So much more than physical

During this time of year we are bombarded with ads promising to help you get fit quick , and programs and equipment vowing to give you flat abs faster than you can snap your fingers. There is no doubt that some of these programs and equipment work, but if it were that easy, everyone would be in the shape they wanted to be.

So, why doesn't everyone achieve the results they want? Health is more than doing a workout, and restrictive eating. It's a whole lifestyle. The decisions you make everyday and what you surround yourself with, is what you become.

I was one of those people that would "diet" and restrict myself so much that I would end up binging and falling back into bad habits. I would lose the same 10 lbs. over and over again. Last year, I had my breaking point. My husband was out of town for work, and I wanted to look good for when he returned. I stopped eating carbs, restricted my calories, and did intense cardio for an hour a day. It was fine for the first couple of days. After that, I started feeling lethargic and grumpy, with not even enough energy to even get off the couch. That night I didn't have the energy to cook dinner, so I ordered a large pepperoni pizza. My son ate two slices, and over the course of a few hours, I ate most of the rest. When I went to bed that night, I felt awful not only physically, but mentally. I felt like a failure. I thought, this is no way to live.

A friend of mine, who I had known since kindergarten, invited me to be a part of a challenge group she was hosting. At that point, I knew I didn't really have anything to lose, so I tried it out. I am so happy that I did. I'm almost to my pre-pregnancy weight, and I feel strong. However, I've gained so much more. I've learned how to properly fuel my body and not feel deprived. I've broke my addiction to fast food, and I have more energy to take care of my family. Best of all, I've found a group of people who are there to support me on my journey and I don't think I've ever felt this happy and so full of positive energy.

If you have found yourself feeling like I did, or are just looking for a change here are a few tips that have helped me make the transition.

1. You have to change the way you think. Food is not the enemy. Food is your friend. You NEED food. The problem comes when we eat too much of the wrong foods. It took me a while to learn how to properly fuel my body for my day, instead of eating whatever and trying to burn it off all day. This brings me to nutrition.

2. Learn what foods you need to have balanced nutrition. Hint, it's not cutting out entire food groups. It's about eating the right amount of every food group most days (we all have days where we just need a scoop of ice cream). When healthy, nutritious foods make up the calories you are consuming, it is much more satisfying. One plan I love that teaches you how to eat the right amount of food is 21 day fix. The whole concept behind it is that it takes three weeks to break bad habits. I really think it has helped me break my fast food addiction. Not to mention, it's easier than counting calories.

3. Do daily personal development. I thought self-help books were meant for other people, and that is didn't need anything like that in my life. The first personal development book I ever read was "The Energy Bus." I picked it up to read out of boredom, and I never looked back. Now, I don't understand the stigma when it comes to self-help books. NO ONE is perfect. We all have room to grow. When you surround  yourself with positive, motivating information, you become more positive and motivated. I've never really meant someone who is content not being happy. Whether it is 5 minutes a day or an hour, listen to podcasts, follow a blog, or read a book.

4. Find a workout that you love. If you enjoy your workout, you are more likely to stick with it. I know some people who love running. If you like shaking your groove thing, or want to learn how to dance, do something like Cize. If you are more into the weight lifting game, try a program like Hammer and Chisel.

5. Surround yourself with people that support your goals. Making changes to your life can be hard. Having a support system in place helps you when you feel like giving up or you don't feel like you are getting results fast enough. Whether it be a close group of friends or participating in a challenge group, find people that want you to reach your goals. If you are ever in need of support, I hold monthly challenge groups and mentor people looking to make a change. You can message me on my Facebook page anytime you want help or support.

Don't give up. Take a leap of faith. Don't let fear hold you back. You are worth it. Best wishes to you all and have a blessed day!

...your body is a temple

I was one of those people who thought New Year's resolutions were a waste of time. Few actually follow through with them, and many I heard had the same theme - to lose weight. Last year, however, was different.

Every year for the holidays we make the journey from Texas to Indiana to visit family. Boredom set in during our 24-hour road trip home, when my husband thought it would be fun to think about what resolutions we would make if we had to. The little voice in my head said, ugh, do I have to? There wasn't anything else to do, so I indulged him.

After thinking hard about what I would like to accomplish during the next year, only one thing really stuck. I wanted a closer relationship with God. I didn't make the resolution to go to church every Sunday, or to do the things that would make others think I was a good person. I just wanted focus on really knowing and serving God.

At that point in our lives, I am embarrassed to say, we were what you would call Christmas and Easter Catholics. If someone would ask me, I would tell them I was Catholic. I was a nice person, but did I go to church or really seek out his word and his will? The answer was no.
After some reflection, I decided the best place to start was the Bible. Even though I owned one, I didn't take the time out to read as much as I should. To be honest, I maybe cracked it open a couple of times a year. I downloaded it on audible and listened in the car. The more I listened, the more I changed.

Growing up in the Catholic church, I knew the stories, but hearing them as an adult was a much different experience. My thoughts, my heart, and eventually my actions started to change. I started going back to church. I started caring more about others and myself.

"Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;" 1 Corinthians 6:19

I'm sure you've heard that quote before. And in its context it speaks about sexual sin, but I think it is applicable to much more.

What this tells me is that our bodies do not belong to us, they are the shells God has provided for the true self to do his work. That means that in order to do his work, we have to take care of our shells.

When I started taking better care of my body by giving it better nutrition, exercising more, and getting enough sleep, the more energy I had to serve others. I felt better. Even though I didn't make the weight loss resolution, I lost weight.

I started looking at health a lot differently. It isn't about the physical reflection in the mirror, the number on the scale, or the size of your jeans; it is about how you feel about yourself and others. It's about creating that energy to go out and serve our communities.

Eventually this journey brought me to becoming a Beachbody coach. I really enjoy the workouts, Shakeology's super nutrition, and the community of people that want to help one another. I really want to share what I have experienced with others in hopes of helping them feel better and live happier, healthier lives.