Healthy Changes-Do it for yourself

Last year when I started my freshman year of college, I wanted to eat healthier and exercise more. I played volleyball in high school and was pretty active up until the summer before my senior year. Being a high school student I didn't think about changing my lifestyle habits when I stopped playing sports. Unfortunately this meant I kept eating the same if not worse but I didn't exercise regularly. Over the course of my senior year I could tell that I had gained weight and I didn't like it. I felt self conscious and I didn't like the way clothes fit me. In August before I left for college, I decided that I wanted to start eating healthier and I also wanted to start running. I have never been a runner and I don’t think I ever will be but I wanted to give it a try. I found a book on sale at Barnes and Noble called Running for Mortals so I decided to look at it. It was interesting, gave a lot of tips and helped me to learn more about running. It also really encouraged me to just get out there! If you are constantly telling yourself that you can’t do something then you won’t be able to do it. It was a slow start but I kept up with running/walking 2 or so miles. I also bought new workout clothes to help motivate me and make me feel good while working out. 

Fast forward to a few months into school…Bailey and I both wanted to work out and eat better at college. We decided to do it together and keep each other accountable and help motivate and push each other. Over the course of 3-5 months I had lost 25 pounds and I felt great! I was buying smaller clothes and I had a new found confidence. I definitely wanted to keep losing weight but I also was really proud of all that I had accomplished. Unfortunately, I found out fast that you have to work hard to maintain weight loss. The last month of school, I let things gradually slip. I was skipping daily workouts and treating myself to unhealthy foods more often. I figured I would get back on track during the summer but I worked at a camp and it ended up being worse for my healthy habits. I lacked motivation and healthy foods and I felt myself losing muscle and slowly putting some of the weight back on.

Bailey and I in October

Just a few months later in February

My roommate Bailey lost a lot of weight too, however, she continued to lose weight and build muscle over the summer. I remember feeling so jealous every time I saw her because she looked so dang good! I still feel jealous of her body! But I know that it is up to me to make changes and it doesn't happen overnight. One thing I am trying to remember is not to compare myself to others. Not only does it make me feel worse about myself, but everyone is different! We were created to be different and we are all special and unique! It isn't about being the same size as your friend or even being a size 4. It’s about making healthy changes in your life that make you feel better. I am hoping to set goals for myself and to work hard so I can achieve those goals. But overall, I want to feel confident and healthy! J

Try to remember this next time you don't feel good enough. Put this on your mirror, make it your background, memorize it. Don't compare yourself to others because you'll constantly be disappointed. 

Don’t forget; no matter how slow you’re going, you’re doing way better than the people sitting on the couch!