You can read all of my Weight Loss Posts RIGHT HERE.
I’ve been really struggling with how to start this post. How do you tell thousands of readers and friends that you have been having a hard time? How do you tell them that you have struggled. That you haven’t lived up to your potential. That you have fallen? That over the last 5 months you haven’t done everything that you preached for the last year? That over that time you have gained back a bunch of weight. That you are sad. That you have made a mistake. That you want to fix it…. again…
Yep. Here I am. Again. Remember when I said that my weight loss would be an ongoing battle? That this is something that I will be dealing with the rest of my life? That it really is a struggle for me?
Well, all those things are 100% true. After the high of hitting 100 pounds, doing some fun TV spots, and just having some fun celebrations I let myself get lazy. I gained about 10 pounds back over the first few months. It really didn’t bother me. In fact, I kind of expected it. With such a huge weight loss in a short amount of time {I didn’t realize it was a short time – because it didn’t feel that way at the time – but it really was}, I was bound to gain a little weight when I started eating a little more “normally.”
Then the holidays hit!! Oy! You guys! They KILLED me. First I have to say this. I love this blog. I love my readers. I LOVE helping you all find great deals and save money. I love learning new things every day. I love meeting you in the store. I love reading your comments on Facebook. BUT! The holidays were hard. Jill and I worked a TON! There were days I was lucky to get 3 hours of sleep. I spent ZERO time on myself. I completely let myself go. I ate everything. I didn’t exercise AT ALL! And I gained another 17 pounds in 2 months! Holy *****!! It has been awful, to be completely honest. And scary! Going to my closet and not having anything that I feel good wearing. NOT OK! Not having the energy to do things I want to do. NOT GOOD! Frankly, if I’m honest. I’ve been really down on myself. I’ve been frustrated that I’ve slipped like this.
So, here I am….again… Ready to start a new. Ready to get up and go. And I’m done talking crap about myself. I’m done thinking bad things about myself. I’m done getting down on myself. Yep, I slipped up. Yep, I’m not perfect {shocker!}. Ha! But, you know what. I can do this. This will continue to be a life long battle for me. And every time I stumble I learn something new.
I haven’t failed. I’m not giving up. This is a bump in my road. And like any bump, I will get over it and move on and continue on to a better me.
This is a great time to do it too. For many years I’ve thought New Year Resolutions were silly. A time to say what you want out of life and then ignore it and just keep doing what you are doing….right…. Well, I think this year I get it. It is a great time to start new. It is a great time to sit down and remind myself what I really want. And it is a great time to get a plan on how to make it happen.
So what is my plan?
When I started my journey in June of 2012 I needed to fix my head. I had over 100 pounds to lose. I was lost. I had forgotten who I was. I really focused on food. And that really worked for me. I found huge success with going off sugar and carbs and following a VERY STRICT eating plan. It worked great….then…. But when I came off of that plan and decided that I wanted to live in the “real world” I struggled a little. I still learned a ton but as soon as the serious stress came on, so did the weight.
So this time I’ve decided to get some help. I need help figuring out how to balance my life. Not only do I want to lose weight (I’d like to lose another 40-50 pounds) but I want to be FIT! I want to be lean! I want to be STRONG! And I want to be confident. I’ve let that slide a little. But it is possible. And there is nothing wrong with asking for a little help.
So I’m getting a personal trainer at The GYM at Station Park. Someone who really knows their stuff. Someone who can look at where I started, where I am at now, and where I want to go. And then he can help me achieve my goals. Ultimately, he will help me learn how to live and maintain what I have already worked so hard for.
Meet Phil. My new best friend and my fat’s worst nightmare! Together we are going to kill it! I’m so excited to take this next step to a better me.
I’ll be posting about my journey again. I hope you’ll stop by and visit. I’ll also be posting more about my new home away from home The GYM at Station Park. So look for that. (P/S – You can set up your own Free Fitness Assessment – Just head on over HERE to sign up. It is totally free! Make sure to tell them that you heard about it here.
I’d love to have you along for the ride. Sharing my story keeps me honest. It helps me to make better choices. And hearing your stories inspire me!
Do you have a goal to lose weight this year? Do you have a goal to get fit and healthy? Let’s do it together! Let’s take back our lives and lets succeed! Who’s with me?
I’ll be cheering you on! My husband bought a treadmill, gym quality one, after he sold his elliptical so maybe I will get on that and get more fit this year. Lately I have had just zero motivation for anything exercising. Maybe summer will be better..but maybe not
Thanks Stacie.
It is hard to get that motivation to get going again. I went back and re-read all of my old posts. They really helped me. It really helped me to remember how far I have already come. It is so good to write down your goals. What you want out of your life. Where you want to be. Then it makes it easier to make those choices to get where you want to go. Thanks for the support.
