New Creation

"I am not ashamed, I'm a new creation. I am not ashamed anymore."

These words opened a Church service I attended Sunday morning. God, as only God can do, so beautifully timed this one. The morning of this service was my final weigh-in for the first 30 Day Challenge. I nervously stepped on the scale, knowing I was feeling sluggish and that I had indulged a bit much the week before this. Yes, the sweet tooth reared its ugly ahead and I had gained a pound that week. I could say it was the day or that I was sick and on medicine. Nope, I'm going to own it. I had more treats than I did exercise.

Danny's mantra is "Lose Your Quit", and I'm not gonna let this setback go any further. After all, in the big picture, I did awesome last month and I've had great success in the last year!

Back to the Church service...

Author's Note: This is a reflection on the Creation story in Genesis. I think God is speaking regardless  of whether it was a day as we know it or an allegorical day. Please read it for the point God was making.


The Pastor was preaching on the Creation story in Genesis 1. He was going through the account day by day, reflecting on the significance of each day's creations, as well as the parallels to our own lives. What really resonated with me were Days 3 and 4, not only what was created, but also in the sequence and the way God had to FINISH WHAT HE STARTED.

The third day is when the water gathered into a basin to separate the ocean from the dry land. Then He brought forth vegetation and fruit. Whew! Busy day! The Pastor reflected on the stormy chaos that day must have been, and yet the earth needed to come out of the water to be able to have the FRUIT. Then, as it was in Hebrew culture, the day started in the evening, so we head into the fourth day. God called into Creation the "lights in the dome", or the Sun and the Moon in the sky, to illuminate the Earth and separate day from night. We have seasons and years because of the fourth day.

What if God had stopped with the third day? What if He looked at it and said, "What a stormy, chaotic mess. I quit." He didn't quit! He kept going! Because He kept going, we have the Sun and Moon, the sources of light, seasons, and time! God went on to create beasts, animals, and ultimately, humanity! Oh, and it was ALL GOOD!

I can tell you another time I know God finished what He started. He had just allowed His only Son to be betrayed, tortured, and Crucified! Imagine if He had thrown in the towel with Good Friday. There wouldn't be an Easter Sunday!

If you know me, you know I don't really know the meaning of "can't". I'm more likely to burn the candle at both ends or run something over before it is going to stop me. That could be a post in and of itself. Focusing on the weight loss, however, what if I'd quit when someone told me that without Personal Training, I'd fail? What if I thought 6 pounds and a fabulous dress was enough? What if I lost hope when I plateaued or gained? I wouldn't be here and I wouldn't be me.

I'm a work in progress. I'm a new creation. God will finish what He started and so will I.

Fed Up!

Some of this will be review, but it sets up my December

To those who know me, it's no secret that I've struggled with self esteem and my weight my whole life. Those who know me well/are my Facebook friends know that for the last 5 years, I've been on a journey to really lose the weight and get healthy. Many know that my move to California and the Biggest Loser were major vehicles for making this goal happen.

My first week in San Diego, 2009, I was in my parents' temporary apartment looking for something to watch on TV. The Lord had already been working on me that this was going to be the season of change, that with His help, I was going to finally lose the weight. I decided to check out the show Biggest Loser, in its 8th season. I was immediately drawn to it, inspired by the stories and relating in different ways to people on the show. A gym membership, supportive parents, time on my hands, and Biggest Loser set up the beginning of my journey. I've been at it for 5 years now, with its victories, downs, plateaus, and backslides, but remained hopeful and determined.

Season 8 of Biggest Loser had one contestant, Danny Cahill, that I rooted for all season. I know it's TV, but I could tell he was a man of good character and integrity, plus a musician and man of God. I was so excited when he won!

Because I'm Alison, I followed him on Facebook, and then one day in November 2014, I saw something that got me so excited! Danny was hosting a 30 Day Challenge in December! He formed a support group and was offering to coach 16 people on their journey through nutrition, fitness, and weekly conference calls. After some prayerful consideration, I jumped at it! And so began a Simply Lose It FED UP Challenge! In December of all times!

One of the things thats had me from the beginning is that here's this celebrity calling ME, coaching ME! Not only does he have status as the Biggest Biggest Loser, he has done it. He's learned from some of the best in the world and knows what it takes! That has helped the process for sure!

The first week took a lot of work, planning, and money. When I lost 5 pounds that first week, I knew it was worth it! Before, doing other programs, I've lost 2-3 on a good week.

I normally am a sequential storyteller, but I think this is better to be described in themes, what I've learned through this process.

