My Transformation Journey

                                                                                I can honestly say that body image and weight loss have been a life long journey for me.  I remember working out in the basement when I was 15 years old doing Step Aerobics.  I've always been into fitness, but I've never truly been able to get an overall handle on my weight.  Finding consistency in my overall image about myself that I was happy with on the inside was something I struggled with.  I would always exercise, but I would also eat ice cream and chocolate which could be considered a main course in my meal plans!  Chocolate and ice cream are my weaknesses!  Combine them with stress and emotions and it's all over!

I was a fitness instructor for 10 years teaching strength training and large fitness classes.  I was in good shape, but I would say I still wasn't in the best shape of my life and I would typically compare myself to other instructors that I aspired to be like.  While I had the training and knowledge to do so, there was still something that was holding me back and stopping me from working through plateau's and getting past my emotional eating habits (my biggest obstacle!).  I have basically been a yo yo for YEAR'S.  Up and down and all around on the scale and my closet would show that.  I have had clothes in my closet (some of them for easily 10 years) that range in sizes from a size 4 up to a size 12.  I have kept these clothes through the years, despite my current size, "in case" I needed them, which some of them I did and some of them I didn't.  I have recently asked myself why would I hold onto all of these clothes for so many years that I don't wear!!  It's only now I can answer that question.

Going off track a bit here, but when I had my son 3 years ago I had decided to go for a natural childbirth (yes, no drugs) for many reasons.  While I was unable to achieve that the first time due to medical reasons, I was able to do so with my second son born 10 months ago.  I was determined and driven to achieve this.  As crazy as it sounds after I did it I felt like I could accomplish anything in my life.  No matter what I put my mind to I could do it. I don't say this to boast and I know that this goal is not for everyone, but my point is that we all have goals and WE are the one's that set values on them.  For me I set this as my value that if I could accomplish this, I could accomplish anything.  What is that for you?  Running a 5K? Eating better? Marathon? Triathlon? Losing weight? Becoming something you never thought you could be?  Ask yourself what that is.

So, when I took on the challenge to lose my baby weight for the second time I decided this was going to be IT - forever - no more clothes in my closet ranging in size.  I wanted ONE SIZE in my closet and that is it.  The new me forever!  Enough was enough!  I started on my journey of clean eating and P90X/Shakeology with Beachbody and have lost over 40 LBS and as of today I am down below my pre pregnancy weight and on my way to being in the best shape of my life.  Specifically with the P90X program alone I lost 12 LBS, 16 INCHES & 13% Body Fat in 90 Days in a healthy way while successfully nursing my baby!

This past weekend I cleaned out my closet and I literally have almost nothing left in it!  I have never felt so FREE!!!!!!  FREE from years of hoping for what I wanted in life for my health and fitness to going after it, owning it and now living and enjoying it!!!!  So, I can say now that the answer to my question about why I would hold onto these clothes for so long is that I didn't believe enough in myself that I could actually do what needed to be done to get rid of them all and to have what I wanted.  I changed my mindset after having my second son and achieved what I finally "chose to believe".  Choose to believe in yourself that you can achieve what you desire to set out for yourself in life because if you don't nobody else will.

4 LARGE TRASH BAGS OF MY CLOTHES THAT DON'T FIT!!!

I contribute my overall success in my weight loss journey to an amazing fitness program (P90X), a great tasting, nutritious whole food dense nutrition of Shakeology (easy for this mama), combined with accountability.  After becoming a Coach and being a part of something bigger than myself it is what got me out of bed at 4:30 AM everyday despite waking up multiple times at night to nurse my beautiful baby boy.  The amazing support from other P90X friends and customers within my Facebook group encouraged and supported me as much as I have done with them.  For that I am grateful and honored that they have allowed me to be a part of their journey.  There is nothing more rewarding than celebrating someone else's achievements and watching them attain a level of fit and healthy they never would have attained without the accountability and support.  I'm now moving on to T25 to reach my next goal!

What is it you need to change in your thinking to achieve your goals?

If you want a Coach to help you on your journey to be fit and healthy and inspire you along the way, I would be honored to be your Beachbody Coach.  I have a passion for helping others believe in themselves and seeing them achieve what they set out to do.  Feel free to message me anytime and we can figure out what program is best for you!

What health and fitness goals do you dare to achieve?