More Than Weight Loss

A few months back when I starting eating healthier, working out, and reading labels, my plan was to mostly lose weight and feel less sluggish. I had no idea how many twists and turns this journey would lead me on and how much I would discover about myself along the way. 

Look inside yourself for the strength you need to keep moving forward

Now, my hard work means way more to me than just losing some weight. This journey has made me look deep within myself and wonder, what am I made? Who am I? What do I want for myself? While I don't have all the answers yet, I am way more aware of my thoughts and feelings. I realized I am a lot tougher than I even knew, both physically and mentally. 

Excuses are easy...being true to yourself takes commitment to yourself

I look back at how I have treated my body over the years and wonder why I disrespected myself so much. I ate terrible foods, didn't work out, was miserable in my own skin and never took solid action to change that. I would say I can't do it, I will never be a gym person, but I just want to eat what I want. Now I am learning to treat my mind, body and soul with respect. In some ways I feel like I am experiencing things for the first time with clear eyes. I don't want to eat the food that makes me feel sluggish inside, it might taste good, but I love myself enough to fight the urge. Now when I miss a day or two of working out I feel it and I miss it. I even decided to step out of my comfort zone to attend a conference to learn more about my job. In addition, I discovered I love to dress nicer, do my hair every day (unless it's raining), and take pride in who I am. It feels amazing!!

I love playing with different styles these days
I wore this dress to a wedding a few weekends ago

I don't let anyone else disrespect me why would I do that to myself. I'm sorry it took me so long to get here, but glad I finally have!  I'm sure I will have many more ups and downs along the way, but I believe if I stay strong and believe in myself I can achieve anything my heart desires.  

Self love is the biggest lesson I had learn and
never knew I was lacking

Healthy Feel Good Vibes

In the past whenever I went on a diet and tried to lose weight I would make deals with myself, like if I lost 5 lbs by a certain date I would treat myself to a manicure or buy some new clothes. I have to admit most of the time I didn't make my goal and then usually felt way worsen and usually buried my disappointment in a package of oreos. This time has been totally different.

About a week after joining the gym and really getting into fitness I started noticing how cute some of the women looked. Sure they were sweaty hot messes, but they looked darn good. I looked down at my normal outfit of baggy pants and a plain shirt and felt frumpy. For those of you who can relate, do we agree that is not the best feeling and definitely not motivating? I decided it was time to change that. Since I was on a pretty tight budget I headed to Walmart and hit the jackpot!!  I found pants that came in different lengths, I am short so that is a big deal. I found some really nice and great quality tank tops and shirts. I had so much fun trying them on and picturing myself working out in them. I still get excited when I put on a cute outfit to go workout. After another few paychecks I got myself a new pair of sneakers. I loved putting them on and knowing I was going to break them in with every step I took. The purchases were not for not for anyone to compliment me or comment, they were for me to smile every time I used them, too look forward to using them, and to feel good while doing something good for myself.

Just a couple of the Danskin tanks and pants I got at Walmart.
That's Abby in background helping model

ASICS Women's Gel-Unifire TR Training Shoe
I had a lot of fun breaking them in

One of my best friends is trying to lose weight and when we were talking the other day she seemed so blah and down about herself. I told her to treat herself to something that makes her feel good inside. I noticed that when I take care of me I want to continue to take care of me. When I feel good in my own skin it makes me motivated to continue to work harder. The next day she told me she made a healthy breakfast for herself, first time in a long time and was going to get her nails done, again first time in a while. I was so proud of her, finally stepping up and ready to take care of herself. We even talked about meeting up at one of the parks this week to go walking together.

Hardest lesson I had to learn, but best lesson

I realized it's not about spending money or showing off, it's about what makes you feel good and treating yourself special. Buy some pretty measuring cups or get a hair cut. It's anything that makes you smile, so that every time you go to take care of yourself you remember the feeling. You look forward to your new workout clothes, new measuring cups, or even having your nails done.

Why should we only reward ourselves when we hit a goal. I'm not saying go shopping every day but occasionally treat yourself nice and remember you are important. Everyday that you get up and keep trying and working towards a healthy fit you is a success!!

Lucille Ball put it perfectly!
 Love yourself first!!