I'm Obese, Diabetic and a Workaholic: This is the story of how I decided to save myself

A Spanish journalist, who has lived with obesity and type 1 diabetes since her early years, has embarked on a personal journey to improve her health after decades of neglecting her well-being. The woman, who is currently 45 years old, admits she has long struggled with workaholism, often prioritizing others' needs over her own. She describes herself as someone who once engaged in regular physical activity but gradually stopped, allowing work, fatigue, and excuses to take precedence over her health. Her decision to change came after a casual remark from her nurse, Laura Biencinto, during a routine checkup. The nurse suggested she start incorporating strength training into her life, noting that menopause was approaching. This comment lingered in her mind, prompting the journalist to consider how she might integrate exercise into her daily routine without falling back into old habits. The journalist, whose identity is not disclosed in the sources, decided to transform this challenge into a journalistic project. She approached Pablo Gil, responsible for Papel Verano, Cultura, and La Lectura sections at El Mundo, with the idea of documenting her efforts to adopt a healthier lifestyle through a series of articles. Gil immediately supported the initiative, recognizing its potential value to readers seeking inspiration and practical advice on health and fitness. The journalist's plan includes following a diet designed specifically for individuals with type 1 diabetes, created by her specialist at the Hospital Infanta Leonor in Madrid. The regimen consists of 1,200 calories per day, emphasizing balanced nutrition while managing her condition effectively. Alongside dietary changes, she aims to incorporate both strength and cardiovascular exercises into her routine, focusing on building muscle mass and improving overall fitness. She acknowledges that her profession as a journalist has contributed to her tendency to view everything as a story, including her health journey. By framing her transformation as part of her work, she hopes to maintain accountability and consistency in her efforts. This approach ensures that she will not easily fall back into old patterns of procrastination or excuses, especially given the expectations of readers awaiting each new installment of her series. The journalist credits Javier Cid, a previous journalist at El Mundo who had successfully documented his own health improvements, as an inspiration. She recognizes that her journey is not unique, yet she feels compelled to share her experience openly, acknowledging that many face similar challenges in balancing professional demands with personal health. Her initial steps include visiting gyms, walking, swimming, and attempting to establish a consistent workout schedule. However, past attempts have been inconsistent, often ending prematurely due to exhaustion or lack of motivation. Now, with the structure of her journalistic project, she aims to create a sustainable routine that aligns with her medical requirements and personal goals. As the series begins, the journalist plans to document each phase of her transformation, offering insights into the difficulties and rewards of adopting a healthier lifestyle. Her goal is not just to improve her physical condition but also to explore the psychological aspects of commitment, discipline, and self-care. Through this endeavor, she seeks to provide readers with a realistic portrayal of the challenges involved in making lasting lifestyle changes, particularly for those living with chronic conditions such as diabetes.