My transformation

I wasn't always the trim, fit girl. In fact, I have spent most of my adult life tired and overweight. Growing up, I was never concerned about my weight. Sure, I was a chubby kid, but everyone told me it was a healthy look. When I set off to go to college, I didn't even think about the "Freshman 15". I should have because I gained a whole lot more than that. College was about staying up all night eating pizza and instant ramen while cramming for exams. Beer and sugary, alcoholic drinks flowed freely during nights of partying (sorry mom!). No one was there to tell me to ease off the potato chips or that four nights of Taco Bell was bad for me. I was young! I recovered quickly from no sleep, junk food and shots of tequila. That mentality carried over into my late 20's and early 30's. That's when my pant sizes really started to go up. By the time I was married and had two kids, I was 160lbs* and a size 14... a snug 14. Even with constant cups of coffee and snacking (on sugar), I was tired and hungry. I knew something had to change, or I would be miserable.
With the encouragement of my husband, Justin, we joined a family oriented gym. This was the start of my journey. Because I wasn't really familiar with gym equipment or weights, I started with group fitness classes and fell in love with Zumba. I studied dance all throughout high school and college. Zumba allowed me to get back into dancing on a regular basis. Since going to the gym made me feel better about being active, I knew I had to eat better so I wouldn't negate my time working out. I was able to lose about 30lbs and drop to a size 8 on my own.
I knew I had more work to do. I was still exhausted and took afternoon naps daily. Justin and I set out to make meal plans and lose weight together. He was (and continues to be) so supportive. We tried everything... meal replacement, NutriSystem, juice cleanses, low calorie and restrictive diets. It all worked, but it didn't last. We gained back all the weight we had lost because none of those diets were a lifestyle that we could have (or should have) maintained. We felt grumpy and deprived. At least I know I did.
So what changed it all?!?! We started cutting sugar and carbs out of our meals. It was tough at first. VERY TOUGH. I craved ice cream and hash browns constantly. With a little discipline and spousal accountability, the pounds started to come off. This type of meal plan may not work for everyone, but it worked for us and we were able to maintain it.
​At the gym, I incorporated weight lifting into my workouts. This is when I started to SEE a difference. All of sudden there was a contour in the shape of my legs from building my quads and hamstrings. My arms, shoulders and back started to look more sculpted. I also started Plexus supplements, and this is when I could FEEL the difference. I was no longer dragging through my day. I was motivated and my workouts were more productive. I slept like a baby, woke up refreshed, had all day energy and was in a great mood. I was finally healthy.

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What is it like today? I continue to dance and lift weights. I am a Plexus ambassador and share how the supplements helped me get and stay healthy while making an income doing it. It is the best job ever. My body no longer craves sugar and instead of feeling sad or deprived when I pass on a cookie, I happily reach for a handful of almonds. Does that mean I'm a total bore and wet blanket at dinner parties? Do I stare longingly when someone eats french fries? Not at all! I still indulge in the occasional treat of course, and I enjoy watching people enjoy their lives. I'm back to having carbs, and I know how to stay healthy with it.
There is a science to how I healed myself and allowed my body to lose weight, lose body fat, gain muscle and have more energy. Was it just one thing? No, it was a combination of nutrition, fitness, supplements, and discipline. Can it work for you? Absolutely.

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* Not to say that 160lbs is overweight for everyone. It was overweight for my height and body frame.  More importantly, it was the result of an unhealthy lifestyle.