Leading up to the decision, I recognized that I wasn't myself. I couldn't put my finger on how exactly, but I knew I was in a funk. Being at home all day with the girls, I recognized that I lacked control over food. I knew I needed to eat less, but I found myself in the kitchen too often. I knew I was out of shape, but it seemed impossible to add exercise into my schedule. I love my sleep, LOVE my sleep, and although I knew that it would be good for me and that it might give me more energy, I lacked the motivation to get up early to exercise. When Jared was still in school, it truly was tough to imagine adding anything in. Jared needed all the hours he could get for his studying, classes, and research. I had in mind that it would be easier once he graduated and we got to Arkansas, but I still struggled.
I questioned whether I had, "lost my identity." And I felt stupid doing so. But I knew that I had previously been a happy person, and I just didn't feel like that happy person anymore. I didn't want to blame it on marriage and having kids, because I truly feel that my husband and kids are my greatest blessings in life. But life was different after getting married and having kids.
We went to Oklahoma one weekend, and we met up with my sister at our nieces' soccer practice. My sister had been planning on running around the field during the practice and was dressed to do so. When leaving the fields, Jared commented on how my sister and his sister would probably get along. I agreed, but I wondered why he made the comment. He stated that, "They both like to be active and..." I don't remember exactly what the end of the sentence was, but it hit me. He wasn't trying to compare them to me, but I could help but think, "I used to be active and like to be active." And it's true. Playing soccer, hiking, and just about anything outdoors was up my alley. And I had lost that. It hurt that I wasn't that way anymore. It wasn't that I didn't like doing things anymore, but circumstances had kept me from doing them, some of which may have been psychological at times, and I had gotten really out of shape.
I talked to my sister and brother-in-law about wondering whether I had lost my identity and how I felt when Jared mentioned that our sisters liked being active. From that talk, I decided that I needed to commit to changing. Being active is something that I knew I could regain.
We drove back Sunday, and I set my alarm for 6:01 Monday morning. My goal was to run for half an hour. I had gone running a few times in Stillwater, but never got into a set schedule. I mentally picked out a route that I thought would take approximately 30 minutes to run. I didn't know the distance, but it seemed about right. I forgot, however, to consider the hills involved. So I ended up walking a little and taking more than 30 minutes. But I did it! And I continued for day (Mon-Sat) for the next few weeks.
During that time, I started to notice myself getting stronger and my pace getting faster. It felt great. I also noticed a friend on Facebook who had lost a lot of weight doing a Beachbody program (Insanity). Another friend had also lost a lot of weight with several of their programs. It intrigued me. So I started looking at what they had.
I ultimately chose ChaLEAN Extreme. The name intimidated me a little, but my friend included it in her recommendations and told me that the "extreme" was more about the extreme change that happens in your body. I watched the infomercial for it and a few others, and it seemed like the right choice for me. I knew that I wanted to do Insanity and maybe P90X at some point in the future, but I was afraid that those would be too intense and that I might get discouraged. Looking back, I know that that is not my personality. When I start something, I finish, but I wasn't feeling like myself at that time. So I ordered ChaLean Extreme.
I also decided to get a "challenge pack," which included a 30-day supply of Shakeology and allowed me to waive the fee to sign up as a Beachbody "coach." I was extremely, EXTREMELY skeptical of Shakeology. I had seen friends post about it on Facebook for years, but it never interested me. Though I wasn't the best at practicing it, I was a believer in just eating right. Who needs a shake? But since there was this option for a challenge pack, I researched it a little more. Besides all the incredible ways that it had helped people, I learned that it is more than a protein shake. It has so much nutrition in it. So I decided to give it a try. And, I became a regular Shakeology drinker. Within the first two weeks, I felt like I had regained control over food. I was not being "called" into the kitchen by food. I even made cookies for a church event, and I didn't have any of them for a few days. And when I did have one, it was because I wanted one and not because they were there calling my name. I wouldn't call it a miracle, but I do believe that my body was receiving nutrients it needed from the Shakeology, which kept me from craving anything and everything. Even as I approached my weight-loss goal, I continued drinking it because of the nutrition it provides. I'd have it as one meal/snack and then eat other healthy, regular food for the rest of the day.
As I mentioned above, I began Chalean Extreme and Shakeology on October 1st and ended on Christmas Day. During that time I had Halloween, Thanksgiving, my birthday, and Christmas. There was plenty of food around. I won't say that I didn't have any sweets, but I had the greatest control I've had in years during the end of the year, and I lost 15 pounds, 5" off the waist, 2.5" off the hips, 17" total lost from all areas measured, and 7% body fat. That's not too shabby. And it wasn't just about the weight loss. I regained my happy personality and confidence back. Though still far from perfect, I could see a difference in my mothering. Seeing how I was able to influence and motivate others was inspiring (and humbling), too.
Here are some before and after pictures from my Chalean Extreme Program. I didn't necessarily think that I would show my pictures to the whole world, but as my journey became more public on Facebook, and as so many were cheering me on, I decided to share my pictures. Perhaps my pictures could help someone else in their situation.
Before After
Day 1 Day 30 Day 60 Day 90
I mentioned that buying the challenge pack allowed me to get the coach registration fee waived. I want to mention why I decided to sign up as a coach. A big reason is the discount on Shakeology. It is the cheapest way to get it. But I also figured that if I signed up as a coach, it would add another level of motivation for myself. As I mentioned above, I had a fear of failing. Those were probably the two biggest reasons. My coach makes 3 figures a year, and so I knew there was the possibility of making money doing it, but that wasn't the big drive for me. However, after seeing progress with the program and Shakeology, it has been cool being able to help others in their desire to get healthy. And I guess that is how I truly see it now. It is an opportunity to support someone else on their journey. Beachbody programs may not be for everyone, but it's been incredible cheering others on as they work toward their goals.
After I finished the 90 days, I began a hybrid schedule with Chalean Extreme and Turbo Fire, which is an intense cardio program from the same trainer, Chalene Johnson. I kept up with that and lost another 10 pounds (and more inches, though I'm not sure how much) until I got pregnant and started getting sick and being completely exhausted.
I have zero regrets regarding my journey. It was all worth it. With the waking up early and working hard came physical, mental, and emotional benefits. Also, it was fun having the girls work out with me and talking about working out. I want them to recognize the importance of being healthy and the role that exercise plays in that.
I'm glad you found something you liked and that it helped you feel more like you! Good job!! :)
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