Natasha's Journey To Fit Chick

This was me, I was 177 pounds, sometimes when I look at this picture I can't believe it's really me! I was unhealthy and unhappy. I have a personal trainer for a mom, ironically enough, but never took advantage of that. She would constantly tell me that I needed to get in shape for my health, but it wasn't until I got a weight loss blog that I kicked it in gear. My blog helped me stay accountable and motivated. At first, I worked on an elliptical machine for 30 minutes to an hour a day, stopped drinking soda, started eating less and healthier, etc. Eventually I worked up to doing aerobics classes with my mom and when I was around 150 pounds, I did Insanity for the first time. That kicked my ass and helped me lose around 20 more pounds! I lost 5 more pounds after that, and I'm still going! I'm doing Insanity for the second time now, and then I plan on moving onto Insanity: The Asylum. My full meal plan and workout plan can be found here: http://imgonnamakeachange.tumblr.com/myplan

me now at 122 pounds

I am now 122 pounds. My life has completely changed. Another thing that came out of my blog was meeting a man who I am now living with. We were 1300 miles apart and were a long distance relationship until I moved across the country for him. I am living my dream life now. If I hadn't lost weight and done such an incredible thing, I wouldn't have had the guts to move out by myself and to a brand new place. While I still don't have perfect self confidence, I love my body more than I ever have.

I became a Beachbody Coach to help people and motivate them more. I swear by Insanity and I wanted to share that with people! My life is helping people. I'm a Beachbody Coach, an avid health blogger, a nanny, and a Culinary Arts student. I love making people happy - whether it be by helping them get in shape or making them some deliciously healthy food!

The biggest piece of advice I can give is DON'T GIVE UP. It takes a while, but you didn't put on all the weight in a few days and you won't lose it in a few days. It is a lifestyle change, not a diet!

 Contact Natasha for help on your journey:
http://beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/xxmoonwalker
http://beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/xxmoonwalker

Follow her blog for more inspiration:http://imgonnamakeachange.tumblr.com/

Bernadette's Journey to Fit Chick

I was a size 14 at 208 lbs

Last Father's Day - I looked like the picture on the left. I was a size 14, 208 lbs, newlywed, and not happy with myself. This is the picture that told me I needed to get up and do something. I was too young to live such a sedentary, boring life. I started the very next day by myself by making changes in my activity level and food. I just cut my food waaaaaay down, drank more water, cut out soda and started moving around. I started to hike and walk/run (more walk) for 2 miles a day. That lasted about a month then I joined a gym.

At the gym, I found out that with my own efforts, I lost a total of 17 pounds. I was 191 lbs but at 38% body fat! The nutritionist put me on a balanced meal plan that helped my eating but I was put with a trainer who was focused on building muscle first then thinning out. I lost weight in the first month - 186 lbs- but I gained ALOT of muscle (muscle memory- I used to be a dancer) and I felt heavy and looked the exact same- no inches lost, same tight pants. I was miserable. However, I also got pregnant in July, and that probably contributed to the non-weightloss.

I took vacation in August and with my husband deploying in September, I worked out but didn't make much progress. I also had to stop because I miscarried and had to take it easy October. I was put with a different trainer who had me on the same meal plan and I started to see results but not as fast. I lost 6 pounds sluggishly and body fat measured at 28%.

When my husband came home for R&R in December, he noticed a change but I still felt fat. During this time, we got pregnant again and I miscarried end of January. I wasn't allowed to go back until Dr. ok'd me to work out again and I thought it would be a couple of weeks, so no biggie. However, 2 weeks after miscarriage, I had a cold and it hurt when I inhaled. I never go to Dr. unless I NEED to and I felt like I needed to go to emergency room. There I was checked, poked, proded, x-ray'd, CT Scanned and they found a pulmonary embolism as a result of miscarriage. I was hospitalized for about a day, however, I wasn't allowed to workout until late March after blood was stabilized in therapeutic region and all blood work was done.

This is where I kicked it into high gear. I weighed 189 (AGAIN) and I was put with Tony. The first week I dropped 6 pounds and he told me to give him 3 months and we will get what I wanted. I also joined a Beachbody challenge for 90 days for extra cardio using Turbofire. He fixed my eating - and it was a struggle. I eat only 1348 calories and have to eat the "right" foods.

