I’ve always struggled with my weight. I have seen the scale go up and down my entire life. I am by no means a weight loss or fitness expert, but I know some things that have instrumental to my success and I know a big key for me is fun.
When I moved away to grad school I finally made the decision to get serious about becoming a happier and healthier person. I had a fantastic support system, with friends to join me for kickboxing, friends to get up with for 6am Spin class, and friends to push me through the class that made all the difference – Core Circuit Training.
With great support, a class that pushed me to try everything and push as hard as I could, and determination, I was able to successfully lose 50 pounds. I kept up that healthy lifestyle until graduation.
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| Summer 2008 |
After I returned home, I had no gym, no classes, no fantastic groups of friends to enjoy working out with, and I slipped back into old habits. I struggled to keep myself from going too far off track until my wedding day in 2010.
After I successfully fit into that dress, all bets were off!
When we found out we were going to have our first child three months later, I was already gaining weight at a rapid pace. I gained 70 pounds with that pregnancy and never managed to lose much before finding out we were having a second child. (In all honesty, about six months after my son was born, I decided it would be easier to have a second than to lose the weight.)
When my daughter was 6 months old, I decided to get completely serious about making a healthy lifestyle and modeling healthy habits for my children. Through a commitment to doing this for my kids and all the support I’ve found through social media, with dietbets, myfitnesspal, and runkeeper, I have lost 40 pounds.
My goal is to create what I had when I was so successful in grad school. I no longer have the benefit of having a great recreation center without a great cost. Not only is the money of a gym membership limiting, but getting to the gym is limiting as well. I also haven’t found any classes like the core circuit class I loved so much.
Let me tell you some of the things that have helped me so far.
· Writing. Writing on the blog, tracking onMyFitnessPal, and reading the writing of others has made a world of difference! I get such inspiration from reading about people struggling with weight loss, people who are fitness fanatics and totally motivating, and people who have all sorts of great recipes and dietary information to share.
· Dietbets. This has been sucha great thing for me! I am incredibly cheap and I WILL NOT lose money based on something I can control like losing 8% of my body weight in 4 weeks! I do have to say that this is only good as a short-term goal, and I have a tendency to give myself too much of a break between bets, but I stay right on and motivated when I’m in a dietbet. It helps me stay focused and build those healthy habits. In case you’re wondering, I have won 16 dietbets and play multiples at once. I have also won $278.91 and lost 21.2 pounds since my first dietbet. Read more about my dietbet tips and join my Lean and Mean in 2014 dietbet starting on the 1st of the year!
· Social Media. A whole new world has been opened up to me with Twitter! Why did I take so long??? I also find a lot of motivation from Pinterest and Instagram, but Twitter is amazing! I have been able to follow some amazingly insprational people and have found some great challenges throughTwitter. I’m participating in#Elf4Health, #12daysoffitness, and the #sweatpink and #runnerbox challenge. They have all been great, especially Elf for Health, and the people I have met and been supported by are amazing. Also, how did I ever live without Twitter parties?! I love the #justcrunchemtwitter party during Biggest Loser and have won two prizes from Grimmway Farms, and I almost crashed my car when I learned I won a Polar Loop from a Fitfluential twitter party!!! I learn so much and meet such fantastic people, and it’s opened a whole new world to me!
· Running. I can’t believe I can say I enjoy running! I was the girl that dreading running the mile in gym class and the first time I ever completed one was in 2007! I started this past Spring with Couch to 5K and ran my first 5K at the end of the summer. I actually enjoy running now and want to run! Amazing!
· Cooking/finding new foods. When I lost weight the first time around, I lived alone and ate the same things most days: cooked cauliflower, salads, eggs, and 100 calorie packs. That’s about it. Now, I have a family to cook for and I have to be a lot more creative. I’ve found a lot of great things that are healthy for me and the family and I’ve shared a lot of them because they’ve been so successful for me.
· Quick home workouts. This is something I’m working on, but I’m making an effort to get in quick workouts when I can. The challenges I mentioned before help and I’ve been doing things with the kids. We’ve done kids yoga, quick pyramid workouts, and videos. I’m learning, but I learn a lot from the people I’ve met and hope to get better at this one!
Last, because they’re so important and because I love linking up with Katie each week, here are some of my non-scale victories from this past year: more energy for my kiddos, healthy and balanced meals are the norm, I actually want to exercise, I’m fitting back into old clothes, I don’t hide out from social situations like I did when I was ashamed of my size, I’m involving myself in interests that support my healthy changes, and I feel so much better about myself.
Ok, there is my novel for the day. If you made it through, thank you! What are your tips, and what are you becoming an expert in? Have you done adietbet? Do you follow me on Twitter,and which is your favorite form of social media?
