Freedom from Food

Living Life Unbinged

“Mom, you always say we’re going to climb Lassen Peak, but are we ever actually going to do it?” Two years ago, those piercing words came from my son. The dream of accomplishing such a feat with my children was always present, but at my extreme weight, it seemed nearly impossible.

With that dream in mind, though, I began a journey to significantly and permanently change my lifestyle. My weight had always been a struggle, and I was determined to make some changes to become healthy, fit, and capable of keeping up with my family’s active lifestyle. I also wanted to set a positive example for my children. My kids and I have been very active, but there were always limits to our adventures due to my unhealthy weight and lack of stamina. We would often take short hikes, short walks, simple kayaking trips, and even participate in the Shasta Mud Run. However, there was so much more we could do and enjoy.

Not only was my weight holding me back from physical activities, but it was also holding me back from many other things I loved such as public speaking, swimming and even wearing dresses. It was time to live a life without limits; no longer would I be held back by my insecurities about my body and my dependent relationship with food. In past weight loss attempts, I usually had short term success, but eventually, I was right back to obsess about food and binging on sugar and flour laden foods. I needed an eating plan that would help me change my connection with food and allow me to live life “unbinged.”

Boundaries regarding food were needed for me to be fully present in each and every moment. I needed to get to a healthy weight. When I discovered Bright Line Eating, I knew it was my answer. I simply followed four bright lines to food; no sugar, no flour, three meals a day, and measured portions. I began eating amazing, delicious, and abundant amounts of food. A lifestyle change, rather than a diet, was exactly what I needed!

People often ask me if living sugar-free and flour-free is hard. The answer is a resounding YES! But being obese and food-obsessed was even harder. In the past, so much of my attention was on food that I missed out on being in the moment as a wife and mom to my five amazing kids. Now I can confidently say that I have freedom from food and live life fully present. I wouldn’t change that for the world.

My relationship with food is now in its rightful place. I have lost 135 pounds and gone from a size 26/28 to a 12/14. I am almost half the size of my old self. Dress shopping is my new favorite hobby, swimming is my favorite sport again, and I am pursuing my dream of public speaking. My children and I are planning more challenging adventures. On the list, is Brokeoff Mountain in Lassen National Park, Table Mountain in Butte County, Burney Falls, kayaking on Whiskeytown Lake, participating in the Shasta Mud Run, and ziplining over Crater Lake.

As for Lassen Peak, I conquered it with my son by my side encouraging me all the way. Reaching the top was an experience I will never forget. The excitement and difficulty were a clear reflection of my unrelenting weight loss journey. My smile is bigger, my body is stronger and my head is clear. Each step was a reminder of how far I have come and how desperately I never want to go back.

What is holding you back from living your life to the fullest?