I commend you for your openness! I was just telling my sister today, “why can’t I just eat what I want, when I want, yet still work out 4-5 times a week (like I do), and look/be the weight that I want!?” You’re never out of the woods and I love your “no excuses” attitude and that you’re caring about yourself to put yourself first just for that hour of working out. It’s really fantastic. Thumbs up!
Thanks Kate.
You know, I used to think that those “skinny girls” I saw all around me were so lucky. They had it all. They could just eat anything they wanted and still stay thin and trim. What I didn’t realize until recently, is that most of those “skinny girls” are still dealing with crap. They work HARD!
We all have our things. We all have to deal with our own personal mountains. Mine will always be my weight and FOOD! Gosh I love food. But every day I need to remember what I love more. My health, my family, my life. I’m determined.
Thanks so much for commenting and for the support. 🙂
I’m glad you shared this and YAY for you focusing on you. I really appreciated this post, I love your “bump in the road” comment…we all have so many of those don’t we?! I’m there with you. I’d love to lose a good 25lbs but even more than that I want to gain some muscle and get rid of the old lady flabby arms and ugly legs and tummy. I want to have a reason to shop for a cute swimsuit this summer (because all my boring solid black ones don’t fit) and rock it 🙂 I want to have energy to run and play with my kids. I really want to be happy and while I know weight loss doesn’t fix it all for me it does help in so many aspects of my life!! Know I’m here cheering you on!!!
Thanks so much for your comment Jenn!
Let’s do it together!! I’m in for sure now. (I’ve told everyone) lol 😉 But really, it is so fun to do this with someone. I appreciate you sharing. You are right, losing weight doesn’t automatically bring happiness. But I will tell you, when you feel better about yourself happiness seems to just find you. You go out of your way to help others. You put yourself out there more. You just MAKE yourself happier. I KNOW this because I am living it! And I want to get back there again.
Thanks for all the support!
Oh girl! You are so NORMAL. Kudos for you for deciding not to regain another pound- you’re ON it now! I lost 35 lbs. in 2009 and felt so great. Then, like you, I got busy then went into denial, then got lazy and finally depressed about it until I regained it all- plus 5.
100 lbs. was such a big goal that you had to focus all your energy on making it happen. This time around, the goal is smaller, more manageable AND (unlike the first time around) you already know you can do it. You know it’s possible and that you are capable. That allows you to focus on the long term. There is no hurry to get the weight off. Take your time and practice the “maintenance mindset” as you do!
You know your journey inspired me (I’m almost at 50 lbs. lost after regaining 5 over the Holidays) and I wouldn’t have started without the inspiration you gave me. How about we lose that last 30-40 we each need to drop together!? Finally, there is an awesome board on the 3fat Chicks website for “maintainers”- those who have lost the weight and are trying to keep it off. You should check them out too.
I’ve totally done the same thing, gained weight I lost because of bad sleep, schedule/health over the holidays. You can totally do it and you’ll be so glad you did!
The holiday’s got you like it got MOST of us! Don’t beat yourself up too much! But, I think your amazing for attitude and strength! I’ve been trying this year to get in good eating habits and workout schedule and it just takes a toll on me – haha 🙂 I’ve got to pull it together! GOOD LUCK – can’t wait to follow your journey!
Becky! You are awesome!! I think it is so amazing that you lost 100 lbs. I can understand why it would be a struggle to not be on as strict of a diet. I have a goal this year to get to be more healthy and loose a little bit of weight. I’ve never done anything like this. I started on Monday, and by Wednesday I was ready to give up. I’m still going tho. It is HARD! But I know that all of this work, and saying no to things I really want to eat is going to help me feel better in the long run, and that is my goal. Good Luck! I can’t wait to hear more about your journey!
Becky – you’re amazing. You’ve owned where you’re at now and taken a big step to address it. Having a personal trainer is so helpful with the fitness part. You don’t miss. You get a more effective workout. It’s not boring (someone who talks to you and answers your questions). I just wish I could afford someone making all my meals or helping me on what I’m eating.
I bet the gym is gorgeous, if we hadn’t moved I’d want to go there! I love the athletic club but it’s a bit dated…I wish I could have 2 gym memberships. One for the pool and family activities and one that is new for working out.
Thanks for sharing with us and you rock!
Janet
You can do it! I think this time around, you said you changed your mind. Instead of being obsessed with food, you are focusing on being healthy. I think when we stop counting calories and obsessing, we can actually eat good foods and get full. Good luck with your journey, you will be awesome!
Keep up the good work we all yo yo and I’m in the same I wish I loved exercise and healthy food. Thank heavens for a new year and fresh start!
You’re brave! This was an inspiration to me. I’m in the exact same boat. Lost the 100lbs (still have SO MUCH MORE to go) and over the past two months bc of stress, issues, and holidays I’ve gained 15 back! What the what?! I’ve been depressed and figured oh what the he**, have another coke and how about those chips and salsa? Ugh. Thank you for your openness and thank you for the motivation! It’s time to stop feeling sorry for myself and get this show on the road.
