FINDING FITNESS
My Weight Loss and Fitness Journey
Winter 2016
Pregnant + obese High blood pressure during pregnancy Low energy Sedentary lifestyle Low self-esteem Fixed mindset: Change isn't possible for me. |
Summer 2017
New mom Recovering from pregnancy Overwhelmed Low energy Sedentary lifestyle Low self-esteem Ready to make a change... Shifting mindset: Maybe change is possible? Willing to try! |
Today
Healthy Fit body Modeling good health and balance to my kids Bodybuilder Higher energy Active lifestyle Higher self-esteem Growth mindset: Change is possible and I'm done limiting myself. I can do it. Ready to help others! |
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Pregnancy
Before, during, and after my pregnancy - I was obese. I was also struggling with depression and corresponding extremely low self-esteem. I hated seeing my own body reflected in a mirror or captured in a photo. I remember that it got to a point where I would avoid looking in mirrors altogether and try to leave the room if anyone wanted to take a picture with me in it. My body image was at the absolute lowest point when I would go change clothes in the bathroom alone so that my husband wouldn’t see my naked or partially clothed body. I would see myself in photos and I couldn't recognize the person staring back at me. I have always struggled with my weight. I remember being ridiculed in class as early as first grade for being a bigger kid, and gym class was usually a nightmare. We'd have to complete fitness tests/requirements at school and I always fell short. I experienced a few brief stints of being thinner after dieting down (as a child and into adulthood) and then I would just regain whatever weight I lost + more. I felt hopeless and lost about ever "figuring it all out" for most of my life. This stage of life for me in particular (around the time I had my daughter) was a tough one. My mindset was very clouded by black and white thinking and so much negativity about weight loss and fitness. I felt like it was possible and even "easy" for others, but never for me. "Just my luck/genetics/circumstances", I would think. |
Adapting to motherhood
As a new mom, things got to a point where I decided it was time to get my life together. I felt like I was barely able to wake up each morning to take care of my family. At this point in life, I needed to be “on” to care for my growing 7 year old stepson and now my tiny newborn daughter too. But I didn’t even have the energy to walk up the stairs back and forth to my daughter's nursery due to my obesity. I was breastfeeding, which we struggled with for months. Sleep was pretty rough. I was eating a lot of highly processed foods. I didn't feel great. I really wanted to be more engaged and active with my kids. I was trying, but I honestly just felt tired all the time. I finally realized it was time to make a huge change one day (it was Mother's Day!) and that’s when my health and fitness journey truly began. I started really small and kept adding new healthy habits along the way while breaking old unhealthy habits that were contributing to my lack of energy. It took years, but I figured out a way to take back control of my life and feel energized. I wish I'd had a mentor to guide me along the way, especially when I was just getting started. That's why I built this coaching business - to help and support others. I'd love to be that guide for you. I hope that if you feel the way I was feeling, you'll reach out. I believe in you. You have the ability to go after your goals and I'd love to support you on your own journey if we're a good fit. |
Health + balance
Today I live in a fit and strong body that I’m proud of. I’m healthy and I love it! I think my body is beautiful. I don’t hide it away anymore. I'm nowhere near perfect. I never will be. And that's okay! I like myself the way I am and I embrace the journey. I feel strong and confident in my body. Opportunities feel possible to me. I usually wear the bikini/shorts/dress/whatever it is. When I try on clothes, shopping is fun, instead of a stressful ordeal like it used to be for me. I don't feel shy around my husband. I feel confident and sexy. I play with my kids and I can even pick them up and carry them around since I've built a bunch of muscle over the past few years. My kids think I'm strong and want to learn how to lift weights with me. How fun is that? Best of all, I get to empower other people to live the life that they’ve dreamed of too! I’ve found a balance between health, fitness, and family that works for me. I still indulge in quite a few treats and I get a lot of enjoyment out of healthy eating and exercise. I don't think I'm an anomaly. Weight loss maintenance is difficult (and perhaps not common) but it is possible. From the research on weight loss maintainers and what makes a person successful in losing weight and keeping it off, I'm like others who have succeeded: I've set up a lifestyle centered around a series of habits and routines that continuously support my health and fitness goals. I genuinely love living this way and I love to share my methods with others guided by my education, training, and experiences along with current evidence based practice. I can help you do this too. Let's make your dream a reality. |