An intentional risk

I remembered my siblings always complaining about my weight and big stomach and how I kept getting fatter and thicker. They suggested that I reduce the amount of food I eat and also exercise more. Yes, I did agree to what they said. I reduced my food to a small portion, but I couldn’t bear it because to me, it was as if I was starving myself and the slang, “I cannot come and kill myself,” was always soothing to my ears, and it gave me comfort.

It wasn’t until I couldn't wear some clothes. My stomach was as if I had been pregnant and I would have to push my stomach in when walking - you know how uncomfortable that can be, right? There was no amount of exercise I did; at some point, I would stop and then pick up again after weeks. It was always an on-and-off thing, but I wasn’t happy seeing my stomach that way.

I was even scared at one point of getting fatter to the extent that it would affect me in my old age. There are times I would only walk for 10 minutes and I was already tired. I couldn’t run because if I did, my legs would start to ache. “I am still young na,” I sadly whispered to myself one day and I decided to be intentional.

Before taking this big risk, I had begun intermittent fasting, which my sister recommended to me, but it wasn’t enough because no matter how much I did it, I would still eat a lot as if I wouldn’t be eating the next day.

My sister then shared her story of how she went on a fruit diet for a week when she was in Lagos and how she loved her body shape. She explained how it cost her a lot to buy fruits but the end result was worth it. She advised me to give it a try. I felt sceptical about it at first because how would I not eat any food for a week, only fruit and water?

My mind was made up. I became intentional and the following week, I set out to get fruits. With the present economy and inflation, I didn’t mind. I had a goal of making a change in myself. I encouraged myself to go for it and not mind the amount of money I would be spending for the week. It was the end result I was after.

I ignored the thoughts that came discouraging me about it, and let me know how long a week was and that I wouldn’t be able to do it. It was a risk. I was told of how dangerous it was because staying without the right nutrients for long could endanger one. But I decided to embark on it anyway.

I didn’t eat for a week even when temptation kept coming from left and right. I knew what I went through the first day when I started. I struggled to fight the negative thoughts popping up every minute.

It got to a point, I stopped scrolling through the sites on my phone, and at the sight of any food, I would quickly look away so I wouldn’t give up. Times I would be tempted to enter the kitchen and prepare something my mind kept craving but I fought it. I said no.

A week became a year and I kept counting down. It wasn’t easy feeding on fruits each day and then drinking water. I ate different types of fruits, and at one point, the fruits became irritating. You know when you keep eating the same thing every day, you would have no interest. It would start smelling, and you would feel like vomiting at the sight of it. This all happened to me but I kept going.

When I ended the seven days of eating fruits and water, I was so excited to see a big change in me. The risk I took was worth it. It wasn’t about the amount of money I spent because I saw it as investing in my health and looking fit. I tried wearing one of my tight clothes, and my stomach became flat and okay. I wanted to scream that day out of excitement; I wish there had been someone around me then.

I took pictures of my before and after, posted on my WhatsApp status, and everyone saw the difference. Right now, I am happy about the change. Since then, I have been maintaining my weight and stomach, eating small portions and controlling my appetite to want more. I am learning self-control and making sure I don’t go back to how I was.

The lesson I learnt from this is that life is a risk. Maintaining our health is a risk, too, and there are decisions we would make to make sure we live healthier, but knowing that it’s always worth it in the end would keep pushing us to continue on our goals. It’s only a matter of time, and when we do not give up but are intentional about our growth, though it’s a big risk we take in between, the result will speak.

But the truth is, I would go for the risk again if I need to. I actually enjoyed it and knowing it’s for my benefit is something exciting to give it another trial. A risk will either favour us or not, but the lessons we learn will be priceless.

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