The Skinny on Me Getting Skinny.

It has been awhile since I have blogged. I have been meaning to for the last few months, however, kept forgetting shortly after reminding myself to do so. A few things have changed about me. Most importantly, I have lost 22 lbs in the past 6 months! I honestly never thought it was possible. I am seeing numbers on the scale that I haven't seen since my sophomore year of High School. So, needless to say, I feel pretty incredible.
My recent weight-loss had been a long time coming. I had always been very fit, athletic, and thin, up until my late sophomore year. I ran cross country during that Fall season, and was in such great shape, only to gain 10 lbs, then 15 lbs, then 20 lbs later throughout the next year. I had short glimpses of weight-loss over the next few years, but never anything more than 8 lbs- which was quickly gained back. In March of 2011, I decided I needed a change in my workouts. I joined The Pit Elevated, a Mixed Martial Arts gym. There, I become completely and entirely devoted to my workouts and training schedule. It was easy, because I had so much passion for the sport. I went from 154 lbs to 163 lbs, yet looked more toned and fit because I had replaced some fat with leaner muscle mass. But, as they say, weight-loss is 80% diet, and only 20% workouts.
In January of this year, I realized that my workouts would only get me so far. I committed to change my eating habits. Knowing that a quick drastic change in diet would likely fail quickly, I committed to small goals over a period of time. Initially it was to eat "healthier" meals, and to stop eating 3 hours before bedtime- my downfall being late night cravings. After a couple of weeks of that, I omitted gluten from my diet due to health reasons. That was what really kickstarted this whole process for me. Eliminating gluten subsequently eliminated a lot of other poor meal choices; Think, hamburgers, pancakes, cake, doughnuts, cupcakes, cookies, bread... and so much more. Because I could no longer eat those foods, I was forced to find healthier alternatives. I substituted sandwiches for salads, fast food with lean meats, veggies, and brown rice, and I suppressed my sugar cravings with fruits.
People think that losing weight requires something completely drastic, and that it must be painstakingly difficult. But for me, I don't feel like I have made very many changes at all. I still enjoy my food so much, maybe even more than before. Now, my food makes me feel good physically, not emotionally. It has come to the point where junk food isn't even an option anymore because it makes me so sick to my stomach. When your body is used to wholesome, nutritious foods, and you try to sneak in some deep fried meal, it is not going to be happy.

Here are some of my progress pictures. From 163 lbs to 141 lbs. And I am not quite done yet! My ultimate goal is 130-135 lbs, depending on how I look and feel. I am almost 5'6, so I figure that is a healthy range for me to be in. 
Something that has really helped me through this journey is having a support group. Whether they be friends, family, your boyfriend, or random people online- find one! Encouragement helps you to push through the obstacles and hurdles you face when trying to change your habits. Also, commit to it EVERYDAY. Remind yourself why you aren't going to eat that cupcake because you're upset, and go for a run instead! Exercise really does make the greatest stress reliever. And most importantly, do it because you love yourself.

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