Don’t you love it when other people tell you how to or what to eat? I mean, isn’t just awesome? Hell no. I’m, for one, am tired of it. Because I happen to be fat (I know, shocker) EVERYONE has an opinion on what I should eat, how I should train, blah, blah, blah. Words, words, words.

Look, everyone’s learning process is different. Also, your history with food tells a story. Maybe you’re an emotional eater. Maybe you eat to many of one group and not enough of the others. KNOW how food has an effect on your mind & body before you make any decisions about ‘getting healthy’.

I always get questions on what I eat and how many calories, blah, blah, blah. Listen, my process is different from others. So, if you know what your goals are, this could affect the way you eat. This doesn’t mean eating less – DON’T DO IT! It means that you have to CHANGE YOU VIEWS ON WHAT YOU EAT.

You eating habits can make or break your future lifestyle. And I’m trying to use my words carefully here, so pay attention. I’m going to try to explain how I got to where I am now…but try to make a long story short.

In my 20s, all I did was eat fast food (take out), processed foods (frozen meals & the ‘snack isle’) and drink SODA. I spent the majority of my time riding around in a car from going to work, school and hanging out with friends. I stayed away from any activities that caused me to sweat. So, I know how I got here.

By my early 30s trying to make a change without any support was difficult. Also, I was going through some other dramatic situations. I would drink, drink and drink some more. I didn’t care. Finally, I had enough.

Learning from previous experience, I had to take a ‘small step’ approach by adding in the good and removing the bad one-by-one. Because I was making the decisions, it was easier to hold myself accountable and to follow a routine. No one making me feel bad for my choices, or holding it over my head because I didn’t listen when they told me what to do. I knew I didn’t want that. I just trained myself the way I would teach myself at work. I w as always given something either no one could master or no one wanted because it was too much drama/work. I focused in on the change; researched what works well with what my goals are. I looked for alternative for when I’m stressed and what my trigger foods are (crunchy, greasy, salty like fires or chips). Yes, it was hard work, but its work I’m committed to and want for my future. So, it’s pretty easy now. The issues that get in the way are just time and work. Sometimes, there’s not enough time in the day or work has me so busy…you know. But, I don’t give up on me. I don’t count me out and I don’t beat myself up. I do the best with what I have. I’m not bending over backwards to keep up with anyone. I’m fighting for my life – not the whole city. I do, because I WANT TO.

i hope that clears it up. I can’t tell you what you should do or how to, because everyone’s different. Besides, when I want a burger, I eat an effin’ burger. The only difference is, the burgers may be a little more classy.

All kidding aside. Going to some fast food place on the way home or to work used to be my staple. When I changed my eating habits, things like fast food, soda and processed meals left a horrible taste in my mouth. So, I just don’t eat them.  If I do stress out and run for the chips, I know I’m paying for it in the long run and I accept it. Tomorrow is another day.

Love Yourself Today, Tomorrow and Forever.

                                            – LaKeisha

“if You Want A Burger, Eat A Burger” – Yung Poppy