I have no idea how to cleverly introduce this post other than to just start typing. I’ve never shared a whole lot on this blog about me personally . . . which is so odd because my first love/blog is IrresistibleIcing.com where I share raw and real stories about my issues with binge eating disorder and my weight loss journey.
Sharing My Weight Loss Journey
I actually have no clue who reads both of my blogs or if my readers are truly separate. I like to believe that I have a different readership at Irresistible Icing and Irresistible Pets but in all honestly, I’m really not sure.
For the longest time I never combined my two blogs and never spoke of one on the other. I thought there’s no way pet lovers would ever want to hear about my binge eating disorder and weight struggles. I also thought no way would someone interested in my weight loss story be interested in 5000 pics of Chuy.
Then it hit me that DUH, I’m interested in all of these things and I’m sure there’s enough quirky people out there just like myself! I still plan on keeping two different blogs but I’m trying to find ways to mesh and cross promote the two in a natural way.
The News That Changed Everything
Last month at Chuy’s vet appointment we came to the realization that my beautiful little baby boy is overweight. He weighed in at 12.6 lbs and the vet said for a Chihuahua of his size, he should be around 9-10 lbs max. That doesn’t seem like a lot of weight difference but when it comes to toy breeds, every ounce counts! Having your dog gain weight may not seem like a big deal to most people. It happens. They look at you with those irresistible little faces and you can’t help but give them more treats than they need. The weather gets too cold or too hot and you skip out on those daily walks. Oops.
This really hit home for me because I realized that my weight issues (and believe me they are DEEP rooted issues) have been passed down to my fur child. I’m ashamed. I’m actually pretty disgusted with myself. How did I let this happen?
Chuy is a dog. Chuy is 100% dependent upon ME. He only eats what is given to him by either myself or my husband so if he puts on weight, that is on ME. I know that I’ve probably been showing him “love” with food. Why wouldn’t I? It’s the way I was taught. That’s just a fact.
Trying To Change Old Habits
I’m working really hard on a personal level to not associate food with emotions. It should be just food, something we need in order to keep going. On the other hand that’s what makes emotional eating/weight loss so damn difficult. It’s actually been proven to be THE hardest addiction to break. If I was addicted to drugs or alcohol, I could totally avoid all situations where they are present. You can’t escape food. You need it to survive. Trust me, it’s a love/hate relationship.
I don’t want Chuy’s life to be shortened because of my bad habits. I don’t want him developing unnecessary diseases because of my choices. I know that I run the risk of dying early and getting diseases if I don’t lose the weight, but it’s never scared me enough. This time around when it comes to my Chuy, it terrifies me.
It also makes me think about what if we have “real” kids one day? I NEVER want any child of mine to go through the pain of being the fat kid. I don’t want them to know what it’s like to be bullied and outcasted because of your weight. If I don’t get a handle on my issues ASAP, then the pattern continues.
It’s the hardest thing I’ll ever do and it’s a daily work in progress. It has to be my number 1 priority over anything else. We are talking about reversing 30 years of behaviors, attitudes, emotions, memories, etc around using food as a drug. It’s painful but I know the end results are going to be worth it.
In 2010, I started blogging over at Irresistible Icing about my weight loss progress. Last week, I posted my 2014 game plan where I shared how I’ll be tracking my inches lost instead of relying on the scale. I want to find ways to incorporate exercising/healthy eating with Chuy. It’s a little challenging right now because of the weather and the early evenings, but I’m looking into how I can accomplish this.
The Future of Irresistible Pets
So what exactly was my point in sharing something like this with you? Well, I’m not 100% sure just yet but what I do know is this:
1. I wanted to “come out of the closet” so to speak about my binge eating disorder. This is a huge part of my life as Aimee and it’s only fair that I’m open and honest with you.
2. I want to use Irresistible Pets as a platform to discuss dog obesity, exercise, and healthy nutrition. I want to talk with other pet owners like yourself to see how you’ve helped your dog stay healthy.
3. Since Irresistible Pets is a DIY pet project blog, I will be creating and sharing DIY recipes that are natural and healthy for dogs. I will also include fun, interactive DIY toys that you can create at home to encourage exercise for both you and your pet!
