Life Lessons From Eating Clean

I’m not what you might call the sharpest tool in the shed. I’ve had more “blonde moments” in my lifetime than any person really has a right to have.

But here’s the thing…

Losing weight is teaching me a lot. And gosh darn it, I’m a pretty cool person. I’ve become one helluva multi-tasker with everything I have going on in my life. And that, in turn, is teaching me a few things about myself. Things that a lot of people out there need to learn as well. You know who you are. So hold your head up high, read this with confidence, and know that even the “not-so-sharp” tools eventually come to a point.

1. You really and truly CAN do whatever you set your mind to. It’s not a trick, a joke, or a spoof. The simple truth is, if you make your mind up to do something (REALLY make up your mind to do it), then nothing at all will ever get in your way. That doesn’t mean that life won’t happen, but it does mean that when life does inevitably happen, you’ll be far more flexible and willing to roll with the  punches strictly in the interest of staying on track and reaching your goals. Even life’s hiccups will be easier to maneuver because you have dedicated yourself to reaching your goal, even in the face of those hiccups.
2. Who we are, our value in this world and to other people, has absolutely NOTHING to do with the number on a scale. If that needle moves up, it does not mean you have somehow failed or are less of a person. It’s just a number.
3. If we focus on our goals, we will achieve them. I don’t mean focusing on your goal for 5 minutes and forgetting about it, I mean the kind of focus that stays with you, regardless of what you are doing. The kind of focus that reminds you to make the right food choices, no matter where you are or who you are with. The kind of focus that actually gets you up off that couch and into your sneakers for a workout. The kind of focus that you can only find if you make up your mind to reach your goal no matter what. (See #1)
4. Losing weight is not easy. Anyone who tries to tell you different, to sell you a miracle pill or book or membership has absolutely no idea what they are talking about. It takes hard work, dedication and that focus I just mentioned to attain any goal in life. Anyone trying to sell you an “easy way” to get there is just selling snake oil. Walk away. It’s like my grandmother always told me, “Tiffany, life IS work. Even if you don’t have a job.” She was a wise woman.
5. People can be cruel. I’ve experienced it first hand. People judge, they make comments and they give you the evil eye, all because you take up an extra inch or so of their precious personal space (which is usually about 1 mile in radius). What they fail to see with their critical eyes are that people who are overweight, are some of the most courageous people out there. They deal with those judgements daily, and yet they still manage to leave the house every day. They work, they play, they do things they enjoy, they have families, friends and possibly even a dog.  And yet, somehow, they manage to do all that as the world judges them for one little thing. It’s ridiculous and shameful, but it happens every day.
6. People can be amazingly caring and supportive. There are so many people out there who will give you a pat on the back and support you in your efforts towards health if you give them half a chance to do so. One thing my fans and readers have taught me, is that no matter how small of an achievement you’ve made, there is always somebody out there who will give you a thumbs up and a “Go Girl!”. This has been a wonderful discovery for me.
7. Strength is more than fitness. Growing up, I learned that kids were seen and not heard. I kept this lesson with me into adulthood, and never really learned to find my own voice. It was too scary to say what I thought or to have an actual opinion because somebody might disagree or have a better argument. (Or in my eyes, a more valuable opinion). But the process of blogging, facebooking and just living life as a mom, wife, student and friend has taught me that my opinion does matter. It may not always be the correct opinion, but I’ve found my voice. And that’s an important part of becoming strong. You see, strength is much more than just the number of pounds you can bench press.
8. The goals in the far-off distance are the best ones to aim for. Don’t get me wrong, short-term goals are vital in life and in health. But it’s those “long-distance” goals that really and truly keep us on track. Losing 114 pounds feels like an overwhelming goal. So I focus on getting healthy and what that will feel and look like when I finally arrive. It will take time, but I’m in it for the long-haul, and I know that all my baby steps will eventually get me over the mountain.
9. Life really is about the roses. Not the thorns. Attitude is 3/4 of the battle.

What has clean eating taught you?