Society perpetuates this lie that we should have body acceptance. AndI believed that because I was the one who needed to find a whole lot of acceptance of my unhealthy habits. I prefer to view it more as practicing self love. We have to get to a point where we love ourselves – deep to our core. And the truth is BECAUSE I love myself, I WANT to be healthy.
In June 2013, I was unhappy, unhealthy, and while other areas of my life were falling (or had fallen) into place, this was a huge area of my life that I had chosen to neglect. Battling weight your entire life is not fun and frankly, it’s exhausting. Especially when you spend most of your time complaining about it and not actually doing anything to change it. I’ve had gym memberships, bought fancy running shoes and signed up and never ran a variety of races.
Last summer (after that picture), I experienced some health issues that caused me to lose some weight, but also begin the process of re-evaluating life choices. In the months that followed, I never made conscious decisions about it, but after a job-change and life becoming busy, some more weight came off.
Around Thanksgiving, I began to talk with Jim about getting a treadmill for the house. He could use it for training, but more importantly, I could use it and I would have ZERO excuse to not get on it. The weather wouldn’t be a factor, I would just have to make TIME to do it. Period. After going back and forth, we ordered the treadmill and my Christmas gift arrived December 9th. Within the hour, Jim put it together and I ran my first mile. I haven’t looked back ever since. I’ve run/walked over 80 miles, over 20 hours, and I cannot even begin to discuss the change that has happened.
I no longer focus on the scale – sure I weigh-in weekly, but the number is no longer my focus because I FEEL amazing. I haven’t had soda – pop – Coke since I started on December 9th (despite desperate cravings on Christmas Day). I have run through sickness, my period, holidays and through “just not feeling it.” If you know anything about me, then those alone are a HUGE step. Gone are the HUGE sugary coffee drinks. If they can’t make it light, I don’t drink it and even still, it’s a once a week treat. Water is my best friend and green juice/smoothies are putting a spring in my step. The decision to make one positive change (for me, getting active and moving) has made a world of difference.
Weight Loss since “official” start (December 9th): 10 pounds
Weight Loss since June 2013: 29 pounds
Honestly? It’s still very hard. But I keep thinking how very unhappy I was being fat and inactive.
And for the first time, at 31 years old, I truly feel alive.
I am so so so so proud of you!!! Keep focusing on how you FEEL (and your energy!) rather than the weight: that’s the best way. You look fantastic but more importantly I can see the sparkle in your eyes even though that pic up there isn’t a close up. SO excited for you!
Love you! You are rocking it! Slow and steady wins the race 🙂
You rock! I know how hard and rewarding it is to make these kinds of healthy life changes. So proud of you! Keep on keeping on!
Thrilled for you! You go girl!
Good for you! You look great and I’m sure feel great as well.
You were always beautiful. You light up a room. But I am sooo happy you are feeling better. I am hoping to set up the elliptical and maybe get a bike when we move so I won’t have excuses either.
You go girl!!! Keep it up, I know it’s not easy, but you can do it ❤️❤️❤️
Sam you look AMAZING!!! I am so proud of you! I can learn a little something from you…I NEED to make the change! You keep going strong girl!
This is great and I’m glad you feel better! My husband is about to undergo a huge lifestyle change as well. He read this and I’m pretty sure it has inspired him (as well as some other things). When I started running I honestly just felt stronger. I lost weight but the best part was proving to myself that I COULD do it. Keep up the good work!
p.s. You look great!!:)
Great job! You look awesome!
Keep it up Sam! You are an inspiration to us all and you look fantastic. I’m right there with you trying to become more healthy, 5lbs down a lot more to go 🙂
Such a rewarding before and after! Keep it up!
Awesome! I have a treadmill in my basement with tons of excuses…hoping I can get motivated like you!
You look FANTASTIC! I love that you are doing this for YOU and not because you ‘should’. You are an inspiration!
Anything you do for you is going to feel great! Keep it up =)
And I second what Melissa said – don’t look at the scale, go by how you are feeling!
Inspirational. You look amazing and making positive changes for the right reasons keeps you motivated. Congrats!
This is amazing! Congrats to you.