Where I Began and Where I'm Headed!

I guess we have to look at where we started in order to envision where we want to go… So here ‘s where I started…

I kinda talked about where I started... but not really.  Opening up is hard but I believe that if I can help even just ONE person by sharing my experiences, it's worth it.

I was in a relationship that was not the healthiest and when I’m not happy, it shows.  I gained a substantial amount of weight and food was the only thing that comforted me.  It was a vicious circle; I ate because I was sad and I was sad because I was eating.  Then I decided to stop eating.  If eating makes me fat, not eating should make me skinny… right?  WRONG.  I gained more weight!  I was on a fast track to terrible health.  I decided I needed to take care of business so I removed myself from the unhealthy situation and started to deal with things… yes I’m talking about feelings!  It was grueling and I gained more weight because it was easier to turn to food than friends or family.  But eventually my emotions leveled out and I was able to think with a clear head.  This September I started my last year of school at WLU and I HATED how I looked and felt.  I decided to do something about the physical things now…  I went gluten free and sugar free and started working out more.  I was losing weight, inches, and gaining respect for myself!  The saying is cheesy but I really started to believe that my body was a temple and I was much more cautious and aware of what I was putting in it. 

Then came the dreadful exam period… When I am stressed I gain weight – mainly because I forget to eat or I try to live off of fruit alone. 

This is when Sheryl convinced me to make an appointment with Craig and start personal training.  I was beyond terrified to go to that consultation.  It would be the very first time I would have to tell someone how much I weighed.  The number is not grotesque but it is not healthy, nor is it where I want to be.  I couldn’t even say it, I had to write it down.  All Craig said was “OK!”  … I thought for sure there would be a “Wow, really?  Huh you don’t look like you weigh that amount.”,  “Well we have our work cut out for us.”, “This is going to take FOREVER… just so you know.”  But he didn’t say any of those things, he didn’t make any faces, and he didn’t make me feel uncomfortable.  I sat there thinking… “I’m really glad I decided to trust him…”

That is the most important part, I think.  You and your trainer need to trust each other and build some kind of relationship.  You need to know that your trainer has your best interest at heart and that you are a team working on this goal, together! 

That is what Craig and I have been doing and I am proud (a little scared but proud nonetheless) to announce that I have officially lost 50 lbs! 

I was able to lose 20 on my own from September to early December before I started with Craig and then I’ve lost 30 lbs with Craig in just 5 short weeks!  It is hard for me to see it sometimes, to be honest.  But the other day I had a major breakthrough and tried on a pair of jeans, just thinking I would see how far I had to go before I could zip them up… and they FIT!  I wore them out shopping that very day.  Nonetheless, I really appreciate when people notice it on me.  Like Dan, for instance, he saw me last week and said “Every time I see you, I see less and less of you!”  That made my WEEK!  I’m not fishing for compliments; I’m just saying that it means a lot when other people see the changes going on!

It feels incredible and I know it’s only going to feel better from here on out!  I’m not entirely sure what I want to weigh exactly, but I know that I want to be healthy, fit, and STRONG!  I don’t think a number means very much.  You could be 120lbs and STRONG or 120lbs and weak: same numbers but totally different body types.  I think I will just know when I get there!  Everyone has a part of their body that they want to focus on, not because it’s a problem area, but because it’s something they like.  For me, that is my back and upper body.  Something about a strong back and upper body just seems attractive to me.  I’ll put it this way… I want to be strong, but I don’t want to scare off or be bigger than a potential boyfriend hahaha!

I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me but I know a few things for sure: I’ll have my bubblemint gum, top secret body spray, lululemon, and AMAZING people along for the ride with me :)

Celebrating the Small Stuff!

Noticing the changes your body is going through can be tough at times. You see yourself every day! Some people would think that would make it easier but it doesn’t.  The person who is going to notice those changes the most is someone who hasn’t seen you for a little while.  But really, who wants to wait around for that?  My recommendation?  Get yourself a TShirt or pair of shorts and use it as a guide.  Throughout the weeks, months, etc. keep trying on those SAME pieces of clothing and see how differently they fit.  Maybe the TShirt is looser in the mid-section or maybe the arms feel looser (or tighter if you are trying to gain weight/muscle).  Remember to keep track of these things in a notebook.  This way you can look back on your success and remind yourself of how AMAZING you are! 

Sometimes it is hard to SEE changes and a tape measure or the scale is not the best way to measure that change.  If you move the tape measure an inch up or down it can totally throw off the measurement and you might be left feeling down on yourself, not good!  The scale is a good tool BUT your weight fluctuates and seeing that number go up/down/up/down can really mess with your head.  It’s best to weigh yourself once a day or once a week or whatever is best for you; but just remember not to put too much emphasis on the numbers.  You want to pay attention to how your clothes are fitting you, too!  I have a love/hate relationship with the scale.  When it gives me good news, I adore it, I will be in a GREAT mood all day and I have pep in my step.  If that scale dares to give me BAD news, it will ruin my whole day, sometimes my whole week!  It’s not worth it, you will waste a whole day/week feeling upset rather than continuing all of your hard work. 

Another important thing to remember is you might look worse before you look better!  Your body is going through changes and things will look different, but you won’t go from wherever you started to where you want to be that easily! I WISH!  When I started losing weight my waist started shrinking but my hips stayed the same.  I looked like the Michelin Man!  Eventually things start to even out, and then you will go through the process all over again!  But it is all welcomed changes :) I can’t wait to see more changes, I’m just at the beginning of my journey... I've got a lot of changes to come!

The main point of this post is to remind everyone who is working out and making big changes, to celebrate the small stuff!  Don’t get too caught up on the numbers and don’t put too much pressure on yourself.  This is a work in progress, enjoy it!  When you are celebrating your accomplishments throughout the entire process it’ll feel like a MASSIVE SUCCESS the whole time!  It’ll be like celebrating your birthday all year round :)  If I feel like my jeans are fitting a little looser, I celebrate!  If I am able to find an outfit quickly and easily without having to try on a few different options, I really celebrate!  You get the point!  You have to celebrate every victory; no matter how big or small :)  I should clarify what I mean by celebrate.  I don't necessarily DO anything special or extravagant... It might just be sharing the news with someone close to me or watching one of my favourite shows without worrying about the homework I really should be doing lol ;)

I hope you guys enjoyed this post and I will talk to you all very soon!

K

PS – Im working on another post for a DELICIOUS almond “breaded” chicken recipe!  It tastes just like chicken fingers and it is totally gluten free!