My Summer Health Journey

A few weeks back, I hinted that I’ve been on a major health kick this summer, but I didn’t really get into any of the details. I went into the summer knowing that as soon as I got out of school I wanted to really take the time to focus on me. I had about a month between school and starting my internship too, which made it really easy to just hunker down and focus so that by the time I started work, a lot of the changes were already second nature.

The Beginning

You see, here’s the thing. Over the course of my first three years of college, I had gained almost 30 pounds. I get that weight gain is a pretty normal thing in college, but I felt miserable. If you’ve been following along for a while, you know that my weight has always been a major point of insecurity for me and at the end of last year I felt like I had finally hit my breaking point. I honestly just didn’t even feel like myself anymore. And, beyond just some of my favorite clothes being far from fitting, my weight gain had begun to effect every aspect of my life. I was feeling lazy, tired, and unmotivated all the time, which ended up translating into my work and relationships.

In the spring, right around my birthday, I started to realize just how much it was affecting me, but I  wasn’t in a place where I felt motivated to tackle it head-on just yet. However, I did want to be a little more conscious about my food and activity level, so I got an apple watch and began tracking what I ate. I also started working out about 3 times a week. It wasn’t anything major, but it did a lot for my mental health. At least I was doing something to handle the situation.

#DoingThings

Outdoor Voices has been a huge part of my fitness and health journey. I got my first few items from them for my birthday in March and have been hooked ever since. Not only are they stylish and colorful, but they are also super flattering and comfortable. I feel like the materials hug me in all the right places to accentuate my natural curves, while still holding me in.

Another reason why I love OV? The brand message. So many athletic apparel brands are trying to encourage you to be the best, the fastest, the strongest, etc. This is all great motivation, but for someone who is not super competitive and has never really been very athletic (ME), a lot of that messaging intimidated me. Outdoor Voices’ motto #DoingThings helped me realize that it didn’t matter what activity I was doing and I didn’t have to be the best at it. As long as I was out there being active and having fun, nothing else mattered.

Slowly, I began to amass quite the collection of OV gear. I pretty much depended on it and got rid of almost all the other workout clothes I owned. Right before I left for Hawaii, I decided to pop into the OV store on Melrose to pick up a few workout tops before I left. When I walked in, Ty Haney, OV’s founder, was sitting outside the store. And I was wearing Lululemon. They were literally the only pair of Lulu leggings I still owned and I was wearing them because I had already packed away all my Outdoor Voices for my trip. I went in the store flustered and while talking with the sales girl, I told her my story and she laughed and said I had to tell Ty. So, when I was leaving the store, I walked up to her, introduced myself, and then spent the next 15 minutes chatting.

I think had I not been in such a state of shock, I would’ve cried, but I was trying to keep my cool. It’s weird to think about, but Ty had unknowingly helped me change my life and to get to share that story with my idol felt so special. Then, she posted a picture with me on her Instagram Story and I just about died.

My Diet

I focused primarily on my diet with some working out here and there. Essentially, I was on a Keto diet that was more protein focused than fat, which allowed my body to target the fat I was already storing rather than the fat I added to my body through food. I cut out carbs almost entirely except at breakfast, but even then I kept it super minimal and stuck to whole-grain seeded toast.

Another huge component to it all was portion control. I cut my portions way down, which was difficult and unsatisfying at first, but is now plenty of food for me. The best part of the diet was learning what foods did and did not work for me and how they made me feel. Through this I also began to figure out how to handle the occasional indulgence without going overboard. All while working for a candy company. If I can do it, anyone can! Haha!

Real Results

My goal for the summer was to be able to go back to school for my senior year at the same weight I was when I started school my freshman year. I’m so excited to say I did it! In a little over 10 weeks, I’ve lost about 30 pounds and subsequently adopted some major lifestyle changes that I am so excited to bring with me to school. I never thought I would be the person who said I love working out, but I do! Seriously, nothing makes me feel more confident, powerful, and happy than when I go to the gym or a fun workout class. It’s honestly kinda weird, but in the best way possible.

It’s important for me to note that my losing weight was not as much about the number as it was about the way I felt and the ways in which it was affecting my health. I’m not trying to become stick-thin or change my body to something I’m not. I’m just trying to make a lifestyle shift that allows me to feel my best. I can honestly say I am more confident now than ever and it’s an amazing feeling.

While in Hawaii, I posted my first swimsuit photo I think ever and I also felt comfortable wearing a bikini for the first time in over a year. Though I was a little bit nervous to post these photos in just my leggings and crop top with no makeup and post-workout hair, I am so proud and happy with how my body looks now that I was easily able to qualm those feelings. I am just so happy!

If you’ve made it this far I’m impressed and thank you! I’m so lucky to have such a supportive, amazing community to share everything with. I hope this post helps any of you who may be struggling with body weight or confidence issues. You are not alone and you can always reach out to me or comment if you ever want to chat more 🙂