I started noticing my weight gain when I would buy new clothes for my fashion blog. I would try on new clothes and just walk out, because I did not feel comfortable or sexy in the clothes I was trying on. I knew it was time for change. I quickly noticed I was depressed by my weight gain and disgusted when I looked at myself in the mirror. I kept asking myself how I let this happen.

This realization motivated me to join a local gym, Savoy Fitness, which is my brother's business. I started the Metabolic Reboot Program, which helps participants lose weight and gain muscle using the HIIT method. Next thing I knew, I was down one whole size and loving my body all over again. I am now feeling more confident than ever.

I wanted shared my story prior to giving you tips to let you know that you're not alone. Starting and continuing a weight-loss/weight-gain journey is hard. It is really more of a mental journey than physical, which is why I want to share some motivating tips to help your start your fitness journey.

You Have To Want It Yourself. This realization was pivotal for me. When I looked at the scale and myself in the mirror, I knew I had to fix this. Have you ever gone to the gym for two weeks straight and then decided to not go for a day and then found yourself not going anymore? Been there, done that. Your journey is a mental journey as well. You have to create a routine. Joining a fitness program helped me a lot because I enjoyed having people around me and was having fun while I was working out. If you can’t afford to join a fitness program, try to have a workout partner to help keep you accountable. Remember, this is mental; you will have to literally push yourself to get up and go to the gym.

What You Eat Matters. Establishing the amount of calories you need to eat a day is a good start. So, just think about it; if your caloric deficit is 1,100 calories and you brun 400 calories that day. Basically, you have to consume 1,500 calories. But lets say you have a 500 calorie meal for breakfast/lunch and a1,400 calorie meal for dinner. You are way over the calories you are supposed to intake to lose weight. You will not lose weight, you will keep gaining weight. Also, trying to eat healthier food--especially those with no trans fats--is essential in a weight-loss journey.

Takes 21 Days to Form A New Habit. When starting your fitness journey, know that it takes patience. Also continuously repeat this thought in your head: “If I keep doing this, imagine how far I will be a week or two from now." You have to keep going, even when you don’t want to. Let exercise become an outlet for you. Also, try new exercising activities. I know going to the gym and getting on the treadmill is dreadful, so try new things. Savoy Fitness is a great outlet for me, as the William Savoy program is fun, new, and also helped me to become more confident in myself mentally and physically.

I wish you the best on your fitness journey.