2015 - The Year of Change

     I feel like this year has flown by.  My intention was to keep on top of this blog, but I kind of slacked off around summer.  The real reason was because I had gained 10 pounds over my month long road trip and I was too ashamed to blog about it.  When we left for Disney in June, I was down to 153 lbs.  After 2 weeks at Disney and then traveling to South Carolina, Tennessee, North Carolina, Virginia and back to Texas, I gained about 10 lbs.  I thought that I would get it back down, but I had lost some motivation.  I was continuing with my workouts, but my eating was pretty much out of control.  The one good thing is that I was able to maintain the second half of the year.  I didn't gain anymore weight and kept up with my workouts.  As I reflect on this past year, I realize that even though I didn't lose as much as I had planned (even gained some back), it has still been "The Year of Change" for me and my girls.  My girls expect me to exercise on a regular basis and our eating has improved.  This was the first year since moving to Texas 8 1/2 years ago that I consistently worked out for the ENTIRE year!!!
     I am so grateful to my friend Claire Johnson for getting me back on this path again.  I am also grateful for a group of ladies that I have never met (with the exception of one of them) that have continued to motivate and encourage me.  Sometime in late spring/early summer I joined a secret Facebook Group for women that love Disney just as much as me and struggle with their weight like I do.  They have been such a blessing and encouragement to me.  So many of them feel like sisters. We check in with each on a daily basis and they keep me going. I have also started following more women on Instagram or Facebook that are on this journey to a healthier version of themselves.
     Many, many years ago I had lost 40 lbs and kept it off until I moved to Texas by following the Weight Watchers plan and going to the gym almost daily.  At that time of my life, that was the perfect plan.  Now, as I am a single mom I learned that I have to approach a healthier version of me in a different way.  Some of you may remember that during this week a year ago I began this journey using the Beachbody Programs and their Protein/Meal Replacement Shake, "Shakeology".  For me, this was the best decision that I made for the journey to a healthier version of me.  I have been able to get up early in the morning before my girls woke up and get my work out in.  I've also re-learned through their 21 Day Fix Program how to portion control and make healthier food choices.  Over this past year I've seen many people post different ways to lose weight.  Some use wraps, some use the gym, some choose a Paleo lifestyle, a Low Carb/Keto lifestyle, some choose Weight Watchers, some count their Macros, some get out there and run, and some use the Beachbody Programs and Shakeology.  I've also seen some of those people bash the programs that don't work for them on social media.  That is very unproductive and may even be a character flaw.  (sorry if I just offended anyone)  You have to do what works for YOU!!!  Find what works and stick to it.  The key is commitment and not giving up!  What works for you may not work for another.  Many years ago, Weight Watchers and the group fitness classes at the gym worked for me.  In this season of my life, I can't join a gym because I have no one to watch my girls while I go to the gym or go running.  I can't leave them alone at 5:am to do any of that and by the time I get off work in the evening we barely have time for homework, dinner and bed.  For this stage of my life, the Beachbody programs and accountability has been the key.  I think for me, the accountability has been the biggest key to my success.  If I know that I have to be honest and check in with my friends, I'm more likely to do it.  Like I said earlier, find what works for you and stick to it.  Don't waste your energy bashing other people's choices for their fitness journey.  Use that energy to love and encourage other women.  Be real with each other.
     I'm excited to see where 2016 takes me and my Skinny Minnies!  I've already committed to a 5K in January and another Fun Run with my girls at the same race (it is a motivator that we get free hotcakes after!).  I'm totally stealing this word from my friend, Cori, but my word for this year will be STRONG.  I plan to be stronger in so many areas of my life this year, but especially in my health and fitness.  What are your goals?  What will you commit to?  I am sad that I probably won't have a trip to Disney in 2016, but I'm going to focus on making other fun memories with my girls.  Stay strong my friends and Happy New Year!  Hugs!