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Introduction Text it becomes easier to be that authentic person and feel like you're living a less performed life" -- John Green I'm 6'1 and I have been 300+ lbs since I was 12 years old. My highest weight was 424 lbs. I've struggled with depression, pain, fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, and panic attacks, getting limited relief from antidepressants, therapy, supplements, and mindfulness. I have been a type II diabetic since my 20s and pre-diabetic since I was a teenager. In the last few years I was finally diagnosed with bipolar depression and found a wonderful psychiatrist who also recently diagnosed me with adhd and fibromyalgia. For the first time, I have a cocktail of meds that allows me to focus and experience more consistent moods, curbs the urge to binge eat, and takes the edge off of the pain, anxiety, and fatigue (I still struggle with these things, but it's not anywhere near as intolerable now). Insomnia is still a struggle for me, but I try my best. Recently I found out I have a mass on my adrenal gland which is excreting excess cortisol, causing Cushing's Syndrome. I will have it removed on 12/4/2020. I've been through a lot of ups and downs which keep me humble but also give me the perspective that through perseverance, consistency, and experimentation, I can improve my health and reach my goals. Don't ever let anyone call you lazy or question your willpower (whether it be family, a doctor, or yourself). We are all doing the best we can from where we are. Feel free to add me as a Sparkfriend!

To love myself To believe in myself To feel the fear, but do it anyway To gain strength To listen to my body To live mindfully To run (not walk) a 5k! To maintain a positive attitude To create a habit of fitness and good nutrition To get my A1C below 7% To get below 300 lb for the first time in my adult life

My journey so far has not involved weight-loss surgery. I've had to start slowly and build up, but my plan now includes: Exercise: -Walking 2-4x per week -Swimming and hot tub 1x per week -Strength training 1-2x per week -Stretching, foam rolling, sometimes yoga -Take rest days as needed (and don't feel guilty about them) Nutrition: -Batch cook on Sundays, takeout/delivery 0-1x a week, fast food 0-2x per week -Orgain protein shakes every morning & sometimes evening -Low/slow carb(20-25%) / high protein(30-35%) / moderate fat(40-50%) -Lots of veggies, probiotics, fiber, antioxidants, and teas -Nothing is off-limits except for gluten and trans fat, but I limit sugar, splenda, aspartame, processed grains, processed meats, grain-fed beef, refined vegetable oils, and excessive caffeine -Count calories and net carbs when I can, guesstimate based on previous days when I'm busy -Don't beat myself up for not eating perfectly or for having a high/

“I did then what I knew how to do. Now that I know better, I do better.” -Maya Angelou "We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit." -Artistotle “You either walk inside your story and own it or you stand outside your story and hustle for your worthiness.” -Brené Brown “When you plant lettuce, if it does not grow well, you don't blame the lettuce. You look for reasons it is not doing well. It may need fertilizer, or more water, or less sun. You never blame the lettuce..." -Thích Nhat Hanh “Absorb what is useful, discard what is useless, and add what is specifically your own” - Bruce Lee



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