Share your personal stories of successes, failures, challenges, and lessons learned on your journey to achieving your goals.
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Key MasterPosted 3 years ago # -
JSodano80
MemberMy story is tragic, in my eyes! In college I began working at a gym and fell into working out and eating right. I remained that way until I got pregnant which is where I began eating so unhealthy. I never wanted sweets or fast food, etc., but being pregnant makes you say, well, it's normal to gain weight a few here and there won't hurt, but it did! I had a difficult delivery, c-section. My incision busted open when I was home for one day, which hindered my workout schedule. I got depressed, stayed home and did nothing but eat. I found the scale to be at 200!!! When I was cleared to work out, I tried, but I was frustruated that I couldn't do exercises like I used to. I procrastinated until about 3 weeks before my sisters wedding, where with eating right and exercising, I dropped 20lbs in two weeks. However, due to the economy, I had to give up the gym membership! :( Now, keep in mind, I have plenty of contraptions at home, but I use the excuse, well, i'm so distracted at home, I have a baby, no time..etc.
Bottom line, instead of being disgusted I need to do something about it! I need the motivation and support because my friends, while fun, only want to talk instead of hit the weights!
I am making a promise to myself that begins today to be on the healthy road and make smart choices! I thought about starting a blog that entailed my daily log, whether it'd be good or bad!
xoxoxoPosted 3 years ago # -
jenniferg
MemberJSodano - I hear you with the frustration. I haven't had kids yet but I am definitely planning on it in the near future and believe me i am trying to prepare myself for the changes that come along with having children. Don't be frustrated - at least you know that you want to be healthier and that is half the battle! After competing, i became really depressed and had a distorted view of myself - I had lost 15 pounds for my show only to gain it all back in a matter of a few weeks. I was so embarressed to go to the gym-i would look at myself and think that i looked so awful - i didn't want to go out with friends or even see family because I was worried about what they would think. This is when I decided to change and I shifted my thinking from "looking good" to "living healthy lifestyle." I guess what i am trying to say is that all of this is a mental battle - "we are our worst enemies" once we shift our mental thinking then all else will fall in place.
My advice is to take baby steps and to set up small goals. Enjoy life and make your happiness a priority then everything else will fall in place. And have goals that don't involve the scale! If there is one thing that will change your mood - it is the scale....
You are at the right place for help and motivation!
Posted 3 years ago # -
Jenn, Thanks for posting your story! I completely understand where you are coming from and we are here to help you! Here on this forum, members understand and are on the same page as you, wanting to make healthy choices and life the lifestyle. It is hard to find the support and motivation when you are around people who just don't understand this way of life. this is why I have created this network so like people can help each other and we can help change each others lives! Let's take it one day at a time and I promise you with consistency, you can do it and you will be back on the road. Starting today, jump on board! You had a great idea and I have gone ahead and created a new topic in the forum titled "daily log" where you and others can post your daily log. You can post as much or as little as you like. this can be a place where you can hold yourself accountable and others can post as well. We can post our person successes or tribulations and others can chime in and help you through those rough days or give you props for those days you totally kick butt! :)
One day at a time and it starts today! Let's do it! :)Jenn is right, the first step is acknowledging that you want to make the change.
I plan on having kids someday too and that is a new chapter and challenge we all have to face. For those of us who haven't had kids but are planning to someday, we all must have those fears of our bodies changing and how to stay healthy but in shape and to keep our bodies in that fine line of how we like to look and healthy for the baby! It must be such a challenge both mentally and physically!
Jenn, I am glad you are a part of the site so we can help you stay on track with the idea of Balance, as I have helped you in the past. It really hurts me to see women who pack it on so quick, after a show, because they ether have the lack of guidance or knowledge. Your story is one of the reasons I created this site, forum, board. I wanted to share with you that it does not have to be that way. I hear that story too often and saw with my own eyes, what contest preps can do to some women. I want to be there for you and provide the tools, tips, tricks, and guidance to help you through the mental battle. You are absolutely right, it is such a mental battle which can make us stronger or be our worst enemy. I want all of you to see this as a challenge and a fun challenge where you get to learn your body. What you can and can't get away with, what works best for YOU and how you CAN life the healthy, balance lifestyle and still look and feel great! You are absolutely right, once you shift your mental thinking everything falls into place!! I promise you.
thanks for sharing!