Since April 1, I work out 5 days a week- resistance and functional training with at least 45 mins cardio (stairmaster or treadmill). In addition, I workout to Turbofire in the morning to kickstart my day.

me today at 161 lbs

My weight and measurements on April 1 were 183 lbs (42-37-44). Today they are 161 lbs (37.5-31-39.5). I'm not done yet, but I am close. My goal was to weigh 140 lbs...but right now at 161, it feels good. I love my curves and my muscle tone. I wish I could banish my tummy, but that'll go away.....eventually. I may not reach the 140lbs because I am loving the way I look. My body fat is at 24% and I am ok with that. I look healthy and fit now but most of all, I look happy and I feel great!

I can't wait for my husband to come back from deployment. I live for the moment he sees me again and "that look."

Miriams Journey to Fit Chick

Four years ago, I had resigned myself to the fact that I was older, closing in on my 40s, with two kids and that because of all these facts I would never have the body I had in my 20s and I would of course never be able to wear a bikini again.

Thank goodness I proved myself wrong!  It happened by chance that a trainer came up to me one day at the gym and asked me if I was interested in trying out a couple of free sessions and who turns down a free session?  hahaha!  Well, I got hooked from that point on to working out with weights.  I remember before I thought to myself that's not for women.  I don't want to be bulky.  I don't want to build big huge man muscles.  hahahaha! Little did I know my body needed it.  4 years later, I'm 42 years old and I'm not only wearing bikinis, I'm competing in bikini competitions! :-)

Life is great! I don't hide my tummy anymore and it feels great to be strong, healthy and physically fit.  I highly recommend for women to try to add weight training into their workout routine.  If you feel insecure and overwhelmed by the many choices of machines and weights at a gym, hire a personal trainer.  It will be money well spent.  You will learn from them and eventually you could go on to training yourself without the assistance of a personal trainer.  I train by myself nowadays.  I love going to the gym and doing my workouts and seeing the results.

Of course, it's not all exercise that will get your body in shape, diet goes hand in hand with exercise.  As a matter of fact, I had to make huge changes in my diet in order to see results.  I've been eating a clean diet for 3 years and most everything I eat is non-processed whole foods.  Diet is extremely important.  Make sure you are good to yourself and follow a healthy clean diet.

 I hope some find my story motivating, especially those in their 40s or those that think that they can't get the body they want after having kids, etc.  It can be done, with a lot of hard work and determination, you can get there. Good luck to all the moms out there.  If you really want something, you will find a way !  Believe in yourself and do it! 

-Miriam-

Miriam is such an inspiration! If you have an inspirational story you'd like to share, or if you are interested in a fitness regimen please contact me at fitchicks01@gmail.com. 


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Amanda Dawley's Journey to Fit Chick



January 2011 I weighed 304 lbs. (My Highest Recorded Weight)



"There is no price  I could ever put on regaining my life back."

my name is Amanda, I am 26 years old. From 2004 to 2011 I put on approximately 144 lbs. I have two kids and a loving husband that I felt I was letting down daily due to my size and restrictions that it created. I couldn't fit on roller coasters or rides and sitting at booths were becoming impossible. After a series of events in my life such as the ones noted above I decided I need to regain my life/freedom back.

This world wasn't really created for overweight people. So from January 2011 to September 2011, I started dieting, and signing myself up for 5ks. Slowly finishing them at 45 minutes BUT FINISHING them!

In September of 2011 I was given a tool that would help me achieve my goals of becoming healthy! (RNY Gastric Bypass) The day of surgery I was 277 lbs. The surgery gave me portion control. I had to start making changes in my life as to how I would get 80 grams of protein a day. This has been a lifestyle change that I have transferred to my family as well. I don’t cook separate things for myself and feed them something different. We have a lean meat, fresh veggies from the garden or farmers market, and a whole grain carb. (Which most times I just stick to the protein and the veggies) I knew once I lost the weight I needed to form habits that “healthy” people have.

