|
For the first time ever, I'm sharing my complete transformation story with you—along with the raw details, pictures and all! It all started 3 years ago when I was caught in a toxic, cheating marriage that sucked every ounce of self worth out of me. As many people do, I ended up turning to alcohol and food to numb the emotional pain. When I left the relationship, I was unhappy, depressed, single and 30 pounds heavier. To say it was a low point in my life would be an understatement. It took 2 years of yo-yo dieting, binge eating, depression medication and a hell of a victim mentality to get to my breaking point. I self loathed myself so much that I couldn't care for my body or mind, sustain any type of romantic relationship or give anything to my family, friends and career. I was mentally, physically and spiritually spent. During this 'rock bottom' phase of my life, a friend of mine encouraged me to join a '6 Day Eat Clean Challenge.' It was based on Herbalife nutrition and required $10 to enter + the 2 starter packs. For almost no buy-in, I had no reason to say 'no.' Let's be serious, I had nothing to lose either. When I started this challenge, my mindset was hopeless. After years of "trying" to lose the weight, I had lost all faith in myself to achieve any goal I attempted. Everyone said, 'you can do anything for 6 days,' but the reality was, I couldn't even go a day without my crutch: the 2+ glasses of wine I drank every night. On the same day as the start of the challenge, I received some scary test results—my liver levels were 5x the normal range. My doctor insisted on an emergency ultra-sound and a retake of my blood work exactly one week later. This was my wake up call. I had no choice but to attempt this challenge with 100% dedication. My body was clearly sending a sign that it couldn't handle the self sabotage any longer. So, on June 21, I weighed in at our local nutrition club (Nourish), had my body fat percentage read (39.4% ... yes you read that right) and my metabolic age calculated (57). I was in shock. I knew I had let myself go, but not to this extent. For the next 6 days, I had 2 shakes, 2 healthy snacks and 1 healthy meal a day, took pictures of every meal and posted them in our Facebook accountability group (where others did the same), ditched my morning coffee creamer and evening alcohol, slept at least 8 hours, exercised daily, popped the supplements I needed to (1 natural metabolism enhancer & a multivitamin) and drank enough water to fill a swimming pool. Surprisingly enough, the days went by with ease. With each passing day that I didn't give into weakness or temptation, I gained a little of my power back. By the end of the week, my physical and mental fatigue had wasted away, I felt more alert and energetic, my skin was clear and glowing and I didn't have an ounce of bloat or puffiness. I had also lost 6 pounds and my liver levels had gone back to normal. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? 6 pounds in 6 days? How is that even possible (my doctor sure didn't believe it)? It was. I had $150 to show for it, too (the winner wins the cash prize). 😉 I remember walking in to the final weigh-in overwhelmed with fear that the scale wouldn't reflect all of my hard work. When I saw the number looking back at me, I knew that moment was going to be a game-changer. A light switch flipped. It wasn't about the weight loss either—it was about regaining trust in myself and the belief that I am strong enough to achieve anything I put my mind to. Within 1 month, I had lost 13 pounds. To date, I've lost 21 pounds. After a 3-year self-sabataging roller coaster, I never thought in a million years I'd rediscover the "me" I loved so much. Yet, here I am. If you have gotten to a hopeless place in your journey, please know that there is a light at the end of your tunnel. With an unwavering support system, nutrition based on nourishing your mind, body and soul and trust—both in yourself and the process—anything is truly possible. It takes that initial shift to make the light switch go off, but once it has, girl (or guy), you'll be unstoppable. ON THE LEFT: A girl handcuffed by restriction, shame, control, fear, anxiety, toxic thoughts, negative self talk, low self-esteem and yo-yo dieting. ON THE RIGHT: A girl freed by self love, daily care, positivity, confidence and nourishing food (a lot more of it too—without the calorie or macro counting!)  If you'd like more information on the plan that worked for me or need a support partner along the way, give me a shout (see form below). I'd love nothing more to be able to show you the light, too. 💕 My next group is a 6-Day POST-THANKSGIVING CHALLENGE, starting Wed. Nov. 29! If you're interested in joining, please fill out the form below.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |