Amber Riedesel - I'm nervous to write this post. It feels deeply uncomfortable, even in a safe space like this. The reason is that my revolution is centered around weight loss, and that topic has so much heft to it (pun intended). We have such complex feelings on weight, appearance, and what is(n't) healthy, both physically and mentally, and for me to talk about weight loss as my revolution feels inauthentic and sadly superficial. But, please try to look past that and hear me out anyway.
I was a heavy kid, even with repeated interventions from my parents. I just didn't enjoy activity and loved fatty foods, simple as that. When I reached 250 lbs at 19 years old, I finally decided to do something about it. You name it, I tried it- probably 15+ attempts within a few years. Finally, my roommate told me about an expensive program of frozen pre-made foods, and weekly consulting- SOMETHING FINALLY WORKED. Over a series of 8 years, I lost 100 pounds (some of which was lost and regained along the way).
So what, right? "You look better…congrats!" No. It means that I am less likely to have my chest cracked open at 42 like my dad (fear). It means that I don't breathe quite as heavily when I try to jog, and I can finally make it up Bascom Hill without having to stop twice and pretend to tie my shoe (shame). I have the mental capacity freed up to focus on other priorities, and not on feeling badly about what I just ate and shouldn't have (incapability). Losing the weight taught me what I can and cannot do, what my priorities are, and shaped my growth in my 20s. I am proud-exuberant-grateful to have accomplished what I set out to do, and it is my revolution, at least for now.
Amber