Planning and Structure

Danny's Simply Lose It Meal Plan consists of well-balanced meals with portions based on our current weight. I have taken his meal plan and I compose a weekly chart, so I know exactly what I'm eating all week. I then do my grocery shopping, and make what meals ahead of time that I can. I may make a pound of turkey burgers, grill some chicken breasts, boil some eggs. I was already doing some meal prep, but this ups it significantly.  While some might think this restrictive, it has been freeing for me. I have a plan. It takes having to think out of it. By having yummy food ready, I can say no to temptations like Moes on the way home, because the foods ready and waiting! I would say this has been the biggest key to my success.

I eat a ton!

I've been amazed by the amount of food I get to eat. It goes to show that its not just counting calories, but the KINDS of calories. Example: I was eating a hard boiled egg for breakfast. Healthy, protein, awesome start. But I found that I was starving by 10 am! On this plan, I can have egg and muffin and fruit OR oatmeal AND yogurt! It's quite satisfying.

Lifestyle

I've long said I don't want a diet, I want a lifestyle. So far, this has proven to be a lifestyle. I enjoy the foods I'm eating They are REAL foods. I can eat out well on this food! I don't like being one of those people who makes her eating habits burdens for other people. I can choose well while waiting out! lost weight eating in New York City for 6 days!

Things I don't miss

Whether by cheating or substituting, I've discovered there are certain foods I don't miss: regular french fries (I  prefer sweet potato fries), burger buns, average delivery pizza (real NY pizza is a different story), and most dinner bread!

Self control

Before the Challenge, when I wasn't seeing the results I wanted, my Personal Trainer who I love dearly asked me, "How bad do you want it?" That frustrated the dickens out of me! I want it more than pretty much anything! But as I'v changed my behaviors through this Challenge, I've realized I have more self control than I thought. I've realized that this is what its like to put my money where my mouth is in terms of wanting it. One of the things I've been telling myself lately is, "Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels."

Food addiction is like alcoholism or any other addiction. Some people can be around it without temptation, some need no exposure whatsoever. For me, I am discovering that there are certain times when I need to eat none of something because I won't stop (like Mexican chips) and some foods I can eat a little of and be good. God really wanted me to learn about my own self control.

I stress that I"m learning, definitely not mastered.

The weight of the food

Between a foot injury and the busyness of December, I wouldn't say my fitness increased dramatically during the Challenge. That means that the majority of the results really are the nutrition! Danny says, "You can't outrun a bad diet."

Personality and Community

My trainer and I have talked about the roots of the successes here, especially because many of the components are things she's been telling me since January of last year. I am an extrovert, so having a group doing this with is huge. We have become quite a community and I love reading their posts and sharing mine. I love getting to personally talk to them and especially Danny on a weekly basis. 

I am also thankful to have an amazing fitness community at home. Spearheaded by my trainer, pushing me and holding me accountable, I have an awesome fitness class. They not only make fitness fun, but also provide built in structure I need!

Affirmations

One of my primary love languages is words of affirmation. The reception I've received to my journey has been incredible, and has really kept me going. From people telling me how good I look to my parents asking where the rest of me is when they haven't seen me in 6 months. I've had friends notice who saw me only weeks ago and friends who saw me a decade ago! With my self esteem issues and the fact that I'm looking at myself every day, these words mean more to me than I can express. But it's not just how I look. My sister observed how "the unstable one" was remaining stable on a ferry. My best friend who knows my journey and has watched me VERY carefully over the last 8 years, noticed how well I navigated over a baby gate. Yes, I"m losing weight, but going on a year and a half of Pilates and Weight Training, my overall balance, stability, and strength is improving significantly, which is huge for my body, considering I had a prenatal stroke and have a weaker left side. 

Going Forward...

The Challenge officially ends today, but I'm not done. This is a lifestyle, and I still have a goal weight to reach. Danny is graciously counting for another month with those of us wishing to continue. I'm no ready to be let loose! Looking ahead!

"You don't need a reality show to change your life. You need to change your mind."

"The physical manifestation happened long after the decision not to quit."

Thank you, Danny Cahill.

New Year, New Blog

Back to Blogging...

I had a blog for awhile, but then it was mysteriously removed. I then started email blogging my adventures. For no particular reason it's been awhile. Considering a new chapter I started, I thought it was time to restart!

The Inspired and Inspiring...

Like the title? It really speaks to how I live. I am inspired, and I'm driven by those inspirations. I love to share those inspirations! One of my favorite definitions of inspiration is "of the Spirit". It is my hope and prayer that these experiences and words will bless others!

I welcome comments and feedback!