Monday – November 25, 2019
We are truly creatures of habit! Instilled in us from a very young age, our parents play a huge role into helping establish our original habits. It’s up to us as individuals to fine tune those habits and alter them for long-term health benefits.
My short story on how my habits have evolved since childhood. And just to be clear, it has not been an easy road – certainly NOT a path of perfection. Psssttt.. The girl on the left in sunglasses is me back in 2004 – I was 31! Girl on right – me in 2019 – 46 years old. 😊
From as early as I can remember, I was taught to finish everything on my plate. And to top it off, my plate was usually filled to the rim. I was a little chubby as a child but healthy. As I got older and into high school, my weight definitely fluctuated. I did run cross country and track so that did help offset my sweet tooth and need for large portion meals. One of my favorite restaurants was Friendly’s – and always had the Reese’s Pieces Sundae – Super Sundae, 3 huge scoops of ice cream, hot fudge, marshmallow fluff, peanut butter sauce, Reese’s Pieces, chocolate jimmies (as mom called them) and lots of whipped cream. And I always ate the entire thing, yes! I’ll never forget one trip there, while eating this very sundae, an older woman came over to me and point blank said to me, “young lady, you will get fat eating that”. No joke! I was with my cousin and we both bust out laughing – because we didn’t know how else to respond. I was in denial and was also a teenager with the “that will never happen to me” mentality.
Fast forward to my 19-year-old self – after finishing my first year of college. I had put on the freshman 15+ by that Spring. When I came home for Summer break, I was determined to take off the weight. I did a great program called Lean Line (similar to Weight Watchers) and it focused a lot on portion control. I ended up losing over 20 pounds that Summer. I did keep off 15 of those pounds through the end of college.
My struggle continued to be portion control. 2nd to that was the quality of food that I was eating. I grew up in an Italian family and we ate a lot of very heavy meals. My mom was an amazing cook and did cook healthy meals but a lot of them were heavy. Every Sunday, we ate our dinner earlier – usually around 4:00 PM and it typically was Italian. Think baked ziti, lasagna, pasta with meatballs and sausage, garlic bread and salad. I usually ate until I was uncomfortably full – typically going for seconds.
This way of eating eventually caught up with me in my twenty’s. I remember trying to lose the weight before getting married and I just could not get under a certain number. The quality of food I was eating was also lacking so that didn’t help. If only I knew then what I know now. All I can say, it’s been a journey!
So how did my habits change? Ironically having our 2 kids so close together was the biggest blessing in so many ways. They were only 17 months apart. So, when it came time to eat from my over-filled plate, I did not have time to complete it. I was forced to slow down my eating and for the first time in my life, gained the ability to tune into my fullness scale. I realized half-way through my plate, I was full and did not need all that food. My portions started scaling down and after having our second child, I was able to drop the weight. I actually was able to get under my wedding day weight by 15 pounds.
Now today, after making so many other changes from my diagnosis with Multiple Sclerosis and learning so much about the food industry and my mom’s cancer – I am 27 pounds less than when we got married. Over 5 years ago – we switched to an organic way of eating – I cook almost every meal and am now gluten/dairy free. In addition, I learned so much more with my Health Coach schooling and how to apply more healthy habits into my life and routine which has truly helped me. I also had some major motivating factors to steer me to where I am today. I truly BELIEVE that my diagnosis with MS has been a blessing to my life in so many ways. It has forced me to see how delicate and fragile life truly is, how to appreciate what I have and how to nourish my body like it deserves to be.
Do know, our weight is not the end all, be all and certainly not the only determining factor of our health. So many other factors play into our health – stress levels, food quality, daily movement, self-care, relationships and sleep to name a few. It’s about rounding out each of these categories in your life – to the best of your ability and really showing up for yourself.
It is a true honor to help others unveil their motivating factors and slowly implement life-changing habits that work for them. Nothing more rewarding then seeing others see their value and healthy life they deserve!
Need help surviving the holiday eating frenzy? Join my Sleigh the Weight Gain Group starting December 1st to help stay on track and not put on the holiday pounds. I am including a personal daily tracker, meal ideas, portion tips, party tips, movement accountability and so much more. This will be a fun, interactive group – all supporting each other during the holidays and keeping each other accountable. Suggested random acts of kindness will be featured as well. Message me for details.
Join my WellNourish Center today as an Advantage Member and be the first to know about new recipe releases! You will also have access to all of my recipes at ChristiHealthCoach.com and receive the newest blog posts, wellness and habit change tips and more! Best part – it’s FREE! Join Today!
I am now scheduling new client consultations. I am extending a special offer on my 90 Day Program – 25% off through the end of 2019. Let’s get those good habits started now before the holiday foods arrive into your kitchen and life. If you are feeling frustrated with no energy or drive to make the necessary changes and optimize your health, I can help you get on track – find amazing energy and get you craving healthy foods. I do this by slowly integrating habit changes that will stay with you for the long-term without feeling deprived or overwhelmed.
Contact me today for a Free Discovery Transformation Consultation to see if we are a good fit together!
Cheers To Your Health,
Coach Christi