As I sit here reading the comments over at MariaKang.com, it makes me sick to my stomach how truly horrible some human beings are.

For the past month the picture of Maria and her three young boys, with the heading “What’s your excuse?” has been circling around. There hasn’t been a news organization that hasn’t covered the so called controversial photograph.

I say “so called controversial” because I don’t see a thing wrong with her being proud of her well deserved accomplishment.

Leading a healthy life is not easy. Not in this fried everything, and oversize it world we live in. You want a burger, which in essence is not bad, but they add on huge fries and a super high sugar drink next to it. Want a side salad instead? Nope, you have to pay extra.

This year, I’ve decided to take control of my life and live healthier. I am getting older and I want to live as long as possible. Too many people left in this world to annoy 😉

Let’s be 100% clear, I don’t deny myself anything, and I mean anything. The only thing I drastically cut out, was sugar. My entire family has diabetes and I rather not deal with that for as long as I can help it. Even so, once a week, I allow myself a pastry. I have to or I’ll die lol.

Being healthy takes decication. It takes sweat. It takes you looking like a complete idiot at the gym. It takes you having the will to make better eating choices, and having enough will power to tell yourself that one is plenty not ten. But its those moments, when my make up is rolling down my face and I accomplish that horribly difficult Zumba step, that I feel like as amazing as a Beauty Queen. 

Being healthy is an extreme personal experience. We all have our struggles with food. Whether its over eating or starving yourself, its an every day struggle. I wasn’t blessed with a thin demeanor, I look at cake and gain five pounds. I have to watch everything I eat. It’s what works for me. With the help of MyFitnessPal, I track what I eat daily. Its a slap in the face when you see in black and white all the crap you’ve been eating. This is what I need to do to get myself to a level of health I want to accomplish. It’s far from easy when I have mother who is an enabler and has horrible eating habits. The woman doesn’t believe in vegetables or baking rather than frying. Saying it’s a daily struggle is an understatement.

When I first started my new way of life, I shamefully admit, I was 309 pounds. I used my back issues as an excuse for leading an unhealthy way of life. However, I am proud to announce that its no longer my weigh. Take a look:

I still have a ways to go, but I am very proud of myself.

I joined Lucille Roberts on May 29, 2013. Its the only gym close enough to my house that I can’t use any excuses not to go. I didn’t want to join thought because its an all lady gym and let’s face it, I like me some eye candy ;). Funny how things work out though. Joining was the best decision I’ve ever made for myself.

At that gym, I am surrounded by women that honestly care and want to see you succeed. The first day I walked in to my first Zumba class in years, I walked right up to the front. I’m nearsighted, so I need to be close to see. Plus, you learn nothing from those standing in the back barely trying. I needed to stand near the diesel out hot mama with badass arms. Her name? Denise and is it now, someone I love like a sister. Then on stage stands this tiny gorgeous blonde Zumba instructor that for a while I referred to as a sadistic beeotch. Her name? Glory aka the 007 fat assasin. She is not easy and you will sweat. Guranteed. You will leave her class sore, and feel as if a truck ran you over. But it’s the best feeling in the world. I owe these ladies a world of gratitude because without their encouragement, I wouldn’t be sitting here with last years coat hanging off me because its too big.

Ladies and dudes, I share these very personal feelings and struggles because I want to show you that there are no excuses for you leading an unhealthy life style. It doesn’t come easy and its a daily battle. Its not about looks, its not even about vanity. Its about you taking care of yourself because no one else will. Its about you being happy with you, and loving yourself.

Want to share your own struggle? Sound off below 😉

XOXOXO
Dee