Inspiration 2011

First post of the new year and I've been waiting to do this because I wanted to show a few people in person first... I found my fat jeans and boy was I shocked!







This post is dedicated to all of you who have set health and fitness goals for yourself for 2011. If you started a work out program/ diet/ joined a gym/ bought Sweatin to the Oldies or Buns of Steel Congrats! You've taken a step in the right direction. I'm here to encourage you to STICK WITH IT!!!

I started meeting with my personal trainer and changed my eating habits in October of 09. To date I have lost 62 lbs and went from a size 18 jeans to size 8. I didn't set out to make such drastic changes which is probably why I was able to do it. I did my best to look forward to hitting the next 10 lbs and wearing the next size smaller jeans. Every time it happened, I was was very excited and mildly surprised. I realized but it didn't sink in that working out and eating healthy really does impact your body in a huge way.

My advice?
Set realistic goals for yourself and keep a positive attitude. Surround yourself with positive people who will encourage you when you make good choices (like not having ice cream for dessert). There is no magic pill, piece of exercise equipment, or fancy shoe that is going to do the work for you. Buckle down and stick to it! (It's ok to have fun along the way, infact you should!!)

If you're wondering, I've followed Tosca Reno's Clean Eating book (http://www.eatcleandiet.com/tosca_reno.aspx) and I've been working out at Evolution Personal Training which you can check out here: http://www.evolutionchicago.com/

If you need someone to hold you accountable to your work out plan or just provide occasional encouragement, hit me up! The goal is to be healthy and happy! : )

Ch-Ch-Cha-Changes

So little to tell, so much time to tell it. Strike that, reverse it

Here are a few of the German Fest photos I promised. I realized as I got into the project that I didn't have photos from every year like I thought. Bummer! But, still fun.

Cousin Britt
'08 '09'10


Cousin Matt
'05'08 '09'10


Boy-ance Kevin
'05'08'10


Brother : )
'09'10


Bri
'05 '08'09


J-Mo!
'05'09


Jim
'08 '09'10



Moving right along, I'm beginning to think that this time of year is my turning point. Last year as NP homecoming festivities began, I was meeting with my personal trainer for the first time. I was so sore after the work out that as we went around visiting other cousin's and family members homes, I had to take extra time to walk up and down the stairs. Each person's home we visited lived on the 2nd floor or above. Gotta love Chicago! As I look back on that weekend and see how far I've come it still doesn't phase me. I can see the physical difference in myself when I look in the mirror, but I'm starting to feel like the few years in between (when I looked how I should and when I weighed too much) just didn't happen. I'd kind of like to take those years, wipe them clean and re-do them. But, once again, I wouldn't be the person I am now with out them.
So its a year later and you're wondering, what do you mean turning point, whats going on this year? (ok maybe you didn't think that, but I'm leading you there...) It's back to homecoming weekend. I'm 54 lbs lighter than last year and have officially lost 20 inches over all. This alone should give me a new lease on life but that's not all. I lost my job yesterday. I'm choosing to see this as an opportunity rather than a hurdle. I'm looking forward to finding a job that doesn't make me sick to my stomach when I think about going in on Monday morning. Oh the opportunities that await!
So for now, I'm looking back and looking forward. Gaining strength from where I've been and facing the future with trepidation and anticipation. Most important though, I'm looking up. Lord lead me!

Overhaul

Starbucks, triple grande carmel latte non-fat with whip cream and drizzle 9-10 (signature drink)

Many people use the new year as a jumping point. A time of transition and goal setting. As usual I couldn't wait for the new year, I went right ahead and started with goals and transitions back in October. I'm not always a patient person when I get really excited about things.
Anyways, back in October, I went and hired a personal trainer from Evolution Training Fitness. I have been working with him ever since and so far have lost 17lbs! It's big news for me for many reasons. I didn't realize how much weight I had put on in the last few years and loosing the extra lbs has been pretty eye opening! Check out these before and after pics. BTW, I am soooo not done yet but I wanted to share this because i'm finding that the more encouragement I get, the better I do!

Left to right, Me, Blondie ,Curls (this is last winter I believe)


This was in April on a trip to Seattle (another "before" picture)


Here is a picture from this December at an ugly sweater party!
I don't have a picture of me that is very recent, but I will post one soon. This picture was after 3 months of working out and eating right. It's not always easy to stay on track but when I eat something bad, I don't dwell on it, I just remember to make better decisions for the next meal.

Other transitions from the last year include glasses and hair color, woah! I had always wanted glasses as a kid and never needed them. When I got back from my trip to Africa in July, I went to the eye doctor and found out I needed glasses. At 26 my wish finally came true, haha! (Sidenote: I now wish I didn't need them and am wondering about contacts, oy)
Hair has always been a thing with me. I like to change it often and I like to make drastic changes. Long to short, blonde to black (which was an accident as I meant to do very dark brown). I think that changing my hair just adds a little excitement and adventure to my life when I'm feeling bored.
I always wondered if I would look more like my mom if I dyed my hair to match hers. What do you think?

haha, we're silly
Later!~