Quick fixes

There are no quick fixes to long term health!

 

So as many of you know, I am not new on the healthy lifestyle train. I have been here for awhile. Over seven years actually. I am getting stronger every day. I am down officially 200lbs now. I am a different person, I see things differently, I feel things differently and the lessons I have learned are a huge resource to me. I am thankful for my slow healthy loss because I have really learned a lot about health along the way. If I fast-tracked-to-success-on-the-magic-train I would not have learned those lessons. And I would not be set up for the long term.

I am going to share with you a few stories about the people I have met who have achieved long term success and some of those who haven't and hopefully there will be a lesson in there and also serve as a reminder to myself ;)

About four years ago, a friend of mine came to me and wanted to learn what I was doing to achieve weight loss. I showed her what I eat and invited her to my gym at the time. She came and for the first time in my life I saw someone show up to the gym and not try. I have seen people not try and stay home but never someone come to exercise and every second exercise I showed that person they decided they couldn't do it. Even though I had a modified version. Not. Even. Try. Fast forward and that overweight person went from overweight to morbidly obese and still trying the quick way out.

Hard work is a tough sell when so many companies out there are selling the dream of a easy way to weight loss. You may temporarily lose weight but it will only be the number on the scale and not permanent healthy lifestyle changes. If you are restricting those calories to the extremes, you are totally messing with you entire body. Your metabolic system specifically is compromised.

Another story that's sad but relatable is a few years ago, (some of my workout peeps will remember this because it really messed with my brain) a friend of mine went on a very restrictive diet and lost a bunch of weight very quickly. Now, although I know that's not healthy and most often not sustainable, I really hit a messed up mental space. I was caught by my trainer doubling up on my workouts, and cutting down on my calories AND stepping on the scale every other day. I had forgotten to focus on my own journey of becoming the best me and got caught up on someone else's path. Fast forward a few years and I am finally at average fat percentage but unfortunately that friend whose picture on the beach nearly completely messed with my brain has regained a bulk of that initial weight loss. I was happy for her-please don't think I wasn't, it wasn't about her, it was about me seeing a quicker way and wanting to fast forward. I now see my healthy lifestyle without an end date. This is it, I want to continuously improve and always live in a healthy way.

My two fav health peeps have both lost weight slow and steadily also and they have taken on the healthy lifestyle. Its not about perfection its about gradual improvements in a sustainable way. They encourage me and I them. If you ever feel alone on your journey reach out to me. I know the struggles. I have felt what you're feeling! Stay strong!XO