Hyla Ridenour

The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Although I still have many miles to travel on my journey, I have to marvel at how far I have come. It was not long ago that I took frequent trips to the McDonalds’ drive-thru where I would order a “number two” off the menu (a two cheeseburger meal complete with a medium size fry and soda). I did not have a problem eating both cheeseburgers, the fries, or the drink, and would often “supersize” my meal, followed by a cigarette or two.

Several years later, I ditched the smokes and became interested in health and fitness, particularly bodybuilding. The chiseled, lean bodies I saw in fitness magazines became obsessions, and I gave up the McDonalds, opting for oatmeal, egg whites, chicken breasts, tuna (straight from a can – eek!), and whey protein shakes. While my body became leaner, I did not necessarily feel healthy. Although I exercised often and ate what I thought was a healthy diet, I was seriously disconnected from what I was putting into my body. The bodybuilding gave me confidence, and one of my proudest moments was stepping on stage in a bodybuilding competition one year after my youngest was born. However, after a few years of the high protein regime, I was literally “chickened-out.” In fall 2006, I gave up meat completely, cold turkey, just weeks before Thanksgiving, and my daughter told me I was a disgrace to the holiday. That is when the real journey began.

Today, I am a gluten-free vegan with many of my meals being high raw or living, depending on the season and my budget. I traded in whey protein shakes for spinach smoothies, and instead of endless hours in the gym or running several miles, I practice yoga, nearly exclusively. In fact, I am currently working toward becoming a registered yoga teacher at the 200-hour level. Yoga has changed my life, and I can’t wait to share it with others.

Personally, I do not suffer from a chronic disease or illness, but my mission is to create a healthy body and to live each day to the fullest. My new lifestyle is a kinder, gentler approach to caring for myself. I have spent most of my adult life being too hard on my body, from unhealthy behavior and dietary habits to obsessive control around eating a certain amount of protein, carbohydrates, and fat each day. In truth, I was seeking the illusion of perfection. Through this process, I have learned that perfection does not exist, and I do not want to be perfect (boring). It is an ever changing and evolving process.

As I write this, beginning a new year, I recount previous New Year’s resolutions to lose weight, get fit, and be leaner. 2010 is the first year that I have not “resolved” to be anything or anyone different than who I am, where I am, in this current space in time. It has taken me years to get to this point, and it doesn’t happen overnight. Take one step at a time, and make one change at a time. One step leads to another, and you will look back at all of the miles you have covered, just as I have. All you have to do is vow to love yourself for who you are and let your health and wellbeing be the ultimate result of self love.

Hyla Ridenour is living a fulfilled life just outside of Portland, Oregon with her husband and two fantastic children. She enjoys yoga, cooking vegan and raw meals, chillaxin’ on the couch with her family and making the most of each and every moment.