One year

This was me July 21, 2012.

Exactly one year ago today.  This is the heaviest I have ever been. And  I was a mess. I saw a number on the scale I never even dreamed of and I felt horrible about myself, no self confidence whatsoever. I had gained a lot of weight in a short period of time, partly from my own choices and partly from health issues. I didn't want to do anything. The thought of getting dressed to go out made me sick. I could hardly even look at myself in the mirror. I get so emotional just thinking back to that hopeless feeling I had.  This is a line from my journal from a year ago. "I am disgusted with myself. I need a change, yet I struggle so much. I lack motivation and self control. I have to get serious about losing weight. I am not healthy. I'm frustrated and I'm tired and I'm depressed." I hated that I saw myself that way, but I knew I was dealing with the consequences of neglecting my body.  I could have kept living like that BUT instead of letting myself walk around, feeling bad for myself, I did something about it. I never would have imagined, at such a low point last year, that I would be where I am today. And it's been no small feat.  Losing weight, getting healthy and staying that way...it takes work. HARD work. I have busted my butt. Have I wanted to give up? Umm....yes! Have I enjoyed it every step of t he way? Definitely not! But you know what?  Every up and down, every frustration and every goal that I've met has been so worth it. I went from being the girl who couldn't run, couldn't do sit-ups, and had no flexibility to the girl who runs regularly (and even finished her first 5k), does sit-ups for fun, and can  (finally!!) touch her toes. 

I share all of this because I want you to see that I've been there.  I know it's hard. It's hard to get started and sometimes it's hard to keep it up. If you're feeling like you can't do it...I've been there. I know there are others feeling now what I felt a year ago and I'm hoping that this post gives you hope. It IS possible to change your health, and your life, for the better. 

Now, this isn't the end of the road for me. I've set small goals for mysel along the way, but I am coming up on my first big goal of 52 lbs in 52 weeks. I know that this post is how much I've lost in a year, but it was August 18 that I started actively making changes so my goal was to lose 52 lbs from that starting point. I have a feeling I will reach that goal... I only need to lose 2 more lbs in a little less than a month : ) Even after that, I still have some work to do to reach a healthy weight for myself. But one step at a time. I've come this far and I'm willing to keep working at it. I will probably have to work at it for the rest of my life. But I'm ok with that if it means I'm at my best.  

So here I am today... 50 lbs lighter and much happier. I feel like I don't even know that other girl anymore...

                                            

Here are some of my progress pictures:

15 lbs lost. Not too noticeable...yet.

25 lbs lost and starting to see some results.

30lbs lost.

45 lbs lost.

I just want to close out this post by thanking everyone who has supported me and cheered me on during this process.

A huge, huge, HUGE thank you to my husband. He has been there for me every step of the way: through tears of frustration, happy dances as I've reached my goals, healthy recipes when he'd rather be eating a burger, workouts when he'd rather be watching Duck Dynasty, and the trail of workout gear I leave all over the house. I really couldn't have done it without him.

And to anyone out there who has helped keep me accountable, been a workout partner, or simply have just told me that I'm doing great--- you have motivated and inspired me more than you know. THANK YOU and I hope you stick with me as I keep pressing on.



Fit Friday: Meet the Arc Trainer!

Hey everyone! I hope you had a great week and that you've all recovered from the holiday weekend : )

I tried this workout from Shape Magazine the other day so of COURSE I had to share it. If you're not familiar with the Arc Trainer... Well, it's time to get acquainted.

(Image via Shape Magazine)

It's similar to the elliptical machine. However, it moves in a crescent shaped pattern as opposed to an oval motion, which is easier on the knees and works your upper leg muscles a little harder. I used to be all about the elliptical until I met this guy. The Arc Trainer has been my best bud lately, especially since I am not able to run as much as my knee heals. Even when I am back to running, the AT is perfect for cross training. Seriously... go check it out! This particular workout can burn anywhere from 250-300 calories in 25 minutes and trust me... it's a good one. Check it out  here.

While you're working out, you're going to need some jams to keep you moving. I recently discovered the Fit Radio app and it is pretttty much the best. You can pick music based on BPM or the type of workout you are doing (Zumba, Yoga, etc.) AND it's free! 

Find a good playlist, print the workout plan, head to your nearest arc trainer, and get moving!

Independence Day: Free from junk food!

Hey everyone! Tomorrow is Independence Day and I'm sure you are likely to spend the next four days at cookouts, picnics, etc. Many times there aren't a lot of options that are healthy--- and the ones that are pushed as "healthy"  because they are low cal, low fat, etc are usually full of artificial sugars and other junk that you don't want to put in your body! SO why not make your own delicious, truly healthy dish to pass?!

One of my favorite dietitians, Dietian Cassie, posted a blog (check it out here )
featuring healthy summer salads that are "delicious, better-for-you alternatives to traditional pasta, potato and cool whip salads. " I don't know about you, but I'm dying to try that cauliflower salad! Bonus: all of these recipes are gluten free! 

Another great summer picnic recipe is Peak 313's Italian Orzo Salad....healthy AND easy to make! 

And finally, my personal favorite---cucumber avocado caprese salad! Here's what you need:

2 cucumbers 

1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes (about 30)

2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

1 cup fresh mozzarella

1 avocado

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Wash, dry, and cut tomatoes (into quarters) and cucumbers (cut into slices, then quarters.) Dice the avocado and mozzarella. Place cukes, tomatoes, avocado, basil, and mozzarella in a bowl. Pour on oil, vinegar, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly and serve. This is one of my favorite summer dishes--- light and refreshing.

I hope you all have a safe, healthy, and fun holiday! What is your favorite healthy summer side dish?

Motivation Monday: Live With Intention

What are you going to do this week to live with intention? To live well? Give every day your best.