It is TIME

I did it! I summited two inches to the top of my scale and overcame! Thank you, thank you, thank you… If you’re just stopping in for a quick read, I shared yesterday, stepping on the scale was perhaps the biggest step of faith I’m being asked to take right now. Really, Shanon? Yes. Really.

But I did it. Was I happy with the numbers? No. Can I do something about them? Absolutely! And I will because it is time to build muscle, lose fat and nurture my skin (the largest organ of my body).
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During a four month post lumpectomy follow-up in January of this year, I hopped on the scale and was not happy then, either – 167 – ouch! At least I have lost 4.6 pounds since the beginning of the year, which is shocking.

Peanut butter cups have become a staple in my daily diet. You read that right – daily. I have just recently been consistent in regular exercise (just the past four weeks). With the exception of a few focused fasts this past year, I have really been enjoying all the foods and drinks. All. Of Them.

​​It is time. It is time to build muscle with a regimented fitness routine. As a rule, muscle mass declines with age, starting in the 40s and picking up speed after about age 50. I just met midlife a couple months ago, so I want to build muscle rather than lose it.

What my body looks like right now. Sorry folks! No before pictures to see here ;)

It is time to lose body fat with a laser focused nutrition program. Whole30 coupled with intermittent fasting will help lose the visceral (deep fat around my organs) and the fat closer to the surface. Both of these numbers came in too high on the scale this morning. Both carry risk for disease. Carrying too much visceral fat is a serious health problem. Studies have shown that excess visceral fat is linked to a higher risk of type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, heart disease and even certain cancers.
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The higher your BMI (related to increased body fat percentage), the higher your risk for certain diseases such as heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, gallstones, breathing problems, and certain cancers.
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It is time to take care of my skin – also the largest organ I have. Sure I would like to reduce wrinkles and not get “droopy” in places, but it is bigger than that. Adults carry some 8 pounds (hey this is how much both my girls weighed when they were born!) and 22 square feet of it (about the size of your favorite snuggie in the winter time). 

A large percentage of what we expose our skin to is absorbed into our blood stream. Once most chemicals make their way into our bodies, they tend to accumulate over time, which can lead to a variety of unhealthy maladies.
​You guys, genetically I am considered predisposed to live with with diabetes, cancer, and heart disease related to the high body fat. Plus, I have already had skin cancer removed from my body. No bueno. It is especially no good if because I choose to ignore the numbers, I am no longer able to live out God’s call for my life. Which is ultimately my “WHY”.

I want to keep on keepin’ on for the Lord as long a He will allow me. Sure I look forward to dancing in the streets of gold one day, but there are so many lives here who still need to know Jesus! AND – Holy Spirit deserves to live in a healthy vessel, the place He now resides.

I’m ready to do this. I’m ready to share the journey. I mean, who doesn’t like a good transformation story? I’m a sucker. Plus, hopefully you will be inspired to take a step of faith wherever God is calling you to in this season.
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vi·​va·​cious lively in temper, conduct, or spirit: SPRIGHTLY; ZESTY I want zesty!!!

​​My goal is to settle into a healthy lifestyle, it is not about a size, number or date to “get skinny”. I’m in this for the long haul baby. Weekly action steps to get there include: lifting heavy weights three times per week, Whole30 and intermittent fasting, and being intentional with nourishing my skin with high quality skin products. One faithful step at a time, and I know I will be right where God needs me to be, to truly live vivaciously in the calling He needs me to press in and press on towards. See you next week, blessings!