Baby steps it is. Mini goals and eventually all those mini goals and baby steps add up and before you know it, you look back and you are there!
Being happy and positive is number one and then everything will fall into place. Remember to enjoy the journey and road and be patient!
YES, You are at the right place for help and motivation!!! We are here for each and everyone of you!
Posted 3 years ago # -
Kerrid
MemberI have to be completely honest, my weightloss story is a unique one. In Feb 2007 I decided to get braces. My orthodontist put a wire in the roof of my mouth to widen my upper jaw, she also put brackets on the inside of my teeth. My mouth was SO full of metal. For the first few months the wire cut deep into my tounge which was very painful and my back molars did not touch when I closed my mouth which made it impossible to chew. I lost about 60lbs in about 2-3 months due to my severely restricted diet. I could only eat things I didn't have to chew like soup, yogurt, oatmeal, pasta, pudding. I lived on the Ensure Shakes and Slim fast as drinking my food was easiest. Although it probably wasn't the healthiest way to lose weight(and unexpected) I knew I never wanted to gain the weight back EVER!!! I haven't always been overweight. I gained alot of weight when I was 17 and continued to struggle all through my twenties. I find keeping the weight off challenging but thinking about how I felt about myself before usually keeps me motivated. I still would like to lose 10lbs and there are so many things I want to accomplish. I look forward to reading other stories and learn many tips from other women interested in a healthy lifestyle. Thank you!
Posted 3 years ago # -
Hi Kerri, Thanks for posting. Wow, what a unique weightloss story! Glad you are on the site and that we can help you lose those 10lbs. That is quite a bit of weight to lose in 2-3 months!! I am sure it wasn't a fun weight drop though... only eating liquids! Wow. At least you were able to get those down to try to keep your metabolism up! I could only imagine the fear of what may happen when you started eating solid foods again. Sounds like you have a strong will power and can do anything you set your heart to. Thanks for sharing and welcome! :)
Posted 3 years ago # -
aerogirl
MemberI've decided to start my lifestyle change yet again. I am a good started but have difficulty staying on track. sometimes I tend to put it off, making excuses like after the holidays or after my birthday or anniversary. But if i am to make a lifestyle change I will have to deal with everything and not let it be an excuse to go "crazy'. With that being said, I am going on vacation to Temecula Ca in about 2 weeks. I used to live there and miss it terribly. i am afraid that i will totally go crazy with my food. How do I stay on track? i would greatly appreciate anyone's suggestions/advice.i will not have access to a kitchen. Any tips on eating out? I may be able to make oatmeal in the hotel, i'm not sure.
I need to lose about 50lbs. I don't have any friends here in Virginia and tend to lose my motivation. I have so much respect for all of fit women out there whether they compete or not. hopefully this time I will reach my goal.Posted 3 years ago # -
Thanks for your post and congratulations on your decision to start your lifestyle change!! You have voiced it out load and made up your mind and that is the first step in accomplishing your goals. No more excuses but being a part of this forum, you can come to us if you find yourself falling back into your old patterns. The Holidays and celebrations are times to have some fun and enjoy but you will learn that you can still enjoy those memorable times with healthy choices that are just as good!!! With all the recipes, tips and support, you can do it! Really it is just about expanding your horizons, learning new things, experimenting with food/spices/dishes, breaking out of your old routines and having the burning desire to learn the ins and outs of this amazing healthy life!
