Socrates once said that the secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old,

Socrates once said that the secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new. This thought has always deeply resonated with me as it relates to weight loss and dieting. So many diets are focused on the, “what do I STOP eating or drinking?” We associate dieting with sacrifice and pain and struggle instead of focusing on the love of new things and foods.

One of the greatest parts of my weight loss is that I’ve found incredible things, foods and experiences. I ran my first race, my first triathlon. I learned Krav Maga and how to do Brazilian Jiu-jitsu in a gi and in street clothes. I sparred and jumped and climbed and experienced. I found a love unparalleled by anything I’ve ever experienced: Brussels Sprouts (I may be overstating this but I LOVE them properly prepared). I learned to Squat and Deadlift and to swim 1 mile straight without stopping.

I learned to cook but most importantly I learned to love myself. I taught my kids and friends and family how important it is to take care of yourself so you can better serve the world around you.

That’s why I have to laugh inside when someone asks me if I miss eating pizza every day. Honestly? My life is so filled with the blessings I’ve been handed after that I haven’t had time to notice the absence of pizza.

It will feel like a sacrifice when you first start but dieting, like all life change will be more successful the more you’re able to focus on all the things you’re gaining instead of consumed by the things you’re losing. You’ve got this.