10 lessons from my weight loss journey

I was always a big kid. At first I did not notice the size I was growing into, especially growing up in England. In my teenage years, I was surrounded by people who were much bigger than me.

It was here in the Philippines when we migrated back almost 6 years ago that I realized that my thoughts on size were very different from the usual norm in this country. Being the biggest of my siblings, I was bound to become image-conscious, in comparison to my sisters who were “sexy”, “thin” and “beautiful.” 

“Dixie! She the prettiest, but also the biggest.”

“You know even though you’re a big girl, you’re so pretty.”

“You need to lose weight, how will you get a boyfriend?” 

ESPECIALLY this: “It’s a shame you’re a big girl, I would have courted you.” 

I mean, really? I had finally had enough.

It’s one thing for your family point out your imperfections, but for a complete stranger to add more fuel to what they are saying – it can be very demeaning to a girl. And people wonder why we sometimes have no confidence and low self-esteem. 

It came to the point that I wanted to change people’s opinion not just about me, but about big girls in general. In order to do that, I had to start with myself. 

My weight loss journey:

I want to share with you how I achieved my newfound confidence. Of course everyone has his own way of doing so, but here’s my story. 

Start TODAY

Yes, we all have the excuse saying:

“It’s my last cheat day.”

“Diet starts tomorrow.” WHATEVER!

Starting today is the same as starting tomorrow, you just started earlier, no point prolonging it. 

Consult a professional/doctor/trainer

This is very important. You first need to consult someone to avoid long-term damage or sudden accidents due to existing conditions. I have hyperthyroidism and I’m also an asthma patient, so I needed to check first and see to what extent I could do some physical activities.

Fitspiration (setting a goal)

Cliché – but setting a goal is the key. I did not go for the usual inspirations such as Jennifer Lopez or whoever – I went for America Ferrera, Jennifer Hudson; the ones who actually made it big regardless of their size, and embracing their natural shape.  

Set a goal that fits your body type. Better it be slowly and surely rather than it all coming back as fast as you lost it in the first place. 

The right reason is YOU!

You need to think long and hard and ask yourself “Why? Why are you doing this? Why do you want to lose weight?”  

Your one and only reason should be “it’s for me” it’s for my own good, I want to look/feel good.”

I’ll admit, I had it wrong the first time. I was in it for all the wrong reasons. We all have that reason or the feeling of wanting to be accepted, or be loved or “fit in.”

Darling, you need to accept yourself – you and only you. If you accept yourself and love yourself more than anyone else, everything will fall into place, and THAT IS SELF-RESPECT.

Your support group

This is very important. We will have those phases where we feel like giving up and feel like:

“Nothing’s happening!” “Ayoko na!” (I don’t want to!), “It’s too hard, I can’t do it.”

You will need those amazing people to give you that push back to reality, and back into the zone. Having support is very crucial. PLUS they make it more fun! Working out with a friend makes it easier and it won’t even feel like a workout.  

Find a physical hobby, something you really enjoy

I never liked running, I preferr dancing or attending a class where I could learn something at the same time. For me it was football and boxing. These are full body sports that targeted my whole body. I channeled all my anger and frustrations about by weight towards the game and as a result it was beneficial for me. In the end, I did not even notice it I was slowly losing the weight, I was just playing a game. 

Eat right, sleep right!

This is one phrase that I constantly hear from my best friend, and it’s TRUE. Your body also needs to rest and recharge, regardless of your condition. 

Depriving yourself of food that you like isn’t good. BALANCE is the term and eat in moderation. Make sure you have the right amount of nutrients that your body needs to last throughout the day.

The 8-glass rule.

As much as possible, always drink at least 8 glasses a day. You will eventually learn to love it. Plus it’s good for you. It’s refreshing and it’s cleansing.

Block all negativity

This has to be one of your biggest demons in losing weight. It’s a part of life, and we can’t avoid it. Block all the negative opinions and remarks from people. Attending to it will just get you off track. It’s just a way for others to bring you down.  

Embrace and invest in the new you.

I threw out all of my old clothes that were way too big for me already. Do not remind yourself of the past; embrace the new you. Invest in new clothes that you feel good in and that emphasize your new figure.

Buy them one at a time, embrace and love the new person you are turning out to be. Confidence follows along with it.

Remember: People see how you are as a person based on how you carry yourself, so put on a nice dress, feel good and hold your head high. I even went as far as joining the “New Glorietta Vibe Fashion Show back in 2012 to challenge myself and go out of my comfort zone. 

I have lost a total of 130-150 pounds since 2010 to date, and have kept it off as I’m still continuing with this journey.

I have excellent support that makes it feel like losing weight wasn’t as hard as it seemed. For an asthma patient to lose that amount of weight is excellent, considering all the struggles and all the reactions I’ve had – but those didn’t, and won’t, stop me from achieving my goals. – Rappler.com