Inspired by a random text message exchange with a friend yesterday who lives in Portland, I decided to force myself to sit down and start this. I told her I was wanting to start blogging about my journey and she said she’d like to read it. Sometimes this whole storytelling thing is easier when I feel like I’m speaking to one person rather than the masses. LOL! Thanks, Em!
Occasionally my over analytical mind and borderline OCD/perfectionist tendencies keep me from doing things I ultimately know in my gut that I want to do and am intended to do. Fear of allowing myself to be vulnerable has also contributed to the multiple starts and stops when it comes to my consistent blogging. Hell, you can look at my post history and see that.
So, this is my written commitment to myself and to a small group of women I’ve been a part of who have been inspiring and encouraging one another for over a year now. Since my journey with them began, I’ve made some fairly dramatic changes in my life. It’s pretty amazing what happens when you realize and ACCEPT that your unhappiness is completely dependent on you and you can’t change anyone except yourself. Leading by example is an incredible way to accomplish, inspire and teach. Plus, I’ve had many people ask me what I’ve been doing so I figured it’s time to start officially sharing my story in hopes of inspiring others along the way.
Last Memorial Day (2017), I kinda started getting motivated again like I always do just before the dreaded bathing suit season. Why was this year any different? Well, I’d managed to work my way up to 205. That was about five and a half pounds more than 2016. Why do I know this? Because I have documented photos complete with measurements because that year my answer was Isagenix’s Body Transformation Challenge. While I did lose close to 20 pounds over the two month period in ’16, there was no way I was going to be able to maintain the recommended supplement and eating plan they recommended. So, as always…I fell off the wagon, life threw some curveballs and I landed myself in my usual depression spiral and by March 2017, I found myself in a familiar, yet comfortable, place and ready for the next move which is what led me back to the LoseIt app.
After a trip to the Austin area for Memorial weekend, which we generally experience with our tastebuds, I decided it was time. This time it felt a little different. I was beginning to be more motivated by feeling better than looking better. Don’t get me wrong, looking better is super important to me. Unfortunately, appearance and ‘not getting fat’ has played a HUGE role in my psyche since I was a child. Having just turned 40, I had begun to feel older in my joints and overall movement and it admittedly scared me.
So, from Memorial Day to Labor Day last year, I lost just over 20 pounds simply by watching my calories. I used the app to track everything I put in my mouth. I kept track of my weekly cumulative budget and made sure to burn more than I consumed. Some days I literally ran for wine…or a Reese’s peanut butter cup.
Our daughter’s birthday usually falls on Labor Day weekend. We had a shindig for her at the river and I allowed myself to splurge with chips and cake and no surprise, I felt awful the next week. Then, I ended up injuring my back and was thrown completely off course. Sprinkle in some ‘life drama’ and viola!, I found myself moving down that familiar path of emotional eating and depression and picked up about 8-10 pounds by the end of December.
Between Christmas and New Years, we were blessed with a visit from family and when they arrived, I was amazed at how great they looked. Clearly, they felt better and had recently lost over 20 pounds or so by following a Ketogenic lifestyle. This inspired me and with their guidance, I switched to the Senza app and began my Keto journey on January 2 of this year.
To date, I’ve lost 45 pounds and 59.5 inches, nine of those inches were from my waist alone! I’ve graduated from a size 18 to size 12. My mother bought me a size 12 swimsuit for vacation to celebrate and I cried when I saw myself in the photos. Not only were they happy tears because I didn’t hate what I saw, but they were also sad tears of realization that I have loved myself conditionally all these years and that I’ve been worth the investment all along.
A few times I’ve had friends comment after not seeing me for a while about being jealous. Don’t be, just make the decision that you’re worth it. This has been a part-time job for me. It’s not been all rainbows and unicorns and fairy dust sprinkled on my food to make the calories not count. Anything worth having is worth working for and BECAUSE I love myself, it was time I started acting like it. I feel stronger today than before I met my husband nearly 20 years ago.
Many have helped me along my journey. I did this not only with changing the way I eat, but also with exercise. Lots and lots of exercise and I’m excited to share more about it all in upcoming posts. While I’m the one who has put in the work, it has taken a posse of strong and inspirational people to help keep me on course. From my newfound friends at the gyms I belong to, to my friend who shared with me about her eating disorder, helping me realize mine isn’t much different than hers. Mine just makes me bigger rather than smaller. Although most days, I feel like I’ve gained control rather than pounds, I know this will be a life-long journey.
The after pictures were taken just before we left for vacation on May 23, 2018 by Nyah, our 14 year old daughter. She has been super encouraging and hearing her tell me she’s proud of me has been one of the best things about this. Clearly, I still have a ways to go. The loose skin and tiger stripes on my stomach I earned while growing a human may always be there, but I’m hopeful I’ll find a fairly non-invasive way to reduce their appearance. 🙂
On my next article, I’ll share all about getting into ketosis and what that was like for me.
June 8, 2018
I’m so proud of you and your journey. You are an inspiration to many. Keep up the great work. ❤️
June 8, 2018
Thank you, Mel! YOU are also doing some incredible work. I’m so excited for your successes as I know you are also an inspiration to others. xoxo
June 8, 2018
Christy, you are such an inspiration! I know how hard you’ve worked for this, and I hope you know we’re cheering you on every step of the way! ❤️
June 8, 2018
I do you know this, Melissa, and have appreciated every encouraging word and shoulder to lean (and cry) on! I don’t know where I would be without you ladies.
June 8, 2018
Oh my goodness!! You look amazing. You are a Rock Star!
June 8, 2018
Thank you for taking the time and energy to write this blog. You are an inspiration as I am in one of those pivotal moments in my life, much like where you were when you started this journey. I just turned 40 and think about changing my lifestyle every day, but it is backed by no action. I am inspired by stories like yours. So, thank you. And, strong work sister!
