THE CHANGE:
The summer after my sophomore year of college, I finally felt like enough was enough. I’d been hitting the gym a couple of times a week and trying to go for healthy meals, like turkey sandwiches and salads, when I could. But I knew I needed to make a serious change.
I came across a 21 Day Challenge on Twitter that suggested cutting out pastries, donuts, cookies, chips, and soda for three weeks, and I decided to try it out. After a month, I lost about 10 pounds. That's when the motivation to change my lifestyle really kicked in.
THE WORKOUTS:
When I first started cranking my fitness game up a notch, I focused on building my running endurance. In the beginning, I could only run about a mile at a time. As I got better, I signed up for a few 5-Ks and eventually found running to be fun not torturous.
I lifted weights with some friends, but never felt fully comfortable strength training until I started working with a trainer (about two years into my fitness journey). He taught me about proper form, how to use different kinds of equipment, like kettlebells, and how to plan out my workouts. I totally fell in love with lifting and even learned a few power-lifting moves.
The gym became a place of empowerment, instead of a place of intimidation.
THE FOOD:
My body felt so good after kicking refined carbs and sweets to the curb. Adios, bloating!
I started cooking for myself and finding ways to get more veggies into my diet. I ate zucchini noodles instead of spaghetti, and even nixed burger buns for portabella mushrooms.
After years of not eating breakfast, I realized that eating five or six smaller meals throughout the day kept me feeling satisfied. I made sure each of my meals had lean protein like chicken or turkey, and I pumped up the green veggies, too.
One of the toughest changes was cutting back on alcohol as much as possible, saving it only for special occasions.
THE REWARD:
After three years, I’ve lost 40 pounds and transformed my entire outlook on life. I was always an energetic and loud person, but worried that people saw me as the funny fat kid. On top of that, I never had the confidence to wear a two-piece bathing suit growing up, but I bought my first bikini last summer!
Now I push myself to be better every day and reach the goals I set. I feel physically and mentally stronger than ever. I can even deadlift 255 pounds!
Michelle’s Number One Tip:
You don’t have to try crazy diets and cleanses to feel better and fitter. Just try to cut one type of junk food at a time. It’s a slow process, but it’s OK to take it one step at a time. Your body and your life won’t change overnight.
It’s taken me three years to come this far, and there’s no stopping me now.
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