 Exercise was the #1 thing. The gym was very overwhelming to me, considering I had never been introduced to half of the equipment that was housed in that building. All I knew was the treadmill and elliptical, and after about 15 minutes I was bored of both. I knew I had to find something I enjoyed and was passionate about. Well I have found it! GROUP Classes! I started going to Habitat Fit which is a Group Boot Camp style fitness place. I loved it there and felt so sore after working out that there was no question if I got anything out of my workout. That then made me want to see what other group fitness would be of interest. I went to my local gym and tried a spin class and LOVED IT! I have lost a total of 122lbs and have 20 lbs to my goal weight that would put me in a healthy BMI.

These 20 lbs have been a fight! My attack is doing boot camp on Monday and spinning on Tuesday and Thursdays. I have tried a class called “Body Combat” which is a mixture of boxing/karate moves that was interesting and something different. I am living the dream of being fit and healthy. Every day that I wake up sore from the previous day’s workout just reminds me that I am pushing my body to the limit and I don’t ever want to lose that feeling! There is no price I could ever put on regaining my life back!

*Are you a fit chick?  Or are you on a journey to becoming one? Share you story! Email me @Fitchicks01@gmail.com! I'd love to hear from you!*

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Danielle H's Journey to Fit Chick

  Meet Danielle Harvey! I love her positive attitude and her spiritual strength. Check out our Q & A!

What was the deciding factor in your decision to get fit?

 Honestly, when I got on a scale and it read that I was over 200lbs. I had never been this heavy before in my life. I also began to have health problems, such as frequent acid reflux, sleeplessness, and fatigue.

What did you do to loose the weight?

My chiropractor introduced me to a program called Loving Works  out of Ann Arbor, MI, that his colleague and his wife had tried. I went to a seminar that he was having at his office, and I knew that it was a perfect fit for me. The testimonials were unbelievable, so I knew it couldn't hurt for me to try, so I did.

How much weight have you lost?

From October 2010-March 2011 I have released about 45 lbs...I have lost a little more than 10 inches from my overall body as well.

Have you had any difficulties on your journey to get fit? If so what were they?

 Getting past my self image has been one of the most difficult things to overcome in my weight loss journey, because even as I dropped dress sizes, I still saw the same overweight person in the mirror. Another challenge was not over indulging in my crave foods, but learning to moderate their intake, and offsetting them with healthier alternatives.

What's your diet like? Does being a Seven day Adventist contribute?

I transitioned for the Loving Works program in March 2011, and since then, I make sure that I eat 5-6 small meals per day, and if I crave something, I eat it, but in a smaller portions. I stay away from fast food because all of the additives in it are designed for you to gain weight. Being a Seventh-Day Christian has helped me greatly in this journey because the health message encourages the consumption of clean foods such as chicken or fish and the avoidance of alcohol, and unclean foods like pork, shrimp, etc. It also encourages regular daily exercise, so I work out for approximately 90 minutes, 4 days a week.

What kind of advice do you have for the fit chicks?

 My advice to my beautiful fit chicks is to first know your worth. You are created in God's image, so you should treat our body with the love and respect it deserves. Also, avoid fad diets...and understand that you are not just making a choice to lose weight, but to live a healthier lifestyle. On your journey, you may fall off your path, don't dwell on it! Get right back on track and move forward to your goal. Lastly, a healthy body begins with a healthy mind. Read your Bible daily, pray, and only do activities that will glorify God.

Thank you Danielle for being so strong! I love your attitude, and your love of GOD. You are an inspiration, and now a "FIT CHICK"





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Bobbie C's Journey to Fit Chick

Bobbie Corliss is one my favorite fit chicks! She's so inspirational and a fighter! She's humble too, that's what I love the most about her. she's so great, and doesn't even realize how great she truly is! Just look at the pic! I did a little Q & A Session with her check her phenomenal journey:

What was the deciding factor or the reason you got fit?

"I decided to do something about my weight because I was tired of being unhappy. I was taking several medications for depression and anxiety and I just had enough."


What's your diet like? " It has been a very slow process, I don't follow any particular diet. I just eat what I enjoy but I have learned to enjoy everything in moderation. I love my measuring cups and food scale. I do have go to foods that I eat almost everyday, light whole wheat toast with peanut butter and banana slices forbreakfast. I am a creature of habit."

