Downsize Me!

Once again, its been ages since I last blogged - I am sure you understand with our new addion in the house, (of course, I had to post an updated picture of Jonathan) and huge things happening at work, (which I will not discuss on my blogg - as I dont want to breach any confidentiality clauses), life still remains on a roller coaster. However, in saying that there is always the hope that one day we will get off the roller coaster, and find a tamer ride! Will let you all know when that happens!
I am sure that you are a little intrigued by my subject of this post, mainly because weight has always been a major factor in my life. Funny you know, when you look back at past photos over the years, you think (well I do) "my goodness, what was I ever complaining about, I was sooooo thin - in comparison to what I am now" - well thats me. Coming to New Zealand shocked me into some home truths - firstly, on doing a BMI (Body Mass Index) - I was bordering on obese..........well that was a shock to the system, as over the years, I had been maintaining (and in some instances increasing) what I was putting in my mouth, and not doing enough exercise to burn it off. And putting weight on is easier than taking it off (I am sure all the ladies reading this post are shouting a loud "Amen"). Secondly, I realised that I needed to take care of this body the Lord has given me, and also to accept the way that I am, and my genetic make up. I saw the dvd "Supersize me" - if you have not seen this documentary, it is a must - the website is www.supersizeme.com. You will be so shocked at some of the statistics about fast food and the effects on our generation (this documentary was made in 2004, so I stagger to think of the figures now) - like:

* Each day, 1 in 4 Americans visits a fast food restaurant.
* You would have to walk for seven hours straight to burn off a Super Sized Coke, fry and Big Mac.
* 60 % of all Americans are either overweight or obese.
* Left unabated, obesity will surpass smoking as the leading cause of preventable death in America.
* Only seven items on McDonald's entire menu contain no sugar.
Just to name a few.

I was amazed at some of these points, however, I am not here to be free advertising for the movie, but one point that came home to me in the movie, and that was, this guy ate MacDonalds for one month - every day, and he gained twenty five pounds (13% of his body mass). It took 14 months to loose the weight he had gained!!!! Why am I going on about this? The reason being is that on coming to New Zealand, I realised how cheap fast food is, its cheaper to buy fast food than regular healthy meals from the supermarket - and I realised how easy it was to fall into the trap of fast food eating.
I am so thankful for a family who does not eat fast food, but loads of fresh fruit and veggies (those who know me, know that this is a real change for me) and a sister who told me that I will (soon) reach my goal size (she has had much faith, and I have been the proverbial "Doubting Thomas") - I am pleased to say that I have dropped two clothes sizes since coming here (total of 10kgs), and am encouraged to keep heading towards my goal, and my secret? Smaller portions, no or very little carbs and exercise, exercise, exercise!
So thats it from me - ova and out!