keep me focused.
Mental Fitness: Daily breath work and PQ reps help regulate my nervous system.
Marriage Meetings: Regular check-ins with Matt maintain our connection.
Support and Accountability: I openly seek support from Matt and my coach regarding my eating habits.
Daily Choices: Each day, I remind myself that choosing health might be hard, but it's worth it.
Self-Reflection: Asking myself daily, "Who do I wish to become, and how is this habit supporting me?"
Daily Affirmation: A high five in the mirror every day to boost my spirits.
If these insights resonate with you, or if you need coaching around mindset, relationships, alcohol or substances, please reach out. I'm here to help! Click here to schedule a free discovery call.