"I started to write this down yesterday because I was thinking about why in the world I didn’t feel the need to nap (on that dreary, rainy, lazy Sunday). And it’s because of you. Thank you for introducing me to the 21 Day Fix! You saw a friend in semi dire straits and showed me a new way to think about food, nutrition and exercise which has now become part of my lifestyle (ok, maybe not exercise – but we’re working on that : )). You are such a good woman – a great friend and I do love you. Thank you for all that you are. Here is my testimony that I want to share with you:
Participating in the 21 Days has led to some serious personal reflection on habits and health.
First, you need to know this about me:
· For the past ten years, I have been a fast food junkie. I loved McDonalds and Chick fil A.
· For as long as I can remember have had an insatiable sweet tooth.
· I have never had a problem with weight.
· I do not exercise- I don’t like it. At all.
My habits caught up with me about 8 months ago; this past spring I went to put on some shorts that I had for years and they were not even close to being able to button. Something else happened that I had not experienced since I was a pre-teen and that was awful break outs. My skin was a mess - I was even too embarrassed to go my dermatologist who had always remarked what pretty skin I had.
The first thing I tried was what I always did and had been successful with when things were “snug” and that was to skip a few meals for a few days. Nothing happened. Spring turned into summer and after trying on my bikini I was more than discouraged. I felt so gross, tired and depressed. I avoided pool parties. I tried new facial products which made things worse. I slept during the day, stayed up late. I made A LOT excuses.
Looking back, I had been going through a new type of stress since the fall that lasted until the beginning of summer; usually when work stressed I lose weight but this was so emotional – so new that I believe it manifested in these awful exaggerated eating and sleeping habits which affected my overall wellbeing. Could a #1 at McDonalds make me feel better? You bet! Rest when the baby rests – no problem!
One night in August, my friend Tinsley, (who had watched my emotional and physical transformation) mentioned the 21 Day Fix. I didn’t give it much thought until after I saw one of the photos of us from that evening. So I took the plunge and signed up the next day. It’s 21 days – how hard can it be? What is the worst that can happen?
My biggest worry was my fondness of fast food which I expressed immediately; Tinsley assured me that she would be there to help work through ALL my cravings – wine, chocolate and fast food.
There were a few big eye openers immediately: one, the amount of water I should be drinking and two, the frequency of food intake – I have never eaten like that before so that was going to be an adjustment. The other thing I realized was that (aside from the fast food) I was not eating the wrong things (lean proteins, veggies, fruits) I had just been preparing them in the most fattening ways – lots of salt and butter, deep fried, battered etc., and then eating at non-optimal times during the day.
These are some notes I wrote down from the August 21 Days:
After Week 1: Skin VASTLY improved all clear for the first time in months. More energy, could not nap. Zero fast food cravings. Sweet cravings did not go away; found that small pieces of dark chocolate worked well. I found water to wake me up more and faster than coffee. Hurting, a lot, from the exercise; I love Kat!! Enjoyed paying attention to and preparing what I was feeding myself and my family.
After Week 2: Noticeable physical changes, clothes fit differently but did not notice a huge difference on the scale. T encouraged me NOT to weigh myself so I put it away until then end. Kind of enjoyed the “burn” from exercising (whaa?). Zero fast food cravings and sweet cravings dissipated. Energy level great.
21 Day result – 5 pounds and 3 inches off my waist; I could button my shorts but still had a “muffin top”. No fast food – actually made me sick to think about! Sweet cravings gone. Energy level –amazing. Appreciated the exercise but still not a fan. Skin back to normal.
I did it! I made it through the 21 Days. Was it hard? The very first day was hard for me. The exercise was hard for me (remember – I do not do this!). But the healthy food preparation and portion control came easy. I was never hungry (except the first day and I do believe it was a mental psych-out – “DIET!”). That’s not to say I didn’t miss my rich buttery dinners - that 22nd day I ate a “21 day portion” of Beef Stroganoff – not my “prior portion”. The lesson here for me is, these foods do not need to be daily food items and the amount of what I thought I needed is not the amount I do need.
It is now the end of November. I have since lost another 5 pounds just by modifying intake, eating and preparing foods that my body needs and limiting the foods my body wants. I have found there are foods that while may taste good make me feel horrible hours later – it’s just not worth it. Also drinking a ton of water – it tastes so good! My winter clothes fit and most days I’m not worried about covering up my tummy. But the biggest benefit is how I feel which is pretty amazing in comparison to where I was just a few short months ago.
And I’m not perfect! I have mayo sometimes, I don’t drink enough water on the weekends, sometimes I only have three meals instead of six (but 3 is better than 2 or even 1). Big Confession: I did get a CFA sandwich on Saturday – two bites and I was done - it did not taste as good as I had remembered. That was the first FF since August – can you believe it? After 10 years?! It’s all progress.
Tinsley is determined to find some exercise that I can “enjoy” so will be test driving PiYo.
I never - in a million years - would have thought that 21 days can lead to some major transformations that actually work and become habits. And I could not have done it without such an inspiring and supportive “coach” who gently stayed on me, checked in without nagging, inspired without bragging, and encouraged me daily – all with a smile on her face and in her heart.
<3 ya girl!"
Thanks for sharing, Amy. You are the best and I am so very proud of you. Love you back!!!