You are coming to Temecula ... did you know that is only 45 minutes from me!!? Would you be able to make a trip down to SD so we can meet and I can sit down with you and help you get a game plan going??? That would be a great start in accomplishing your goals and getting you focused on your new way of living! Just let me know and maybe we can set something up. I would love to meet you and help you with your goals :)
As far as tips for staying on track, I am not sure what your diet looks like now but here are some pointers.
-bring your oatmeal, rice cakes, almonds, protein powder, tuna packs
-If you don't have a kitchen, use hot water for your oatmeal in the a.m.--I use the coffee maker if I have to
-Eat every 2-3 hours a day, with your protein powder you can do this!
-If you feel inclined, prepare protein pancakes or muffin for the trip, they are easy to make and make for a great snack while you need a quick meal.
-while eating out, order clean lean proteins such as chicken breast or fish and always order it with no butter, spreads, or sauce. Order extra veggies instead of the carbs and be sure to say NO BUTTER. If you decide to have a dessert, First ask yourself if you really want it and if you do, only have a bite or two.
-go for grilled entrees
-bring snacks (meals) with you in case you are in a crunch!
-stay away from white carbs (white flour, breads, etc...)
- have a protein shake or something before you go out so you are not ravenous!
- remember to get in some form of exercise every day.do the best you can. If you are not an experienced traveler, it can seem overwhelming and challenging but over time it will be a piece of cake. You have to start somewhere.
You can do it!! We will help you. I understand how not having that support in your hometown may feel like you will lose motivation but that is why you have the board. You will reach your goals, promise! Stay positive, consistent, patient and determined. You will do it and congratulations on starting your new journey!!
Posted 3 years ago # -
aerogirl
MemberGina, thank you soo much for the tips, they will really help. I guess I just have to be prepared with my food, have a plan and stay strong and not cave. I downloaded a few of your videos on my iphone to help motivate me. I would love to meet with you if you have time in your schedule. I'll email you.
Posted 3 years ago # -
Glad you were able to grab something from them. You are absolutely right, PLANNING, PREPARATION, AND STAYING STRONG!!! If you need specific videos for motivation... let me know and I can get those done... also let me know if you will be headed down to SD. I really think if we set up a time to chat and get together you would have a better game plan for achieving your goals... I would love to help you!! Keep up the great work and stay focused and positive! You can do it!
Posted 3 years ago # -
aerogirl
MemberGina, I would absolutely love to meet with you. I'm getting into Cali on Sat 12/5 and am leaving for Vegas in the afternoon on WED 12/9. I have no plans just hanging out but we love SD. I'm going through your website and getting alot of good info. I think that with your help i will finally reach my goal. How does your schedule look? Do you think we will be able to set something up?
Posted 3 years ago # -
Sure thing... how does tuesday the 8th sound...?? I am glad you are finding the site helpful and I can't wait to meet with you. Let me know if you want to book a pt session or just hour 101... look forward to it and can't wait to officially met you!!! :)
Posted 3 years ago # -
me too, can't wait! That worked out perfect!! I will e-mail you to set everything up!
