From my elliptical machine, I enviously watched the rock climbers at my college gym. The sport looked so fun, I desperately wanted to join them, but I was so insecure about my weight and was horrified imagining my butt in a harness. I couldn't muster up the courage to try.
After graduation, I traveled far for my teaching career with jobs in the South Bronx, the Republic of Georgia, and India. As I saw lives torn apart by poverty and injustice, suddenly my weight seemed like a trivial concern and I gained more confidence.
When I returned to the U.S., a date suggested that we go rock climbing together. I was excited, but the old insecurities beckoned. I weighed at least 20 pounds more than him, and surely he would feel it when he took up the rope for me!
In order to lose weight, a friend recommended Almased to me. I began to use it every day for breakfast and as a recovery drink after working out, mixing it with cold water and cinnamon on the weekdays. Then on weekends, I experimented with mixing frozen blueberries and cocoa powder, lemon juice and V8, and cold coffee and almond milk in Almased.
Over 4 months of using Almased, I lost 20 pounds!* Shedding the pounds made it easier for me to climb more challenging routes. The combination of Almased, running, and climbing helped me to lose weight, but it was Almased alone that helped me gain control over my appetite, gave me more energy, and helped me recover from workouts faster. I like that Almased is a good source of protein, is easily digested, and I can flavor it pretty much however I like. I also like that it doesn't contain artificial sweeteners, which I find increase my sugar cravings later in the day.
Now after all these changes I’ve made, I wish I could go back in time and talk to my insecure college self. I would tell her to never let insecurity prevent her from trying anything. I would tell her that she is most beautiful when she follows her passions, be it shaping young minds or climbing mountains. I would tell her that eating well is not a matter of punishment, but of loving and respecting oneself. Finally, she could meet someone amazing! I met my wonderful fiancé at a climbing outing.
Thank you Almased for helping me to take care of myself! Thank you for helping me fight gravity!
P.S. Here is my favorite recipe:
Almased Pumpkin Pie
- 8 Tbsp Almased
- 1 small frozen banana
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup canned pumpkin
- 1/4 cup almond milk
Blend all ingredients in a blender until creamy, then enjoy!
