How I Lost 50 pounds in 9 months!

My Personal Journey To Better Health

*Disclaimer: This is my personal journey to health and well-being. Please consult a physician before beginning any weight loss or exercise routine.

18 months ago I had minor knee surgery. I would like to say that I injured myself on the ski slopes, or running a marathon, but it was far less adventurous. While preparing for our Christmas Tour of Homes, I fell down my stairs. A few months later, routine bloodwork showed my A1C on the borderline of becoming diabetic. This was my wake up call. This is how I began my journey to lose weight, and improve my overall health. 

Something had to change.

9 months ago we were in New Mexico on vacation and I could not keep up with my husband while walking trails. Granted, the legs on his 6’5” body are much longer, but I was so far back he had to keep backtracking to where I was.

Something changed! But what is it?

Here are 9 keys to Harvesting Health that have proven to be transformational in my life:

1. Changed Mind

I’ve tried other diets before. Some were successful, but most weren’t. I determined that this time would be different. I made a mental decision to make changes that would be for the rest of my life. I chose long-term health and well-being over immediate gratification. I made up my mind to do the work.

2. New Portion Control

What I eat, when I eat, and how much I eat had to become a focus. I did some research on how many calories I should consume and how many calories I needed to burn to lose weight. It truly is science! You can’t lose weight if you are consuming more calories than you burn everyday.

3. Daily Tracking

I found an app that worked for me to track my daily food consumption, calories burned through activity, weight, exercise, blood pressure, and even blood sugar. This became my accountability partner. I chose to use the Lose It! app through my smartphone. There are many great apps to help you track your weight loss.

4. Exercise Daily

In our 31+ years of marriage, we have bought several treadmills, and sold them almost brand new. That had to change. I made a commitment to just start. I got up 30 minutes earlier in the morning and committed to walking on the treadmill for 30 minutes. Then, in the evening after work, I would do the same. I also looked for ways to add steps to my daily routine. I parked at the back of the parking lot. I took a break at work and walked a lap around the building. It didn’t take long for me to have renewed energy! Remember, start today and start small!

5. Drink water

This was a big change for me. I was a Diet Dr. Pepper/Diet Coke addict. I would consume them all day long. I had tried to give them up before, but always seemed to return to the habit. I knew I had to give them up for good. Today, I am happy to say that I have been 9 months without having a Diet Dr. Pepper or Diet Coke! I don’t miss them at all! I still have to work at drinking water. Remember, Harvesting Health means we have to put the work in, choose to plant good seed, and then, we will reap a harvest!

Remember, Harvesting Health means we have to put the work in, choose to plant good seed, and then, we will reap a harvest!

6. Eat a balanced diet

Because of my issues with blood sugar, I made a decision to eliminate most refined sugar from my diet. It also meant that I had to significantly reduce my carbohydrate intake. The Lose It! app made it simple to track my nutrients. For me, eliminating sugar, most breads, and cokes made a significant difference in my weight loss and health.

7. New Personal Time with the Lord

None of this would have been possible without my relationship with the Lord. I could not do this in my own strength. I have tried before and failed. I created a prayer corner near my treadmill by hanging a bulletin board to post prayer requests on the wall. As I walked each morning, I spent time in the Word, praying, and worshipping. Many mornings my 30 minute walk was extended because of what God was doing in my life. It has been so special seeing prayer requests answered from my prayer time on the treadmill.

8. Set small goals and celebrate victories

Set smaller, attainable goals and celebrate them when achieved. Small goals will add up along the way and before long 5 lbs. becomes 50! As I lost weight, I would find an object that weighed the amount I had lost. A 5 lb. bag of sugar, a 10 lb bag of potatoes, a 30 lb. weight. I will never forget the day I picked up my son’s 30 lb. weight. I couldn’t believe that I was no longer carrying that amount of weight everyday.

9. New Perspective

The most amazing thing happened during my journey to better health. My perspective began to change. I was experiencing a new found energy and love for better nutrition. I no longer craved food that harmed my body. I began to eat to live instead of living to eat.

Nine months later, while we walked through the beautiful New Mexico mountains I saw things I had never before seen on the same trail we had walked many times before!

Apparently, when you are not fighting for every breath, you can look up and enjoy a God’s creation!

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Today, I have lost 50 pounds and dropped 4 sizes. But the most important change is my blood sugar is normal!

That’s what Harvesting Home’s Harvesting Health columns and resources will be about. Make sure you subscribe (for free) to this site and comment below about your journey. We look forward to sharing Harvesting Health topics!!!

*Disclaimer: This is my personal journey to health and well-being. Please consult a physician before beginning any weight loss or exercise routine.