Posted 3 years ago # -
Jenn
MemberHi everyone. It's Jen Conn, I'm so HAPPY today not only because I woke up to banana wheat pancakes and some sauteed potatoes that my hubby made me;) but because I did so much better than I anticipated last night at the OC Classic in Anaheim, CA. 3 rd in masters and 2nd in open. This was my first year as a master and can I say WOW do these ladies got it going on. I thinks its a harder class to win. Most of them look better than the open competitors. But I was VERY happy with my placings. This prep was a bumpy one and even thought about putting it off to a later show. But this show is my heart show. U know u always have a show u just love doing. It just feels right. The OC is it for me. So Gina along with my heart reminded me of how disappointed I would be if I didn't complete this goal. And boy they where both right. They've both never have steered me wrong so I follow lead ;) Thanks G. This is ONE of my success storys because I never gave up, accomplished what I was set out to do and check its done. It's like my own little bucket list. I'm not 100 % where I want to be but I'm on the right track and the best part is the journey getting there. The best part is that I have a wonderful husband holding my hand Along the way. We have so many goals and dreams to full fill together and I'm so excited and so happy and blessed with my life. It's like there always was this plan but I was in such a rush to get their that it never happened cuz i stressed and made all the wrong choices getting there. Now I take it one day at a time and enjoy every minute and make wiser thought out not rushed choices. I'm on cruise control just enjoying my lifes journey. BUT I AM THE DRIVER. So I want to share this with u because no matter what life throws at u ur dreams and goal are still there. Noone can take them away but You, and noone can Achieve them but YOU. It's not important on how long it takes or how u get there, just get there. Then when u get there u go after the next and the next and so on. I'm just beaming with sunshine and want to spread some ur way. I dedicated that song by Miley Cirus to everyone, cuz its "The Climb".;) JENN
Posted 3 years ago # -
CONGRATULATIONS JENN CONN! You did so great especially after all that you went through with this prep! I'm so glad you continued on your journey! I kept thinking about you and wondering how your prep was going after you had that hard time with your daughter. So, what did your daughter have to say about your awesome placing knowing that you dedicated this show to her? I bet she was really happy.
I'm glad you had a great competition and you're on top of the world. Sounds like your husband has been there for you 110% and you're just continuing along on this fantastic journey! Congrats again!!! So happy for you!
Posted 3 years ago # -
Jen, CONGRATS!! And oh yes, what a great way to wake up!! You had your pancakes and I had my waffles ;) I know, don't the masters look amazing. You Primers have it going on!! I am telling you, the longer you are in this sport the better you get. The more you keep at it, the more your body has time to develop, gain density and of course the more you learn and know your body!! That is what is SO amazing about this sport and overall healthy lifestyle, you just get better and better with time! You can't say that about too many other sports or lifestyles can you!? I am so proud of you. We all were there for you during your journey and know some of the trials and tribulations you had but YOU DID IT!! I knew you were so passionate about doing the show and that is why I wanted you to make it happen and you did!! You NEVER gave up and even though it crossed your mind, you worked through it and made it happen!! What an accomplished feeling and take a moment to reflect on your journey to the OC! Isn't it just amazing. This is why we do what we do, for this exact feeling you are experiencing!
Your outlook is amazing and your support system and team is in tack! You have such a positive approach, Jen, and you are right... So many people try so hard to get to their destination that they lose site of the journey and stress themselves out in the process. Thank you for this reminder. This is such a great lesson!!
Things are going to happen as they should and Rushing something doesn't make things happen any quicker! You said it, "take one day at a time and enjoy every minute and make wiser thought out not rushed choices". Enjoy the ride, Jen! Such an inspirational post and allowing us to be a part of your journey and success makes things Real! You had your ups, your downs, your doubts but you kept your head up, focused, never lost site of your dreams and goals and pushed through, digging deep! You are such an inspiration to All!! Love your post and THANK YOU FOR SPREADING ALL YOUR POSITIVE ENERGY AND RADIANCE! YOU ARE AMAZING!!!
I can't wait to hear how your daughter feels and the lesson that was in it for her!!
love you girlie!
