b b I have decided this week, to discuss a personal experience that I
have recently gone through. I have lost 85 lbs. since January 1st. I was
a college basketball player years ago (I am 37 now), and I had always
been in great shape. Up until the last 5 years ago, I maintained a
healthy lifestyle. But last year, I got on the scale. I had ballooned up
to 270 lbs. I was shocked to say the least. I decided as my New Year’s
resolution, that I would re-commit to a weight loss plan, and better all
aspects of overall wellness. So, I did a LOT of research on diets etc. I
am now 185lbs and living the healthiest and happiest life to date. I
am also writing about dieting/weight loss for my Final Project
because it hits close to home. There is nothing like experiencing the
ups and downs of losing a significant amount of weight, and hard
work that you have to endure to achieve it. The mental and
psychological hurdles are even tougher than the physical aspects. Of
the 8 dimensions of wellness; physical, emotional, financial, and
environmental all had an impact on me.
b b b What I took away from this experience is simple. Losing
weight/dieting is a lifestyle change, not just a body change. They
mental and emotional hurdles that I had to endure were just as
difficult as the running and jogging. It is a commitment. Your mind
and your body are constantly at a tug of war. Having a better
understanding of bias allowed me to appreciate the process as a
whole. Losing 85 lbs in 6 months, your body and emotions go
through many changes. You see the way people look at you and the
reactions they have. You can also see how people may judge your
lifestyle in one way or another, and sometimes you even see jealousy
and animosity.
b b b The last 6 months have made me realize the true meaning of
wellness. The state of being in good health, especially as an actively
pursued goal. I have lived this since January 1st. It is why I chose this
class. To learn more about the finer points of wellness and
living/maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
