Photography by Bleudogfotography
My outfit details: Adidas tank, Adidas leggings, Nike shoes, nylon backpack, aviator sunglasses, and water bottle.
3 Ways to Get Healthy Today
It has been a long road to becoming healthy. I am still on it and will continue forward with it indefinitely. I was really close to my all my health and fitness goals last fall and felt invincible! I was happy with the progress I was making with exercise and nutrition that I let myself slowly slip. It all started with last Halloween and indulging in one too many of my kids’ candies. I had forgotten how addicted I was to sugar. Too make a long story short, I let my sugar cravings and stress triggers kick in to full drive and I rang in the New Year with extra extra weight!
Well, I am ready to say goodbye to the extra 15 pounds I gained! Seriously, 15 lbs! I ate poorly which affected my sleep and energy patterns. This affected my behavior and mindset — frankly I was a mess! My confidence and zest for life was lacking and I wanted to hide from people and social situations! I wanted a change desperately and went back to my old tricks for getting back into shape. However, these quick fixes were not working and in fact made things worse and I was beginning to feel very depressed and hopeless.
Enough is Enough
One day, my high school girlfriend Courtney texted me and invited me to join her in losing weight and getting fit! I decided to say yes and we are now both getting guidance by the same macros coach. It has been one of the best decisions I have made all year! I am so grateful to have my friend’s encouragement and support. Teaming up with friends really offers you the social support to make healthy changes together. I feel more power when I am engaged with a team and the energy lifts my spirits!
I am on week #5 of macro dieting (also called flexible dieting) and feeling great and happy! I don’t know about you but having a coach who is keeping me accountable is making a world of a difference. My coach Lauren Driggs is knowledgeable, supportive, and so kind! Her empathy really helps along this arduous process because as humans we make mistakes. I never feel guilty or deprived and she has taught me tools to better care for myself and my beautiful body!
Small Steps Make a Big Difference
Learning that taking small and simple steps daily are the best in making changes that will last. I feel that this statement is true for all aspects in life! Lauren said it took me 6 to 7 months to gain this weight and it could take me that same amount or more to lose it successfully…and that it is going to be okay. What I can focus on each and every day is making the best decisions for my health and wellness. I am excited to share with you my 3 Ways to Get Healthy Today:
#1 Prioritize Sleep: I used to push myself to the point of exhaustion and rely on catching up with sleep the next day. This simply doesn’t work anymore nor is it healthy. I realize that it is okay to be tired. I am not Super Woman. I am human. If I am tired I will love myself by saying no to things that are not necessary and put myself into bed sooner. I love sleeping and for me that requires around 8 hours of sleep a day. Also, there is no shame in taking cat naps when time provides! I always make time on Sundays to take a nap!
#2 Stop Stressing: Okay, I will admit it, I am a worry wart. I think it is because my heart is so big and I can feel so much! I worry about my kids, my family, my husband, my job, the world, etc.,! LOL! All of this worrying does me no good! It is important to not stress the small stuff. I am learning to let things go. There are some things in life (if not most) that are not worth our time and effort. I choose to devote my energies to what brings me purpose and joy! I choose to prioritize me by incorporating regular self-care (daily exercising, prayer, pedicures, getting dressed for the day, etc.,).
#3 You Are What You Eat: One of the beautiful things I am learning through macro dieting (and really it isn’t a diet but way of eating) is that food is just food. Food is neither good or evil. I can choose to eat foods that will fuel my body allowing me to function optimally or I can choose foods that will delight my taste-buds temporarily but offer no nutritional value leaving me feeling empty and uninspired. Eat foods that are whole with simple ingredients and are colorful. I love this mindset of “Eat to live, not live to eat!”
Thank you so much for reading this post! I was really hesitant about sharing that I have gained 15 pounds with you! I am embarrassed I let myself go. I also was hesitant in sharing these photos because it is not the shape I wish to be in. But, I felt that it was important to be real and vulnerable. I am learning to love and accept my body at every stage that it is in because I have a divine body. My job is to treat it with the respect and love it deserves. You know I created three amazing babies with it! I am really excited about the progress I am making with macro dieting and hope you will follow me on my journey!
