This is the second installment of my weight loss in China series. Getting healthy is a huge lifestyle change. I had to drastically revamp my old unhealthy habits and swap them out for healthier habits. So basically I changed one addiction for another in a way. However I would rather have an exercise addiction to a food addiction any day of the week! I am more addicted to how amazing exercise makes me feel. I feel like I am on top of the world! It is like a natural high. I am definitely a happier person now than I was when I first came to China two years.
Many people mistake my zest for exercise as an obsession. “Obsession is the lazy person’s word for dedication.”(I stole that from someone) I post this because, I am excited about the changes that I am making to my body and mind. Of course I get people who chugged a barrel of Hatorade that make negative comments about my weight loss. I am going to state here publicly, that I am in no way anti fat. This is my personal weight loss and health journey and not a pulpit for people to spread their fat acceptance spiel. This is a new trend that is occurring in America and it is spreading some division in the overweight community. One thing, that I don’t like is the generalized belief in the fat acceptance community is that overweight people who choose to lose weight have low self esteem and don’t love and accept themselves. Yup, I hear this one a lot. Truth, I was not happy when I was fat because I was plagued with health problems and I was tired,depressed and had no zest for life. My mom died directly related to her obesity and she was only 56. So my weight loss is a tribute to her and wanting to live a higher quality life.
My newest love is spin class. When I first came to the gym I couldn’t even last 10 minutes in a spin class. I worked with my trainer Lucas and was able to complete a spin class. Still though I only took it occasionally. I was more of an elliptical trainer, belly dancing and Zumba girl. Well things changed, I am a spin convert! Spin is easier on my ankle, more fun and I burn more calories. I have noticed that since taking spin my weight loss got kicked up a notch. My legs, booty and stomach are firm and there is less fat. I take spin class about 5 days a week. I like the people in my spin class, we are like a small community of hardcore enthusiast. They even saved a bike for me when I was running late.
I also took my walking up a notch and recently bought a Xiaomi fitness wristband. It calculates your steps ,calories and sleep pattern. You can sync it with an app on the phone. The company also has a scale that I am going to get!!! I have started to take Oreo out for longer walks now and it benefits me and her at the same time. Plus I have many friends who use the same product so we can compete with each other to see who has the most steps in a day. This motivates me to be the best me that I can be.
As of a few days ago I have lost 67 pounds since coming to China!!! I am within spitting distance from my goal. I have about 33 more pounds to go. However this is the hardest part of the battle. This is when I have to dig deep and remember why I am doing this. Jiayou Amber!. My goal is to climb that mountain.