'Oh my God, what's your secret?'. Let's be real, if I had a dollar for every time I've been asked this question I wouldn't be working 11 hour days. Over the last 9 years my weight has been some what of a roller coaster and May of last year was one of my higher points on the scale. My downfall is a toxic mixture of laziness and late night binge snacking. Unfortunately my addictive personality doesn't translate to working out consistently, somehow there is always an excuse. One thing I can do however is stick to a lifestyle change. Notice how I didn't say diet? Diets are garbage, they're temporary, and if you lose weight fast you'll gain it all back even faster. Losing weight is about changing your lifestyle, there is no secret diet or magical waist trainer that will make your tummy flat and give you an ass even J.Lo would be envious of. Consistency is key. If I would have taken my own advice and been very consistent I would've been writing this 5 months ago instead of a year later.
I've realized that I am sensitive to dairy and gluten. No, I'm not one of those people who wants to be trendy and say they have an allergy to gluten. I can assure you, I will be on the toilet for at least an hour right after consuming either. At this point I should buy stock in Poo-Pourri since I'm basically single handedly keeping them in business.
In May I changed my eating habits to a modified Keto lifestyle. Instead of focusing on tracking fat intake and net carbs, I mainly consume meat and veggies. If I want a snack I'll usually go for a piece of fruit or nuts all while staying away from processed foods. It's really simple, don't eat pasta, bread, fast food or soda. Keep in mind I love pasta, AND I MEAN I REALLY LOVE PASTA. I'll treat myself now and then but over all I stay away. I didn't start working out more until recently, I do squats and crunches at home. I also have 5 pound weights at my desk which I lift when I'm on the phone at work. I understand it's hard to find time to be active, as silly as it sounds I do 50 squats while brushing my teeth, both morning and night. I have started doing crunches before I go to bed and when I wake up as well. These small changes have made a huge difference, and will continue too.
To help curb the bottomless pit that is my late night appetite I take The Ultimate Beauty Body Formula by BikiniBOD. I started taking this randomly about 4 months ago, and love it. I am an affiliate with BikiniBOD, originally because I'm obsessed with their self tanning mousse and I will promote it from time to time. Honestly, dietary supplements scare the crap out of me and make me feel like I'm dying. I'm not exaggerating, roughly 13 years ago I took Hydroxycut and was convinced I was having a heart attack. It was a very sweaty experience and not cute in the least. Since taking it, I've noticed my nails growing much faster/stronger under my acrylics, and my hair has grown longer, faster, and seems thicker. My sister in law asks me if I'm wearing extensions every single time I see her. I can always count on her saying " Thats ALL your hair??", at least once when we hangout. Use code "BBCHELSEA" at checkout for 10% off your purchase of any BikiniBOD products. The supplements come with a 28 day workout plan as well. Consult with your doctor and all that good stuff before changing your lifestyle or taking supplements.
Before: May 2018, 145 pounds
After: January 2019, 124 pounds
Please be kind, it took copious amounts of courage for me to woman up and publish this post. I struggle with body dysmorphia and want to help others.
I am no where close to where I want to be, my new goal is to gain muscle and be much more toned than I am now by July.
Below are a few 'Pro Tips' that have helped me. You got this, now stop making excuses. In two months you'll wish you'd have started today.
-Always take progression pictures in the morning.
-Instead of focusing on the number on the scale, take measurements.
-Have healthy snacks in your desk.
-Cook with coconut oil.
-Drink a bottle of water before bed and in the morning.
-Get your workout over with in the morning.
-Don't have unhealthy food in your house and you won't eat unhealthy food!
-Take vitamins and/or supplements.
*Consult with you doctor before changing your eating habits or workout routine.
*The tips that I've shared have worked for me, I can not guarantee it will work for you as well.
*As previously stated I am an affiliate with BikiniBOD and I do earn a small commission when my coupon code is used. If you don't want to use it, then don't.