Since today is #transformationtuesday I thought I’d write about my transformation. I’ve gained a lot of new readers in the last few months and for that I am so grateful. I wanted to share my story for those of you who are unfamiliar with my past.
This was me on my 23rd Birthday.
I lived in Nashville, Tennessee for three years. I will never say that I regret moving there because those were some of the best years of my life. I love that city and I cherish all the memories I made. However, I know for a fact that I was the unhealthiest I have ever been while living there. There were a few reasons for that.
Number one- I was living in the south, where all the food is deep fried or smothered in gravy. I was obsessed with Cracker Barrel. The chicken strips plate with three sides of macaroni and cheese and biscuits was my usual.
Those were not my green beans. I rarely ate vegetables.
This photo was actually taken in 2009 after I had lost some weight. And then I turned around and put it back on.
Number two- I was away from my family, my strongest support system.
Number three- My boyfriend at the time had no desire to be healthy. He never wanted to work out with me or cook healthy meals. He was overweight and so was everyone in his family. Anytime I would express my desire to lost weight he would just brush it off.
Number four- When and if I did make it to the gym, I would only use the elliptical. I never branched out or tried new things.
Number five- My dessert on a regular basis was frosting right out of the tub. I’m being dead serious. *I do not even allow frosting in my home anymore. I don’t trust myself.*
My life is completely different now. My health is my number one priority. I work out five to six days a week. An hour of cardio and thirty to forty-five minutes of weight training. I also try to eat as clean as possible.
Yes, I like to indulge every now and then. But honestly, splurging now is SO different than it used to be. Before, I could eat four tacos, a large order of curly fries and an order of cinnamon churros from Jack in the Box. That was one of my favorite meals, by the way. Two weeks ago I ordered a rice and bean burrito from a Mexican restaurant and I could barely eat half of it.
I’ve learned that as you change your habits your body changes the way it responds. I’m sure I would get sick to my stomach now if I tried eating frosting straight out of the tub, just because my body is used to much healthier food now.
I was lucky enough to have met a wonderful man who cares about health as much as I do. I can’t even count all the ways he has helped me on my journey. We enjoy working out together and he’s always there to offer advice to me. He has also started his own blog (EloquentVessel.blogspot.com) so now we can share that passion as well.
For anyone looking to change their life, lose weight or become healthier, my advice to you is to surround yourself with people who will support you and your goals.
I began my weight loss journey in August of 2010, nearly four years ago. That may seem like a long time. But it took me three years to put the weight on so I figure it will take me twice as long to get rid of it. I am in no hurry. I just want to strive to be better than who I was yesterday.
Since the photo on the left was taken, I have lost 50 pounds and 26 inches. I no longer have a goal weight in mind. My mind is more focused on muscles now.