Friday, May 17, 2013

On Getting Comfortable And Uncomfortable

I've been getting quite a few requests and questions about my weight loss journey. I knew it was going to take some time and a lot of courage to write this post... But I've  finally made time in my hectic life to write out this post. In fact, I'm writing this in my bloggy journal, on a bus - coming home from a field trip with my daughter. Because its a 2 hour ride and this may be my only chance to get some "down time" where I'm not "mommy'd" a million times and can think while writing out my thoughts!
Anyways, the thing about my weight loss journey is that it has come to sort of a halt. Not intentionally, but ever since my last post about maintaining - that's all I've really been doing. And though there isn't anything wrong with that, the thing is that I haven't stopped trying! I've just gotten comfortable. So giving my all to this has been put to the "back burner". With the busy schedule my family now has - I've barely had time to go to the gym. I'm sure I could fit it in if I tried harder, but I've been so tired, that I'd just rather relax.

Before, I pushed myself no matter what! I didn't let myself "just relax". Now I've been a little less hard on myself. Why? Because, again, I've gotten comfortable. I can look at myself and am happy with what I see (with clothes on), and the weight I have lost so far. I still get compliments on my weight loss and how great I look. Most people are extra kind and tell me they've "always thought I looked beautiful, but can tell how confident/happy I am now and what a difference that makes as well".

People have asked about my weight loss and always when I say I'm still striving for 30 more pounds they seem shocked! They tell me "no, I dont think you need to lose any more weight!" or they ask me "why" like I must be crazy. haha And its wonderful to have those compliments. BUT its those amazing comments/concerns/compliments that I have helped me get too comfortable with where I am at.

Again, there isn't anything wrong with comfortable its a great thing to feel about ones self or body! And its not like Ive "let myself go" again. I've started eating more "regular" foods, and a couple other things I had limited myself on before, BUT I'm still eating healthier, AND being sure to still exercise here and there... It's just not enough to lose more weight, just enough to maintain.

Though lately, since I'm being honest, I will admit that my weight has been fluctuating. Going up 2 pounds, down 3, up 5, down 4. Which sort of worries me, and is a sign I need to be more careful. Weight tends to just creep up on you little by little. You think oh whats one pound gained here or there, and next thing you know its a couple years later and you're 70, 80, 100 pounds heavier! I dont want that to be me again! I cant let that me be again! I cant just be OK being comfortable.

So there is the "comfortable" part of this post. Now for the "uncomfortable" part... Because ladies, I dont want to be just comfortable anymore. I dont want to look great just with clothes ON. I stated in one of my first weight loss posts - "I want to look (and feel) good naked!" And right now, I DON'T! I am NOT comfortable naked. I still have that jiggle in my belly and arms and I want to WILL get rid of it! So for the sake of making myself uncomfortable again.. To push and motivate myself again and to answer the question "why 30 more pounds?" I'm posting these belly/body photos. They are embarrassing, but raw and real. I may look good with clothes on, but this is still the me underneath. And I'm not happy with it. Yes its better than it was, A LOT better. But I'm not done with this journey.
I hope you all will be kind. Putting these pictures up is something that is hard for me. But something I believe I needed to do to keep myself accountable, and push myself to keep at it and not give up.

I thank many of your for asking questions about my weight loss, asking for updates and really keeping me accountable. So THANK YOU. Because now I am "uncomfortable" and ready to push myself again. Ready to change this body from flab to fab! You just wait and see. And keep on keeping me accountable! :)

Ok and here are some answers to a couple other questions I've gotten:

Q: Can you post healthy recipe's or post more about what you eat?

A: Oh boy - honestly - I suck at food... Love to eat it, hate to make it. I am very un-creative when it comes to cooking. I DO have one recipe (here). And If I try I can maybe post a few more healthy recipe's on the blog... Or offer a guest post spot to someone with some? If any of you like to cook and have a few healthy or low-carb or low-cal recipes shoot me an email! Other than that, if you want to know/see what I eat every day, follow me on My Fitness Pal. I keep my food diary public so you can see exactly what I eat and how much. I was slacking for a while before, but I'm back at it again.... Accountability people!?

Q: What exercise do you do?

A: Mostly I go to the gym. When I am there I stick to the elliptical or bike because they burn the most calories. When The Hubs is with me he helps me with the free weights, when I am by myself I do weight machines! 

