My dear Friend Monica is a Rockstar. She signed up in my Challenge Group after her 2nd baby was born and began to tackle her baby weight and emotional eating. It has been such a joy having Monica in my Challenge Groups and watching her blossom and regain her health. She has developed healthy clean eating habits and daily exercise habits for life!! Please read her amazing story in her own words:
"I was always a very fit and healthy
person... Until I got married and started having kids. As if the combination of
a busy schedule, a limited budget, and aging wasn’t enough to ruin my
metabolism and my drive to stay fit in the first place. But then I grew two
humans (not at the same time, thank goodness) inside my body, before releasing
them into the world and spending all my time trying to take care of them (often
to the neglect of myself). That was what really changed my body, to which I
know most women can relate.
Well,
to make a long story very short, I decided to join a Beach Body challenge group
with my friend and coach, Megan. I was hesitant at first because I already knew
a lot about eating healthy and exercising, and I wasn’t sure if I could afford
to do something that was just going to teach me things I already knew. But what
I gained from Beach Body was invaluable. Basically, looking back I know that I
couldn’t afford not to do it. I did
learn some new tricks for my nutrition and exercise routine and, of course, got
Insanity, which is a fabulous workout program, and Shakeology, which I love
drinking after exercising. However, the most important part for me was the
support group I got. My coach and fellow group not only celebrated my achievements
(however big or small), but they also encouraged me without chastising me when
I was struggling, and they kept me accountable because I knew I would have to
report my progress to them. That combination was what I really needed to form
new habits and build the willpower to stick with a healthy lifestyle instead of
yo-yo dieting. I lost 50 pounds over 8 months and went from a size 16 (I think-
I was still wearing maternity clothes because that was the only thing that fit)
to a size 6 (almost back to 4).
A lot
of people probably think getting in shape is all about looking good, and of
course that is part of it. But getting healthy and dropping weight has meant so
much more to me than just liking what I see in the mirror. I finally feel like
I have control over one aspect of my life, which is kind of a rare thing for a
parent. Additionally, developing self-discipline and doing something difficult
has given me confidence to go forward and tackle other parts of my life that
require discipline and hard work. I know now that I can do hard things because
I have done hard things. I believe in myself. Not to mention that I just feel
better when I’m eating clean and exercising regularly. My morning workouts get
the endorphins going so I have the energy and right mindset to not just deal
with my kids all day, but to actually enjoy spending time with them. I’m so
glad I decided to join a challenge group so I could start the road to a better
me and take back control of my life."
Before/After
Before (8 months Pregnant)/After (baby 8 months old)
Is this girl amazing or what? More than anything I feel privileged to have played a small part in Monica's transformation and helped her get a hold of the right tools to make a real lasting change in her life. She has inspired me more than she knows as she has shared things in our groups either recipes or inspiring quotes or just the things she's learned and has also helped others along the way. I'm so proud of this girl and its been such a privilege to help my dear friend and be on this journey with her!
If you are inspired, please know that YOU can do this too. It's not about looking good (although that may be why we start out). Its about feeling good, and feeling good about yourself inside and out. Its more than physical. It's mental, emotional, spiritual, and changing your daily habits will transform your life and give you a rock solid confidence and belief in yourself that is an invaluable asset for your life. Please reach out to me if you need help regaining your health. I would be honored to help you with your goals.
