I have struggled with my weight my whole life. Although I have always been overweight, I’ve remained "healthy". Based on how much I weigh, doctors are always shocked by how active I am and that I don't have diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or high triglycerides. But my weight and my family’s medical history still put me at risk.
Unfortunately, being Latina means everything I do within my culture is associated with food. Every emotion, every triumph and failure is rewarded or comforted with food. #brownpeopleproblems. Who are we kidding–food is delicious and it's always fun to try new things when traveling. But in the Latin culture, weight is always in the top three topics of conversation. No matter what you are chatting about the conversation always finds it's way back to weight. "Guess what!? Yesterday I received a promotion at work..." "That's great! You've gained some weight....stay for dinner ...have some pan dulce to celebrate." Food is a love-hate relationship and a constant battle you can never win. Or so I thought.
Over the summer I was having a deep conversation with one of my good friends. Even though she is very skinny, tall, and beautiful, she expressed her lack of confidence, low energy, and feeling unhealthy. We were on opposite ends of the spectrum when it comes to weight, but we both had confidence issues, concerns with our health, and a desire to be our best selves. I began to open up to her and a few other friends about my goals to get fit, be the athlete I used to be, feel and look great, and not limit my possibilities in life because of my weight. She discovered the book "It Starts with Food" and immediately asked me to join her on her first Whole30 challenge.
Like I mentioned earlier, I have always been overweight–even in my glory days as a young athlete. I have tried every diet in the book. Some attempts were successful for a period of time, but I would always gain the weight back, plus some. Although I was a bit skeptical at first, I decided to give the Whole30 challenge a shot. I simultaneously started reading the book and started my first Whole30. Food finally started making more sense. My thought process and relationship with food started to change. By the end of my first Whole30 I had lost 15lbs and two pant sizes. My allergies were gone, insomnia–gone, skin was glowing, energy shot up, and I genuinely felt happy. My thoughts were so much clearer and I was taking the reins on my cravings–I finally had control!
What we don't realize is that food can be an addiction. What makes it so difficult and different from a drug addiction is that you can go to rehab for a drug addiction; you can avoid your vice and potentially recover. A food addiction, however, is something you have to face every day. You have to essentially reprogram the way you think about food. I thought it would be impossible, but after testing this out for myself, I have found it is very possible.
I'm sure by now you've asked yourself several times "What the hell is Whole30?! " I could summarize it for you, but if you don't get all the info, or a clear explanation of why it has to be done this way or why it works, you will give up before you even try. Follow one of the links–I promise it's worth it.
I am now halfway through my fourth Whole30. I've lost 11% of my body weight and 12 inches overall. I feel amazing inside and out, and I now have a healthier relationship with food.
I am so grateful for good friends that genuinely care about my well being and are there for me through thick and thin. I have a long road ahead of me, but I know I will reach my goal of living a healthy happy life and loving my self unconditionally. The Whole30 is just a part of this amazing journey.
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