Consider This

Finding myself by losing some of me by Marie Rodriguez (aka Gypsy Elf)

Six years ago, after switching careers more than a dozen times, I finally discovered my dream job. I wanted a job that paid me to travel. I thought I had found it employed with a major airline. Unfortunately, I was working on the ground–the ramp to be exact–not in the air.
     Then my husband, who had always worked as a local driver, decided to go OTR. It didn’t take me long to realize that, unlike me, my husband loved his job. He’d come home and share stories and photos of the places he’d been.
     I earned my CDL and took off with my husband.
     I immediately made every possible mistake possible regarding my health. I was in my late 30s and already adding middle-age pounds to my 5'7" frame. I started to snack on candy bars, chips, cupcakes, corn dogs and caramel popcorn. I drank at least two sodas a day. I had egg & sausage skillets for breakfast, hamburgers & fries for lunch, and chicken fried steak for dinner.
     Before I knew it, I was outgrowing my jeans. And the process didn’t stop. During my first three years driving, I gained over 50 pounds. I hated buying my clothes in the plus-size section.
     The worst part, though, was my health. My knees hurt. My back hurt. I couldn’t climb one flight of stairs without losing my breath. My blood pressure, which had always been normal, went to borderline. I felt tired, cranky, emotional and old. I didn’t recognize myself when I looked in the mirror. I wasn’t enjoying the job as much.
     The turning point came two years ago when I could barely zip up my jeans. I was going to need to buy a bigger size, again, when I got home. I decided then and there, enough was enough. I wanted to be healthy and lose weight. While I knew I was facing a challenge, I knew I could win.
     The first thing I did was stop drinking soda. That wasn’t too hard. Tea is healthy. Green tea is great. At the restaurants I began to order either unsweetened tea or water with a lemon slice.
     I love chocolate. As I researched nutrition, I was thrilled to learn that dark chocolate really is healthy…in moderation. The cupcakes, chips and caramel popcorn have been replaced by fresh fruit, granola, trail mix and nuts. I added exercise to my daily routine.
     My changes haven’t been fast and dramatic. While I have lost nearly 30 pounds, the process has been slow and steady, but the results have been permanent. I have newfound energy. My mood has improved. My blood pressure is back to normal. I feel healthy. The aches and pains are gone. Best of all, I recognize the person in the mirror. And the job is fun again!