It’s Not Him, It’s Me ( For a Better Me)

Someone noticed that I only eat sandwich (wheat bread) during lunchtime and asked if I am on a diet and I said yes. She replied, ” I think if someone is on a diet, it’s because of the husband. My partner does not want me to get fat.” When I heard this, I was like “Wait, what?”

My immediate response was “No, it has nothing to do with my husband. He’s my food buddy. I actually told him to stop me from eating a lot, especially sweets.” I was just surprised that there are men who have an issue with their wives, partners, or girlfriends getting fat. Not to judge, of course I don’t know where they’re coming from but can I give my two cents? Husbands and boyfriends, if you’re  concerned about your women’s health and well-being that’s why you tell them not to get fat and watch over they weight, that is absolutely fine. You have my full support. But don’t make them feel bad or ugly if they gain weight. Stop body shaming and don’t make it hard for your loved one to stay thin just for your own benefit.

From Pixabay

For those who are wondering why I only eat bread (haha) here’s the story. Truth be told, the first reason why I want to lose weight was a lot of people were  telling me that I am getting bigger, not just my mom but my friends and co-workers, too. I am well aware that food is the culprit (I am a spoiled wife) , married to not doing any form of exercise. So to shut them up (haha, sorry guys!) I promised myself that I will go on a diet WHICH. DID. NOT. HAPPEN. This was around November. You know it’s a bad move to be on a diet in December as it is the holiday season which is why I let myself enjoy all the food in Christmas parties that I attended and even indulged on our own handa. One night while I was prepping for work, I was disheartened to learn that some of my clothes did not fit anymore. While it’s a good excuse to buy new ones, I suddenly got worried of my weight. When I checked it in our office clinic, I got surprised that it’s almost my pregnancy weight with Zady. I can’t believe that within a year, I gained 10lbs! Maybe that’s the reason why I feel lazy and heavy all the time. I am also guilty of stress eating which I thought would help to make me feel better but it’s the other way around. And then it hit me.

With just a few hours of sleep due to my work schedule and stress, if I continue to not eat right or even lift a finger to exercise, plus the fact that I could not get enough of sweets, I don’t think I can witness my children graduate from college. There’s a lot that I want to accomplish but it will never happen if I don’t take care of myself. I realized that I should not lose weight or get healthy  for other people’s eyes. It has to be for myself, for my desire to live a long life so I can be with my family and friends.

The start of my fitness journey

KWhen this month started, I checked out easy warm-up exercises and workout vdeos on Youtube. I don’t want an intense one since I still have to go to work at night. I do my exercise in the afternoon. I’ve found Fitness Blender’s l and Walk at home videos. They’re easy but you’ll surely sweat. I dance after the walking exercise since I love dancing. My favorites are Hula Hoop, Closer and I’m The One by Live Love Party.

Exercise is not daily for there are days when I have something more important to do. I just don’t want it to feel like an obligation but more of just enjoying what I do. Kat by katxblog motivated me to change my eating pattern when I read her story. I already know about Intermittent Fasting but refuse to do it because hello! Food is life! Haha! But Kat has her own rule, instead of 16:8, hers is 12:12 so I thought, why not try it? On weekdays, I do the 12:12, sometimes it’s 13:11. The first number represents the hours that your body is on its fasting state while the second number is for the hours wherein you can eat whatever you want in moderation. Search about Intermittent Fasting on Google to learn more about it.

Rice is life no more for me. I lessened my rice consumption and am encouraging my husband to do the same, especially since my mom-in-law is diabetic. I tell him that the kids and I want to be with him for a long time and taking care of his health is the the best that he can do to make this happen. Don’t worry, I don’t deprive myself of good food. Weekends are my cheat days. I eat rice during lunch and dinner but the amount is not the same as what I used to eat. We refrain from munching on burger and nachos for midnight snack and swear to visit fastfood once or twice a month only.

Husband and I bought a weighing scale last Sunday. At first I was hesitant to check my weight thinking that there’s no progress. But hooray, I lost 4lbs! Woohoo! I am way too far from my ideal weight but seeing an improvement fuels me to be consistent in eating right and changing my lifestyle. Louisa’s fitness journey also inspired me to just continue what I have started. Her story is worth sharing. Avoliciousblog by Stephanie and Serena has a lot of fitness tips and healthy food posts.

Maybe I’ll post a picture once I reach my ideal weight and if I am already confident with my consistency in getting healthy. Remember, do it for yourself. Get up and take the first step. Hit the gym if you like or do it at home. Buddy up with someone or do Zumba with your friends. The struggle is real but the end result will be worth it.  Start now for a better and healthier you.