Posted 3 years ago # -
Jenn
MemberThanks Erin and Gina for keeping me in ur thoughts. Yes both my daughters were very proud. But being that the open figure is last my 15 yr old was bored out of her mind til then LOL. It felt so amazing to be on stage knowing they were there to experience those moments with me. Now they can both really grasp why I live this lifestyle. It's was a awesome experience for us all. U know every show is a learning experience. I talked to girls back stage and it reminded me of me when I first started competing. I use to think I work out have muscle in pretty good shape and have a cute face I can do this. Boy was I in for a rude awaking. After SEVERAL attempts, as Gina had seen, never placed. I became fustrated and disapointed in myself. I should of talked to the judges four years ago. But I never wanted to hang out and wait and because I was disapointed I just left right after. But the lesson I learned was thats where I was In my life at that time. Lost, all over the place with a "o well whatever" mind set. So that's what I presented on stage as well. Gina is so right about u have to be mentally in a good place to do well in this sport. And yes Erin my husband changed and saved me in so many ways. After he followed me through a prep we still had really no idea what we were doing but again I was a in shape with muscle girl. After I came off stage he asked well have u ever talked to the judges to ask what u need to do. Um NO. Well we are tonight. We were only dating at the time and I thought WOW a guy in control I like that. So that's the first time I talked to Gina. My next show I placed 3rd. I was actually PREGO at that show. Funny HU. Well long Story short got married had baby. And in a much better place in my life and that is what I'm presenting on stage now. God what a lesson learned. I'm reflecting on that now and wow life is a crazy humbling journey. Just glad I finally got my head screwed on right. But that was the plan that was meant for me and I always had to learn the hard way. But not no more! Gosh ladies just Thank You for ur support and Gina I'm so happy u have been apart of my journey cuz u have been there the whole time and This is just the beginning. Xoxo JENN :)
Posted 3 years ago # -
Jenn, So glad to hear from you and that your daughters were proud of their mom!! Poor thing though having to wait until the end of the show to see you. The shows are so long these days and for a 15 year old, glad she actually was patience to wait for you, she was proud and excited for you!!! They are learning so much from you and you don't even realize the things they are soaking in and the lessons you are teaching them!! Your journey and experience was just as amazing for them as it was for you, that is for sure!! Jenn, you are one that stuck with it. So many people don't stick with it when they get frustrated. People give up out of frustration and resentment. You stuck with it, pushed through to get better and better for you and now look at you! You are absolutely right, your life is a reflection on you on stage and vice versa!! That is why if you are a happy, confident, successful, positive person on the inside, that is what will radiate on stage! EXACTLY!! If you do not start in a mentally great place, you will not present a physique that is your best! If your car is dirty, relationships are up in the air, house is a mess, you are struggling through life trying to make ends meet, guess what... that is what you will bring to stage, a chaotic and messy physique. I am so glad you took it upon yourself, with the help of Eric, to get feedback and take it to heart. You are one that listened and took action and the rest is history! I am so glad you see how your life and the place you are in now reflects your prep and what you presented on stage! Jenn, you have come such a long way and I am so proud! You have learned such great lessons that will carry on into all areas of your life, forever!! You see how "FIGURE" IS NOT all about getting on stage in a bikini and looking all pretty but it is the LIFE LESSIONS we learn from competing!! This is what you can not explain to others but all of you understand!! This is just the beginning and I am so happy to be a part of your success, trials, tribulations and journey, wherever it may take us!! xo
YOU are such an inspiration!! THANK YOU FOR SHARING JENN!!
Posted 3 years ago # -
nikkinikki
Membermy story is not that tragic but ill tell anyway. i always had a high metabolism. my family always had a memebership at the y and we would go 3-4x a week without fail. my mom made me do the classes(i hate them now). we ate a lot of veggies but still fried food and stuff.I never thought about what i put into my body because i was always small or skinny fat they call it. at the age of 16 i got really sick with my kidneys. i always had trouble with them. i was working at a fast food joint and had to be rushed to the hospital from severve pain. it turns out i had huge kidney stones, kidney infection, bladder infection and a uti. i had emergency surgery because the stones were to large to break up. they cut one of my ribs off cut my kidney open and removed them. my kidney is almost completly dead. i continued having surgerys 12 more times, the rest had no cuts however, i gained weight. this continued and then at the age of 19 i became pregnet and was put on bed rest because of the condition of my kidneys.still not thinking about what i was eating stuffed my face while prego. i gained 80 lbs!!! 6 months after the birth of my son i was in a nail spa getting a pedicure when someone asked when i was due...i left the salon in tears. i vowed from that day on i would be fit and healthy. i began working out, eating cleaner and reading info. it took me a year to get the weight off. then i began to put on muscle. with my second preg i only gained 50 lbs with twins and it was off by the 6 week mark:). i ate pretty much the way i eat now. i am happy to say at the 1 year birthday of my twins april 30th. my body fat is 15.9% i weigh 127 lbs and have never had another problem with my kidneys....im healthy and happy being me!
