My official Before & After. I was so embarrassed in the
beginning that I wouldn't even put my face in the before shot. :/
At 174 pounds, I started my journey back to health a little over 2 years ago. It was a gradual process for me, and one that I wanted to do "the right way." I didn't want to yo-yo diet, I didn't want any fad diets, and I wanted to have a healthy frame of mind. I wanted to change my lifestyle permanently to one that promoted a truly healthy and fit body, not just a skinny one. At the time, I had no idea how my life would change with that decision.
It was a long process, one that I didn't succeed at right away. It was hard. Very hard. I started and stopped. I tried and failed. Each day I pushed myself to do better than the day before, or the week before. I gave this process every ounce of my focus and energy. I cussed out the trainers in my workout videos. I stopped going to the bar--and lost friends because of it. I studied a lot. I weeded through all the information out there until I came up with what was right for me. What it boiled down to were 10 healthy habits that I implemented into my life. It sounds so simple (and it really is), but I failed so many times before I succeeded. It is extremely challenging to change your habits, but once you do, you keep the new ones for life. Habits are powerful! We are creatures of habit and routine and I believe that if we use the power of habits to our advantage, then we are unstoppable!
More progress after my official "after" photo. :)
Today, I've lost 40 pounds. I feel amazing physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Taking care of my body has had a profound impact on all aspects of my life. I lead a very balanced, moderate lifestyle that is full of delicious fruits, vegetables and whole, natural foods. I'm active on a daily basis, whether it is walking in the woods with my dog or pumping out a 15 minute HIIT workout. I have NEVER felt this good, and the longer I live this lifestyle, the better I feel. I'm only two years into my healthy lifestyle, so I know that I will continue feeling better and better for many years to come!
I hope you'll join me in this remarkably simple and balanced lifestyle. Below are the videos where I go over each of the ten habits. Tackle each habit one at a time, in the order they are presented. If it takes you a week to implement each habit, then in only ten weeks you will be living the lifestyle that will set you on the course to feeling great for the rest of your life. Maybe it will take you two or three weeks to really master each habit. No matter what, stick with it. Your life will never be the same. I know mine isn't.
Intro to The Healthy Habit Challenge
Healthy Habit #1
Healthy Habit #2
Healthy Habit #3
Healthy Habit #4
Healthy Habit #5
Healthy Habit #6
Healthy Habit #7
...Stay tuned for Healthy Habits #8-10!
