I’ve spent A LOT of time answering emails, DMs, texts, calls, and every other form of contact possible since I’ve shared pictures of me before & after. 50 lbs down SHOWS! And I know so many people are frustrated with their journey and are looking for guidance from someone who has been in it – that being said USUALLY people are looking for me to give them what “diet” I’ve been on. Some want to know about supplements or products I’ve used. And even fewer people want to know about what activity routine I’m doing.
But I can honestly say, when people ask me “what I’ve done”, they NEVER want me to respond with I changed my mindset. Which is totally where I started. . . And I think anyone who is really ready to make a transformation have to start with their mindset. Then they have to set realistic goals and boundaries. And finally they have to implement steps that will help them REACH those goals.
This week on Instagram, I’ve shared two videos already and another one goes live today. The first one, is all about mindset. Because I can PROMISE you without my mindset shift – I wouldn’t have had half of my success. You can watch it here. I also have a blog post about mindset here.
The second video is all about REALISTIC boundaries & goals! Again, this is something I had to learn how to do. It sounds like something everyone should just know – and maybe some people do.. but I had to learn. You can watch that video here. I also have a blog post on this topic, check it out here.
BUT – after you have tackled these two things. And I do mean AFTER, because those two steps are NECESSARY.. here are the down and dirty things I did that helped me shed 50 lbs.
10 Things That Helped Me Shed 50 lbs. :
1. No More Soda : There are very few things I cut out completely, but soda was one. I can’t drink one every once and a while. I’m all in or not at all, so I cut it out completely.
I drink coffee in the morning – usually just one cup – and then switch to water. Sometimes I drink water straight up, sometimes I use flavor packs, or essential oils. And when I really need something else, I drink Sparkling Ice drinks. Tastes like soda – but no calories. There is still the bloat from soda with these though.
2. I chose real food over processed & I changed my portion size : I didn’t really change my diet too terribly. I have yet to count a calorie or a carb. But what I did do was prioritize real food. I cook with real butter & olive oil. I pick fruits, veggies, & lean proteins when I can. And I eat a portion, not going back for seconds or thirds.
If I need help seeing portions – I will eat my dinner on a dessert plate. It will trick my eyes into thinking I’m eating more than I actually am.
3. I started moving : Other than my mindset shift, moving is what gave me the biggest results. I started small with 3 days a week, and have slowly worked up to some sort of sweat seesh every single day.
When I began implementing exercise into my routine, I started with running. And I’m using that term loosely. I use the Couch to 5K App, and started with 3 runs per week.
Once those became enjoyable – I added workouts to that.
For a FREE YouTube workout, check out Body Fit by Amy. A mom with workouts for every single fitness level, all sorts of different lengths, and workouts with equipment or no equipment.
I am now using Beachbody on Demand for my workout programs. I’ve also used Neighborhood Barre, they have on demand classes as well.
4. I didn’t deprive myself and I don’t consider it cheating : If I want Chicken McNuggets – I order Chicken McNuggets. But instead of 10, I choose 6. If I want a blizzard, I eat a blizzard. But I order a mini instead of a medium. It is all in balance, when you tell yourself you CAN’T have something, that is all you want. And when you consider yourself “cheating” it is like you’re doing something wrong. If you just make a smarter decision – it is a win instead.
5. I weighed myself : MINDSET is big on this one. I had to let go of the need to see a NUMBER. But weighing keeps me honest. If I’m not doing what I need to do, I can see it on the scale.
6. I write it ALL DOWN : I log my food, water intake, activity, goals, & so much more. To check out the tracker I use everyday, click here.
7. I bought new clothes : I mean this sounds easy right – but nothing gave me a renewed motivation than going shopping and buying the next size down! Workout clothes, jeans, tops – feeling cute helped me keep fighting!
8. I kept setting goals : When I would reach one goal – I set a new one. Never stop. We never reach the end of this journey. If you want to learn more about goal planning, check out my Goal Planning Work Book here.
9. I’m proud of myself : Y’all this sounds weird to say. But I can now look in the mirror and see someone who’s worked DAMN hard to get to this point. And I’m proud of that. Do I still have a jiggly mom belly and cellulite – YEP. Do I still have broken veins – YEP. But that isn’t what I see when I look in the mirror now. I see the blood, sweat, and tears I’ve put into this body. And I’m proud.
10. I try to help other people : When I was going through this journey, I felt so alone. I saw moms on instagram that looked AMAZING, I wanted to look like them. I felt like I could never do this. So now that I did do it – I want to help other moms who feel like I did, realize that YES they can do it! And that gives me continued motivation!
I hope those 10 things can help you, no matter where you are in your journey. I hope that you find encouragement that someone else has been where you are! You can do this! All you need is YOU!
Please, feel free to DM me or email me – I’m happy to answer any questions you have! Don’t forget that a IGTV to go along with this blog will post today as well!
And in June, I’m going to be sharing routines all month on Instagram. Beginning with my self care routines the first week! I hope you’ll check that out too!
Until next time –
ALL THE MAGIC,
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