I don't think there's ever truly been a time when I wasn't self-conscious about my weight.
Wow. That was hard to write, and it is hard to admit. My furthest back memories are of family members teasing me about being "chubby" and when it could have been "for fun" it definitely left a scar on my heart.
Fast forward into elementary school, I recall talking to a "friend" on the phone - and in the background the girls were singing the theme song for Jenny Craig. A popular weight loss program at the time.
At 13, I remember traveling with my family and I got off the plane and my grandpa (you know someone who should love you unconditionally) made a comment about how I had gained weight and was chubby.
Then I entered high school, and food and body image became even more of a focus. I watched a really close friend of mine walk through an eating disorder. It was so hard to watch and it definitely got me questioning myself. Was I too heavy? Should I be dieting?
I never was really "taught" the right way to think about food or my body, I just knew what I observed and what I saw in the media. I thought fat was the enemy for a while. Then it was carbs, then it was calories, and the list goes on and on.
At my lowest weight (and lowest point mentally), I had followed the Weight Watchers program, which got me closer to understanding nutrition, but still utilized a lot of processed "no sugar, low fat" foods. I felt restricted and food again came to be a huge focus. Hindsight, I wonder if my restrictive lifestyle made it that much harder for me to get pregnant. The scale said I was perfectly healthy, but on the inside, I was struggling.
I share all of this, because I believe that I can't be the only one who has had a dysfunctional relationship with food, diet and their body. It's taken me almost 30 years and multiple weight loss programs to finally find a LIFESTYLE that has led me away from restriction and dysfunction to what BODi calls Health Esteem.
Our Health Esteem is more than a fitness program. It's a mindset shift. It's removing the all or nothing mentality. It's embracing the journey and loving ourselves through the process. It's showing ourselves grace when we fall down and celebrating ourselves when we get back up. It's modeling to our kids and the people around us that we love ourselves enough to show up every day and take care of ourselves first. That it's not selfish. But it's necessary.
I have been so scared to share my "transformation" or progress photos for fear that it wasn't enough. Or that people will judge me or think poorly on me. But today I'm stepping out in fear to tell you that there's power in doing something scared - and it's a lot easier with an amazing community behind you cheering you on.
My progress:
Change did not happen overnight. It was not easy. The physical changes seen here are proof that the BODi platform works, but what you can't see is my mindset change that has happened. I'm beginning to truly appreciate my body for all that it has done. I have given birth to three babies via c-section. I have loved and cared for those babies for over 8 years. I have been up countless nights rocking those babies to sleep and my body has still shown up for me.
So, how did I do it?
I did the work - both mind and body. I let myself be a beginner again after my injury. I showed up consistently - even when I didn't want to. I found a nutrition program that combined both mindset and nutrition to make a winning combination - 2B Mindset. Did you know that weight loss is 80 to 90 percent nutrition and only 10 to 20 percent fitness? We can't out exercise a bad diet.
Are you ready to join me?
Starting May 1, me and some of my BODi partners will be hosting a nutrition accountability challenge using the 2B Mindset program. For 30 days, we'll link arms with you as we all navigate the mindset and nutrition changes, we need to make to be healthy and to reach our goals.
Although, the accountability challenge lasts for 30 days that's just the beginning. You'll have access to our group and your BODi partner for the whole year! This is a lifestyle change, not a diet.
A little more about 2B Mindset:
It’s not a diet—it’s a mindset. Most diets have an end date. But you will be shifting the way you think about food and will be able to use the 2B Mindset principles for the rest of your life. Also, most diets require deprivation. The 2B Mindset shows you how to get to, and maintain, your ideal weight, while eating foods you actually enjoy, so you always feel full and satisfied—and happy.
The 2B Mindset is also extremely easy to follow:
• No counting calories, no measuring food, and no using food containers
• No cutting out food groups
• No deprivation or feeling hungry
• Ability to follow the program even when you are at a restaurant, a party, or on vacation
What do you get?
For as little as $59 you will receive:
- Access to videos teaching you all about the program
- Digital resources
- Recipes
- A supportive community
- And me as your coach!
I'm still on my journey and I'm hoping that you'll jump on board with me as we continue to reach our goals. It's so much easier and more fun to do this together! Ready to learn more? Fill out this simple two question form and I'll reach out to you.
Reminder: You are beautiful and perfect just the way you are right now.