My good friend Michelle (also @eatingjourney) was the catalyst of my own weight loss. We went to high school together and I was shocked by her picture when we reconnected on Facebook in 2005 – I hadn’t seen her in several years and had no idea that she was practically half the person she had been.
I was depressed and at an emotional rock bottom over my continued failure. I had tried pills and plans… yet, I kept finding fast food wrappers piling up in the back seat of my car.
So, in desperation I sent her a message asking for some words of wisdom. What she shared was not a quick fix or magical cure, but a story of determination.
I’m not exaggerating at all when I say this: until I saw her photo I didn’t believe I could do it.
She gave me an injection of hope.
Suddenly the impossible was possible. The realization that I could unravel the layers of fat and find my true self was breathtaking.
She has struggled with self-image (like basically every.woman.I.know) but has fought back by exposing herself and finding that happiness is not found in achieving a specific number, but that living healthy and eating mindfully is a choice we can make anew each morning.
In case you can’t tell, I adore Michelle. In many ways I owe so much of my life to her.
Not because she lost a bunch of weight though.
Because she is truly kind.
And I love that she’s a fighter. Who is beautiful. And inspirational. And is on a mission to let women know it’s okay to love your body.
[Oh, and she has a fitness level of 4 out of 5. Kickass I tell ya.]
When I was in Oregon for Christmas we recorded a video:
If you’re looking for some other amazing women on an eating journey check out:
Jenn @ ExHotGirl
Mary @ AMerryLife
Jen @ PriorFatGirl
Carla @ MizFit
Veronica @ Roni’s Weigh
Angela @ OhSheGlows
Julia @ JewliaGoulia
Want more on this topic? Related posts:
The Naked Truth
Weigh-in Weeks 3 & 4
Gloria: I recently decided, again, to lose weight and have been doing good so far, eating less, trying to eat healthier, drinking nothing but water, counting calories and working out about 2 hrs a day, everyday. I’ve been doing this for about 2 weeks already and have been able to stay motivated and focused so far. I have a few questions though, if you or anyone reading could help out.
Through an app on my phone I’m able to record my food/calorie intake and what exercise I do, but because I wake up late in the day I usually only take in about 500 calories a day [the app says I should take in 1250 daily] and when exercising “supposedly” lose more than half, or all, of those calories. The first couple of days I was always hungry but that is no longer the issue, sometimes after a work out I am and usually eat a plain side salad from Wendy’s or homemade. Today though, I was nauseous after my work out and know it has to do with my eating or lack of. I know that by not eating sufficiently I won’t lose weight and just store fat but I was wondering how much it mattered WHAT I ate as long as I stayed within my daily calorie limit. I am unemployed and go to school two days out of the week, when I’m not in school I wake up pretty late; after noon or later and am usually not hungry til about 4 or 5pm. Someone told me – for breakfast eat like a Queen, for lunch eat like a Princess and for dinner eat like a peasant, so if I decide to reverse breakfast and lunch and do just that, will I still lose weight or not?
I’m not talking about eating a medium pizza or a combo meal everyday, just something to boost the calories I take in and not have the after work out nausea. I do plan on changing my sleeping habits because I do know that it’s a major factor when it comes to weight loss but any help is greatly appreciated.25 weeks ago
6PeaceLoveHappiness9: [via YouTube] After watching this video this weekend I signed up for Weight Watchers Online. Today is my first day. I’m going to get a membership at our YMCA sometime this week. Hopefully I’ll be able to be a success story like Michelle and you!25 weeks ago
pointypencil1: [via YouTube] She has pointy teeth!!! Cool25 weeks ago
Lurple: [via YouTube] I really needed this video right now, thank you!25 weeks ago
DarkWolfPoduction: [via YouTube] wow she looks good for her age!
im kinda jealsous now!25 weeks ago
Swidhelm: [via YouTube] From what I’ve read by many trainers, have one cheat meal a week. This will help you maintain a good diet. Don’t go nuts with a cheat meal, but if you crave a slice of pizza, have one. A burger? Why not.26 weeks ago
Mary :: A Merry Life: Wow, thank you for including me in your little list.
I never knew Michelle was the one to inspire your weight loss! You were one of the original sources of inspiration for me, when I found your youtube videos. So I guess the inspiration just keeps going around. I’m really lucky to know you guys.26 weeks ago
DustyVideoWatcher: [via YouTube] great video thank you26 weeks ago
WithBACON: [via YouTube] The sleep point is so true and SO underrated.26 weeks ago
madcreates: [via YouTube] thanks for the video inspiration … back to tracking and healthy living (: i lost focus but now going to be back on track (starting from this moment)!
G’luck everyone else!26 weeks ago
debdownunder: [via YouTube] great video! thank you!26 weeks ago
belle0074: [via YouTube] Great Video!! :) Thank you :)26 weeks ago
MizFit: I keep forgetting you two have known each other for ages.26 weeks ago