diet overhaul...

Honestly, I'm feel pretty darn great!

It's been 8 full days since I cut out sugar, grains, and dairy. I'm still alive and functioning! I've lost 12lbs! It's incredible to see how grateful my body is to be fueled by healthy, whole foods. I'm lighter, I'm more confident, and my clothes are fitting me again! I'm waking up feeling more energized than ever.

The toughest part for me, aside from the 5 o'clock tired spells I get everyday, is being in social situations.

Exhibit A:
Last Thursday, I went to a happy hour with friends. They we're drinking margaritas and eating fried food. I chugged 10 glasses of water to keep myself from launching across the table and ripping food from their hands. I ended up leaving early because it felt like torture. But when I got home, I realized what a success it was for me to be there and not cheat on myself.

It hit me like a brick... I'm in control. What?! Yes. Samantha, you are in control!

Exhibit B:
Friday night, I attended a "Beer WOD" at my CrossFit gym. It is pretty much exactly what it sounds like... workout + beer drinking. I had originally planned on participating before I got fed up with myself and started cutting out the crap. I chose to stay above the line and spectate, and cheer on my rad friends and workout buds. The event was insane, and I ended up getting sweaty!

Exhibit C:

Saturday night, Brett and I went to see Florence and the Machine live in the Woodlands. The show was EPIC. Her voice is soulful and always gives me goose bumps.  They completely rocked the venue.  Normally, I would have slammed 3 or 4 over priced beers but I didn't. I wanted to.... but I didn't. I stuck it out...

It wasn't that bad.

(see her perform live! #doitnow)

So here I am today, still committed as I was a week ago. Loving my new outlook on food as fuel. I've got a support system stronger than steel and I'm ready to keep taking it one day at a time.

What can you do TODAY to make yourself better? Let me know! I'd love to support you.

s

another soul baring post...

On January 30^th, 2012 I stated a goal that I weigh 135lbs by December 2012. I anticipated challenges along the way but felt great that I would achieve what I had set out to accomplish. After all, I’ve been crushing goals left and right this year, so why not put my weight loss goal to rest?

Well… I've completely crashed and burned, hard. I made no improvements whatsoever and maintained my sluggish figure. I’ve felt terrible on every run I've gone on, and been completely terrified to do a pull up in public. #epicfail

I let fear of changing my diet rule me for the past 10 months. What the hell was I so afraid of? Giving up fried food, cheese, beer and cupcakes? Every time I put something in my body that wasn’t healthy I knew what I was doing. I didn’t feel good. The simple task of getting out of bed has been hard. I didn’t go to the pool once this summer because of fear that I didn’t look good in a bikini. I loathe bear crawls because I don’t want my shirt to rise. INSANITY.

I’m officially putting my foot down as of yesterday. I’m in control, not fear.

I can have the body I want, the marathon PR I want, the clothes I want! I just have to punch fear in the face, stuff the self hate in the closet, and start living the life I want. 

And I am… starting yesterday.

Casi, a good friend of mine (check her out: http://fitgirlcasi.blogspot.com/), rallied a group of people together to do The Whole 30 diet for the entire month of October. This is what initially got my ass in gear and excited to do something. I’ll be participating and supporting the group but I know for me that this isn't going to last just one month. This is the lifestyle I need to adapt to for life. With my family history of cancer, thyroid disorders, and crazy mood swings (let’s be real, we all have crazy families) it makes sense to me to do everything I can to prevent any illness I can.

So here we go! I’ve decided that aside from the birthday cake and occasional celebratory drink here and there I’ll stick to healthy, wholesome foods like fruits, veggies, lean meats, and eggs. When I’ve achieved my weight loss goal I’ll give myself more freedom to “cheat” but for now cheating won’t get me to where I want to be.

I’m [finally] ready for change.