June 8, 2018
Christy,
I have always had a deep admiration for you, albeit from afar in FB-land. I feel like you’re speaking my story on this page, and that helps me believe that I can do it too. Thank you for sharing you so transparently. It really does stir my spirit.
June 8, 2018
Christy,
Wow! This is a beautiful experience! Thank you so much for sharing your journey. Surrendering to vulnerability is scary, but reading this is very inspiring. So many of your comments resonate with me. Congratulations on your success…you are beautiful inside and out!!
June 8, 2018
Thank you. Wondering when i can be stable enough soon from moving around to being in a healing kitchen with friends. Thank you for dedication to Self. Love
June 8, 2018
Thank you, Beautiful! Thank you for your vulnerability, your courage and for sharing your journey! Thank you for helping me take better care of me! Im so grateful we crossed paths years ago along this journey of life! You inspire me to be a happier, stronger, and healthier me! Looking forward to living and learning more!
June 8, 2018
What a great journey, what a treasure to love our bodies
June 8, 2018
Thank you, Madeleine! Yes, it is. 🙂
June 8, 2018
I’m so happy to know you, Sheila. It’s been a wild ride and I’m glad you’ve gleaned some pointers from my lessons learned along the way. Love and appreciate you!
June 8, 2018
Hi Claire! Yes, keep your eye on the prize and I’m certain you’ll find stability soon. Some days the choice of self love is harder than others, let’s stay the course. Today is a good day. 🙂
June 8, 2018
Hi Susan! It’s awesome to hear from you. It was scary to click on the publish and share buttons for this article! BUT, reading that it inspired you makes it worth while. Thank you for all of your kind words. I sure hope to cross paths with you again soon.
June 8, 2018
Hi Lorraine! I remember you and I connecting on this topic in the past. You can absolutely do it. It WON’T be easy, but it WILL be worth the investment. You know this. Your comment made my day. I can’t say that anyone has told me I stirred their spirit today. That’s something I take seriously! 🙂
June 8, 2018
YES! Welcome to the 40’s, sister! Admittedly, it was my hardest birthday thus far. I truly believe it’s because I was really unhealthy and didn’t feel good. I have to say, hiring a personal trainer was the best decision I’ve made this year. It helped me ensure action. Something else that helped me was thinking of all the things I still want to do while I can. Thank you so much for all you’ve said on here and on FB. It really means the world to me. Big hug!
June 8, 2018
Hi Layne!! Thanks, lady, for stopping by and the huge compliment. I’m proud of the results so far, too, and proud of myself for sticking with it this time. I hope you and the family are doing awesome. The boys are getting so big!!
June 8, 2018
Words cannot express… we met for a brief week in the fall and I loved your determination. So glad you have found your happiness and can’t wait to celebrate it in person in January!!
June 8, 2018
Oh wow!!
Congrats on your journey!!
Thank you for sharing your heart with us!! This is super motivating.
Love you!
June 9, 2018
I am so impressed, not just by all of your incredibly hard work, but also by your honest vulnerability. Two very real and different types of strength! Thanks for being such a light and inspiration to those who know you!!!
So much love to you!
June 14, 2018
Christy, I have adored you at all sizes since I met you 14 years ago! You are beautiful inside and out! The feeling better part is going to be the only way I can ever convince myself to exercise. Thank you for inspiring me (and many others)!
June 14, 2018
Good job!! I know exactly how hard it is to shed the pounds. I turn 40 this year and was at my heaviest in January and horribly depressed. I’ve been watching calories, but need to be more consistent with the gym because it helps with moods and looks! I’m down 20 so far with another 15 to go. Thank you for the inspiration!! You look healthy and strong!!! Amazing job!
June 14, 2018
You have done a great job staying on track with the Ketosis AND with getting strong! Definitely an inspiration to keep at it. I have quite a few great Keto recipies, most of which I’ve gotten online. Let me know if you would like any of them. Keep at it, my friend. “You’ve come a long way, baby!” ;-D
June 15, 2018
Thank you for sharing. So very happy for you! What you give up in food choices you gain and lifestyle, experiences, confidence and hopefully health – It is a battle that is worth fighting for.
I think most of us have lived this struggle in some way, it is inspiring to see your success.
Congratulations ❤️
June 15, 2018
Oh, girl, you know this journey. And, you’re exactly right about the food and lifestyle comparison. I splurged at a family event last weekend and paid for it! I’ve only done that a few times this year and my body always tells me she’s not happy when I do. Thank you for taking time to read and comment. xoxo
June 15, 2018
Hi Terri! I tell you what, I have learned a lot about keto in the last week alone. I’m ALWAYS open to new recipes, so yes, please share and THANK YOU! I have come a long way, baby! 🙂
June 15, 2018
Hey beautiful! First of all, congratulations on your hard work thus far. You’ve got this! I’ll write soon about my journey with strength training. Truly, it has made ALL THE DIFFERENCE. Keto and healthier eating discipline was my kickstart. Now, I’m encouraging my muscles to burn fat faster. Are you strength training? It feels damn good to feel strong and stable at this age. LOL! 🙂
June 15, 2018
Diana, I adore you as well and love that we’ve stayed connected all these years. It is so much about the feeling better this time around. The intrinsic motivation has to come from somewhere. Find your why and then remind yourself of that why as often as you can. Thank you for taking the time to read this. Love you! xoxo
June 15, 2018
Yay, you saw it! Emily, thank you so much for being an inspiration as well. Your gentle, yet fierce spirit has influenced me on many occasions. Thanks for having a birthday the other day and literally inspiring the text exchange that led to getting this post written. I’m looking forward to seeing you all in August!! 🙂 xoxo