Before I post too many items on this page, I feel like I really need to talk about where I came from and how I got to be the healthy, fitness obsessed chick that I am. It’s been a long road, but one that I feel was totally necessary in order to change my life for the better. I’m not afraid to say I used to be fat. Nor am I afraid to say- LOOK AT ME, I did it the RIGHT WAY and I am healthy and happy now! I don’t want to make anyone feel bad about the size they are, I just want to help inspire people to get healthy and happy. Everyone is beautiful; sometimes they just need some motivation to make themselves healthy as well.
Growing up, I was always the chubby girl. While I wasn’t obese, I was overweight. My mom’s nickname for me as a child was “Fatty Face”… guess that’s where it all started! I never really had a concern about my weight, but even as young as fifth and sixth grade, I knew I was bigger than the other girls and just felt chubby. I wasn’t very popular; I was just the smart, fat girl that everyone got along with. Even in middle school and high school, while very active on the golf, swim and soccer teams, I was still chubby. Heck, when I got straight A’s (which happened all but once) my parents rewarded me with guess what- not money, but a CHOCOLATE MILKSHAKE!
Even in college, while popular and having a great time, I not only packed on the freshman fifteen- I think I may have added a freshman 30. I loved food…and food was my comfort. Any time I was upset, happy, or feeling anything, I wanted to eat. My life revolved around what meal was next, despite the fact that I might not even be hungry at all.
From college, I moved to life on the road as a NASCAR PR rep. Don’t ever think to try to lose weight while traveling- it won’t happen. Especially with Murdock as your cook- once again, those pounds crept on and my pants got tighter. But did I really notice? The sad part is yes, I did notice. And because of that- I ate. More. And more.
While on the road, I met my adoring and wonderful husband Bud, who loved my curves and loved the fact I loved to eat even more. He was incredible, I was in love, we got engaged… which meant I was happy… which meant- time to eat! (Are you seeing the cycle here?) Despite the fact my wedding was only six months away, I still managed to control my eating, yet somehow only dropped 3 pounds. What bride doesn’t want to lose weight for her wedding day? I wanted too, but all that tempting food at parties, showers and cake tastings was just too darn good to pass up.
So, I had the big white wedding, loved and stressed every second (which meant I ate more)… and was whisked away on a honeymoon. (where I gained 8 pounds!) Needless to say, through all of this, while I was beautiful to my husband, I was starting to feel sick to myself.
Then one day in mid-July, as I went to put on a bikini, it hit me. OMG, I look horrible. How in the world had I let myself get this big? I had rolls where I never though I could, dimples everywhere and I got out of breathe walking. It was even painful in my knees to squat. I wanted to have a breakdown and go eat, and eat, and eat some more. But instead, something in my head just clicked and BAM! I was done with the old Emily. Done being the girl who let food solve her emotions, done with being lazy, done with just being unhealthy and out of shape. I was done.
The very next day, I went and joined Weight Watchers. It was the best decision I had ever made in my life. I had done countless diets (which usually lasted a week at the most) and this one I realized would make me have a LIFE change, which was what I desperately needed. With my husband supporting me, I went full speed ahead, ready to conquer the world.
That was 8 months and 32 pounds ago. I have gone from a size 10/12 to a size 2/4. It is incredible going shopping now because clothes fit and look good. My heartburn is gone. My knees don’t hurt. My body all over feels like a brand new person has been born.
I can’t say it has been an easy ride because there have been temptations, but I can say this… I feel strong and accomplished because I was able to finally get the weight off. I have five more pounds to go, but I know I will get there with time. What I do know is this- it has taken me 8 long months for this to come off, but I am proud because I did it the RIGHT way. No diet pills, no fads. I moved a lot more, watched my portions and ate healthy. Plain and simple. There is no fix to it, it is all about eating less, moving more.
Why do I write all of this? To tell you that once again, if I can do it… anyone can do it. I went from a food obsessed girl to someone that does not let food control her anymore. Yes, I still have cravings, but instead of wanting chocolate or SPKs, I tend to want tangerines or fruit. I just want everyone to know, that if you are MENTALLY ready, you can do this. But, in order to do it, you have to have the right mindset. Unless you are ready up there, the rest of your body can’t do it. I’ve seen too many people start over and over again, only to fail because they can’t wrap their mind around it. You can have pizza, you can have nachos, etc. But that doesn’t mean you have to eat a whole serving by yourself- have a slice and move on. I don’t want to discourage anyone, I want you to know that you can do it. You just have to have the right mindset and then I say – GO GET IT! Make the healthy choices, while hard at first, the longer you stick with it and stop making excuses, the easier it becomes. You will want to be healthy and make the right choices. So- what is stopping you???
Yes, I may be obsessed with eating right and working out. I still treat myself occasionally. But, I love the way I feel and the way I look now. For the first time in my life, I am the “skinny” girl, but I am also HEALTHY. It has taken A LOT of hard work, discipline and dedication, but I am finally here!!!
So, if you want to change your life - stop making excuses. Join the Y or Gold's Gym. Go join Weight Watchers( I love the program). Start by making small changes and push through your comfort level. You will be surprised what you find deep inside of you!
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| This is me in December 2009 with my beautiful sister Stephanie. This is before I underwent my life change! |
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| This is me December 2010- One year later! Loving my new life! |
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