Lifestyle Change Update Two!...

Hello friends! So it has been quite a while since my last blog post which is not very professional writer of me but hopefully I'll make up for my absence in my post today.

In April I updated you on my lifestyle change in which I had lost ten pounds. I am updating you again in this last cold month of the year, December with a big 6-0 number. I have lost sixty pounds since my start in March and I'm feeling amazing.

There are a whole bunch of things I want to say but the first thing is that I'm healthy, I'm happy and I'm extremely motivated to continue on my journey. Like I've said in previous blogposts, I have always struggled with my weight since I was twelve or thirteen. At the beginning it wasn't a main priority but as I got older it was always in the back of my mind. I remember thinking if there was a website that you could upload your picture to and alter yourself so you could see what you would look like thin - thinking that that would be the only way that I'd ever see myself with a "skinny figure". I remember going to clothing stores and taking a bunch of clothing items into the change room and by the time I finished, I was in tears. Rarely did anything fit me. I remember times when I was about to put a pair of pants on, I'd pray to God in my mind if he "could please allow the pair of pants to fit." I remember comparing my thighs to other girls thighs and saying, "both of her legs are like one of mine." I remember never ever participating in pool parties in the summer because I was too self conscious to be seen in a bathing suit. I remember getting an anonymous internet post on one of those "ask websites" saying, "why are you so fat?" Yes, these are all really horrible things to think about, but they are normal things to obsess over as a teenaged girl.

I tried multiple times to lose weight and every time I tried, it was going to be the time that I succeeded. Of course, I always failed. I always either became unmotivated after a few weeks or I just gave up because I thought it would be too hard. Everything is about body image, even if we don't want to believe it. Fashion, school, work, friends, relationships - everything. There's nothing wrong with being curvy or full figured, and I'm not saying that if you are, those things will be negatively affected. Though, if you aren't happy with how you look, if you don't feel comfortable with the way your body is, it will affect all of those things because you won't be ultimately happy and secure.

So after years and years of trying and failing, what worked this time? Well truth be told I can't give a straight answer, all I can say is that I changed my outlook on my situation. I thought positive, I stayed committed, and I put lots of dedication into it. Like the title says, this isn't a diet, it's a lifestyle change. Once I have reached my weight goal, my 'dieting' doesn't stop. It's a continuous lifestyle for the rest of my life. Exercise, healthy eating, treats and junk food in moderation. My worst fear after all of this is gaining the weight back, but I have to keep reminding myself that the path doesn't end once I have reached that ideal number.. it may get smoother or wider or straighter, but it keeps going.

At the beginning of my journey, I made a list of little goals that I wanted to hit. Proudly, almost all of those goals  have been checked off. Little things that may not seem like a big deal to some really mattered to me like: being able to wrap a towel all the way around myself, being able to cross my legs, being able to fit into some clothes that I had. All of these I have accomplished and so much more.. The great thing is, is that some of the clothes that I bought in the past that I alway said, "one day I'll be able to fit into this" are actually too big for me now!

The people around you are a big part in the journey as well. My family is so supportive - always amazed at my success. They even help  me through the times where I get frustrated with the scale, telling me that I'm doing amazing and not to give up. My friends have all been incredible. I enjoy posting on social media about my success in hopes of inspiring and motivating others, and the responses have always been great. Someone who I have to mention - Nathalie T, always comments the most wonderful and kind motivational messages on all of my posts. She even inspired me to join yoga, and that's something that I have now started to incorporate into my life. Other people like Erin, Charlotte, Rachel, Caitlin, Emily, Mikaila, Carly, Shannon, Ally, Kristie, Julia, Sarah, Michelle, Colette, Emma, Aimee, Rose, Marisa, Edwina, Katherine, Aless, Alex, Gillian, Nicole, Vic and literally so many more (very sorry if I forgot to mention you, but believe me, you matter) have written me such amazing things. (I hope you all don't mind me mentioning you in here.) I even saw my old personal trainer the other day and when I went to say hi to her, she didn't recognize me at first. With a great support base, impossibility seems pathetic. Many people have told me that I am an inspiration and it feels incredible.

I want to post some pictures of my progress on here, some are a little embarrassing but nonetheless very almost unbelievable to look at in my eyes. Sometimes when I look at old photos of myself or old clothes I say, "did I really used to fit in that or be that big?"

My start in March (left) and what I am currently at (right).

Me at prom (left) in June 2012 and me wearing my prom dress now (right). 

 A vest I wore to a concert in March (left) and the same vest on me now (right). 

A pair of my old pants that fit me snug, now with room to fit my dog in. 

A little nervous to post this one but it makes me the most proud. Me in a bathing suit I bought from Victoria Secret in hopes of one day fitting into it (left) me wearing the bathing suit now (right).  (ALMOST THERE!!!) 

I won't really go into detail about what I am doing to reach my goal (as in food wise..) because it may be technical and boring, but if anyone wants tips or help with their own journey I'd be more than happy to help! Message me on FB, Instagram, Twitter, text, email, or whatever! I love being an inspiration to people and I'd love to help someone else achieve success on their own lifestyle change/journey. 

I'm not done yet, but I'm extremely happy with my results and I can't wait to start my life with the confidence and happiness I deserve. 

Lifestyle Change Update One!...

