Like so many people who struggle with their weight, I was tired of setting a New Year’s resolution to lose weight, only to break it.  It just never seemed to work for me, or I would lose a little and then gain a little back.  So last year, instead of setting a weight loss goal, I decided to move my body every day for an entire year. That’s 365 days of working out!  It was a little daunting, but I set some limits.  It only had to be 30 minutes, and on the weekends I could do something as simple as going for a walk, a bike ride or even sledding! 

The only way I could do this was to focus on one day at a time.  The first month was a bit of a challenge, but soon I found I could do it if I planned my workout into my daily schedule.  I set my alarm for the same time every workday and did my workout right away in the morning.  The weekends were a bit more of a challenge because I often traveled.  But I bought a couple of Pilates DVDs and found it easy to fit a quick routine into my morning. 

If I went home to visit my parents, I made it a point to go for a walk with my mom or a bike ride with my sisters.  Eventually, moving more became second nature to me.  Every day I wake up I think about my daily schedule and how to fit my workout into it.  I even began running, which I had never done in my life.  As an overweight person, running was the last thing I thought I would ever enjoy.  But now I love the feeling of exhaustion after a good run. It feels so good to push my body and know that I am doing something good for myself. 

I started to notice results. Moving my body every day, partnered with a greater awareness of what I was putting into my body as fuel, paid off.  Since January 1, I have lost almost 40 pounds. My body is more toned then it has ever been, and I am fitting into sizes I couldn’t fit into when I was in high school.  I see myself in pictures and can’t believe it. Every pound lost is a victory, and I know nothing can stop me now!  I saw an old friend at a wedding a couple weeks ago and she didn’t recognize me!  She told me how amazing I look – she couldn’t believe I was the same person.

I realize now the importance of developing good habits, such as exercise and a healthy diet, and how these good habits will help me live a longer, healthier life.  I’m no longer afraid I will be facing diabetes or high blood pressure. 

But the best reward has been the effect I have had on those around me.  My family members and friends have seen my success and come to me for tips on working out and eating better.  Two weeks ago, my aunt told me I was her inspiration to lose weight.  Through watching her diet and walking with a friend, she lost 22 pounds, cut her insulin needs in half, and lowered her blood pressure and cholesterol.  Hearing this made me want to lose my last 17 pounds even more.  My sisters were inspired by my success and have begun exercising and eating right.  We are going to be one hot family someday! 

Written by: Cassi L.