At the end of 2013 I was at the highest weight of my entire life. I couldn’t sleep, had massive headaches, digestive problems, carpal tunnel, bad knees, mysterious aches and shooting pains all over my body, and to top it off I couldn’t stop eating. Despite all my physical issues I realized for the first time that I actually liked myself as a person and wanted the best for me. So when I wrote my 2014 resolutions the idea was to become healthier and happier whether or not I lost weight.
2014 started out strong with an 11 pound weight loss in the first two months through gradual diet changes and increased activity (swimming lessons). The following months my weight loss came to a standstill due to loss of activity (lessons ended and I didn’t purchase a membership) and job stress. After experiencing several health scares due to my now “too healthy” diet, I gave up and comforted myself by consuming everything my stomach desired. It made me feel “normal” but the job stress didn’t go away, my appetite became insatiable and my physical issues increased tenfold. Over the next month I gained back 7 pounds.
In July I reached rock bottom and was absolutely miserable. It was then I started soul searching and praying to be released from this food addiction that was destroying my life and threatened my future. It was obvious that massive change was necessary but I had no strength or motivation. Needing to clear my head, I spent a few days away from home in August and through prayer gained clarity about my next steps. I returned home and released rent on my studio, donating everything that didn’t fit into my bedroom. I started watching Heavy and Supersize vs. Super Skinny every day and was encouraged by their stories. I came to understand that if I waited for motivation I would never start turning my life around. I also gave myself permission to set all my hobbies aside and focus on my health and wellbeing.
On September first, once again at my 11 pound weight loss, I recommitted and invited God to be with me during every step of my journey. That first week was really hard. It was so foreign to say “no” and walk away from food. It was tedious having to take it one decision and one day at a time praying constantly for strength. During that week I had several revelations which inspired me to call off of work the following Monday and sign up for a gym membership, swimming lessons and dance lessons. Also in that second week I decided that I was tired of looking frumpy and got my hair cut and layered, got fitted for a bra, and purchased an exercise shirt in my current size. A few days later I realized that I love the shape of my calves and wanted to show them off and purchased my first pair of skinny jeans. J
It quickly became apparent with swimming that I would need to practice outside of class so that I could get the maximum benefit of having an instructor. So at first I added one additional day and then another as I built stamina. Despite changing my diet and exercising, the scale was barely going down. L But I kept at it anyway.
In October after a long internal battle, I scheduled all my wellness appointments and finally ordered contacts. During my physical the doctor recommended the 1,200 calorie diet and gave a sample menu plan. I hated the idea but I knew that something needed to change so I committed it to prayer and slowly started adjusting my diet again.
On November 1st I started the 1,200 calorie diet. Relying on Smart Ones and other portioned healthy foods I also upped my produce intake, substituted almond milk and eliminated sugar and bread from consumption. Group swimming classes ended and I transitioned into private lessons where I learned the butterfly stroke and started working on stamina building exercises. Between the three days of swimming, one day of dance and 1,200 calorie diet I started losing up to 3 pounds a week consistently. I noticed that my carpal tunnel was gone and that I wasn’t getting winded on the stairs. Also I felt more energy and my clothes dropped a few sizes. Excited in these new changes and after completing a craftshow, I took it upon myself to crochet my grandma an afghan, my instructor a scarf, my brother, dad and favorite waitress a hat after making three dishcloths, two chibi teacups, two Tako-sans and a Tako-sama for my coworkers. :D:D:D
In December I renewed my gym membership and completed my dance and private swim lessons. Temptations around every corner, I prayed consistently for strength and had my starting point in mind. Despite having several birthdays and holidays I kept up with my diet with very few splurges. With swimming I had a few times where I could only make it to the pool twice in a week due to overtime, however when I’m there I push myself and completed a 600, an 800 and a 1,000 yard ladder on my own. It’s crazy to think that one year ago I could barely doggy paddle!
To summarize my year, lots of hard work, tears, prayer and soul searching but I lost 38.2 pounds, dropped 4 clothing sizes and I am getting my life back! 😀 God is so good!!! 2014 was truly a year of transformation and 2015 with God at my side is going to be an amazing continuation.
Thanks for reading!
-Anna San
Everything Anna 
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