How often do you exercise?

"I try to exercise 5-6 times a week for at least a hour. My go to exercise is running. I love running!!! Since I started running I am no longer on antidepressants or any other medication. My runs are my time just me and my thoughts, running gives me time to clear my head and destress."

How many 5 k's (marathon's) have you completed?

"I have completed 17 5Ks, 7 this year alone. I have also completed a 8K, 2 10Ks, and a 10-miler already this year. I am registered for 4 more 5Ks and a half-marathon for this year."

How do you deal with any disappoinments during your journey to wellness?

"Life is all about set backs and my weightloss hasn't been any different. I have lost motivation and gained weight back several times over the past few years. But it wasn't until I decided to just let it happen on its own that it has really happened for me. I am just happy being active and the up side to it all is that the weight is coming off. While the process is slow it has been an opportunity for me to grow. I am now happy with who I am and what I have accomplished."

Do you have any advice for the fit chicks?

" If I had to give one piece of advice, it would be find something that you enjoy. Don't think of exercise as some form of torture because when you find something you love to do it makes the whole process a lot easier. Whether its Zumba, runner, walking, whatever it is if you enjoy it you will look forward to doing it and even make time to do it...NO EXCUSES!!!"

Theresa's Journey to Fit Chick



My journey began at 185-190 lbs.  I had gained weight with my first pregnancy, and didn't get it all off before I got pregnant with my second child.  A year after having my 2nd I was heavier then I ever had been.  Growing up I always struggled with weight, but I never really considered exercise "fun" and I thought starving myself was the only way to lose weight. 

When I hit my highest weight I was so disgusted with myself, so I went back to Weight Watchers for like the 5th time, It helped for a bit, but what really got me going was rekindling my love for running. I started entering 5k's and then a 6 mile run and then finally I did a Sprint Triathlon, in Sept of 2011. I was also going to the gym 5 days a week doing 1 hour long group classes.  At this point I had managed to lose 20 pounds and around the same time someone introduced me to Myfitnesspal.com, so I joined and started tracking my calories instead of "points".  I stalled out for a few months, and didn't see any loss or gains.  Then I found my true love- Interval Training!!  I came across Bodyrock.tv on someones pinterest board and checked it out, and I was hooked!  At first I couldn't believe that only a 15 min workout a day could really help me achieve my goals, so I was doing the body rock workouts along with my hour long classes at the gym.  I didn't really start to see results again until I dropped my gym classes and and only did interval training 5 days a week. 

Just recently I added in Weight training sessions two times a week; per the advice of the lovely Fit Chicks community.  Now I Rotate between Fit Chicks workouts, Zuzanas ZWOW's, Git fit naturally, bodyrock, and basically anything else that looks challenging to me!  

Currently I am 146 LBs and i'm wearing a size 8 in jeans :)).  I am 11 lbs away from my goal.  I never thought i'd be able to say that!

My before picture was around 15 months ago, and my after was about a week ago (modeling my size S t-shirt, which i don't think i ever been able to put on a size small)

So that's my story, its been a long journey but I have learned so much a long the way; not only that my food choices is more then half the battle but that I can accomplish anything I put my mind to because I am a strong beautiful woman and I am Worth It!

*To check out more about Fit Chick Workouts Click (here).*

 

Amandalee's Journey to Fit Chick

"I do believe that when we face challenges in life that are far beyond our own power, it's an opportunity to build on our faith, inner strength, and courage. I've learned that how we face challenges plays a big role in the outcome of them."


Back in high school, I used to weigh 70-80kgs (150-160lbs). ! I was teased a bit but I still kept being myself and talking to everyone, tried not to let it get me down. I had depression after high school and my weight went up and up. Getting over 110kgs(200lbs)... but I decided I needed to change my outside self, and maybe giving my inner self some more confidence. So I started to eat better, hit the gym, I wanted to be FIT not be skinny . Started slowly doing only 20mins a day until I built up enough fitness to go for 1-2hours a day.. Losing 40kgs(88lbs) over 6months, keeping it off for a bit for 3years, until I gained 10kgs(20lbs) back last year, Now I'm training back again doing Shaun T's insanity workout -taking my goals to that next step - Losing the weight kind of gave me a way of helping others, some come to me for advice or the good ole "how did you do it" speech, I'm grateful to help people, in motivation, to guide, and the challenge in reaching their goals. I know how hard it is to keep going when you feel like giving up, stepping over that hill can seem so hard, but with a little gentle push and support we can do it. No matter how hard something is, if you look with in your own self and believe in yourself you can do anything. Might not be today, might not be tomorrow, but you WILL get there.