Wow, Kristen, congrats on so many levels! And so great that you are getting into running. I won a couple things in Twitter chats recently too, so exciting!
What a great and inspiring post! You are doing awesome! I agree with the social media groups helping to motivate you. I joined one for T25 back in July and then joined another one during that time -there are about 140 fitness people on that facebook group page. It is a great small group and I feel like I know these people. Many of us are going to do a P90X3 challenge in Jan.
First of all, huge congrats on your weight loss success so far!!! I love reading stories like yours. Just like you said…seeing other people struggle through their journey and ultimately succeed is just so inspirational and motivating! As for your question, I feel like–even though I’m currently at my highest weight ever–over the past two years I’ve become somewhat of an expert at healthy and sustainable weight loss. I know that sounds like an oxymoron…an expert at sustainable weight loss can’t sustain it herself? Well I have a foe I’m fighting against, and that foe is severe clinical depression. Each time it flares up I gain weight at an embarrassingly rapid pace. I just had an episode about a month ago, so I’m now 2 and a half weeks into getting back on track. And I’ve actually gotten a lot of feedback (both from my therapist and from my blog readers) on what to do to keep my weight from getting so out of control during depressive episodes. I’m going to write a post about that sometime soon, and I’m going to create a written plan to put in place during future episodes. My hope is that any more depressive episodes during my weight loss journey will result in weight maintenance instead of gain. I’ve done so much research about weight loss, though, looking at scientific studies to find what tips can be backed up by hard evidence, that I feel like I’ve gotten a fairly good grasp on weight loss. Now it’s just a matter of putting what I’ve learned into practice! As for dietbets, I haven’t participated in any yet. 4% in 4 weeks is a TON of weight when you’re as heavy as I am, and it just wouldn’t be very easy for me to drop what equates to almost 3 pounds a week! But you can bet (teehee, see what I did there?) that when I get down below, oh, probably 200 pounds, I’ll start participating in them regularly! Okay, sorry for that novel. I hope you’re having a fantastic week! 🙂
Fantastic job so far! You are so inspirational!!!
Just sent you a request on Twitter although I don’t have the hang of it lol. I’m seriously trying to find my mojo back. I think once we get past Christmas it will help!
Love this post! Congrats to you! You look amazing!
Congrats on your weight loss, that’s fantastic! And very happy to hear you’re enjoying running. Looking great, fit mama!
Kristin thank you for sharing and being so honest….you should be so so proud of yourself!!
I have a similar journey and I know that until I wanted to get fit/healthy/happy for myself (and not for anyone or anything else) it never stuck!! And I so agree – reading other people’s stories and the encouragement from blogs and twitter are just awesome! Keep it up lady you look great!!
You look so amazing and your story is inspirational! Thank you so much for sharing what has worked for you. It always helps seeing how other people went about making a big change and maintaining it!
You look great! Thanks for sharing. This post really inspires me to shed those pounds I wish to lose 🙂
Congratulations on the weight loss! You look fabulous!
Congrats on the weight loss. I have a really hard time keeping the weight off and sticking to a plan. Keeping motivated is the hardest part about weight loss. I’m a new Bloglovin follower. Thanks for sharing your story- Andrea
Congrats on your weight loss. You look great! One thing I’m going to do this year is take before pictures so I have something to compare my results too, besides just the numbers on the scale. I had never heard of DietBet but I’m going to check it out.
This is a great story! Congrats on finding your way to healthier and happier life and most of all, to creating a healthy role model for your wonderful children! I have been on and off with kilograms all my life too, except for they were never more than 10 pounds in a usual situation and 37 pounds with my first pregnancy. No matter the number weight loss journey is similar to those taking it and a story like your boosts motivation and faith in success.
NailCentric recently posted…Zoya Naturel spring 2014 nail polish collection: swatches and review
Thank you so much! You’re right, it doesn’t matter how much someone has to lose, the journey is similar and it’s not always easy to find that motivation and work hard. Thanks so much for the encouragement and kind words!
Good for you! You’ve really lost weight in the healthiest way possible, which is a great example to set for your kids. You’re focused on being strong, active and healthy, which is awesome.
Happy SITS day!
Suzanne recently posted…Morning Glory Muffins
Thank you so much, Suzanne! That is the best compliment! I’m not so concerned with how long it takes me to get to my goal weight, as long as my kiddos continue to see Mom make healthy meals and stay active. The most important thing is that I set them up with the right tools early on.
Inspiring post. Keep up the great work.
Thanks so much, Karen!
Whoa!!! I actually gasped when I saw the picture of you from 2012. You should be so incredibly proud of yourself for losing ALL that weight. As a personal trainer, I see people struggling with their weight every single day and very fee put in the time and commitment you have to actually reach their goals! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!
