I used to be "fat"

I know "fat" is an ugly word. But that's how I felt sometimes. While I was blessed with high self-esteem and confidence, there were definitely occasions where I was self-conscious because of my weight. And during these times I felt "fat." Not heavier, not thick or any other word that people use to describe being overweight. I felt fat. 

It always makes me giggle when people say they don't believe I was ever bigger. I definitely was. I have spent more of my life being "heavier" than I have spent being in shape. 

I was skinny as a child and then around 2nd grade I started gaining weight. I remember my stepdad's mom making comments to me about being overweight and I remember my uncle telling me I would have to lose weight if I wanted to be in his wedding. I was in 4th and 5th grade reading weight loss articles in magazines. When I was in 6th grade I lost a bunch of weight and started playing sports the next year, so then I maintained an average weight and then in high school I gained weight slowly - despite playing 3 sports.

12th grade

Fast forward to college where I reached my heaviest weight of 220+ lbs. 

Freshman year of college

See? I haven't always been in shape. 

Summer after freshman year

And when I was losing weight, I didn't have one of those overnight transformations. I have had to bust my butt and keep working at it for years to get to the point where I am today. I've lost 20-30lbs and said, "Ok that's enough" and got stagnant for awhile. I've had unplanned pig out sessions with friends and quite a few by myself. I've eaten snacks/meals and felt guilty about it. I've regained some weight that I'd already lost. I've pretty much done it all.  

So when people tell me they want/need to lose weight - I get it what they are up against! I know that it seems daunting and if you have never lost weight before it is even more frightening. 

When you tell me that it's hard giving up certain foods - I can relate to that. 

When you say you are having a hard time making exercise a habit - I can relate to that. 

When you say you just don't know where to start - I can relate to that too. 

However, because I have done it, I have tips and advice for making it seem more doable. It's really a mind game. If you can learn to control your mind and your thoughts, losing the weight is easier. 

Spring 2013

Similarly though, I know the pride and satisfaction that comes along with accomplishing this kind of goal, whether it be 10lbs or 100lbs. As a coach, it is my goal to help as many people as possible feel the joy that comes along with accomplishing a fitness/healthy goal. 

For those of you that have never seen my transformation pictures:

Summer 2005 - Fall 2014

And now here are 3 quick tips to get you started - 

1. Don't try to change all your unhealthy habits at one time.  It has taken you a lifetime to develop these bad habits, don't expect to drop them all cold turkey. Pick 1 or 2 habits to work on each week and focus on them in small steps.

2.  Research! There's so much information on weight loss, training, nutrition. muscle building, increasing flexibility - whatever your goal is. Start googling and try to learn new info that can help you get to your  ultimate goal. 

3. Be patient with yourself. You aren't perfect. You will make mistakes. You will have setbacks. It's ok. It isn't the end of the world Just pick yourself up and get back at it. Beating yourself up only worsens the situation.