How I Won the Battle of the Chubbies

One thing that’s really special about my husband is that he pays no attention to my weight. Around the time I’d had my third child, I was new to eating plant-based and wasn't sure how the extra 40 pounds of baby weight would come off. After all, I was in my 30's then, and this was my third BIG weight gain! My husband could tell it was concerning me, and he just said, "Barb, why don’t you instead focus just on being healthy? Your weight will naturally line up from there."

I'm not sure why hearing that was such a relief to me, but it was. And he was right—merely making plain ol’ healthy choices was the answer! This revelation helped me better enjoy life's journey, realizing that I don’t need to analyze my level of health based on how I look, or let it be dictated by a number on a scale.

A vibrant, energetic life comes from healthy choices.

That’s it.

As for me and that baby-weight, I just needed to be patient. I remained plant-based, exercised and got proper rest. It worked! Two years later, I was in the best shape of my life.

Today, I'm in my early 50's and the need for healthy choices has become even more imperative. I want to enter my 60's feeling vibrant and energetic! Cleaning up my lifestyle has also had a way of teaching me to be more honest with myself—which just so happens to be healthy too!

What battle are you currently fighting? Here’s some advice for making it to the other side. (And you will. You’re a warrior!)

1. If I change nothing and stay on the path I'm on, will I feel amazing when I reach the next decade of my life? Or will I not? Change starts now, not a week before you arrive.

2. What realistic changes (this is key!) can I make in my daily routine that will help me feel better about today? Is it to exercise, eat more whole foods, get more sleep, organize something, watch less TV, learn something new, spend time with God, or become more patient and understanding? Those are some things on my list, but make your goals your own. You know you, better than anyone else.

3. It doesn’t have to be elaborate. Ask yourself, What ONE bad habit can I quit today? Start with one. I promise you will feel so much better about yourself!

4. Keep up the fight. Change isn’t easy, but with persistence and patience, you’ll get where you want to be.