4. I will share Chuy’s weight loss progress with you. I haven’t decided yet if this will be a weekly or monthly post.
5. I want to also share tips on how you can get fit and healthy with your pets!
I hope that you’ll continue to read my blog (or both blogs!) and follow Chuy and I in our quest to become healthy, happy, and irresistible!
Love + Paws,
Aimee & Chuy
This is the first time I’ve visited either of your blogs. Clicked on Twitter link. I’m SO glad I did. I applaud you and your bravery. can’t wait to get to know you and your blog better.
Kristen–well minded recently posted..territorio de zaquates: when you adopt a mutt, you adopt a unique breed
Hi Kristen,
Thank you for stopping by! I LOVE meeting new friends. Your words are so sweet and mean so much to me. I look forward to chatting with you!
Aimee, you rock for doing this post! A lot of times when our dogs have some sort of problem, we take the easy way out and blame it on something outside of our control. Riley is an anxious mess sometimes, and I know that stems directly from my issues with anxiety. When I get anxious, she picks up on my energy and she gets anxious as well. A lot of times I’m embarrassed to admit that, so I really, truly applaud you for going public about your binge eating and Chuy’s weigt gain.
Sounds like you both are on the right track to making some life changes this year! I wish you both the best of luck with this. Hope to see you guys in Vegas this year!!
(BTW, you are gorgeous and I thought that as soon as I met you at BlogPaws last year. Beautiful on the outside and the inside!).
Elyse and Riley recently posted..Riley’s Christmas Present
Wonderful post, Aimee! I am lucky I guess that I have been able to be strict about Pug’s diet, not so much my own… Funny how I realize how important HIS health is while I neglect my own.
Andrea @ This Pug Life recently posted..Pug Dresses Up
Last February I had additional pudge around my middle and was teetering at over 10lbs. We were told I had to lose at least 1-2 lbs (which is like 20 lbs on a person for each pound). My momma adjusted my diet and gave me treats in the morning consisting of carrots/apples or fruit – my main source of treats — and I only had my 1/3 cup of food at 8pm each evening. For extra energy I might get an extra apple piece or orange/melon slice and extra playtime. I am now down to about 8lbs. Everyone was telling me I looked like I’d lost weight. The main thing was not leaving food out and If I had people food (rice, chicken, eggs, turkey, etc) I would not eat my food too. It was tough – since I am a little piggy – but I feel like I am moving around a lot more and playing too. I wish you the best in your journey! WOOF!
Bravo to you for facing your demons so to speak. The first step is recognizing there’s a problem, both for yourself and Chuy, so you’ve done that already, pat yourself on the back. I really commend you for the journey you’ve committed to. At SlimDoggy, we are all about healthy pets (and healthy humans) so please visit us, lean on us, join our FitDog Friday Blog Hops – there’s a great community of like-minded dog owners out there who will support you every step of the way!
slimdoggy recently posted..How do I Find a Dog Camp?
It’s never easy letting other’s know about our issues, you’re a very brave person. Niles and I have gained some weight this past year, she gained it because she’s been recovering from an injury and I gained because I had a rough 2013. We are rooting for you guys and will be checking back to see what awesome ideas you come up with! Also, I just want to let you know that Nailah & I think both you and Chuy are beautiful!
Nailah Bone recently posted..Wordless Wednesday – The Monster & The Walker
I’m really looking forward to following along. Sydney was over weight. At her heaviest, she weighed 92# – she should be about 68# – today, she’s 72#. It took exercise and a diet change to get her into a better place. She has arthritis and then the potential of other health issues convinced me to make the change.
A couple weeks ago, she was diagnosed with a partial cruciate tear in her rear left knee – all I could think is that I’m so thankful that she lost all that weight.
Best of luck! I’m cheering you on!!!
Kimberly Gauthier recently posted..Fur Mom Confessions | I Stole a Box of Riley’s Organic Dog Treats
I found your blog today through Pinterest and have been reading a few posts. It’s always nice to find DIY projects for your pets and another fur mommy who loves there little boy. We share the same feelings for our fur baby, I thought maybe I was alone with how much I love you can have for a pet, glad I’m not!
I also struggle with the weight issue, its tough especially when there’s emotion attached… it’s a hard fight, but we just have to keep going. It helps having to walk the dog everyday and having them to play with, I really think if I didn’t have my boy to walk I would sit on the couch and never get any excercise!
You’re doing a great job, with the blog, with the dog, don’t stop!
Thanks!