I can’t believe that this campaign is almost over. The results I’ve seen have been astounding to me. I didn’t think I’d have the results I’ve seen. I mean we aren’t talking about Biggest loser numbers of course, but still extremely astounding to me since I don’t have 9 hours a day to focus only on working out. But I digress… To me, the campaign has done so much more than just help me to lose weight. I’ve learned a TON and I want to make sure to take this opportunity to share a bit of what I have learned these past few weeks.

All or Nothing

Nothing is “All or nothing”… you miss a workout, start again. You splurge on an unhealthy food, get back on track. Every moment of every day is an opportunity to start again and make a different choice. Too often, we get caught up in the All of Nothing attitude – I had a donut, today is shot, I’ll start tomorrow attitude – and it doesn’t have to be that way!

Water Water Everywhere

Most of the time that I think I’m hungry or craving something, I’m thirsty and NOTHING tastes better than a big ol glass of water with Sonic Ice (and yes, it has to be Sonic Ice) – and the best part is that I won’t hate myself for having it. If after drinking it I still feel hungry, then I know that I really am hungry and will eat.

It’s a mental game.

There’s very little I can’t do and the things that I fall short on, usually it’s because somewhere along the way I listened to the negative nancy in my head. If you really want to know the secret to success, believe that you will do it… and you will.

Nutrient Dense Food is Filling

When I eat nutrient dense foods – REAL foods – Whole Foods – I need less of it to stay full and satisfied than if I eat foods with tons of fillers and preservatives.

Portion control is KEY

I had no clue how off my portions were. Between eating out, or being a really GREAT cook (if I do say so myself) it wasn’t always the food I was eating, but just how much. Now that I have a batter grasp on what a healthy portion looks like, I’m better equipped to provide not only myself, but my family with appropriate portions.

Exercise is FUN

I know, I know… I never thought that I’d say that either, but the key is to find the types of exercises that make your heart sing. Have fun. Be silly. Push yourself a little harder than you pushed the day before. Whatever you do, start. Find several exercises that you enjoy and mix it up so that you never get bored. Have indoor and outdoor exercises in your arsenal, that way the weather is never an excuse to skip a workout.

There’s always time

I thought I had a busy schedule before – both Rachel and I did/ do – but what I realized is that we make time for what we really think is important. Granted, I’m woefully behind on my Glee episodes, but it is all a matter of prioritizing. And if I can fit in everything I do now, I know I’ll be able to keep it up .

It’s ALWAYS up to me

I have been blessed with some fantastic tools and guidance from our fantastic sponsors – Earth Footwear, SUBWAY, EA SPORTS Active, and Chefs Requested. I’ve also gotten the opportunity to pick the brains of some incredible experts – Pete Cohen, Cynthia Pasquella, Alysa Bajenaru, RD and Tracey Mallett. I will forever be grateful for the time and expertise that I was able to take advantage of. But all the tools in the world don’t mean a thing if I’m not taking the steps to make the changes in my life. That’s why the biggest thank you goes to each and everyone in the Sistahood. It was your support and encouragement that kept me going on days that I wanted to quit. I can’t thank you enough for being there for me during the good, bad and ugly! Want to see how things turned out?

Thank you again for all of your support and help.I still have a LONG way to go before I reach my healthy, happy weight but there’s no way I’m stopping now! I can’t wait to share how things shape up for me in the next weeks and months!

I also can’t wait to see who takes this journey in January- who is considering it? Have questions? Let me know! It really will change your life!