14 Days Strong

Weekly Update:   Well I did it, I'm at 14 days strong with my clean eating plan - I haven't been this dedicated since I started last July over a year ago.  This week I am down .8 for a total of 76.8lbs.  I have been extremely successful in general, but after this summer of maintaining (still a big win), I decided it was time to really step it up and make a commitment to 21 Days of clean eating and I am feeling amazing.

I love this photo from this weekend - I feel like I look happier and healthier even in the past week.   And here I am with my little "WHY Guy" - he is one of my WHYs.   He is WHY I am so dedicated each day to my health and fitness. I want to show him how to be healthy, but more importantly I want to be alive to see him grow up and have kids of his own.

This week was really cool for me - I was able to face one of my biggest goals and fears - public speaking! I've been dabbling with it here and there and accepting any opportunity I get, but this weekend was the biggest public speaking event I've ever done. I sat on a panel with four others and shared my story in front of a group of 250 individuals.   It was terrifying and exciting all at once!

The event I spoke at is a quarterly event for coaches and their guests.  The first time I attended one of these events I went alone - I knew no one, and I almost chickened out, but that event changed my life.

This photo on the left is from the second 'Super Saturday' I ever attended (I don't have photos from the first one unfortunately).   The photo on the right, is me this past weekend - I have the same determination, but I am such a different person just 9 months later.  Instead of sitting in the corner afraid to look anyone in the eye, I was right up there on the stage addressing everyone in the room!

Here are some more progress photos - these are different from what I typically share.  These ones are my 'one week' on clean eating progress photos.   I feel it is important to share these because it shows just how much proper nutrition really does matter.    I have been working out consistently since last summer, and getting stronger, but when my nutrition is off, my progress is off.   These are literally only 6 days apart - and the only difference was that I started eating cleanly again.   If you're curious what that means - shoot me a message, I'd love to work with you (fitandbalancedmom@gmail.com)

Another progress photo - my nails!!  Over the last year I've changed so many things besides just my weight.  I've learned the importance of washing and moisturizing my face daily, I've started flossing daily, and as of two weeks ago, I stopped a chronic nail biting habit.  It's funny how something so small can be so empowering.

And my final 'transformation photo'. This one I'm particularly proud of.  This is a woman who has grown to be a good friend of mine. I met her for the first time this winter at a Mom's Club event - she was 50 pounds heavier and no where near ready to make a change for her health.    We sit here, 8 months later, and I was fortunate enough to be in the room to see her displayed on the big screen as a "Transformation Success Story" - she has changed so much and watching her grow as a person as she continues through her weight loss journey has been nothing short of amazing. 

This photo I guess could be classified as a transformation photo as well, it's  proof that it doesn't take much to get up and get going in the morning. I have really gotten into the habit of morning workouts, despite the fact that every morning at 5:30am when my alarm goes off I cringe.  I know that 5 minutes later I'll be happier and 45 minutes later, I'll have so much more energy then had I slept those 45 extra minutes.

Here are some fun "stability ball" exercises - this is one of my favorite fitness materials of all time - they are so versatile (aside from the fact that they take up a bunch of space!), I literally could do all my workouts with just my body and this thing.

Food news - I've been so busy eating good stuff I forgot to take photos!  But that's ok, because this one is seriously my favorite from the week - spaghetti squash with cut up veggie burger, tomatoes, garlic, Italian spices, asparagus and a little fresh parmesan cheese!

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Mommy & Me Website: http://www.fitandbalancedmom.com/

Contact: fitandbalancedmom@gmail.com