We each have moments in our clean eating journey where we may feel discouraged, tempted or frustrated. We’re human and to not expect some bumps along the path is unrealistic. They are going to come. The key is being able to face them and bounce back quickly. During these times we may need to dig deeper within and refocus on the prize. This is where your Why will help pull you through. In order for this to happen, you need to develop a very clear vision of what yours is.
We all want to look better and there’s nothing wrong with that. However, if you think about it, you’re sure to discover even more meaningful reasons for reaching your fitness goals. When I found myself almost 40 pounds overweight as a new mom, I became very depressed. I had no energy, I was moody & anxious and I didn’t recognize myself in the mirror anymore. That was not the Mom I wanted to be. I wanted to be a Mom who was vibrant, confident and had the energy to enjoy motherhood to the fullest. I wanted to set a healthy example for my son. This is what I go back to when I feel myself getting off course. When I go for a run in my neighborhood, I often remember what it was like to not even be able to run one full street. It makes me feel proud to look at where I started and how much I’ve accomplished.
I urge you to create your Why today and keep it close to your heart. I’d love to hear what yours are if you’re willing to share!
It’s kind of crazy but my why started because of the celebration of our 10th anniversary with a beach vow renewal. I really wanted to lose weight for that mostly but now it’s more to get and stay healthy and active.
Angie, Thank you for sharing! That is a wonderful reason to get started! It propelled you forward and look how far you’ve come now!
My why is that at the age of 50 years, I realize that I’ve struggled all of my life with this issue of guilt and food of all sorts. My youngest daughter has recently lost almost 60 pounds, my eldest has never had a problem, and now, I want us all to be healthy together. I want to be proud of myself, healthy and strong, and want to be someone my kids can look up to.
My why is because I remember how embarrassed I was to be out of breath when getting out of bed.
My why, is because I never again want to have to hold my breath when I bend to tie my shoes.
These are all wonderful. Thanks for sharing! Jenn E
My why is because I finally want that look that I see men give attractive women. I know its shallow, but I’ve always hid in the shadow of my more attractive (read skinny) friends. For once I want to be the one they approach and ask out, not the one the ask to run interference in the quest to ask my friend out.
I lost over 100 pounds because I found out at 34 years old I had high cholesterol and high triglycerides. After dropping the weight all of that went away. My why is that I never want to see those numbers again.
Wow! This article was a real eye opener for me. I gained 50 pounds with the birth of my second son, and it left me feeling incredibly ashamed. This past March, my biological father died from complications of diabetes. He was 53. Because my parents divorced when I was a year old, I knew little about my father’s family health history, but was horrified to discover that everyone on his side who has passed away has been due to diabetes. Because of this, my “Why” is “Because I want to live”. I don’t want to have to go through amputations and poor health. I don’t want to live day by day on dialysis. I have two gorgeous sons and a ton to live for, and I don’t want them to have to see me go through all of that. I plan on chasing them around and being at their weddings. I plan on holding my grandchildren someday. There’s so much to see and do, and I don’t want to spend whatever time I may have left making unhealthy choices. I used to drink soda like a fish but now I realize that each sip is a potential poison to me. I now only accept healthy and nourishing meals into my body.
And another thing: I really want to kick ass in a bikini!
Thanks to each of you for sharing your “why” with us. Continue to keep your eye on the prize!
My Why? I have been over weight for many years and after losing 30lbs I decided that I want more. I want to look and feel like I did when I was married 21 year ago. This is not for my husband or my kids for the first time it is only for ME!!!!
Good for you, Janette!