The 21 Day Fix

It is no secret. In the last two and a half years, I have gained over 25 pounds. Some of this weight gain was necessary per doctor's orders. The rest of it... not so necessary. You see, something about the security of a stable, long-term relationship just makes me want to eat pizza. And pasta. And Mexican food. So much Mexican food.

An amazing thing happens when you find "the one". You feel so happy, so free... and so relaxed. So you eat. (Or at least I do!) You stop opting for the salad every time you eat out. You stop fearing that your future love will judge you for eating more than him. You're not lazy, you're just comfortable.

That has been my reality since December of 2012. I met Daniel and suddenly started sliding down a slippery slope full of chips and queso and chimichangas and sour cream and did I mention I love Mexican food??

Today is the day it stops. I am tired of being tired all the time. I am tired of having to buy new pants because my old ones don't even zip up anymore. I'm tired of feeling self-conscious. Now, don't get me wrong, I do not think I'm fat. I just don't feel good. My wedding is in 3 months. I want to feel good. I look forward to the day that Daniel and I start a family. I want to feel good.

So, welcome to my journey. A couple of weeks ago, my mom saw an ad for the 21 Day Fix. She suggested that I look into it, so I did. My inner hippie in me is totally gelling with their philosophy on food and fitness. The philosophy behind the 21 Day Fix is "Simple Fitness, Simple Eating, Fast Results". The program emphasizes clean eating without being totally unattainable for those of us who don't make the big bucks. It also emphasizes the importance of exercise throughout the weight loss process.

A few months ago, I was texting my hairdresser (and lifelong friend) about strategies I'd used to improve the health of my hair. I told her I had seen significant results from sleeping on a satin pillowcase every night, taking hair, skin, and nails vitamins daily, and washing my hair every other day rather than every day. Her response to me was simple, yet very profound:

"Be kind to yourself :)"

This is a concept I have thought about frequently, if not daily. Honestly, I believe it is a biblical principle. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 states, "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies." 

That is what I am striving to do through participating in the 21 Day Fix. I am not into crash diets. I AM NOT getting paid to write this post and I AM NOT selling ANYTHING. I am simply inviting you all to join me on my journey to live a healthier, simpler life. 

So without further ado, here is my before picture! I'll be updating my story along the way with pictures, recipes, and of course- progress!