Do you want to look and feel fabulous but are stuck in a rut? Do you feel like you are going around and around in circles without getting the results you want?
Over the past couple of months, I have been right along side of you. My 7 month old doesn’t sleep longer than 2 hours at a time over night and he naps no more than 15 minutes during the day. I also have a 3 year old who is very engaged in learning everything that exists in life. I AM EXHAUSTED!
I totally think that one of the hardest things to do is to get started. There are hundreds of plans out there and many people promoting those plans telling you that if you take pills and potions you will look and feel great. I personally believe that some supplementation is necessary for some people but the truth is, Losing weight does not have to cost you a fortune. The best part, if you lose a little bit of weight, you will not only feel great but you will have more energy to spend with your friends and family.
Sound too good to be true? I promise it is not.
Just check out my interview with Christa Peddle on her weight loss journey. I promise you will be inspired. Christa is a hard working real estate agent and devoted mommy to 2 wonderful children. Christa’s journey to weight loss may not have been easy, but she has proven that hard work pays off. You also don’t need fancy gizmos and gadgets to make it happen.
~Christa
Christa: Definitely because of my kids. I wanted to be the mom that could run around with her kids at the park, and sit with them on the floor to play and I knew that if I was overweight and unhealthy I wouldn't be able to do that.
I also wanted to pass good habits onto them. I want them to choose to eat vegetables and wholesome foods when it comes time for them to make those choices themselves.
I had body image issues from a very young age, and it was important to me that I didn't pass that along to my daughter. I want her to know that crash dieting isn't suitable and that it's okay to sweat from exercise... and that she can embrace muscles and being strong. I want to raise a daughter who is comfortable in her own skin.
Deanne: Had you tried to lose weight on the past?
Christa: Always. I was a yo-yo dieter. I thought the only way to lose weight was to starve myself. I figured I'd eat tiny portions of salad and drink meal replacement drinks to get to my "goal weight". Of course none of those diets ever stuck... and I'd put more weight on each time I fell off the wagon.
Deanne: What supplements did you take to promote success
Christa: When I started working out I would use a pre-workout to give me that extra motivation that I needed. I would also always try and drink a whey protein shake after working out. In these past few months I have also started drinking a BCAA supplement throughout my workout.
Deanne: Did you follow a strict diet?
Christa: I don't follow a strict diet plan. I started tracking my food using the myfitnesspal app and this allowed me to make better choices. Seeing the nutritional value of some foods in black and white made it easier to say no to them. I haven't cut anything out my diet completely but have learned to make much better choices.
Deanne: Did you feel like you couldn't go out anywhere for fear of "falling off the wagon" so to speak.
Christa: It was tough in the beginning... it seems to make some people uncomfortable when you are trying to make better choices and live a healthier lifestyle. As an overweight woman too I felt like people assumed that I would "fall of the wagon" and that my lifestyle change wouldn't last. People assume that if you eat lettuce wraps or prefer a salad over a cheeseburger that you are a fanatic. They also assume that if you do have a slice of pizza that you are "failing" your diet.
Deanne: How long did it take you to lose the weight?
Christa: As of today I have lost 55lbs in 16.5 months. It was "slow" (by Hollywood Diet standards) but totally maintainable. Bigger than the number on the scale would definitely be the changes in my body. My current exercise regiment consists predominantly on weightlifting so I've tried to pay less attention to the scales and more attention to how I feel and how my clothes are fitting.
Deanne: What would a typical daily food journal and workout schedule look like for you.
Christa:
Breakfast - 2 Hardboiled eggs + 3 Hardboiled egg whites.
Workout - 1 Hour of Crossfit (3x/week)
Post-workout - 1 scoop whey protein mixed w/ unsweetened almond milk.
Lunch - Spinach salad with chicken breast.
Snack - apple & almond butter
Dinner - Chicken breast, mixed veggies and sweet potato fries.
Deanne: You are a busy working mommy who has show that it is possible to reach your personal health goals. Do you have any advice for others who feel stuck?
Christa: Keep at it. If you're just starting to workout your muscles will hurt and you'll want to stop, but don't. Getting healthy is a process and you won't lose the weight in a day.
Also, don't let an unhealthy meal make you feel like a failure... you're making a change for life, and it's not reasonable to think you're never going to eat pizza or chicken wings again.
I often felt like I was too busy to work out and to take the time to prep healthy meals but that's not true. Truth is, that time I spend at the gym or working out at home IS for my family. I'm happier and healthier and am a better mom because of it. What could possibly be more important than our health. Although our children may not like that hour we spend by ourselves or away from them for exercise they will come to appreciate that we are able to be here on this earth for a long time because we made the effort to be healthy.
What an incredible story. It's amazing what hard work and dedication can do.
I’d like to give a big shout out to Christa for sharing your journey with me. You truly are an inspiration to hard working moms everywhere.
If you or someone you know may have a journey that you feel can inspire others please let me know. I would love to share.
If you feel you need a little support on your own journey, please contact me at 709-771-0254 or Deanne@thehealthyroot.com
On one final note, I would love to hear from you. What have you done to overcome the challenge of getting starting? What seems to be holding you back? Comment on my facebook page (/www.facebook.com/thehealthyroot) for a chance to win a 30 minute Power Call to help get you started!
All the Best in Health,
Deanne