All About Me!!!
Amber Melendez
In January 2012 I was faced with a grave situation concerning my health and weight with limited options. My choices were limited; I either ran from it or dealt with it. I was at a routine Dr's appointment, at least to me and in my eyes, would be routine. As I am sitting there in the waiting room on the hard table for what seemed to be at least 45 minutes, My Dr. walks in with a very sad expression and almost angry at the same time. I had no idea what this could be about. I thought maybe she had some things she needed to take care of in the lobby, so I told her, "look, if you have something to take care of out there go right ahead I am fine." Her response was brief and not what I had expected. “No, there’s no one out there, it's you, Amber. You are going to die if you keep this lifestyle up; your blood sugars are out of control and I am surprised you don't have diabetes by now.” In my heart, it wasn't a surprise. I serve a faithful God. She continued to tell me if I didn’t believe me lets step on the scale right now. Prior to this event, the scale and I had a very strained relationship. I avoided getting on a scale at all costs. Last time I stepped on a scale was in 2011. It read something along the lines of 288, now in my head; I had been doing all the right things. Chinese food twice a month, a local restaurant maybe twice a week, a particular southern state themed restaurant with amazing steaks every Sunday, and fast food once a month couldn't have been that life-threatening? Wearing a size 26 didn't mean anything, right? I was wrong! I topped the scale at 307 lbs. I finally was that person I had vowed I would never be. I was that big person in the room that everyone looked at and judged. That was me! I remember very clearly walking out that Dr's office trying to look strong, and trying to hold my tears in until I closed that door behind me and stepped into the elevators, and just sobbed and sobbed for what seemed like an eternity. I stepped into my car, and just sat there drenched in my tears as they ran down my face into my lap asking God "Why, why me?" At that moment God responded to me, "Amber, I'm getting ready to do something big in your life that you can't even imagine but I need you to trust me" Was I really sitting in my car having a conversation with God? He, who loves me so much, knew I would get to this point. At that exact moment I opened my Bible and this was not a marked verse at this point in my Bible. I turned to Jeremiah 29:11. "I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.“ How much clearer could that have been at a time in my life where I didn't know what would happen? The only thing that I had control of was whether I would allow God to lead or if I would let my life crumble. I made a decision to let God lead. Around this time my husband sent me information on a 90 day challenge and I immediately thought ‘SCAM!’. What kind of nonsense is this? A shake a day? Too good to be true. After much discussion and prayer I made the choice to start my 90 day challenge just to prove this didn't work. I remember receiving my first box, and feeling so overwhelmed at its contents. I didn't know what to do! There was an instant change however when I had my first shake. I realized this shake was not like other shakes, the smell was different, the taste was different, and the effects were different. February 13th was my first nutritionist appointment and I went in there with a negative attitude. I was clearly in denial, I still I had an issue. At this point I was only 12 days into my challenge, until I noticed something; she herself had a bag sitting on her desk. It was confirmation from God I was doing the right thing and although she was rough with me and so was my other nutritionist (I saw 2 of them) it was what I needed to take my life serious! By the time my first 90 day challenge was over I was nearly 65-70lbs less and so much more in control of my health and life. So many things have changed since that day in January. I've lost over 100lbs and have my health under control. Running 3-4 miles a day, I have found a new appreciation in life, helping others get fit and healthy, and even changing lives financially!