Balanced Lifestyle Living

It all started in high school where I was the skinniest I have ever been but I lacked self-esteem, confidence and was super shy, hiding in the shadows of my peers. On the outside it looked like everything was fine but the inside told another story, a story that stayed inside for many years later. I struggled with bad views about my body, appearance and never was that pretty girl. I would eat my emotions away whilst still working out and being active but what I have learned is that you cannot out train your unhealthy eating.

After high school I ballooned, gaining so much weight as each month went by. I remember I would always tell myself; you are not that big, while looking in the mirror. As much as I disliked how I looked and felt, I would just hide under clothes and put on a happy act for everyone. The struggle was real and as much as I appeared to be this happy, confident person, deep down I was not truly any of that. Even my closest friends had no idea what kind of pain I felt inside.

Shortly after, I ended up tearing my ACL for the second time. This basically put me in depression mode because I was forced to make a decision I was not ready to make, to quit soccer. If you don’t know me, soccer was my life  but I had to choose between that risk or ensuring I could walk when I am older. Things just got progressively worse until my surgery date. Two months after my surgery, I continued to feel like garbage and decided to start up a challenge at the gym. I was able to get my body fat percentage done and was shocked to learn I had reached a whopping 41%!!! That was the motivation I needed. I ended up dropping 10 lbs. and got my body fat to 33%. That was my first biggest accomplishment that made me feel better inside but then of course I wanted to whatever it takes to get results quickly, to keep feeding that feel good hormone. In a span of 6 months I went on two fad diets that had me on extremely low calories and eating that same foods everyday, 3 times a day. Yes, I got the results at the end of the 6 weeks but did I learn from it and keep those results? No. I ended up binging after, gaining all the weight back and of course I was miserable the entire time.

It all took a toll on my mind and body. I lost hope and just about gave up until I met a co worker at work who also has a passion for fitness/nutrition,  who then became a really great friend. The conversations we would share ignited the passion and fire again. I finished my degree and began to research everything about nutrition that I could and truly living a balanced lifestyle.

I decided to do my own 12 week transformation where I wasn't on a strict or restrictive diet. My mind set was at ease because I could eat whatever I wanted as long as I met my calories, macronutrients/micronutrients and fiber. The 12 weeks did not feel like a diet at all because I was able to make it my lifestyle. I was still able to go out for dinners, drink alcohol and eat treats in moderation whilst still achieving results that I wanted. Allowing myself to do these things made me crave those “treat” foods less and I ended up being binge free after the 12 weeks. I now know how to live a healthy balanced lifestyle while I maintain my weight and do not have to count calories at all. I am the happiest I have ever been, inside and out. I can’t even explain the feeling that I have everyday and am so blessed that I learned this lifestyle.

You can take a look at my personal progress and many other free helpful fitness/nutrition/motivation tips on social media @balancedlifestyleliving247. Let me help you achieve a balanced lifestyle while also achieving your physical goals. I will teach you everything I know so when you are done your program, you are not left in the dust, and fall back into your bad habits but instead go on to achieve bigger and better goals.

Let's get started on your self love journey!