Visiting from SITS – enjoy your day… 🙂
Allie recently posted…I’m Everywhere Focker
Thank you so much, Allie! The funny thing is, that picture was so ingrained in my mind that I specifically went to that spot to take another and when I looked at the new picture I thought there was no difference… When I saw them side-by-side I could finally give myself some credit for all my hard work. It’s funny how our mind plays tricks on us! Thank you so much for the encouragement and support!
Running is my exercise of choice too. I am gluten and dairy-free and watch what I eat because I want to be healthy. The only time I gained weight in my adult life (because my marriage was failing), I lost in a few months when I upped the intensity of my workouts and started on a strict diet. I put the focus not on losing weight, but on being healthy for my kids and for my future. I also made it fun. I think losing 40 pounds is amazing and I wish you continued good luck. It’s hard to be motivated when you’re sleep or time-deprived so I give you a lot of credit.
Nicole Nenninger recently posted…To Tell or Not to Tell–Should Kids Know About Their Parent’s Affair?
Thank you so much, Nicole! You never could have told me years ago that I would be a runner! I just started last year and I can’t believe how much I look forward to a run now! I’m so grateful because it is one of the best activities out there for a Momma – it’s free and you can take the kids! Thank you so much for stopping by!
Congratulations! You look fabulous! It’s all about making the right lifestyle changes. You are giving you children a wonderful gift!
Susie (The Esthetic Goddess) recently posted…My Chemical Peel Adventure! Part Two (Scary pictures included!)
This is great so glad you’ve been able to reach so many milestones in your weight loss adventure! 🙂 I can’t seem to get the hang of running as in, I don’t enjoy it and it sucks the life out of me. I get very dizzy/light headed when I do it so I haven’t been able to engage in it the way I’d like. Best of luck and have a great one Kristin! -Iva
AwesomelyOZ recently posted…GTFO: Winter Blues
Have you tried the Couch to 5K app? That really helped ease me in – I really struggled with running a minute and a half at first. It may not be for everyone, and I REALLY never thought it was for me, but I’m so glad it stuck because it has been the best way for me to shed the pounds! Thanks so much for stopping by!
Congrats on your weight loss Kristin and congrats on being featured on SITS!
Enjoy your day!
Ugochi recently posted…The Power Of Gratitude In Marriage
Thank you so much! It means a lot!
Congrats to you for staying focused! I struggle with getting enough exercise because I work full time in an office at a desk and in the evenings after dinner, baths, and bedtime; I’m tired! I would love some advice on at home workouts. I have the time to work out in the mornings, but I have no idea what to do in that time!
Rabia @TheLiebers recently posted…It’s Really Ten Months {Book Review}
I just started dietbet, and I need to get my running back on, it’s good to see someone with similar likes and similar issues. #sits
Happy Sits day
Natalia
Natalia recently posted…Denim on Denim
I love that too! I’ll have to hop over and check out your blog during nap time today!
Congrats on your weight loss -so inspiring! After I have this baby in June, I may have to revisit to get me moving and losing!!
Meeghan recently posted…Free St. Patrick’s Day Worksheets for Beginning Readers
Congrats on the new addition! I struggled so much because I put back on everything I lost and gained even more… Please stop back! That makes me think I should do a post about how I got my activity in with a new baby and a 1yo – if I get on the ball and write that one I’ll be sure to let you know!
Good luck with your goals! I have to say my story is similar and I only started enjoying running in the past 9 months. It’s amazing how baby weight can be such a motivator… at least it was for me! I’ve never heard of dietbets though.. I’ll have to check that out. Found you from SITS!
Anna recently posted…Buy More Clothes, Spend Less Money
Running has been amazing for me. This Looong MN winter has thrown a wrench in the plans, but the snow is slowly melting so I will be back at it soon. Check out DietBet for sure! It’s a great motivator for thrifty people like myself – I have never lost!
There are so many great things about this post! I am in the same struggle with you and have never heard of dietbet. Need to get in on that one for sure! Visiting from SITSBlogging!
Jennifer-Mommy Life After Ph.D. recently posted…Spring is COMING + A GIVEAWAY!
DietBet is great! I’ve done nearly 20 bc I always do three at a time. I wouldn’t do it if I didn’t think I would win and I’ve made over $300 since last summer!
This article was great. I struggle with the same issues and am attempting to get on track regarding my health. Keep up the great work. #TheSitsgirls
Tralaina recently posted…Keeping the Faith
Thank you so much, Tralaina. It really is a struggle, so it has helped me a lot to think of it as a lifestyle change for my family. That way I can celebrate the small achievements and not get discouraged when the weight doesn’t come off as fast as I’d like. Thanks so much for stopping by!!
