Weight gain saved my life and confidence
There is an about a year and a half in between the three pictures on the left and the three on the right. To be the weight I am now makes me feel so good about myself. It wasn’t easy to get here though.
I remember everyday being so depressed about everything and then looking in the mirror made it so much worse. I had no insurance and was at the hospital almost every week for heart palpitations and other complications. The first time I went to the doctors and saw that I was 99lbs I broke down. I didn’t understand how it could get that bad. I mean I did because all I could eat was soup. I would feel sick for not eating and then even worse when I did eat so I would force myself to throw up. I couldn’t work to hard or I would pass out.
One of the worse things about being as small as I used to be was the comments people would make. A co-worker told me that she couldn’t see me behind a very skinny pole in front of me. An old boss of mine would joke around during lunch, I would walk across the street to get food and come back. She always loved to say “oh is that for me?” Look me up and down then say “never mind you need it.” A friend once told me that I have the same figure as her 9 year old sister. I just didn’t understand how they thought those were good things to say.
What changed it all was when I had my first seizure ever. I knew I had to do something or I could lose my life. I genuinely believe that the only thing that got me through it was God. I further myself with him and good things follow.
To look at the scale and see a number above 110 sends joy through my body. Thank you lord for everything you have done for me.
It’s incredible how much my life has changed since I started my healthy weight gain journey. Looking back at my low weight of 99 lbs, it felt like an endless struggle, both physically and emotionally. I know many of you might be in a similar boat, feeling lost or frustrated with trying to gain weight healthily, especially as a woman. So, I wanted to share a bit more about what truly helped me, beyond just eating more. One of the biggest shifts for me was understanding that healthy weight gain isn't just about calorie surplus; it's about nutrient-dense foods. Instead of just eating "anything," I focused on incorporating healthy fats like avocados, nuts, and olive oil, and plenty of protein sources like chicken, fish, and legumes into my meals. Snacking became my best friend – think smoothies packed with spinach, protein powder, and nut butter, or Greek yogurt with fruit and granola. It wasn't about eating until I felt sick anymore, but about nourishing my body consistently throughout the day. Another crucial aspect was gentle movement. When I was at my lowest, even walking could make me dizzy. But as I slowly gained strength, I started incorporating light resistance training. This wasn't about bulking up, but about building muscle mass, which is a healthier way to gain weight and strengthens your body from the inside out. It also helped improve my appetite and energy levels. If you're just starting, even bodyweight exercises or short walks can make a huge difference. Mentally, dealing with comments about my body was tough. People often don't realize how hurtful their words can be, whether they're criticizing you for being too thin or too heavy. I learned to build boundaries and remind myself that my health journey is personal. Surrounding myself with supportive friends and family who celebrated my progress, rather than commenting on my appearance, was vital. Remember, your worth isn't dictated by a number on the scale or someone else's opinion. And speaking of progress, it's not always linear. There were days I felt discouraged, days where I reverted to old habits. But I learned to be patient and forgiving with myself. Each small victory, like finishing a meal without feeling ill or seeing a slight increase on the scale, became a motivator. Taking progress photos, even just for myself, helped me visualize the changes. You can literally swipe through your own transformation! If you're on your own weight gain journey, please remember to listen to your body and consult with healthcare professionals. They can help you create a personalized plan that’s safe and effective. It's a marathon, not a sprint, but the confidence and health you gain are absolutely priceless. Keep going, and know that you're strong enough to achieve your goals!
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