What is your secret?

So I know I have been slacking on my blogging lately and was reminded recently by Miss Sarah O to get on writing a new post!  So here it goes:

"What's your secret?" This seems to be the most commonly asked question lately. How exactly did I manage to lose 54 pounds? Well my answer is...I have no secret! I can only tell you what I've done and what has seemed to work for me to get me where I'm at today.  Before we get started lets take a little visual journey at what an extra 54 pounds looked like on me:

Me in the Summer of 2010

25 Lbs away from my goal May 2012

Before I get started I wanted to state that if I did have to say there was a "secret" it would be that for the first time in my life I was finally ready and motivated to lose the weight and to become a healthier person! There have been countless failed "diets" and gym memberships that went unused and so called new years resolutions that never happened. So I encourage you to take the time to do a little self reflection, soul searching, meditation...whatever you want to call it and figure out how you got to the weight/current health you are in and why you want to become a more healthier you. I hit my health rock bottom in the summer of 2010 when I looked thru some photos on my computer and realized what I really looked like! I was appalled when I started looking back at photos from a few years ago and saw how much larger I had become. Apparently I was just ignoring mirrors and cropping photos!

I'm not trying to profess that I'm the poster child of health or fitness...especially right now, but I've been through my struggles and hardships and I've overcome them. It's been one heck of a journey up the mountain but the point is I'm doing the work to climb my way up and I'm excited to reach the top and yell..."Hellz yeah I did it!"

I won't lie, I am currently a member at an amazing and very large gym, Lifetime Fitness, where I have all I need at my grasp in order to be successful in my journey. I am currently enrolled in some nutrition sessions to better understand how to make my diet more suitable for weight loss and optimal health. (Note that I do have food allergies and struggle with meal choices due to my severe allergies!) I have also worked in the past with personal trainers. But this was not always the case. I didn't used to have the financial means or large gym facilities or support system (knowledgeable Nutritionist, awesome Trainers, and inspiring Yoga Instructors) that I now have access to.

I started off at a small local gym that was $30/month when I lived in FL. A lot of people will say, "well, I can't afford a gym membership,"...believe me you probably can...look at your bank account withdrawls...did you really need some of the stuff you purchased? Are some of those things contributing to the reasons you are unhealthy? MAKE A CHANGE!

Before I ever stepped into a yoga class I had been doing "Bob Harpers The Biggest Loser Weight Loss Yoga" DVD. Taking long walks on the beach (I lived in FL at the time). And swimming laps in my community pool. Along with those first few things the weight started to come off. I also cut out all alcohol, fried foods, and soda for a solid 3 months.  I started to see the changes in my body and how I felt.

I have some favorite things that have also helped me through my journey thus far and wanted to share them:
1) Nike + Sneakers & Nike + GPS app for iPod/iPhone...This has been a fun tool that helps me track my walk/jog/runs, Tracks distance and pace and I can jam to my favorite music at the same time.  I also love the website where I can see my overall miles tracked and set goals, run with a group of friends and get other Nike + swag!
2) SuggBuds Ear Buds These are the best ear buds I've ever used during a workout, most others just don't seem to stay in place once your working up a good sweat.
3) Vitalsox Compression socks...These socks are amazing! I have old sports injuries to my ankle and since I've been wearing them to run, I don't have pain in my ankle or calves and recovery from long runs is much better (per my brother; he wears them to run half marathons)
4) Good music! I am constantly rotating my workout playlist to keep me motivated. Ask you friends what they listen to or search workout play lists online...My suggestions for iPod/iPhone FREE apps are FIT Radio and Pandora Radio.
5) My most recent loves are my New Balance Minimus Zero Running shoes and my LuLuLemon No Limits Tank.  I am new to minimalist running shoes and suggest you get fitted for a proper running shoe that is right for you.  And yes I know LuluLemon isn't exactly a cheap store to purchase workout gear from but I'm so in love with this tank...It is comfy to run in or do yoga and the color is amazing in person and I actually just feel happier while wearing it : )

I gave some advise to a friend recently...I told her that she needs to figure out what works for her!  Everyone is different in the way their bodies function and react to foods and exercise.  Some people need to completely cut out certain foods during a weight loss time and others can get away with eating them in moderation.  As far a working out goes, find something that is a fun activity or sport and helps you to burn calories at the same time...I fell in love with yoga of all kinds from the first few classes I ever took...some people love Zumba classes or cycleing...I could care less about either and have no desire to try them!  But in an alternative I would go dancing with friends or ride a bicycle on the W&OD trail any day...To each their own!  Have fun with your exercises and set realistic goals!