#FitnessGoals

Since the start of this year, I told myself that I'd be more appreciative and grateful even in the simple things or little gestures by people who truly care. With this refreshed mindset, l'm here to share my journey to weight loss and healthier lifestyle.

For someone with PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) like myself, it has been so hard to manage my weight because of complications such as hormonal imbalance, mood swings, and anxiety episodes, which usually result in stress-eating or over-eating. I learned about having PCOS in 2017, and since then, I noticed that I'm gaining weight more than ever. Well, maybe it was also due to fondness of eating at restaurants (a perk and a curse of being in a relationship lol).

Fast forward to 2020, the pandemic turned our lives upside down. We have been forced to stay at home due to community quarantine measures. We have considered our health as a priority, something that isn't a usual second-nature to us. You know, as Filipino elders usually say, "Malayo naman sa bituka 'yan," as an assurance that we're still okay when we experience any sort of pain or sickness. Thus, I thought of finally making a deliberate and dedicated move to become fit and healthy. I also felt a sense of urgency to do so when my friend (who's getting married next month) mentioned about getting our body measurements for our gowns as bridesmaids on her wedding.

Since I'm not really an active person physically, like I'm not a fan of exercising and all, I resorted to intermittent fasting. I even purchased an app (Check @simplefastingapp on Instagram and Facebook) to keep track of my meals and progress, because I've set in mind that I'll take this seriously for my own sake. In 4-5 months, I've already lost 5 kgs. Though I'm still 4 kgs away from my target weight, I'm just overjoyed by the progress I'm making. I never thought it would still be possible for me to lose weight because I've had many excuses piled up in my head for a long time. I always brought up having PCOS or the changing work schedule as reasons why I couldn't manage my weight in the past. I realized that with the right amount of determination, dedication, and positive mindset, my goals are achievable. (Keep it up, self!)

Some might think it is silly of me to be happy with merely losing weight. The hell I care with your judgments. I remember being body-shamed for a couple of times before, and even though I always tell myself that I'm confident just the way I am, their comments still subconsciously affected me. I recall having my self-esteem at its lowest when a close friend told me to stop wearing my favorite yellow dress. She said it's for my own good because she didn't want people to talk back at me and comment about my body or how the dress just didn't look appropriate for my body shape. As I was on the brink of exploding, my other friend stepped in saying that I should have the freedom to wear what I want. (For the record though, if you're reading this and you recognized it's you, don't worry since I love you and have already forgiven you. I knew things were tough for you that time, so I just let it go eventually.)

Sadly, even if I know that it's my body, my choice, the body-shaming got stuck on my head for some time. I stopped wearing that dress for a month or two because every time I see it, I get reminded of how I'm not deemed fit to wear it. Until I snapped back to reality that I shouldn't mind getting those demeaning gazes and comments, because above anything else, it should be me who should take full control of my body and how I express myself through the clothes I wear.

Anyway, I don't intend to be that hardcore preacher or advocate of staying fit because I know we have our different circumstances and struggles. I'm just here sharing my story because I'm proud of myself for moving forward and gradually achieving my goals. I feel happy too whenever some ask me how I've done it. Even though I'm not a pro or anything, it's always my pleasure to help or motivate to the best of my knowledge based on research and experience.

#fitness #fitspiration #goals #fitnessgoals #weightloss #health #appreciation #gratitude #happiness #blog