This week marks the 10th anniversary of having reached my Weight Watchers goal.   Since then my life has changed a number of times. Each stage is another opportunity for creative food ideas and other forms of exercise to enjoy.

Here are some of the changes and what worked for me.

Single – Even when I was with my family I was not challenged by cooking just for me. I am worth it and every meal is too. Fast, easy meals are enjoyed at a table set for the occasion. A plate full of colour is a feast for the eyes and can be a party of its own. During this time I packed away the microwave and explored the vegetarian lifestyle. I enjoyed the freedom of eating when I was hungry and going for long walks when it suited me.

Long days and commuting – During the time, I made great friends with everyone at the organic fruit shop where I worked. Juices, fruit, salads in summer and warming soups in winter were easy on the days when I didn’t take my own lunch. I walked in the evenings, getting off the train early and walking 20-30 minutes to another stop.   By the time I arrived I was refreshed, revived and ready to enjoy my evening.

After work commitments – I didn’t need to end up fat and broke! I got choosy with what I ate, I didn’t have to taste every dish nor did I have to finish everything on my plate. I made sure to move or to leave a bit earlier to do something active. In the end what I had were many good times, great experiences and more friends.

In between jobs and on a shoestring budget – By now eating healthy is the main priority and no money was no excuse! Small amounts of anything on special helped. Fruit and vegs, the herbs in the garden (the parsley bush was a great source of many tabouleh based meals), eggs and a variety of tasty and filling toasted sandwiches. As you can imagine there was plenty of time for exercise which was helped by the gift of three months of yoga classes at a deal price. The number on the scale was not even a thought. I felt healthy and looked good despite being out of work with few prospects.

Back in relationship – I am a social eater which is a challenge for me. I have learned to take the lead with meals and be responsible for my own activities. Being in relationship doesn’t mean everything is done together. I still need my fruit and vegs and I still need my walk.

Post-menopause – The body changes and things are different, just as they were after puberty and after childbirth. My focus is still on healthy eating and staying active and I still like to keep things simple. As my own boss I can create a timetable that works for me. Meals are smaller and lighter again and the summer heat encourages me to be up early. My walk is more purposeful and I’ve added a seven minute workout at the end of it (thanks to a free app I downloaded to my iPhone). I have decided that age is irrelevant to being trim, healthy and happy.

Ten years ago my focus was a number on the scales and the benefits were an added bonus. Since then life has offered me many ways to keep the joys of food and health alive and active and fun and I’m sure there will be many more to come. Each is simply another opportunity to be creative and active with life and living it. With each stage comes choice and at each stage I choose healthy food and an active lifestyle.

 

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