Hello friends! So like I said about three weeks ago I am going to give you an update of how my 'lifestyle change' has been going. I started March 25th and it is now April 11th (making it about three weeks) and my results are that I've lost ten pounds. A pretty good start if I do say so myself (if I do say so myself, if I do say so myself....pun intended.) At the beginning it was kind of hard because I had to give up all junk food and coffee (dying.) I thought I was going to go through a withdrawal because I literally had at least two coffees a day and now I haven't had one cup in three weeks. Also, at night when I feel like having something sweet or salty - I've had to tell myself no and have something that's healthier for a snack. Whenever I get a craving where I just want to eat some ice cream or have some chips I just tell myself that it's only going to be like this for a few months and then I can treat myself. I also keep a Victoria Secret bathing suit that I bought for myself hanging on my wall that gives me motivation. My goal is to fit into it by July.

One thing that I've learned about changing my lifestyle is that the only thing that you need to fear is yourself. I've come to a realization that there's nothing in the way or stopping me from getting what I want - except me. Food is just food. Sure it tastes amazing and smells incredible but if you think about it, you chew it, swallow it down, digest it and then it's gone and forgotten fifteen minutes later.
Over the past three weeks I have learned to only eat when I am hungry. To be honest, I have gotten into such a habit of eating three meals a day and two snacks that I don't even think about eating until I can feel my stomach gurgling.

For exercise I've started walking with my mom at least three times a week. We walk about 5k each time so that's about 15k a week. I also try to go to yoga once a week too, which is very strengthening for the body. Doing other physical activities besides dragging yourself to the gym is good because you don't get bored. For me, the hardest part is just getting to the gym - once I'm there I'm good. Walking is something that is fun because I can look at the scenery, talk with my mom and just enjoy the outdoors.

Drinking water is also something that I've started to increase. I always drank water in the past - it was rare that I had juice or anything else, but now I aim to drink four bottles a day. One in the morning before noon, one after noon, one around dinner and one at night. I always put a Crystal Light in my third water bottle as sort of a reward for drinking two bottles and so I don't get bored of just drinking plain water all day.

As for food I've taken pictures of most of my meals so I can talk about the things I eat for each meal...

For breakfast I usually have fruit - mostly berries like strawberries, blackberries and blueberries. Sometimes I'll have an apple and adding a little bit of cinnamon tastes really delicious. Days when I don't feel like fruit I'll make scrambled egg whites with vegetables like peppers, zucchini, mushrooms and onion or I'll make a turkey and cheese scrambled egg white which is really good as well. There's also this type of flat bread called "matzah bread" and I'll sometimes have a piece of that with low fat cream cheese. 

I've been waking up really early recently so I eat breakfast at 8 or 9 o'clock and by the time it's 11 o'clock I don't want to eat lunch just yet so I have a snack. If I don't have fruit for breakfast then I'll have some berries for a snack. Since I have given up coffee I have started drinking tea - my favourite is vanilla rooibos from Starbucks. Green tea is also really good and it's also really healthy and cleans out your system. Other snacks that I have are jello cups. Jello is also really good for when I get a sugar craving, I'll have one of these and my craving will be satisfied. 

For lunch there are many options of what I eat. Sometimes I'll have a salad - either spinach leaves or head lettuce. I'll put some vegetables in and chicken or turkey and top it off with low fat italian dressing. I also really like making tuna salad on Ryvita snack breads topped with bean sprouts. Lettuce wraps are another option - romain lettuce leaves with diced vegetables and low fat italian dressing. I also have had quesadillas with Kraft no fat cheese slices and chicken or turkey. 

For dinner I always have some sort of protein so that I won't be hungry through out the night. Stir fry with chicken or scallops is really good. I've recently been in a soup mood so I've been making my own home made soups. I'll put chicken, spinach, broccoli, bean sprouts (because they are like noodles,) onions and zucchini. When I have soup I'll usually make a small whole wheat tortilla with either oregano or cream cheese on it. I have also made chicken nachos with a whole wheat tortilla, salsa, chicken, onions, peppers and Kraft no fat cheese slices. When I feel like fish I'll make tilapia with vegetables and tomatoes (tomatoes and tilapia goes really good together.) I've also made home made onion rings - onions dipped in egg whites and covered with crushed melba toast. When I get tired of chicken and fish I'll make mini turkey burgers and a side salad. 

Dessert, everyone's favourite meal.. because I have been eliminating all junk foods and sweets I have had to improvise when it comes to dessert. I came up with a 'mock crepe' idea. I cut up apples and roll them up in a whole wheat tortilla. Then I microwave it for about 45 seconds and the apples become very soft. I cover the tortilla with a bit of greek yogurt, fruit and some cinnamon. It's very tasty. I also found this chocolate sauce that is called 'Walden's Chocolate Syrup'. It's literally no calories, no fat, no sugar and glutton free. I dip strawberries in the sauce, refrigerate them for 30 minutes and I have my own healthy chocolate dipped strawberries. 

Something that is very important when watching your diet is portion sizes. You can eat chicken and vegetables for dinner but if you over do the amount you are eating, it's not going to work. Here are the amount of portions I have each day of food. 

Protein - 7 oz a day (not all in one meal) 

Vegetables - 16 oz a day

Fruit - 10 oz a day

Bread Substitutes - 2 different portions (when I say bread substitutes I mean tortillas, crackers, melba toast, matzah bread - anything that isn't actually bread) 

That is pretty much the amount of food I eat in one day. It's very filling if you portion it out right. 

So here's my first update for my lifestyle change, I'll be sure to update again soon with new results. Thanks for reading! 

PS.. I've added a poll on my blog where you can rate it! Take the poll and tell me what you think of my blog!