Wonderful job Kristen! Modeling good behaviors is the best thing you can do for your children. Having a positive body image – or at least speaking positively about your body – will do wonders for your daughter’s self esteem and body image when she is older. I have never heard of dietbets, but I am going to check it out and maybe recommend it to some of my clients (I’m a dietitian). Happy SITS day!
Beth @ Goodness Gracious Living recently posted…Yum-Worthy: Black Bean Dip
Thank you so much, Beth! I’m trying to do the best I can for my little girl because I struggled so much. I just want to do my absolute best so she has the best start I can give her. Of course, all of these things are coming along a little more smoothly for my son, but she’s younger so we’ll see…
DietBets have been such a great motivator for me! I refuse to lose money, so I’ve won quite a bit over the last six months! Although I will say, when I give myself too much of a break it becomes a “reward week” and I don’t make much progress. I’m working on that!
Yesss!!! Awesome job!! I think this post is so relateable and I love your ideas. I’ve also struggled with this for a very long time. My hormones are IN. SANE. It’s a constant fight, it seems, against advertising, people at work, and sometimes my own cravings. I’m sticking with it by working out (high-intensity) for 40 minutes Monday through Friday. Sometimes I’ll do power yoga, sometimes I’ll do the easier Insanity workouts (like the two exercises made for “rest week” ahahah), sometimes I’ll run a few miles….but I always take those weekend days to relax and do the “fun” workouts like walking with the fam. Keep up the awesome girl and it’s been so wonderful reading your blog!!
Jen recently posted…Men: Way Cooler than Women
Thank you so much, Jen! Sounds like you’re doing way better than me on the workout front – way to go! I the comment about the “rest day” workouts – haha! :). I’m with ya on doing something active with the family when you can – those are the best workouts! I still need to head back over to your blog to finish reading, but I’m sure I’ll be following you once I do! Thanks so much for stopping by and the support!
it sounds like we have a lot in common. I also decided to get serious about my weight and help about 4 years ago. I chose to eat low carb and have been doing so ever since and have gotten my family on board as well. I started running last spring and ran my first 5k in October at the Color Run which was fun. I typically run 3.3 miles 3 times a week and also do some weight lifting. I feel better now at 40 then I did when I was 20. congratulations on your success and happy sITS day!
Jean recently posted…Simple, Lower Carb, Organic, Gluten Free Spaghetti Sauce Recipe
That is great, Jean! I just got a low carb cookbook. It’s not something I was interest in before because I didn’t want to lose my carbs, but I’m totally open to lowering the amount of carbs we eat and have been looking into it. I can’t wait for all this snow to melt so I can get back to running more often. I loved my first 5K and can’t wait to run more – I’m already signed up for Run or Dye this spring. Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing with me!
The Living la vida low carb show (podcasts) & website by Jimmy Moore are invaluable & free. Young should really check them out.
Jean recently posted…Simple, Lower Carb, Organic, Gluten Free Spaghetti Sauce Recipe
Stopping by from SITS and so glad I did! Congrats on being featured and what a brave, awesome, person you are! I’ve struggled with weight the same and I love how you put this all down in writing. Encouragement all over the place 🙂 Keep it up, it’s so worth it! I’ll be back 🙂
Cheers!
Sandra from It’s Tidy Time recently posted…Do I HAVE To Get Rid of It?
Thank you so much, Sandra! That really means a lot to me! So glad you stopped by!
HOW VERY INSPIRING! And you have lovely children!
We were blessed with kids that prefer healthy food. I mean really, how many two year old kids are running around with RAW broccoli florets and sashimi?? But they did and still do. Good for you to set such a wonderful example for your little guys!
Ronda Chesser Porter recently posted…Cooking Old Fashioned Patty Melts w/ E!
Thank you Rhonda! I really hope my kiddos hang on to these healthy choices too! Glad it stuck with your kids!
You did a great job losing the weight and staying focused. I am currently about to undergo a weight program, and I only have 10 lbs. to lose. But…it is the hardest 10 lbs. I can’t seem to shake my love of pop, and the occasional chocolate bar. I am going to try some of your tips to help me get motivated! Thanks.
It doesn’t matter how much you have to lose – it’s tough! Good luck to you!
Congrats! Very inspirational!
Laura Martin recently posted…Spring break wouldn’t be complete…
Thank you so much Laura!
Nice job Kristin! You look great! I have been really struggling lately with feeling like my clothes just keep getting tighter! Maybe I need to try some of those Twitter challenges you mentioned… I could use a little motivation to hit the gym. :o)
Leah Sannar recently posted…Describe Your Relationship With Your Spouse
Thank you Leah! I’ve found such different ways to help motivate myself through Instagram, Twitter, and DietBet – every little bit helps! Thanks for the encouragement!!