Throughout high school and even before then, I was extremely active. I played field hockey and lacrosse while also participating in dance, yoga, cheerleading, and several water sports. I bounced around and did a little bit of everything to stay athletic and well-rounded. I was never the biggest, fastest, or strongest, but I loved being involved in something greater than just me. I never stuck to just one thing, in all aspects of my life and had a hard time staying focused and finding my direction.

But in my senior year of high school, I transitioned from prior smaller private schools to a ginormous public high school, where I stopped being so involved.

There were many factors that contributed to my rapid weight gain: not exercising regularly or eating healthy, a change in my birth control, etc… But what made matters worse was I also got into an extremely unhealthy relationship that caused me to fall into a battle with depression. I was always tired and never motivated. I was unhappy and bored with my own life. I felt alone and trapped, causing me to care less and less about the way I presented myself.

I didn't even realize how much weight I had actually put on until it was too late…or so I thought.

I deemed it nearly impossible to get my health back on track the way it once was before. I was convinced that I would never look or feel the way I did back in high school. After my first semester of college, I finally broke off the toxic relationship tying me down. All of a sudden, I felt like a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders. I started to restore confidence in myself and began to see the true me again; she had been missing for too long. I knew that the next step, after working on my mental and emotional state, was to conquer my physical one.

Okay, we get it. Now, what's my secret?

Meals:

I eat a big breakfast full of protein

-Eggs, smoothie, turkey bacon, fruit, etc…

In the afternoon (when I'd normally eat lunch,) I eat a big snack instead

-Apples and peanut butter, protein shake, carrots and hummus, etc…

Healthy snacking throughout the day is good- it keeps your metabolism up

-Protein/energy bar, seeds, nuts, fruit, veggies, deli meat, etc…

Then I'll have a light dinner

-Lean meat and veggies

Cut out (or way down on):

• Red meat
• Gluten
• Dairy
• Alcohol
• Sugar
• Salty/fatty foods
• Junk food
• Candy
• Soda
• Fast food

Yes, it was hard at first. BUT once I finally did it, I stopped craving all that stuff completely… By cutting back on those things, plus eating smaller portions in general, the pounds started flying off of me.

Working out:

• If you're trying to lose weight- Do. Cardio. (sorry not sorry)
• Don't make yourself miserable, find activities you enjoy too
• Keep that heart rate up!
• Challenge yourself, have goals, build strength and endurance
• You'll be pleasantly surprised what your body is capable of- push yourself
• Don't give up, it doesn't come easy
• At-home workouts are awesome
• Do the little things such as taking the stairs, walking fast, etc…
• Have the right mentality- you can do it

Other tips:

• If you are hungry, eat/snack
• Drink LOTS of water throughout the day
• Anything protein-packed and healthy goes!
• Chips and salsa (or guac) is my go-to "cheat" snack
• Do not eat late at night (especially not junk or carbs)
• If you do have alcohol, a vodka cranberry is a good low-calorie drink
• Count the things you love about yourself, not calories
• Get at least 6 hours of sleep each night
• Push-ups are underrated
• Take a pre- and probiotic every morning
• Stretch
• WEIGHT IS JUST A NUMBER, it matters how you feel about yourself

Your mental, emotional, and physical condition all go hand-in-hand and it is extremely important to equally balance them for good health and an overall longevity. By focusing on keeping these three aspects of my life healthy, it changed both my body and my mindset. I am no health professional by any means, but what I do know is that I look and feel better than I ever have before. Do not stress...Everyone is different so just play around until you find what works best for you!