Preparation is Key

When we first began our journey, we were not too sure how we would prepare ourselves for the long-term road ahead; as we take it step by step each day and try to figure out a strategy that will suit our wants and needs.  As the days pass by, we begin to slowly adapt to a new routine and lifestyle that requires focus, mindfulness, and determination. 

Without having this mindset, we will easily fall back into our old ways.  I’ve now learned how and what I must do in order to achieve and maintain the results I’m accustomed to and behold, and the answer is preparation!  Preparation is key for achieving and maintaining my ideal body weight, and fitness status.  It keeps me from straying from the new lifestyle I’ve chosen, and it’s much easier to maintain my weight and fitness goals with this plan.

On Sunday mornings as I prepare for the workweek ahead, I gather my food items I’ll need for the week in order to just “grab and go” into my lunch bag.  Not only is it a no brainer, since each container is labeled with the correct ounces to intake, but also since I’m working a full-time job, and then going straight from work to the gym for at least one hour.  When I arrive home I grab my healthy pre-measured food items, and my water container for the next days’ meal during the day.  It seems to work for me and only takes one hour of prep time on Sunday to be organized for the week ahead.

In order to take care of myself and continue to exercise and eat right, this plan works since it gives me the time I need to work out and devote that one hour to what I committed to do for the remainder of my life.

If you’re working full-time, or part-time, and have other obligations as well during the week, perhaps by preparing your food in advance will be beneficial to devoting the block of time you need in order to remain healthy and fit.   If you are on a tight schedule, perhaps you may want to set aside an extra hour and prepare a few dinners in advance and freeze them so you don’t have to stress about cooking every evening too.  Give it a try and see if this routine helps you have the time you need to exercise and maintain your weight!

Linda Hegedus ©

Comparing the Past to the Present

When you’ve succeeded on what you set forth to do on this interesting and ever-changing journey, I had retrospectively looked back on what I was to what I’ve become and continue to be as I move in a direction of growth and expansion.  Each day and moment of the experience has given me a lot to be thankful and hopeful for as acceptance and closure has come to be, and allowing my new lifestyle to be the only path to be taken for the remainder of my life as I know it today.

In my primary job, I have many comparison charts to provide and submit to each new employee who becomes part of our agency.  The same concept applies in my personal life.  I’ve taken personal inventory and thought about the comparisons of when I was morbidly obese, which were hurtful, harmful, and unhealthy; and have finally become beneficial, soothing, and a healthy way of life, that I now live by.

When I was morbidly obese, and weighed 330 pounds, there were many obstacles to overcome.  It was a painful experience.  After having weight-loss surgery seven years' ago, I not only overcame, but have become a mentor for many people, who are suffering from this debilitating and life-threatening malady. 

I look into their eyes and I see their soul yearning for change, and wanting to become independent and free from pain.  I share my previous life story with them and explain the changes by comparing what I was able to do to what I am able to do today.

I begin by telling them how I felt and how I feel now.  These are the comparisons of the past and the present:

I couldn’t climb stairs and now I walk up to five flights with ease.  I couldn't walk without a cane, and now I walk and power walk as frequently as possible.  I walk 1.5 miles during my lunch break with a walking buddy for 30 minutes.  I  had difficulty breathing and had developed sleep apnea, and now I no longer use a C-PAP machine and my breathing improved significantly.

I had developed psoriasis all over my arms, legs, and scalp.  Now my skin cleared up 95 percent.  I could not sit in a standard-size chair  and now I can sit and fit into any and all chairs.  I also couldn't fit inside a standard-sized bathtub to enjoy a nice warm bath, and now I can enjoy soaking in a bathtub after a strenuous workout at the gym.  There was a lack of energy and stamina, but now I'm energized and work out every day, which consists of cycling every other day for 6 miles in 25 minutes.  Weight train for 45 minutes.  One day arms, the next day legs, every day abdominals and every other day back and chest.  

I had taken medication for cholesterol, and now I take no more medication.   I used to wear orthopedic shoes valued at 300.00, and now I wear fashionable and practical shoes.  I've eaten a high carb, high fat diet and now I eat organic, clean, and from never drinking water to now I intake 74+ oz. of water per day.

These are just a few comparisons that I mention and it gives people enough motivation to begin step by step, day by day, week by week, month by month, a reason, a purpose, and the nudge they need to begin their own personal journey.  I’m blessed to be playing a role in each of their lives.  It also reinforces my own mindset to remain an example for them to follow and keeps me honest as well.  We all have something to offer, and when you realize what gifts you were given, use them to benefit someone else.  Pass the torch to the next person and help them keep the flame burning brightly.

Linda Hegedus ©

It's Time to Explore, Experience, and Enjoy a New Adventure!

As each day passed by, I realized that all I was doing was going to work, coming home to prepare dinner and cleaning up around the house.  If I had any energy left, I would color and read health-related articles before bedtime.  I felt that I’ve forgotten that there was more to life than just resigning to a mundane routine.  The winter months in New England don’t always have wiggle room for enjoying the great outdoors and being physically active on the bike trails or taking a long walk as I have in the Spring, Summer, and Fall.  It was not enough to walk the corridors of my workplace during my 30-minute lunch break.  I needed more motivation and movement.  There’s a quote that states “He who hesitates is lost” it was time to get moving again in a different direction for a different adventure and experience.

Sometimes we keep thinking about what we want to do, but we never put it into action.  The last time I felt like this was when I contemplated about having weight-loss surgery.  Every morning as I ventured out to work, I was driving by the brand-new gym that had just opened.  I received a free pass to try it out from a friend of mine, but didn’t follow through. At the same time there was a Yoga program offered to me free of charge that I could attend on a weekly basis.  I thought to myself, I need to get out there and do this!  I signed up for the weekly Yoga class and also used my free three day pass to the new gym. 

I was always intrigued with Yoga and now I had the chance to add value to my life by participating in this group class.  I enjoyed the session and have attended each class ever since.  I’ve also met some very nice people as a result of taking a step forward. At the same time I joined the gym for the winter months since I don’t have to commit to a contract, and I am able to enjoy the benefits of the facility on a month to month basis.  I already utilized the racquetball courts, had a boxing session with a trainer, used all of the fitness equipment, and free weights as well.  Afterwards I reward my body with a hot steamy jacuzzi, and a hot sauna then I top it off with a cleansing shower. 

I’ve been feeling so much more relaxed and noticed my overall appearance looks much more vibrant and alive!  Some people asked me what I’m doing to look healthy and I indicated by practicing yoga, and working out every day, has helped me in many aspects of my life. I feel a good tired in the evening, and instead of worrying and feeling uptight after a long day at the office, I’m relieved and refreshed.  Yoga allows me to focus on breathing and detoxifying my body and thoughts at the same time.  It keeps me in the present instead of in the past or the future.  I’m learning to focus on the now and on the breath. 

The gym has given me the opportunity to reach out to others who are also working on their weight.  It’s a calling I’ve always wanted to do and that is to help others as I have been helped with this life long journey.  It’s only been three weeks and already I have motivated and inspired a handful of people.  Imagine how many I can reach out to in one year?  I’m glad I’ve decided to change up my routine and get out and reach out.  It’s my nature and my purpose.  I was put on this Earth to make a difference and that’s exactly what I’m going to do!  What do you want to pursue?  What have you been putting off doing that you’re ready to do?  Don’t wait too long, or you’ll miss out on all of the fun!

Linda Hegedus ©