Only YOU can change your life, you'll have support along the way, but YOU are the one that needs to take on your life and change it for yourself because it will be rewarding in many ways.

Seeing my ID photo from in high school to now, is something I was proud of.

*interested in trying what Amandalee did to achieve her fitness goals?  Try insanity today! Click the link below!
 http://beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/fitchics

Kim's Journey To Fit Chick

I gained 100 pounds in 1991-1992 after losing weight on a starvation diet and then going through a divorce. It's taken me about 20 years, but I've lost nearly 90 of those pounds. I lost most of my weight through Weight Watchers, and mostly in the last seven years. I'm currently three pounds from my goal of 125.

The deciding factor for losing weight wasn't one single thing. It happened in stops and starts. One time it was my doctor telling me I needed to lose weight, which was a big jolt! Another time it was being in a new relationship; love can do wonderful things for your motivation.

I've run two half-marathons in the past four years, and I had never run before in my life. That was a big achievement, although I still don't actually like running that much. As for strength training, I'veworked my way through Lou Schuler's "The New Rules of Lifting for Women" program twice, and I loved it both times. I just recently started Cindy Whitmarsh's "Ultrafit" program, which is kicking my butt some days -- the jump rope workout is killing my calves! When I lift, I lift heavy weights. I love it when I'm the only woman in the weight room, surrounded by a bunch of young guys. I especially love it when I lift heavier weights than they do.

To anyone who's just starting their weight loss journey, I would recommend Weight Watchers, for sure. I also would recommend reading books that explain low-carb dieting. That's an area I've just started learning about, and it's intriguing. Whatever type of diet you choose, make sure it's one you can live with for life, because "dieting" is ridiculous. You may have to change everything about the way you eat and the way you view food. Also, be patient; losing weight might take a while.
You've heard that saying "Nothing tastes as good as being thin feels" and I can say with certainty that that's true. Funny thing is, the thinner I've become, the less interested I've been in eating those goodies I used to love so much. I no longer eat sugar or wheat products, which may be too radical a change for some people, but that's what I needed to do to reach my optimal health.

It has a taken a long time, but I'm really proud of myself. I never gave up, and I always said, "If I can get this weight off, it'll be the biggest achievement of my life." No doubt it has been.

Life is seriously good these days!



*The before picture was me at about 215 pounds in 1992. The after picture is me with my husband a few weeks ago (in Kauai).

Adrienne's Journey

I'm really inspired by Adrienne, she is an exceptional woman.She is  strong, fearless, positive, and humble!

 Her journey and message is powerful! ;) Check out our Q & A session!

When did you start your weight loss journey?

"The first part of my weight loss journey began in 2008. I was at my highest - 270lbs. My husband of 20 years walked out of our marriage. The second part of the journey started in January 2010 at 240lbs Unfortunately I had yo-yo dieted for many years, but the longing to be fit and healthy never left me."

What inspired you to loose weight?

"Finding myself single at 43 years old and realizing that I had lost myself / stopped taking care of myself. I changed my diet, got a trainer and lost 30lbs. Then life and the pain of divorce distracted me; almost to the point of derailing me from God's plan for my life."


 What type of fitness regimen did you do?

"Lots of cardio 3-4 times per week, with strength training 1-2 days. To keep things from getting boring I vary my cardio: jogging, Turbo Fire, hip hop dance class and hiking on the weekend with family. For strength training I had the trainer at the gym come up with a beginners program with emphasis on upper body training - to get my arms in shape. My newest fitness challenge - (50) push ups and (50) squats every night before bed from now until the end of the year. I've also recently joined a running club. The point: I'm always looking for ways to take my workouts to new levels."

