My Journey.

As most of you know, many things have happened in the past months. I lost my grandma in March (can't believe it's almost a year!) and I decided to get fit and healthy. After my grandma passed, I felt like I had to do something to get myself healthy, physically and mentally. I decided to make a change that I thought I was not able to do. Since April 17, 2011, I've lost a total of 85 lbs. My starting weight was 247. I currently weigh 162, wearing size 8/10 jeans from 18/20, size Large in shirts. Back in April 2011, some friends and I did the Biggest Losers and that is how it all began. My first thoughts going into the challenge is "ok, I just threw away $20." The competition lasted 3 months. My original goal was to lose just 20 lbs. When the competition started, my mode changed from "maybe I can do this", to "I CAN and WILL do this". I was just not competing with my friends, but I was competing with myself as well. I wanted to prove to myself and make that lifestyle change happen. As the competition proceeds, the more I was determined and the prize money wasn't even the goal anymore. It was within myself to win and prove myself wrong. Everything has changed, eating habits and workouts. I started to appreciate more organic food, fresh fruits and veggies. I cut out fried foods, ate very low to no sugar, carbs and sodium. I stuck strictly to fish and chicken. Water, water, water! Water and keeping hydrated is very important. I know some people don't like water because there's no flavor. Try adding lemon. A lot of the "flavored water" has all the extras and not as healthy. Exercising became part of my lifestyle as well. I'm excited to go to the gym after work and on the weekends. Sometimes, I worked out 7 days weeks, on some days, it was twice a day (obsessed much?). A lot of people asked me on how I did it. There's no secret, I promise. Just eat healthy, exercise, watch the sugar and carbs intake, drink plenty of water and you'll do it. The key is that you have to stick to it and be self-disciplined. Trust me, it was hard at first, but you have to push yourself everyday. Some days when I don't want to work out or just eat anything, I picture myself in a particular dress or jeans. Then I get back in my mode. When the Biggest Loser challenge ended, I was the winner with a total of 39 lbs lost! I couldn't believe that I won, I amazed myself. A lot of people probably thought that I would gain the weight back after the competition. It did crossed my mind briefly that I could gain it back. There was no way that I was going to let that happen! I kept going. I came too far to go back. It's part of my lifestyle now. I felt great, physically and mentally. I feel like a whole new person. My outlook on life, food, exercising is different. I am not going to lie, it was tough at first. Anything is hard at first when you're first doing it. With the help and support of my friends and husband, I was able to overcome it quickly. During my journey, I've became a runner as well. Never once thought that I would or could run! My friend and I are currently training to run a 5k for Breast Cancer Awareness in April!! I'm very excited to accomplish that goal too! My current goal is lose at least 10-15 more pounds and then I'll maintain it from there. I've decided that when I hit 100 lbs. lost, I will get a tattoo. Reminding me that I came to far to go back and symbolizing my accomplishment(s). Most of you are probably wondering what kind of work out I do? When I first started, it was just all cardio! Then I incorporate weights into the work outs. I do weights first then cardio. I spend 30 mins on weights and 30-45 mins on cardio. Please, whatever you do, don't over do it at first. If you never worked with weights or cardio, ease your way into. It's ok to start off light. Do what YOU can. In time, you'll be able to see what you can or can't do. Then I started to jog, then eventually run. Let me tell you, it's not easy! I had it set in my mind that "Ok, I'm going to jog/run non-stop and see how far I can go." (mind you this is the first time I decided to do it). I was wrong. I had to stop after 30 secs the first time. I was out of breath and struggling. I wanted to give up but I couldn't and I wouldn't. I was determined to keep running and achieve this goal! Many workouts later and many times I wanted to quit running, I achieved it. I ran a mile straight! I acheived my goal! Next goal is the 5k! Anything is possible :)

See, there are no secrets. If you really want to lose weight and get fit, you must be committed. You must be willing to stick to it. You must be willing to challenge yourself and be determined. So, I challenge you! If you want to get fit and healthy, let's do this together! I promise you will feel great, physically and mentally. For my local friends, I'm a member of LA Fitness, so if you need an workout partner, let me know or anyone who is a member at a another gym if your memebership allows you to bring a guest, I'll be happy to work out with you! I live on the SE side of Indy!

Before I sign off, I want to share this quote with you. I love it and live by it everyday::
"I'm not losing weight. I'm getting rid of it. I have no intention of finding it again."