Posted 3 years ago # -
Claudine
MemberYEAH NIKKI!!! Congratulations, staying healthy, educating yourself on the subject and watching what you eat now is probably what helps your kidney! I can relate... I had one kidney removed when I was 25 (ouff... 13 years ago!) and since then, I can tell you... I am very very very careful!!! I vowed myself too that I would stay healthy and in shape because I want to live! And I think we're doing a great job ;)
Posted 3 years ago # -
nikkinikki
Memberwow claudine! its a much better way to live huh? good for us:) claudine your posative attitude is so motivating...really. i bet you exude posativity whereever you go and lift people spirits. through this forum i have met the most awesome people, and you my dear are a shining star.
Posted 3 years ago # -
WOW Nikki!! Thanks for sharing and what a coincidence that you, Claudine and I only have one kidney!! I was born with only one kidney!! Your story is absolutely remarkable and thank you so much for sharing your journey! What an inspiration you are! You made a commitment to yourself and stuck to it, from the day you committed! That says a lot about you! From the moment you vowed to yourself to be fit and healthy, you sealed the deal and now look at you!!! What a journey and learning experience you had but look at where it has brought you! I am so proud of you for how far you have come both mentally/emotionally and physically! Your journey is so inspiring! You bounced back after your twins so fast, that is awesome! I totally believe that you can stay in great shape while being a healthy & pregnant. Eating the way we do, for life, and working out like we do, because that is just a part of us, you can't go wrong! So many people use the excuse of being pregnant but I really believe it is an excuse but hey, I guess I will have to wait and see if those "cravings" are mental and physical!!!
Your stats are amazing! What a healthy mom you are! What a great example you are to your children!! I am sure you wont make them take classes at the gym will you!! ;)
Isn't that interesting that now you hate classes!! It is so important to teach and integrate your kids but Michael and I always say, to MAKE them do anything can totally back fire!! Isn't that the truth!
Thank gosh for our healthy lifestyle ladies, each of our one kidney is in a good place, that's for sure!!
One thing I do is be sure to get in my water and also decrease my protein when I am not in prep mode! so important....
I agree, claudine your positive attitude is so motivating! You are a shinning star!!
So glad to have everyone aboard this wagon!
hugsPosted 3 years ago # -
JAMIE
Memberok, so reading a few stories and all of a sudden something came to mind! I'm not sure how many of you ladies have done this but it's just a little something to think about. . . .
Have you ever found yourself driving your daily route to a daily destination and you kind of zone out and bam before you know it you arrive at your destination?! (kinda scary huh?)
Well the way I see living the healthy lifestyle is you have to first "train yourself to take certain route" (eat clean every meal/prepare foods). Then after some time and doing it daily it will become a habit. If you continue with the habit and "zone out" before you know it the days, weeks, months will pass and BAM you will be where you want to be.
Now I'm not saying to NOT have plans/goals, but you just have to "learn a route", "drive it everyday", and let time pass.
Just a lil thought. . . .
xo,
Jai
Posted 2 years ago # -
Jai, I love it and you are absolutely right!! You nailed it! It is just like brushing your teeth or making your bed, it is just what you do and you don't even think about it!! After doing something day in and day out, it does just become a habit and you don't know any other way... Absolutely, once you live the life, time flies back and badda bang badda boom you are right there where you want to be, without even realizing it, because you were enjoying yourself the entire way through!!! We are learning the route, with each day and driving on for ever... The best part is, you are the driver and in control of your destination!! :)
Love your thought and thanks for sharing!!
Posted 2 years ago # -
Thanks Jai! I love it! Great analogy...made me smile!
I think that will be my new post-competition motto: Learn the route!
Posted 2 years ago #
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