Baring it All

    Wow! It's been a while since I last posted.  Things have been a little crazy with school and work, but since Spring Break is nearing an end I thought it was the perfect time to blog.  Here's a little short update, thus far I have lost 24 pounds..I know, CRAZZZY right?! I can hardly even believe it. It's been hard work, but so incredibly worth it.  I am about a month out from my half-marathon and currently up to running 9 miles at about a 9 minute pace.  I can't even believe the progress I have made in the past few months and it gives me even more motivation to just keep pushing on.  If I can do it, ANYONE can!!
    I named this blog "Baring it all" because I wanted to share with you the ups and downs I've encountered over the last few months. I've had some bad days and some good days, but the good days outweigh the bad days and that's what makes it so worth it. I am starting to think that weight loss/getting into shape or whatever you want to call it is 100% mental.  Every day you wake up, YOU decide the outcome of what type of day you are going to have.  YOU decide if you are going to roll out of bed and get that work out done for the day. No time? Not enough money for a gym membership?A workout takes 30-60 minutes of your day and I guarantee you sit in front of the t.v. a few times a week for that amount of time. You don't need a gym or a bunch of fancy workout equipment, that's not an excuse.  There are tons and tons of body weight exercises you can do right in your own house and if you don't want to work out in your house...GO OUTSIDE!! I have loved this nice weather this week, its been so nice to be outside and get my runs in.  I've been jogging down the street with a big smile on my face!
I thought I'd share a few tips, recipes, and a progress photo (no negativity please!)

You all know how much I love to cook and last night I tried a new recipe. Protein Banana Bread Muffins and here's how they turned out.  I also took them into work today and even my coworkers loved them.  They are so moist and flavorful and who would even know that they are a mere 58 calories and packed with protein and only one little gram of sugar. Can you say YUM?

Here I am above 3 months ago, feeling pretty unhappy at that point.  Pardon the crappy picture, I had no idea at that time I'd be doing a progress photo.

 And here I am about a week ago, 24 pounds down, more confident than ever, and most importantly fit and healthy.

Exercise to be fit not skinny, Eat to nourish your body and always Ignore the haters, doubters, and unhealthy examples that were once feeding you. You are worth more than you realize.