I’ve really been slacking with posting blogs. I’ve taken pictures of new things I’ve cooked but for some reason or another I haven’t posted them. I’ve still been keeping up with my clean eating and all is going well. So far I am down 35 lbs and still feeling good and going strong. Like I’ve said before, I still have a long way to go until I reach my ultimate goal. As much weight as I’ve lost and muscle I’ve gained, there is still much more to work on. I wont stop until I see some abs!

Last Saturday, I took a day trip to Ocean City with four other friends. It was a much needed mini getaway. It was also the first time I’ve felt completely comfortable in a bikini since I’ve started wearing them. Now I don’t know if it’s because I’ve lost so much weight or if it’s because I know I’ve been working hard so that gives me confidence. Probably a mix of both. Honestly, I think that even if I hadn’t lost as much weight as I have, I would still feel absolutely awesome because I know that I’ve changed my way life and it has given me a whole new look at things. Now I know what it truly means when people say things like, “It’s all in the way you carry yourself.” I feel way more confident and my self esteem has gone up.

When I tried on my bikini for the first time this summer, I definitely saw things that needed improvement. But all I could think of was, “Who cares?” I’ve come this far and I’m dang proud. I would often point out to my boyfriend all the “flaws” I still have and he would always reassure me saying my body looks nothing like before and it can only keep getting better. I’m so grateful to have him always be there to make me feel beautiful no matter what.

Before I started this new lifestyle, I would be one of those people who gave excuses of why they didn’t workout or go to the gym. I would put it off until next week which turned to next month and the month after. It got to the point where I felt myself feeling tired all of the time, not fitting in to some of my clothes, eating fast food because it was quick, and felt sad whenever I saw pictures of myself. I was not happy with how I looked or felt at all. I’m grateful that I live with who I live with now because they all are a great support system and helped me get back in track with my life. I’m thankful for JP because if she didn’t always ask me to go to the gym with her, I may have never gone. Granted, it took her a couple hand full of times until I said yes, but either way I am thankful. When I finally got in to the gym, I initially wanted to strictly do cardio. I never really knew the importance of weight lifting, strengthening my core, and resistance training until JP and SM taught me some things. For that I am grateful. To AN, who is one of my biggest supporters, and all those who have given me their kind words, I am thankful.

Also like I’ve said before, by no means am I even close to bragging or thinking I’m better than anyone. Just sharing my thoughts and my progress. What I hope people actually take from this is that you can better yourself and feel great while doing it. No matter how much determination and motivation you think you don’t have, you do! And no matter how much you think you can’t cook or live without junk food, you’ll learn. All it takes is a little push and positive thinking you can do it! You can and you will. I’m proud to say I have no desire to eat fast food anymore and whenever I see commercials for them, I say “Ugh, gross!” It really is when you know what crap is actually in there. I’ll save that for another time though.