A New Thing

My weight has long been an issue for me, for as long as I can remember. It has always been a source of pain. Over the years, I have used food as a coping mechanism. I have been an emotional eater as so many people are. I eat when I'm upset about something, happy, or even just plain bored.

I had been praying for some time for God to show me what to do to lose weight. As I was seeking God, He asked me a question, "Why do you use food as a comfort when I sent you the Holy Spirit?" All I could say was wow! What a huge revelation. I had never thought of it that way. God sent us the Holy Spirit to be our comforter. Instead of running to him, I run to food.

With that said, I decided that I needed a new strategy. I can no longer eat emotionally or allow food to take the Holy Spirit's place. You see, 1st Corinthians 6:19 says, "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own". Instead of allowing the Holy Spirit to dwell within me, I've been crowding Him out by all of the food that I have been mindlessly comsuming. I've gained more weight than I ever thought I would. But enough is enough. It is time to do "A New Thing".

So I decide that I am ready to change. But, I can't do it alone. I need structure. After much prayer, I decided to join Weight Watchers. Then the Lord sent me confirmation about this decision. I knew that this time will be the last time that I live with all of this excess weight in my life. I can only imagine the possibilities at hand: more energy to play with my kids, I can keep up with my husband, I will feel much better about myself, and I looking forward to the day that I don't have to shop in the plus-sized clothing section.



As the old saying goes: If you want something you've never had, you have to do something that you've never done. So, I choose to do "A New Thing". For the 1st time in my life, I am being completely honest with myself. I choose to no longer allow my weight to be a source of pain. It will no longer be a tool that Satan can use against me. I have only discussed my weight with three people: my mom, my best friend, Nia, and my Aunt Valencia. I'm letting the elephant out of the closet. For the 1st time in my life, I'm, telling the world how much I weigh and guess what?, I am no longer ashamed of it because I know that I am on my way to a healthier lifestyle.

I began the Weight Watchers program last Saturday, December 27th, 2008. I weighed in at a whopping 210.8 lbs. I also took my measurements.

Body Measurement Chart

Right Upper Arm (13 ½ in)
Waist (43 in)
Hips (44 in)
Right Thigh (26 in)
Bust (39 in)


I am happy to say that during my fisrt week on the program, I have lost 3.8 lbs. So I now weigh 207 lbs.

I plan to update my blog weekly so that those who are interested in tracking my progress can do so. I would really appreciate your support. I did not put this weight on overnight so I don't expect to lose it overnight. I'm hoping for a steady 2lb loss per week. My goal is to reach 145 lbs . So that means that I need to lose 65 lbs. I really believe that this is a goal that I can obtain this year.

I am so motivated. I have approached this in a very different way that I have in times past so I know that it will work. I've already started cooking healthier meals and my family loves it. I am so excited! Knowing that Adrian and Tamesha are planning an August wedding gives me a great incentive to stick with the program. I want to look really nice for their wedding.

Nothing tastes as good as thin feels so I am getting this weight off and keeping it off. I look forward to you seeing LESS of me in 2009. Thank you in advance for your prayers and encouragement.