Episode Two: My New Hope

A long time ago (well, 18 months) in a galaxy far, far away (Arkansas), a young padawan learner began a journey.  The goal: to wipe out the dark forces in her world, and lose 100 pounds.  For awhile, the story was shared (blogged) and then there was a time of quiet.  Now, we're back to continue the saga.

Four months ago, I wrote my last blog post.  Since then, I have continued to diet and just before Christmas, I reached my goal.

I have lost 100 pounds.

If you read my last post, you'll remember that I never actually thought I would lose those 100 pounds.  In fact, my absence from the blog is proof - while it took me a little over a year to lose about 75 of those pounds, it took another 6 months to get the remaining 25 pounds off of me.  I was steadfast, and kept going - but I didn't expect that to be the way it would go.  At many points, I thought it just never would come off.  That's probably why I stopped writing.  But I didn't stop dieting.  And I got there.

So, for those who like the stats:

My "before" photo, June 2011.

100 pounds lighter,
in Hawaii,
December 2012.

Starting weight on June 21, 2011:   
270 lbs.

Goal weight on December 11, 2012: 
170 lbs.

Total pounds lost: 100

Total inches lost:  51

Now that I've reached my goal, is the story over?  No.  The first part is over.  Now begins Episode Two of my story.

For me, Episode Two is all about one thing - using the force.  I will stay here on the side of light, and avoid the temptation of the dark side.  Specifically, I aim to stay within 5 pounds of my goal weight, which I have done for one month now.

As I suspected, the hardest part of this journey wasn't losing the weight.  It's staying the course.  And that's my new challenge.  Maintaining the body I have gotten back.  How am I going to do it?  Honestly, I have no idea.  But maybe if I think like a Jedi, I will figure it out.  So, what would a Jedi do?

A Jedi would stay fit.  After all, light saber fights are hard!  You could lose a hand!  So, I'll be working on a new exercise plan to tone up and stay healthy.

A Jedi would stay sharp.  One of the coolest benefits to being a Jedi is the ability make things happen with your mind.  I bet I could do that.  I can learn to clear my mind and control my actions - or more accurately, my food actions.  I am already more aware of everything I put in my mouth, and with continued training, I can keep making good choices.  (These are NOT the nachos you are looking for...)

Maybe most importantly, a Jedi strives to achieve balance.  Young Luke would get super crabby when he couldn't go into town and hang out with his friends - just because Uncle Owen had farm work for him to do.  But as a Jedi, he learned to handle life's stresses and responsibilities much better - thanks to Ben Kenobi and Yoda.  I've gotten pretty good at achieving balance in many areas of my life.  Now, it's time for food balance.

One month into my diet, July 2011.
Proof that the dark side is everywhere -
even in Bentonville, Arkansas.

Not long ago, I was definitely on the dark side - hanging out with Stormtroopers, eating whatever I wanted, and buying size 28 pants.  It sounds blissful, but in truth, I was in pain, felt bad, and couldn't paint my toenails.  Even with all that, it was easy to go to the dark side because everything is delicious there. 

But now, I consider myself a part of the food rebellion.  I'm making good choices and celebrating my achievement.  In fact, the dark side of food doesn't even SOUND good to me anymore.  Why?  Because the force is strong in this one.

I'm ready for the next episode in this saga.  I know it won't be easy... the dark side will always have a new sith lord on the horizon to tempt me, but I will not give in.  I have A New Hope.

May the force be with you.  And with me.