My History/Chairman's Challenge

This blog was posted Oct 19 on our work Chairman's Challenge blog site. I know this will be out of order as I try to catch you up on my journey, but it explains the interesting challenge I face when trying to lose weight. It was written about one month into the challenge.
"Life isn't always fair." "You can't judge a book by its cover." These may be strange quotes when discussing weight loss, but they accurately sum up weight issues for many women with Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), including me. The way my doctor describes PCOS is the bearded-fat-lady-in-the-side-shows' genetic defect. There is no cure. You just have to wisely live with the symptoms. After recovering from a surgery that removed approximately 15 pounds of tumors, I started a diet and an exercise program - I gained 9 pounds. My wonderful supportive husband and I laugh that I am the only women we know that goes on a diet and has to buy new clothes - in a bigger size! Such is life with PCOS. I have visited three nutritionists in the past. The first one was baffled why I had to go down to 800 calories and less than 20 grams of fat per day before I lost any weight. I was also exercising over an hour every day. The second one looked at my food journal, and told me I was lying to her. She said if I really exercised and ate what I had written down I would not be grotesquely obese. She told me not to come back until I was willing to tell her the truth. Sadly, this is a typical response. It doesn't matter how many times I try to explain, I repeatedly hear, "If you would just "(insert some weight loss advice I have already attempt multiple times)."

The Chairman's Challenge came at a perfect time. I was honestly ready to give up again, but when I heard that I could win $5,000 for SW Missouri Royal Family, I knew I had to brush off all the past failures and the current lack of progress and tackle my issue head on. The abused children I work with have to deal with their hurts and emotional pain every day. They are my passion, and nothing could motivate me more than the opportunity to raise funds to help them. They bravely face their demons; I can face my fears too. 

Since the challenge I have joined a gym and get up at 5:30 am five mornings a week to work out. (YAWN!) I have taken advantage of a Life Coach at work, and I am working with a remote personal trainer. (Thanks Joe!) We are trying a high protein and fiber, low carb, six mini-meals a day eating plan. I wish I could tell you that I have seen dramatic weight loss. I haven't. At this rate, I will not hit my 10% weight loss goal, but I am stronger and have greater stamina. I know that I am doing everything I possibly can to improve my health. My effort and determination cannot be judged by my fluffy cover or the numbers in the book where I am journaling my progress. I am constantly telling the "mean girl voices" to shut up. My victory might not look like others, but I will win my battle. My wonderful son and husband are rolling out of bed to go with me to the gym to support and encourage me. Life isn’t fair, but life is good. I just wish I could change my Chairman Challenge goal to eat more broccoli; that’s a goal I am achieving!