But recently in an effort to change up my exercise routine Ive started Zumba! I'm trying to go 3 times a week! Zumba is intense and awkward but so so much fun! I felt like a fool, but enjoyed it and laughed the whole time too, while sweating my butt off! Plus I was crazy sore the next few days after doing Zumba - which I love. It means I've gotten a great work out. The other "plus" of Zumba is that maybe it will help my awkward uncoordinated self learn to dance or something like that! ;)

If you have any more questions for me, feel free to comment below and I can do another weight loss "Q & A" post if you'd like that! ♥

Much Love & Hugs,
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  1. I love this post you inspire me so much as I am just starting my weight loss journey I find myself just waiting for a post from you I will pray for you to find the courage to keep going. Please know you are helping people as you are losing weight for yourself and i love that you have done in a healthy way! Thank you for your honesty!

  2. Kudos to your Maria-Isabel! Seriously, I'm standing up right now and applauding you. Thanks for keeping it real!

    You have my respect and support.

    <3 Kali

  3. Maria, you are so beautiful.

    Losing weight can be filled with glorious moments (like when you realize you've dropped jeans sizes, wahoo!!) and unfortunately, really dark moments. The "dark" is usually self inflicted~ putting too much pressure on yourself, making agreements with the little voice in your head that says "you're not there yet," or just an off day...(I call those "fat" days, bc everything I put on makes me look chubbed;)

    It is OKAY to stall a little. I have hangers full of "tiny" jeans. I know what it takes to get back into them...and I know how miserable it makes me feel just for that happy moment of wearing my tiny jeans. I'm not really sure it is worth the misery to wear them, honestly.

    Don't feel bad about THIS moment. It is still a moment of triumph in your weight loss journey! It may not be the end of the road just yet, but that doesn't mean you should rush through it...push ahead without learning something new right here about yourself. You are a good mama, have a lovely family, love Jesus, and on top of it are really *naturally* beautiful. None of that changes whether you have clothes on or not:).

    Sending you huge hugs on your way:)...I have thought many times how nice your legs look- all toned up in your photos. You are stunning! Keep up the great work! I think you encourage lots of people!


  4. You are a truly amazing person. Thank you for sharing yourself so wholly and openly.

  5. Great job so far! I know what you mean about reaching your goal. A few years ago I wanted to loose 25 pounds because my clothes were starting to get tight and I couldn't fit in some. After I lost about 18 pounds people started telling me I didn't need to loose more. However, I had a goal for myself and I was determined to reach it for myself. I used My Fitness Pal and did zumba to help me and I was able to reach my goal. You can do it!!!

  6. Thank you for sharing! You are so brave :) You truly are a beautiful person, inside and out. Maintenance is sometimes a good thing, as it gives your body some time to adjust to the new level and not feel like it's in a constant state of deprivation. As for clean, low carb recipes that you asked for... I often (nearly always) go to for recipes or inspiration. My family doesn't balk at eating a "diet" dinner, and I get to enjoy eating with them without having to make a second, completely separate meal for myself. Love it. My daughter MOWED DOWN the healthy chicken nuggets we made from the website, and it was a meal we could make together.

    You've been a real blessing and inspiration in my life :) Thank you! - Tasha

  7. I just want to applaud you for your weight loss, you've come so far!! When you're feeling down about it just remember, Si se puede!! I'm always on the lookout for healthy recipes and my go to food blogs are and, they have tons of great recipes that both you and your family will love.

  8. Thanks so much for sharing! I've been doing a fitness friday post every week to keep myself accountable but had a bad week this week and need to get back on track. Reading stories like this really helps!

  9. You are so beautiful inside and out. The courage it took to put it all out there for the world to see so inspires me. There have been several times when I've felt hopeless and you've posted something that has reminded me that through faith, family and friends we can accomplish anything we put our minds to.

  10. So beautiful! You are fearless and dedicated and that is so important and so inspiring! I have about 30 pounds to lose & I've said that I was going to post pictures to push myself and I never did.

  11. You are so brave! Keep up the good work, losing weight is a JOURNEY!

  12. You're doing amazing Maria-Isabel!
    This is such an inspiring post, since I want to start a weight-loss journey too and it's been so difficult with all the expectations and pressures, especially the amount of time I DONT have.

    You should feel very proud, clothes on or off because you have come very far and are looking fabulous!

    Thank you so very much for sharing :)

  13. You've got guts girly. I could never do such a thing. But thanks for sharing. now I know that I'm not the only one with being stuck at a certain weight. And I feel the same. I want to feel good naked - truth.
    I am such stuck at in between weight and my stomach suffers. Good luck on your journey - it is hard.



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