starting over again.

Twenty pounds.  I'm not talking about British currency. I'm talking about 4 bags of sugar removed from my body as a result of hard work and clean eating. To me it almost seems like a way to measure time.  Two weeks is roughly about six pounds ago.  Ten workouts ago.  14 protein shakes ago.  This picture was me on my wedding day.  I weighed 160 pounds on a five foot four frame.  Sure it's not obese, but it's not healthy either.

When it comes to weight, up and down seem to be the name of my game.  The first time I was ever on a diet was in high school.  I weighed 185 pounds (my highest weight ever) and my step mom helped me get on a diet.  I lost 40 pounds.  I went to college, gained and lost about 20 pounds every eight months or so.  When I met my husband I weighed 140. I was fit and happy.  As I began to be content and happy in a new relationship, I began to quickly gain weight....again.  It is so easy to stop working out and start eating out when you have someone with which you want to spend all of your time. 
At the beginning of this year I had ballooned up to 179 pounds.  I was unhappy with my body, how my clothes fit,  my energy level and probably a whole list of things that I will spare you.  Needless to say, I think I was honestly ready to invest in myself.

What makes this time different?  Well, I think I am just ready to change my life.  I can visualize myself as a fit and healthy person.  I am eating clean every three hours.  Not dieting.  I am working out three days on one day off.  Cardio, weights and a whole lotta Beyonce to keep me going.  Of course, there is my husband for moral support, and for that occasional guidance for questions like, " I really had a hard workout and all I want is a Gatorade can I please please please have one??"  (his answer is always no...and I am so thankful for it!)

As I sit here typing almost half way to my goal, I understand it is not all about weight.  I would like to be 130(ish) pounds, but more than that I would like to be fit, muscular and look really great in a bikini.  If that means I weigh 140, but am lean and toned, I'll be happy.  I hope people will be encouraged by my thoughts, triumphs and struggles.  I will be posting progress reports and pictures to keep you posted!  I look forward to this journey!

Stay Healthy,
Allie

The last picture is me last year at Christmas making cupcakes. And I ate a ton of them!! (and a ton of icing with a spoon.)