"I'll Start On Monday": Meet Debi

I am so honored and excited to present Debi of Fit & Healthy Mommy as our next "I'll Start On Monday" feature.  Debi has such a positive and infectious attitude.  A conversation with her will leave you feeling like you can accomplish anything! Her passion for health and wellness is so evident.  She is one of my inspirations on my journey.  

Here's Debi's story: 

In short - I had never been into sports as a child or teen, and never really did any type of regular exercise until after having children. I had three daughters in a short period of time (2005-2008) and it really did a number on my body. I had done Weight Watchers a few times but still never really embraced the fitness aspect. I didn't connect the weight loss with moving my body, but rather with what I was eating.

After my 3rd daughter was born, I saw a picture that someone had tagged of my on Facebook and it was a brutal reality check. Right after that, I committed (with my husband) to doing P90X, a home workout program. I was told that I wouldn't be able to do it. And those words fueled my fire. That was in early 2009.

Since then, I have struggled!! I've remained active in terms of working out, even becoming a group fitness instructor, TurboKick instructor, Beachbody Coach and Holistic Health Coach. With the knowledge I gained, I have been able to make changes over the past few years - both with nutrition and my fitness routine. I was tested for food intolerances and found that by eliminating things that were hindering my progress, I was able to reduce inflammation and gain energy.

It wasn't until January of this year that I started to fully understand the importance of truly balancing my workouts by adding in regular, consistent weight training and challenging myself more than I thought possible. I am probably stronger now than I have ever been in my life. I'm 37 years old. Changing my mindset from a number on the scale or a certain size of clothing to a feeling of more energy, better posture, and an overall feeling of strength was the critical component that allowed me to hop off the roller coaster and enjoy the steady ride of slow progress!!

You can follow Debi:

Facebook- www.facebook.com/fithealthymommy 

Instagram- www.instagram/fitnhealthy_life

Debi has learned the importance of balance in her life.  She has also learned that changing your thought process can change your life. She has overcome obstacles, but that has only made her stronger! She believed she could and she did.  And she is still going! 

Do you believe you can? Will Debi's story make you want to start on Monday?

Keep inspiring, 

Emily 

If you are interested in being a "I'll Start On Monday" feature, feel free to email me at myjourney2thefitlife@gmail.com.

"I'll Start On Monday": Meet Melissa

I am so honored to feature Melissa of Fitgirlsrock.  Her passion for fitness is so evident and has inspired and motivated me on more than one occasion. 

Here is Melissa's story:

My fitness journey started in October of 2011. I didn’t have loads of weight to lose but I had dreams, goals and a vision of where I wanted to be. I would sometimes picture myself achieving those dreams and one day out of the blue, I woke up and said today is that day.

I have always been active. I played sports in high school and took up running while in university. I even dabbled in lifting weights here and there but I never really knew what I was doing so I would never stick to the weight-lifting aspect of it. I have also always been one of those people who watched what they ate, did every fad diet in the book but never really understood what ‘clean eating’ was all about or how to do it properly.

The first step on my journey was to hire a personal trainer; one who I felt confident had the background to get me where I wanted to be. He taught me how to lift properly, how to lift heavy and how to get your desired results through training hard and eating clean. He taught me the true meaning of clean eating and before long I was seeing dramatic improvements in not only my body but also my mind. I had confidence, I felt good about myself and I suddenly knew that I could do anything I put my mind to.

In November of 2012, I achieved one of my biggest goals to date. I stepped on stage to compete in the fitness category of a bodybuilding competition. Since then I have achieved many more of my fitness related goals but other life goals as well because I now know so much more about myself as a person. It has taught me that I am a very determined, strong individual who persists until she succeeds.

In the last 2 years, I have learned that fitness and motivating others are my greatest passions. I want others to believe in themselves and I want them to know that they can do it. This new found passion has led me to pursuing a career in personal training; it has given me the courage to take steps out of my comfort zone and to believing that I am the strong, badass women I always dreamed of being!! J

Follow me at:

My Blog: http://fitgirlsrock.blogspot.ca

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/fitgirlsrock

Melissa is the perfect example of dedication and determination. She has worked hard, achieved dreams and found a passion.  Literally woke up one day and decided "today was the day." 

