This is something that I’ve been contemplating sharing for a long time now, because it’s pretty personal.
Talking about weight gain, weight loss and everything associated is a hard topic…it’s embarrassing and generally frowned upon. But I think it’s important to talk about health and fitness, because we ALL need to be healthy and we ALL struggle. My hope is that if some of you read about my struggles and accomplishments, this will show you that you aren’t abnormal if you’ve gained weight and are trying to fight it off and that you can accomplish your goals! My goals aren’t accomplished yet…but I’m getting there!First off, here’s a picture of me at my healthiest weight:
Talking about weight gain, weight loss and everything associated is a hard topic…it’s embarrassing and generally frowned upon. But I think it’s important to talk about health and fitness, because we ALL need to be healthy and we ALL struggle. My hope is that if some of you read about my struggles and accomplishments, this will show you that you aren’t abnormal if you’ve gained weight and are trying to fight it off and that you can accomplish your goals! My goals aren’t accomplished yet…but I’m getting there!First off, here’s a picture of me at my healthiest weight:
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| Me as a college swimmer in 2009 (oh and that lovely piece I’m wearing is a fast skin swim suit…not a cat women suit ha!) |
That’s me as a college freshman swimmer for BYU. I was working out 20 hours a week and eating a fairly healthy diet. Because I was working out so much, I didn’t really focus on what I was really eating…mostly that I was getting enough to eat (swimmers eat a TON!). I was about a size 6-8 in this picture and I was around a healthy 145 lbs. I had a lot of muscle on my body from lifting weights and working out hard, but I also had a little extra fat around my mid-section (which I’ve always had…that’s genetics for ya). Even at this healthy weight…some people called it fat because I was 145 lbs instead of 110. I was actually called “cow” in high school by some really immature boys. Even though I looked great, and my body was in great shape…I still thought I looked fat and was ugly (that’s teenage insecurities for ya).
Fast forward throughout the years.
I stopped swimming in college after my freshman year to focus on school (and I frankly wanted a normal college experience instead of the athlete experience). I went home that summer and continued to eat like I did as a swimmer, without working out as much. Basically I gained weight. Not a lot…but I did look and feel different. I worked out and I tried to get it off, and I wasn’t completely successful…but I wasn’t a failure either. I accepted my body as it was… but worked really hard to change my eating and exercise habits so I would be healthy.
Throughout college I was really good about eating healthy and exercising. By the time I got married though, things changed a bit. When I started living with my husband, I slowly realized that we had very different diets. My husband has a very high metabolism, so he can eat pretty much whatever he wants…and he doesn’t have to exercise like a crazy person to look good. Well…I’m the opposite to say the least. I found myself wanting to just eat pizza and ice cream with him instead of salmon and veggies (and I guess I should mention that my husband actually does eat good food…he just can get away with junk food more often than I can). Since I was in my Clinical Laboratory Science program at school (aka…Hell) during our first year of marriage, I really put off exercising and eating healthy…because I was preoccupied with not failing out of school and learning about my brand new husband. And I gained weight.
Oh and then I got pregnant.
I was actually really healthy throughout my pregnancy…I even exercised a little bit. I didn’t actually gain weight during my pregnancy…which I was proud of! I never craved sweets which helped as well haha. After the baby, it was a different story though. When I finally got my body looking normal again, post-pardum depression hit. And with the depression, came medication and over eating. Instead of getting my body back into shape…I was getting it into worse shape! I was so stressed out trying to figure out how to be a good mom, AND trying to heal myself…I really let my health spiral out of control.
I like to think that I hit rock bottom on my 25th birthday.
I went to the doctor that morning to take my husband to the doctor for our yearly physicals. I had been in a couple of days before to get mine done, but I wanted to come with my husband to his appointment because he agreed to do a little shopping with me after. While I was sitting in the waiting room, my doctor came out to talk to me. She then delivered the news that I had some abnormal lab results. I just remember thinking to myself…”abnormal…really? Already? At 25 years old?”. I felt WAY to young to have bad labs come back. She told me that my cholesterol was a little high and my glucose was high (but I do have to add that the night before Kyle and I ate a couple of cupcakes…because we had two birthdays in our house that week…and we were indulging). Having those lab results come back like that made me realize that I need to stop living the way I am currently living. I need to get healthy…for not only my sake, but for my family’s sake. I need to be around for a long time for my kids and husband!
I had been thinking about doing the Medifast program for a couple months prior, and I knew I needed to commit after getting those labs back. I signed up and got started right away. What I love about the Medifast program, is that it’s all planned out for you! And I have the most awesome health coach, who has really been a great support to me! I’ve already been on the program for about two weeks now and I love it! I’ve lost weight and I feel great. Eating smaller, healthy meals not only is helping with my health, but it feels good too! I’m never hungry (but I do still crave junk food from time to time) and I feel healthier. I feel like food isn’t an indulgence item anymore…but a fuel. I’m really excited about my journey and I’m pumped that I’m finally turning my life around!