How long did it take you to loose the weight?

"My weight loss goal was to come out from the terrible 2's - 200's that is. I reached that goal in August 2010 - 8 months after starting over. I surpassed that goal in June 2011 when I weighed in at 154lbs."

What differences have you noticed since you've lost weight, how has it effected you?

"Since losing the weight I noticed that I'm more confident. I've always been a girlie kinda girl, but I wasn't always confident. Now, I'm confident yet humble and grateful for the strength and grace God gave me to face my fears head on, and conqueror habits that kept me unhealthy and overweight for a good portion of my life. My relationship with food has changed. Eating isn't something I resort to when sad, happy, frustrated, lonely, etc. I no longer "live to eat", instead I eat to live .... I make choice that will lead to health and wholeness and not just a temporary 'feel good".  I'm more aware of the ingredients of everything I eat. I embrace a clean, no white, low carb lifestyle."

Did you have any difficulties on your journey to wellness? If so how did you overcome it?

"Difficulties?!? Oh yes. All of them in my mind. In my opinion, overcoming the wrong, unhealthy habits that cause most to be overweight is 10% diet and 90% mental determination, focus, fortitude and perserverance. At times I was my worse enemy by being too hard on myself or by setting unrealistic expectations. I am a Christian, and every time I found myself faced with doubt or discouragement, I prayed. The more I prayed and was transparent with God, the more He showed me that many of the obstacles were self inflected. Beating myself up. Not loving myself. Not forgiving myself. When I stopped these things, the difficulties - the struggles - lessened in intensity.

On occassion there were well meaning friends who'd say "girl you don't need to lose any more weight". I never saw them as a "difficulty" because I understood that unhappy people could never be happy for or celebrate my success. I prayed for them and kept it moving."

Is there any advice you'd like to give to someone who wants to loose weight?

"My advice to anyone wanting to lose weight.

 One: Want it for the right reason. If a person is losing weight for acceptance or approval they will not have life long success because they are doing it with someone else as the focus. You've got to do it for yourself - period.

Two: Find a program that works for you. Fitness/dieting isn't "one size fit all".

Three: Don't compare yourself to anyone. You are uniquely you.

Four: Decide that you are going to finish strong - no matter what. Make a committment to see it through to the end.

Five: Surround yourself with people who will cheer you on until you cross the finish line. Haters/frenemies will come out of the wood work as you begin to lose weight. Be open to/accept the fact that you may have let go of relationships that prove to be unhealthy.

Six: Love yourself enough to make whatever investments necessary (ie, books on fitness, gym membership, etc.) to reach your goal.

Seven: Believe in yourself!"

Elle's Journey to Fit Chick

Meet Elle'! I first ran across her on youtube, she is one my favorite hair guru's. Her down to earth personality, and simple approach to hair care keep me coming back for more. Now I've been inspired( once again) through her weight loss journey, She lost 45 lbs!! She is a mother, business woman, a motivator, and now a FIT CHICK!  Check out her story, in her own words.

My deciding factor for my weight loss was the snap shots I took in December, 2010 (the before picture).  Looking back ,I did not recognize the person in the photo. That was the kick start to my journey.
 

I eat a  clean diet, which is NO processed foods. I frequents the gym 5 times a week, and lift weights working different muscle groups during the week. I've had set back's along the way-- you're always going to hit a wall or two, the best thing to do is to step back and Re-evaluate the situation. 9 times outta ten it's something small.

This journey has changed the way I looks at food, and my confidence. Before I lived to eat and now I eat to live !!! I no longer crave Taco Bell, or other fast foods. I rather cook a healthy version of a taco salad where I have control of the ingredients and I know exactly what I'm putting into my body.As for confidence I feel better, lighter on my toes,and shopping is more enjoyable.


I have a great support system my family, and all her loyal fan's from youtube and facebook. All the My advice to the FIT CHICKS: "Do it for you" I failed so many diets through the years, but back then it was not for me . It was for worldly things, like a class reunion , a concert, a two small dress, the holidays, etc. But once I went on a journey for inner peace and a healthier lifestyle I truly succeeded and broke down those barriers that keep me Fat !