So I gotta ask, will you wake up tomorrow and decide that today is the day? Will you start on Monday?

Keep inspiring, 

Emily

If you are interested in being a "I'll Start on Monday" feature, feel free to email me at myjourney2thefitlife@gmail.com.

"I'll Start On Monday": Meet Amy

I am so excited to be featuring Amy of Mind Over Fatter- My Journey to a Fit Life as this week's "I'll Start On Monday" feature.

Here is Amy's story: 

First I would like to say I am honored to be featured for your "I'll Start On Monday" series! Thank you so much for inspiring and motivating so many people! 

My journey started in February 2013. I was sick and tired of being overweight and miserable. I wanted a change so bad I could taste it. Though I had tried and failed at many fad diets, I was determined to do this the right way. By eating healthier, physical activity and drinking water. I purchased a treadmill and started walking. That first day I went a little over a mile in 30 minutes. 3 days later I measured, took pictures and weighed. Correction- "attempted to weigh", my scale would weigh up to 325 lbs and it wouldn't weigh me. I was ashamed and embarrassed of how far I had let myself go. Regardless, it fueled my fire to get healthy for me and my family, or die trying. I kept walking 6 days a week and slowly added in running and strength training. 

It has been a long, hard journey.  I've found a strength and determination that I didn't know I possessed. God has been with me every step of the way. To date I have lost 80 lbs and over 100 inches. I can run over 2 miles in 30 minutes and am currently training for my first half marathon! I give God the glory for helping me down this path. I'm getting to where I'm meant to be, as I sure never dreamed I could do what I'm doing! 

You don't need a new year or even a Monday. All you need is desire to change. Start small, believe in yourself, even if you don't one day you will. Just never ever stop trying. Take a close look at your life ask yourself, "Am I living or just not dying?" I chose to live and prosper. I hope you do too. 

♡ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) 

Find me at: 
FB- www.facebook.com/mindoverfatterjourney
IG- @Mind_Over_Fatter 
Twitter- @Mind_OverFatter "

I have had the pleasure of getting to know Amy better over the last couple of months.  She is a woman that continuously inspires and amazes me. She is determined. She is positive. She works hard (and it shows!!!) She is always willing to step out of her comfort zone and try new things, such as a half marathon! She doesn't let the hard get in the way. She is certainly turning into the person she was meant to be, and inspiring so many others along the way.

I hope that after reading Amy's story you are going to start on Monday!

Keep inspiring, 

Emily

If you would like to be a "I'll Start On Monday" feature, please email me at myjourney2thefitlife@gmail.com.  

Is it the size that inspires?

Today I have been seeing a lot of posts on Facebook about the heavy girl at the gym or the heavy girl at the race.  You know the one who by any and all means APPEARS to have no business being there, but goes out and does her thing anyway.  Are they an inspiration or any more inspirational than anyone else going out doing their thing at a race or gym?

When I see someone who is bigger out there doing their thing, I do get inspired by them.  Just like I get inspired by EVERY person at the gym or race, despite their size, age or assumed fitness level.  But mostly… I am proud of that heavy girl (or guy for that matter) at the gym or a race. I am proud that the person had the courage to walk through the door at the gym. I am proud that the person had the courage to sign up for a race. I am proud that the person had the courage to train for a race.  I am proud that the person is both literally and figuratively making efforts to change her life. 

Taking those steps at any age or size is not easy and I applaud ANYONE that makes the effort to do it.  But when I see someone bigger at the gym or at a race, it hits home a little harder. I understand. I have lived it. I have been there. So honestly I can’t help but be inspired, but not because they are working out or running a race.  I am inspired by their bravery, by their courage, by their determination.  I am inspired because they might lack confidence in themselves, because they might be at the gym comparing themselves to others, because they might think that people are judging them, because they might think it’s hard and they might not see the change in their body yet and don’t know if it will ever come. And yet… THEY ARE STILL DOING IT ANYWAY!