I’m really excited (and a little nervous) about sharing this journey with my blogger friends and followers. From time to time I plan on sharing some healthy recipes I’m loving, fitness tips, and updates on my progress! I think it will help me to blog about it, because you all will keep me on track! And if you are wanting to change around your health…start now with me!
I hope you all have a fabulous day!
xoxo
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Wish you luck on your journey. Can't wait to read more about it in your upcoming posts. Losing weight is never easy — especially this time of year!
Good luck to you on your journey and kudo's to a dedication to become more healthy! Thanks for sharing too. I always enjoy reading weight loss success stories. I am fighting my own battle with weight loss. It is a tough journey.
I look forward to hearing more from you on your weight loss journey! I need to find out more about Medifast. Thank you for sharing your story with us!
I think it is brave that you are willing to share your weight loss journey. So many of us struggle in the same way, so reading about someone else's successes gives us encouragement that it can be done.
My husband used Medifast many years ago, with great success! We've recently been trying to find the diet plan again because we want to shed a few pounds.
Thank you so much for sharing this. I've struggled throughout most of adulthood, gaining and losing. Gaining back, losing again. I swam a lot to lose weight, you can practically eat (most) anything you want as long you keep swimming. And I feel ya about the husband thing, most days I actually ask him out loud "how the hell do you eat that crap all the time?" I've never heard of Medifast but will definitely check it out! Thank you and I wish you well on your new journey!
Best of luck to you on your journey. Nothing works for everyone, you just have to find what works for you.
I hope this program ends up being exactly what you were looking for. It's nice to get to a place where you yourself feel healthier.
Good luck on your Medifast program. Weightloss can be such a challenge, especially at the holidays.
I really need so set some goals to eat healthier and exercise more, so your post is good inspiration for me!
Good luck hun, I know not most people like to discuss there weight but I am happy to since 2009 I was slimmer and now though comfortable with my weight could do with losing a stone or 2
Healthy lifestyles are difficult to maintain, at least for me. I've ridden the weight issue roller coaster since college and you're right, it's no fun! So glad you found a program that is working!
I need to try this, I used to be skinny prior to having 5 kids and now my weight has doubled I wonder if I can use this program while nursing.
Lauren, thank you for sharing your story! We're all on this journey together (seriously)! I totally understand how you feel. I started my health journey back in 2008. I joined WW's lost a lot of weight, got married, got comfie and realized my husband is also one that can eat what he wants–and I can't. When you're enjoying life (and love/family) we sometimes forget, then we have to re-prioritize and make our health a priority (again). Three years ago, I started running and decided to start blogging about my fitness/health journey, experiences, recipes, etc. and I have even returned to WW's, because it just works for me. Keep sharing your journey. You never know who you are inspiring! All the best with your program!
Thank you so much for sharing your weight story. I have struggled with weight my whole life. I have also considered Medifast, but I don't think I can stomach the costs.
Thanks for sharing your story. That changes that you are making will pay off, it will take time and it will be worth it. I'm working on changing things up for myself as well, considering doing Whole 30 and then moving into more of a Paleo eating habit. We shall see what I actually end up doing. I understand the struggle.
I never heard of Medifast but you sure look good and strong
The thing about sharing your journey – you will hold yourself more accountable. You will do fine. Don't let little hiccups pull you down.
Good luck on your journey. There is definitely a level of accountability, but also support, when sharing your journey online. Have you looked into places like My Fitness Pal, etc? That's a pretty good community. Good luck!
Good luck on your journey. It can be so hard to stick to a new lifestyle at first but those changes you're making will be SO worth it!
Thanks for sharing your journey! I look forward to seeing how it goes, I know you'll do great! I recently tried cutting sugar out of my diet and it was so hard!
Thanks April! xoxo
Thank you Victoria!
It is hard to cut out sugar! I have such a hard time with that too! You're not alone!
Thank you Fiona! It will be worth it!
Thanks Aisha!! xoxo
I'll start now with you!! 😀
I'm a smaller frame than yourself but am presently at that 145lb mark and our body's look very similar. I was 105lbs (with a big bum and big boobs…I was never unhealthy, just have a very little build) before pregnancy and would be happy to get back down to 115.
I'm up for it and I'll follow you on your journey- I need a bit of motivation so that's for the prompt!
Please do it with me! That would be awesome! xoxo
It's on lady!! 😛
I'll keep you posted.
Hi i was told to contact you about why joining frugal mommy niagara but i hit add and then the next thing i tryed to see if i was added and im blocked
Please help me understand what ive done wrong
Momof4