My fitness journey

I've decided to focus my blog on my faith and walk in Christ, as well as encourage and inspire others in their walk in faith, as well as in health and fitness.

First let me say this...I am NOT in anyway a trainer, nutritionist or certified professional of any form in regards to health and fitness. My journey and my plan works for me.

Before starting any weight loss plan, or physical activity program, I encourage everyone to discuss with their physician to see what is safe and effective for you!

I've had a lot of people ask me how and why I started and I thought it would be a good way to share - to be completely transparent about my struggles and success.

I've always struggled with my size - I'm 5'8 with broad shoulders, 'big bones' and thick leg muscles. "Athletic" is what my body type was referred to as a kid.
Growing up, I was bigger than most of my friends. I remember getting to middle school and having to do those awkward physical exams for PE - I remember weighing more than the other kids. I never really let my size bother me though. I was pretty confident in who I was. I played volleyball, and tennis and was on the track team. Although I wasn't the best in any of those sports, I stuck with them and enjoyed playing. After high school I gave up playing sports and didn't stay active during college.
I put on a good 20 pounds after high school and refused to acknowledge it. I avoided scales and taught myself to think 'it's how you feel, not how much you weigh' (Which I still 100% agree with!) But I was super unhealthy. I would eat whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted and paid no attention to what I put in my body.
I took notice of my habits and unhealthy way of eating around December of 2013. I knew some girlfriends who had some success with Weight Watchers, so I gave it a try. Around that time I also picked up my 2nd job of teaching swim lessons at a locally owned gym. I started swimming and running regularly as well as following a strict, strict diet on the WW plan.
I lost 40 pounds in 5 months:

(left: Summer 2013. right: May 2014)

I learned to love eating vegetables. I gave up breads. pastas and cheese (and wine....periodically :) ). I ate alot of protein and vegetables. I found new recipes and did a ton of meal prep. I would still reward myself with sweets & chocolate as well.

If anyone knows about Weight Watchers, it's all about portion size and what's 'worth' eating verses what isn't. I quickly learned I could eat pizza, pasta & burgers...but I couldn't eat a lot of them. What one slice of pizza would 'cost' in the WW world, I could eat 2 cups of spinach, a 5oz chicken breast, 2 hard boiled eggs and some dressing. SO much more food.

It just made sense to me, and it worked.

I struggled, and gave in to craving every now and then. But I would always get back on track, focusing on my workouts, and putting fuel into my body.

My fitness journey has done more for me than just losing weight and getting in shape. I've had the opportunity to meet new people who have encouraged and inspired me to push forward and keep going. I've drawn closer to God by giving praise to Him for allowing me to have the strength and courage to continue, when really all I wanted to do was quit. I've found fun new ways to stay active and push myself. I've signed up for more races and even am participating in my first triathlon in September. 

Most importantly I want to encourage others to believe in themselves. To truly believe in yourselves and know that you are fearfully and wonderfully made. You are strong and you can do it!

I'll be here to provide encouragement, ideas and tips and recipes along the way!

Here's to you!

xoxo,

Rachel