So to ANYONE, big, small, young, old, male or female, out there changing your life, challenging yourself and facing your fears, YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION!

Keep inspiring,

Emily 

"I'll Start on Monday": Meet Robin

Today I am honored to share Robin of Outrunning The Rain as the "I'll Start On Monday" feature.  Her story is one of friendship, weight loss, running and inspiration.

Here is Robin's story:

I started getting more in shape, looking at my food choices and start running in January 2013. I didn't just roll out of bed on New Year's Day and decide this was a good time to work on those popular New Year's resolutions... I was in a dark and desperate place by New Year's Day. Before, I had been blissfully unaware and happy in denial... well, probably not really "happy", more like "content to ignore myself". What made me stop ignoring myself? It started on Christmas Eve. I saw this picture taken of me on Christmas Eve 2012 and was shocked.

Completely beside myself with horror and disbelief and denial. How had I gotten so big? Two kids later and two months postpartum from my baby and I'm still in my pregnancy clothes. In fact, I couldn't button my maternity jeans. A friend offered "as a Christmas Present" to pay for my enrollment fee and first two months into Weight Watchers. Depression was setting in and I was feeling hopeless. Why not just go? She seemed to like the program a lot and was on her way to "life time" membership with them. "Okay." I said. Out loud to her. There was no backing out. I had done the "Couch to 5K" training program in October of 2011 and after the initial difficulty of starting to run... I had felt such a great sense of accomplishment and pride when I crossed the finish line of my first race. So, if I'm going to "start a diet" (as my mentality was at the time in Jan. 2013) I might as well start exercising too. Couch to 5K part two, here we go!

I quickly learned that Weight Watchers isn't a "diet",but about managing food choices into a livable and healthy lifestyle. With the support of my dear friend who first took the courageous step to start Weight Watchers herself and then gently confront me about my weight, I would probably be a different person (literally). I think she saved my life. 

I am not a "runner". Well, I wasn't when I started to "run". I'd run for 60 seconds and cry to the point of hiccups for 90 seconds and start the interval over again for 20 minutes, three times a week. Without my other friend continually offering support and offering me tissues when I cried and told her "I'd never be able to run a mile... how could I run 3?" I never would have kept going with the couch to 5k program. 

Because I didn't want to leave her stranded at a park alone in the dark, I'd show up and run with her, rain or shine... I blame her for my growing endurance and my strength and ability getting better.  After starting to run again in January of 2013 and stick with training and keeping my momentum moving forward... I finished my first half marathon in September of 2013

The journey has been a "slow and steady" journey and after 13 months of running and practicing Weight Watchers, I have lost 77 lbs. In that December 2012 picture, I was unable to get up off the floor when playing with my kids or having them sit in my lap. To get up, I'd roll to my knees and crawl to a close by piece of furniture to lift myself up. My knees caps often slid out of place. I couldn't lay on my sides at night because of the pain in my hips. I still suffer from hip bursitis and my knees will ache, but I am definitely a stronger person mentally and physically because of running and healthier because of the food choices I now make. 

You can follow Robin at www.facebook.com/OutrunningTheRain and read her blog at http://outrunningtherain.blogspot.com/. 

The thing that strikes me most about Robin's story is her bravery and persistence.  As she stated she was in dark place, she could have easily turned down the her friend's Christmas present.  She didn't. Now that's bravery! She could have decided that running was too hard and just figure she wasn't meant to be a "runner." She didn't. Robin never gave up.  Now Robin is using all she has gained from changing her life to inspire others! 

So after reading Robin's story... WHO'S GOING TO START ON MONDAY?

Keep inspiring, 

Emily

If you want to be featured on "I'll Start On Monday", please email me at myjourney2thefitlife@gmail.com. 

