One of the few things I know about Oprah is that she has always struggled with her weight. Almost 25 years ago(!!) I remember seeing an episode of her pulling out a big red wheelbarrow, full of lard, representing her 67 pound weight-loss. And how, within hours, she was enjoying a celebratory meal and then inevitably, within days not fitting back into her “skinny” jeans. And how I hated her, her weakness. Little did I know….
I think my {greasy gravy-covered} beef was that if Oprah, with all her money and resources couldn’t do this, how the hell could I? I think that’s when I started hating her. She seemed to be this beacon of hope for so many people but for me she was a reminder of how freakin hard it would be to lose weight.
OK, so in hindsight, I may have been projecting, just a little bit…
And now I get it. For the last three weeks, I have had the privilege of eating a customized portion controlled meal each and every day, for each and every meal. I was also given a running program. Essentially, all of the tools were handed to me, on a low fat, high protein, fresh crunchy vegetable laden silver platter. And still I faltered. I snuck in chips. And the occasional cookie.And then the guilt of doing that set off the pizza eating chain reaction I’m so familiar with….
So that’s one way of looking at it. Self-defeating and resigned.
Instead, I have tasted the fresh & healthy kool-aid. I have enjoyed cherry oatmeal, and sweet potato shepherds pie and blueberry cheesecake quinoa. and I have felt healthier and more energized than I have in ages. I was reminded that no amount of Coke or coffee can replace natural energy.
Chefanista meal
Chefanista meal
Eating this way makes me want to continue eating this way. And like wheels in motion, it has led to other things – I have started running.
Really.
Really.
Slowly.
But when I get back home, all soggy and spent, it is the bocconcini and roasted vegetable salad I want to rip into, rather than a bag of potato chips. so at least there’s that. And I’ll take it.
I’ve become a lot more realistic about weight loss, my goals more about overall quality of living rather than what I look like in a bikini {disastrous, in case you’re wondering}. Eating well is never going to “be my thing” that way oreo cookies have been, but my health (and my aversion to cooking) have made this one of the vest experiences I have treated myself too.
So Oprah, I forgive you.
Over the next four weeks, I’ll be writing, tweeting, pinning and instagraming my experience with the PureLiving program. For full disclosure, I am receiving the food in return for this.Keep in mind, my enthusiasm, interest, increased energy and love for this product is all my own though.
April 23, 2012
Good for you! I have given up trying to achieve some unrealistic body type and am focusing on eating healthy, exercising and embracing my new post 5 kids form. Is this a meal plan or prepackaged meals?
April 23, 2012
Julia – It is a home meal delivery service, prepared all fresh & delivered http://www.chefanista.com/en/ I’m not sure she delivers quite as far as you…but you should check out her blog, she posts recipes too sometimes! I like the way you put it, with the focus being on just being healthy!
April 23, 2012
AWESOME! and so true! When we eat clean and healthy, we feel better and that is what it should be about! Interestingly enough, my blog post today is kind of related to this!!!
My MIL and I spoke precisely about this last week (Oprah and her weight) and how we could not understand how with a cook and a trainer she still struggled…but I get it. It isn’t about the effort it takes and the changes needed, it is about overcoming the food demons we all have that have literally nothing to do with what we are putting in our mouth, but more to do with what we are feeling inside:(
April 23, 2012
Why can’t anybody have food demons that prefer navel oranges and sunflower seeds, heh? K, I’m off to read your blog now, thanks Kelly!
April 23, 2012
Oh sometimes my food demon does want sunflower seeds, but always the highly seasoned kind full of sodium.lol
April 23, 2012
I think re-teaching ourselves to eat healthy is always a challenge. I’ve been focusing on being fit and firm more than being just a size. In that focus I’ve learned that for me, what I want to eat and what I should eat comes in waves, there is an ebb and flow. I also know that when I choose to have what I am craving, it has to balance out somewhere, and that would be in the exercise department. I am okay with that. I am happy where I am, and where I’m going, I think that is what is most important. Good for you in taking a step to being healthier. You can do it Marci! I am rooting for you!
April 23, 2012
wow, thanks for your encouragement Patty!! i love the way you put it, an ebb & flow to the whole thing- I think finally “getting” that makes the lows easier to accept, rather than caving into them.As always, I rally enjoying hearing your spin on things, thanks friend!
April 24, 2012
This is such a great thing you’re doing for yourself! Keep going Marci. Little steps are so much easier to maintain than giant leaps. And fast or slow it…doesn’t matter when you’re running. The point is you’re running
April 24, 2012
Go Marci! What a scrumptious way to do it. Keep moving, honey. I’m rooting for you!
April 24, 2012
Good for you! Aim for health, not a particular body. I am trying to convince my body that it wants the healthier items, and not the poutine. It takes time. However, it is pretty amazing how, once you successfully make the switch to healthier options, you start craving those instead. I just have to get there …
April 26, 2012
I am with you GF. I started with a registered holistic nutritionist about 4 weeks ago and I have another 12 weeks to go. It is all about balancing your intake of food. So I feel your pain when you want to sneak in a little something…something.
Keep me posted.
M.