Weight Loss Story

Over the past year, I have made some major changes in my life.  At this point, I am maintaining my weight and focus on health and fitness.  In the beginning, my focus was a little bit different.  I first wrote this story as a guest post on my cousin, Melissa’s blog, Crunches for Cupcakes.  I’m reposting it here for all of you!

Before - Summer 2008

Each and every one of us has a story.  We all come from somewhere.  One of the most exciting things about reading and writing blogs is sharing our stories.  Today I will share mine.

I am 25 years old.  In my jam-packed 25 years, I’ve created a reputation for myself.  The BIG talker, world-class shopper, sarcastic jokester, bubbly kindergarten teacher, and academic.  I carved out my niche.  I was also known for being “big-boned, curvy, well-endowed.”  I thought my life would continue on that path forever.

I changed my mind.  In December 2009, my best friend, Meg flew in from Washington DC.  She looked great!  She took up spinning, running, yoga…and it showed!  For 11 years, I shared clothes and gourmet meals with Meg, but that quickly ended.  I watched her healthy habits and saw the impressive results.  Around the same time, I went to the doctor.  She was concerned.  She noticed that for the past couple of years my blood pressure was a little high, too high…should she put me on blood pressure medication?  I begged to have a chance to make some changes.  So many of the important people in my life were living healthy lifestyles and I was empowered to do the same.

In January 2009, I joined “the gym” in my hometown.  Along with all of those who had made weight-loss resolutions for the New Year, I threw myself into exercise.  I am an over-achiever by nature, so I made a plan.  Go to the gym six days/week.  Try as many classes as possible.  Never quit!  I stuck to that plan.  In the first week, I tried Pilates, spinning, power yoga, gentle yoga, running on the treadmill.  It was hard, but I felt rejuvenated, invigorated, and finally, happy with myself.

Exercising was a blast, my new hobby!  My friends at the gym became my second family.  While I LOVED exercising and would jump feet-first into any new workout, I knew it was not the only aspect of my life that needed tweaking.  I needed to change my diet, too.  That part came very slowly.  I started out by counting and cutting calories.  I saw results and I was pleased, but I was never satisfied.  I craved boneless buffalo wings and ice cream.  I realized that if I wanted to change my lifestyle, “diet” food just wouldn’t cut it.  I needed to do something more.

As I said, I’m a kindergarten teacher, so I have the luxury of summers off.  In June, I vowed to teach myself to cook.  I started researching healthy recipes, reading blogs, grocery shopping, and educating myself about nutrition.  With all of the information I collected, I started to eat “real” foods.  I have tried countless recipes and discover so many new foods and flavors.  After the intensity of spin and running, there is nothing more therapeutic for me than coming into the kitchen and getting creative with food.  I am now satisfied!

I love my life!  I started this journey at 165 lbs. with borderline high blood pressure.  I lost a total of 55 lbs, but I also let go of a lot of baggage.  I don’t live according my reputation.  I set the bar for myself and I accomplished things I never imagined possible.  I feel a million times better about myself and where I am headed.

With the support of my family, I completed my first 5K at Bryant University on October 4, 2009.  I finished in 29:36, placing 28/81 women in the race.  I ran in my second 5K just one week later and finished in 27:10!  I am registered to run some 5K’s this spring, before I take on the Challenge of 2010 – The Willow Tree Half Marathon in Providence, RI on May 2, 2010.  Can’t wait to wave to everyone as I cross the finish line!

After - Fall 2009 - still smiling after the race!

Going back to the beginning, we all have a story.  This is only mine.  Over time, I made small changes in my life and they have amounted to something big.  It is important to remember that it takes many small steps to reach a goal.  Everyone needs to find their own balance and remember to have fun every step of the way!  If you aren’t satisfied then it’s probably time for a change!