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"I'll Start On Monday": Meet Kari

I am so honored and excited to present to you the first “I’ll Start On Monday” feature... the positively wonderful and inspiring Kari of A Winning Loser!

Here is Kari's story:

Hi!! My name is Kari. I am a 37 year old wife and mother. I have struggled my entire life with my weight. I lost my first husband when we were both just 29 and I knew I had to make some changes because I was now a single mother. I joined Weight Watchers and was very successful losing about 60 pounds.

BUT, I met my current husband and very quickly gained ALL the weight back plus some. I truly thought that being obese was just my lot in life. That I was always going to be this way and I needed to learn to live with it. There came a day when I realized that I was not really happy and not really living a life. I was merely existing. I knew I was not being the best mom, wife, friend that I could be. There were so many things I wanted to do with my kids, but I was too “fat” to do them: amusement parks, zip lining, canoeing, etc. I reached a point where I truly believe that if I didn’t make a change, I would not survive another year. I knew that this time was for ME, not for anyone else. I rejoined Weight Watchers on November 1, 2012 (weighing my heaviest ever at 402.2 pounds) and have lost 102.6 pounds so far. I would like to lose 247 pounds altogether.

There are really not any words to describe how worth it this decision was for me. I am not even halfway to my goal and I already feel like a different person. 14 months ago I could barely walk from my car to the store without needing a break and now exercise is a part of my everyday routine. I have so much more energy and can participate in more activities with my boys. And even better than the pounds lost, I have learned to love myself. I am not there 100% yet, but I am working on my self-esteem and my self-confidence. I am learning that I am worth these changes. I am worth feeling good. I am worth living up to my potential. Thank you for reading my story. You can follow my journey at www.facebook.com/AWinningLoser and at www.awinningloser.com.

I chose Kari to be our first “I’ll Start On Monday” feature, because of her spirit and positivity.  She could have easily accepted the “lot in life” she thought she was given. She could have just accepted that she would miss out on doing fun things with her kids because of that “lot in life.” She didn’t. She made the decision to take control of her life. She made the decision to live a healthier life for her family, but most importantly for herself. She made the decision to start! And now she has to accept that her lot in life is to inspire lots of people!

So I want to know… WHO IS GOING TO START ON MONDAY?

Keep inspiring,

Emily

If you want to be featured for “I’ll Start On Monday” please email me at myjourney2thefitlife@gmail.com

"I'll start on Monday..." A New Feature!

If you are like me, the weekends are tough. I lose my routine. I lose my structure. I lose my focus. My nutrition often suffers.  "I'll start on Monday" has come out of my mouth more than once. How many times has the weekend hit and you say "I'll start on Monday."? When Monday comes, do you start? Many don't... but some do.

  

Starting next Sunday and every Sunday after it, I will be featuring a person that took the leap and started.  I want to know what was your "a-ha" moment that finally made you start on your journey towards changing your life.  We all have a reason, whether it is family, sickness or just sick and tired of being sick tired. It doesn't matter what it is. I want to share your reason on my Facebook page, My Journey 2 The Fit Life, and my blog, in hopes that it will encourage someone to find their reason and... start on Monday. 

Any one can participate! It isn't limited to someone with a Facebook page or blog or that is or has been on a weight loss journey. It might be the reason that made you start to run or lift weights or participate in triathlons or compete in a figure competition. I am sure you get the idea. Also please note, you don't have to have to be at the end of your journey. It can be a goal you are currently working towards. 

What I need from anyone that participates:

-  I want to know your "why". What made you want to start, whatever it is you are doing. This can be as short or long as you wish, but please give a little background information.  

-  What has made taking that first step worth it?

-  Please send me a picture(s) of you doing whatever activity. 

-  You can message me on Facebook or email me at myjourney2thefitlife@gmail.com

I hope you take this opportunity to share your "why". You never know who you might encourage to start on Monday. You might even become someone else's "why". 

Let's continue to inspire and motivate together!

Emily