You’re a rockstar.
Also, I feel a little guilty you worked so hard, I sure was one to say help me find —–! Thank you!
I know exactly how you feel. I experienced the same thing these last couple of months and am struggling to get on the band wagon. My problem is that I get bored and need to find a new fitness outlet. I’ve considered many things like joining a new gym, cross fit, and even roller derby! You’re awesome my dear and you’ve got this! It’s normal to go through ups and downs. Loves!
You are so awesome! Not many people would be able to jump back into the swing of things and take charge like that. I’m so inspired by you and all of your hard work! Keep it up! Ps- now I want to get a membership and personal trainer at The Gym!
I did the exact same thing. I lost over 30 pounds last year and gained half back over the holidays. All my ways and times of losing weight, I love exercising and good healthy food best. The indulgence of the holidays is not helpful, it’s EVERYWHERE! Learning from your (my) mistakes is the best way. Good luck to us all in the same boat. We are silently cheering each other on from the treadmill.
I am so proud of you! You are fantastic and awesome! I wish I could come work out with you!
You are awesome! As I’m sitting here not exercising in…..well longer than I care to admit and trying to get myself motivated to exercise today. Thank you for putting yourself out there. You motivated me to get back on that bandwagon. God bless your continued journey. Thanks for all the great deals you post. I know it’s a ton of work.
I’m with you! I too let myself slip up over the holidays and I’m starting anew. Good luck and share your secrets with us.
GO BECKY!!! I’m so excited for you to start this new part of the journey. Although not at a gym, i’m really trying to get myself healthy and ‘strong’ this year. Just back to having energy ad being able to button up my pants!!! Let’s keep one another accountable!
Woohoo! Go Becky! Don’t be too hard on yourself for being human, that’s kind of the point in life. Having a weakness is truly the best opportunity for finding growth and learning things like compassion, patience, dedication and joy in success at a very real and meaningful level. You would not be the same fun, loving person you are without all that you’ve already accomplished. Way to take it on again and keep going – go Becky!
You are going to LOVE working out with a trainer! it’s seriously the best. I’m a total lazy girl and I know I need accountability. For me it’s just about knowing myself and how to work with that. I am sure you’re going to do awesome.
Becky I think you look fabulous and always look up to you! I have started to walk on the treadmill and doing some excersice videos but need to do so much more. I think it would be so awesome to work with a trainer but don’t have the guts. Go you!!
Way to be strong girl!!! I’m in it with you. I just wish I lived closer to station park. That looks like a fun gym. I’ll just have to join you on Saturdays! PS – Don’t be so hard on yourself. Love ya
Becky, thanks for sharing! This is exactly what everyone needs to hear. We all need to know we aren’t alone in imperfection. Life ebbs and flows, and the important thing is getting back on track. Fit people aren’t fit because they never miss a day. They are fit because they go back to fitness when life happens and they have to take a break. Way to go! We’re all here for you!
Becky!!! You are so cute and I love you! I love who you are and love your honesty! I love that you shared this. We are all human and cannot be 100% all of the time. The holidays were definitely hard and I need to start fresh again too so I look forward to following along with you and seeking some motivation from your updates!! You can do it!
Hey Becky! I know how hard it is feeling success and then feeling like you failed, keep your chin up, like you said, were all in this together, cheering each other on and loosing it together! I messaged you on Facebook not long ago, and I’m so glad you started back up again! This is such an inspiration! I’m buying an elliptical and I am going to loose it! (My weight that is, not the elliptical) you can do it! Yay!
You are amazing, Becky! And such an inspiration! We’re all in this together. Thank you for sharing your journey!
Hey Becky! I read this post when you first posted it and I think it is amazing that you are willing to share your story. I feel like I can relate in a way. In 2012 I lost some weight and felt really good about myself and then Christmas came and I seriously made about 5 batches of fudge for neighbor gifts and of course I had to try each batch to make sure it was good! Well, I gained back that weight eventually. When I got to October 2013 I thought about how I had gained that weight over Christmas and it motivated me not to let it happen again! So this year instead of gaining I lost 18 pounds! I also gave neighbor gifts that were packaged so that I wouldn’t be tempted to eat them! I still made fudge on the insistence of my 8 year old but only one batch and gave have of it to my in laws. So my advice is to let any setback you have been the lesson you need to learn as you move forward. You are already doing so amazing and I know you will work hard to get where you want to be. Good luck! Kelly
Love your honesty, Becky! Everyone can relate. You’ll figure this out. Just keep at it!
[…] after I posted about starting my journey again on January 9th my family and I took a trip to Vegas and California. We were gone for 11 days and it was […]
Hello, I lost 60 pounds 3 years ago and I’ve gained it all back 🙁 I am on Day 2 of my lifestyle changing again. I’ve found a lot of motivation on your site and appreciate your honesty and candidness. I am ready to get back to where I was and then to kill even more weight!