Motivation

With the holiday season and holiday eating in full swing, I thought I would pin up some motivation for my amigos.

My 12-week personal training program was hated at times because it was not easy.  I hated giving up foods that I loved and thought I craved and I hated waking up early to work out.  But the end results?  I love them.  I lost 20 pounds that I have since maintained and have more confidence and feel stronger.  My endurance when I run or play soccer is substantially better.  Eater cleaner has cleared up my sensitive stomach issues (gee... imagine that!), and I am fine looking forward to my one cheat meal per week.  

I know it's about a lifestyle change - not a momentary "fix."  If I want to keep these results and even gain more, I have to live it day in and day out.  It isn't about looking good for other people.  It is about reaching the goals that I set for myself and for being happy with where I am at.

Yesterday evening, I stopped by Whole Foods (aka "whole paycheck" ;) ) for a few items before I headed home from my soccer game.  A really nice woman randomly asked me about salad dressings and which one was the healthiest option, etc.  I thought she was pretty trusting to ask a complete stranger for nutrition advice.  Then she saw me in the frozen section and asked me about what I was looking at (gluten free frozen pancakes), so then we got into a discussion about gluten, gluten free diets, etc.  

She was so appreciative of my personal feedback, and when I was leaving the store I couldn't help but think how good it felt to share some of my knowledge that I've gained through my own personal journey with eating healthier.  Last week I had my new job training for the childhood obesity intervention program.  We will be educating families on ways to implement healthier choices at home for everyone and emphasizing lifestyle changes, not diets.  (Confession: I stopped for a chocolate milkshake on my way home from training on the last day, but nobody's perfect, right?)

Now, I love me some pinterest, so I thought I'd share with you some work-out/healthy living inspiration:

Yes, genetics does play a role, but you do have a say in how you look and feel.  This post isn't meant to send the message that you need to be "skinny" with a six-pack.  Only that you have the power inside you to determine your own results.

Go get them.


**I've decided to not post my "before" and "after" pictures.  Not because I'm embarrassed (even though my "befores" are soooo gross.  My part-time jobs all involve working with kids in a school environment, and I don't feel that it would be appropriate to have pictures of me in a bikini online.