I was always the "bigger girl" growing up. I was not fat and I was not skinny, but I was built differently than the other girls. I was still very active in sports, especially cheerleading. Because of being bigger, I was so self-conscious. We had to wear these uncomfortable outfits that always made me aware of how I felt. I was always pulling something down or pulling it up. The word "fat" was always so present in my mind because of some boys who used to call me that on the school bus. I never could get past any of it, no matter what anyone told me.
Unfortunately, those thoughts followed me into adulthood, and I thought it would be something that I would struggle with the rest of my life. Fast-forward to 2013. My husband and I went on a vacation to Disney World. It was the week prior to leaving that I saw a picture of myself and thought, "Oh my gosh. I have got to do something." I knew that I could not start anything right away, because...DISNEY! :) So I dedicated to starting the very week that we got back.
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| My "before" picture taken at Disney World. |
It is quite funny and sometimes astounding to be able to look back from where you came. I love looking at my TimeHop every day to see what kinds of crazy things I posted on my social media. But it is also very good for looking back on the posts that you make on your fitness journey. For example...this post:
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| This was my very first lunch on my "lifestyle change." |
Now, some of you may not see anything wrong with this meal. I know that I thought I was doing so well with making changes and instead of taking pizza to work, I brought my Subway sandwich. But this was my first step into a healthier lifestyle. The first step is important. The first step is memorable. The first step changes everything. I was stepping outside my comfort zone to do something for myself. I actually started this journey to lose weight, but to also figure out if I could fully get rid of my headaches. I had headaches daily since I was in second grade. :/ I got migraines starting in sixth grade. I thought they were hereditary because my dad and my aunt both got them, and I seriously thought I was doomed and would suffer with them the rest of my life. I carried Head On (remember that commercial??) and Excedrin Migraine in my purse at all times. It was miserable. I could not get rid of them no matter what I did. So after stepping out on my own, trying to figure out how to do this "healthy eating thing," I eventually got the hang of it.
Over the years, my choice of food got better. But it was a learning process for me, and if you are on this journey, it has probably been a learning process for you, too. I sat at my desk at work and researched how to make this work for me. I truly had to figure it out and test it out. Some things worked and some things did not. It was trial and error most of the time. You have probably found that true for you as well.
Health is not a one size fits all! About the time I started my journey, the term "clean eating" was running rampant. I was so confused. I had NO idea what the heck that even meant. So I did more research. It was at that point that I started to take more of the processed foods out of my diet. It was also at that point that my headaches started to disappear. I did not notice it right away, but after a while, I had realized that I did not have a headache every single day. I was shocked.
From there, I kept doing research. There were skin problems and tummy problems that I was determined to get to the bottom of. There were hormone problems, hair problems, weight problems. It has been a process, but I have slowly been changing my life. I have learned a lot. I have shared some of that knowledge with women over the last several years. But it is my hope to share some of my story--the lessons that I have learned with more of you.
My journey is not perfect. If you have followed me on social media for very long, you already know this. I am still trying to figure out things that work for me. But my journey is mine.
My journey started with a mindset. I was ready for something different. And it is still all about mindset.
Whether you think you can or you think you can't--you are right. --Henry FordEach day is a battle to live my healthiest self. I am always faced with two choices: Work out or be lazy ||| Eat healthy or eat junk It is as simple as that. But it is definitely easier said than done. That is why it is a battle. At least it is for me. Being in the right frame of mind helps, and it makes things a lot easier. I will be sharing tips and tricks that I have learned along my journey. I sure hope that you will find something beneficial that you can use in your own journey!
