Be Proud of You!

I haven't always been in the greatest shape. When I was pregnant with my first son I gained close to 80lbs with him and was 260lbs when he was born. After a few months of feeling horrible about myself I started to do something about it. I started walking with the intention of running eventually. I remember walking and thinking this was ok, I can do this, then I tried to run and could barely make it to the next lamp post! Oh dear! This was not going to be as easy as I thought it would be!! I was discouraged and angry with myself that I let myself get so big and so out of shape. But rather than stopping, I continued. I would run for as long as I could, then walk to catch my breath, then run some more.

It wasn't easy and so many times I felt like quitting but I figured with every step I am taking, I am one step closer to my goal! My endurance and strength began to get better and each day got a little easier. My body was getting stronger and leaner and I felt great!

Fast forward 3 years when I found out I was pregnant with my twins….I only found out I was having two babies at my 20 week appointment and up until that point I was still training clients, still running on my lunch breaks and was very active. When my doctor told me I had to stop all activity at 28 weeks, I was devastated but knew it was the best thing for the well being of my babies. The most I could do was walk to the mailbox!! Eeek!

After they were born I was so eager to get back to exercising but the first time I attempted to workout I felt horrible! I could barely move and keep up with the dvd I was doing! Add sleep deprivation, two babies and a 3.5 year old into the mix and I was so overwhelmed and didn't know if I could lose the weight again. The next 3 years I was up and down, down, down, then back up again (add in a bad car accident that crushed my ankle and gall bladder attacks which lead to another surgery) it was a crazy roller coaster that didn't seem like it was going to end.

I did some exercising but never really committed to a program or eating well (which is so key to losing weight!) I felt super crappy about myself and didn't know if I could find the motivation to lose the weight and get back to feeling good about myself.

Then something clicked. I decided to stick to a workout program, do the best I could, eat well and live a healthier lifestyle. I decided I wouldn't do a crazy diet, that I would eat wholesome foods and indulge in moderation.

Now that I have made those changes, the weight is coming off and I feel stronger and more confident! I am not at my goal yet but every time I push play, lift some weights in my family room, go for a walk, make a healthy decision to get a salad rather than fries, skip dessert, I am one step closer to my goal!

Be proud of what you have done!! Be proud of every step you take! Be proud of every decision you make to live a healthier lifestyle!

Be proud of YOU!