165: Physically and Spiritually Healthy

165
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I did it.  I lost 59 pounds from Dec 30th to April 3rd.  This is where I want to be.  All I have to do is try to maintain this weight, which I don’t think will be too difficult.  Before, I really begin this blog I do want to preface…
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I would not recommend anyone trying to lose this amount of weight in a short amount of time.  This was a grueling, intense, and at time painful ordeal.  However, I knew I could do it, because I have done it before.  Since high school I have been used to either trying to lose weight quickly or having to gain weight quickly, so I figured my body might be used to it.  Normally to lose weight it is recommended to lose about 1-2 pounds a week.  I think I was losing about 4 pounds a week, which can be harsh.  Throughout the time I constantly checked by blood pressure, and other physical checkups to make sure I do not put too much pressure on my body. 

So, here is what I did.  Before, I averaged about 3,200 calories a day.  During the diet for the first two weeks I averaged about 1,000 calories a day.  Usually eating one meal and a few snacks here and there.  Then after a couple of weeks I increased by calorie intake to about 1,500 and ate two meals a day.  Then for the last month and a half, I am eating 2,000-2,200 calories a day eating three full meals. 

Meals pretty much consisted with a heavy protein and fiber diet.  Mostly I ate either tuna, salmon, or tilapia, and chicken.  And for veggies I ate, romaine lettuce, tomatoes, onions, peppers, and cabbage.  For fruit I ate apples, oranges, pineapples, watermelons, grapes, and peaches.  Once a week, usually on Sundays after church I had one cheat meal.  That was usually a Whopper meal at Burger King. 

For exercise, I mostly rode an exercise bike three times a day (morning, after lunch, evening/night) for 30 minutes a day.  I did ab workouts, push-ups, and planking.  That was pretty much it. 

Now in order to maintain my weight.  My diet really hasn’t changed much.  I really like what I am eating and want to continue that.  However, I am not too worried about eating pizza (which I did yesterday), or a gooey cheesy chicken quesadilla (which I also ate yesterday).  And I figured that if I am able to workout everyday for 30 minutes, I’ll be ok. 

I aint a ripped buff guy, which is not really want to do.  I am married and I have two kids… I am not trying to model for some weight loss program or be on a cover of some fitness magazine.  I wanted to lose weight because I just needed to.  After spending about 7 months locked inside because of the coronavirus pandemic, I wanted to find something I can do at home easily.  I gained a ton of weight through the pandemic and my blood pressure shot up.  I needed to act and needed to get active.  Lose weight, live healthier. 

I feel really good.  I have a bit more pep in my step.  I find myself sleeping and waking up easier.  I have a much healthier digestion, and I just feel straight up balanced. 

That being said, I wanted to use my experience about building a relationship with God.

As much as we want to keep our physical bodies in shape and healthy, we are to do the same when it comes to our spiritual life.  It takes work to be and feel spiritually healthy.  Going to church is necessary.  Being a good model Christian is necessary, and it takes practice.  We can’t be perfect, but at least we can learn from our own shortcomings.  Treat all people with respect, do your best to not let your emotions get the better of you.  Act with dignity and treat all people as if they deserve dignity as well.  This takes training to do all these things.  God will continue to give you opportunities by putting you in situations to practice all of these things with he people He places in your life.  Sometimes it just takes 30 minutes a day with God to stay on the right course, to feel spiritually healthy.