What's New?

So a lot has changed since January! To name a few, I have had 2 hand surgeries, was told I can't run anymore by my Doctor, started to look (& to buy) a house and I started a new job!

Whew, that's a lot in 9 months. As for my hand, that's another story for another day LOL but as for my new job and sans running, that is for me to share with you today. 

I was offered a new job in late January and started working as a Customer Support Associate for TEKsystems. I instantly loved my team, the culture and the company's values. But something I wasn't prepared for was a "desk job". As a special ed teacher, I was always going-never sitting. Hec, we only got 15 minutes for lunch! The sluggish feelings were fierce! I was anxious all day because I barley had moved. I felt lazy and unproductive (still running 5-6 miles every morning too). But eventually it all started to flow again. Now I have figured out how to stay active throughout the day. I find ways to get out and around the office like taking the mail to the drop off box down the road or going to the bathroom on the 3rd floor (taking the stairs of course)! These things may seem so little but they make a huge difference in how I feel physically and mentally. 

Me with my Team!! (High Ropes Course-Team Building)

In July, I was having some real issues with my knees and then my ankles. I was running 5-6 miles every morning as part of my workout regimen for the last 8-9 months. I went to my doctor who refereed me to a specialist. He concluded that because I am severely flat footed, that running this type of mileage everyday would result in severe damage to my joints. The summer of 2015 I had started to tear my right knee's meniscus and this summer (2016) I had started to tear my left knee's meniscus. I was running down a one way road to a double knee surgery and fast. So we had a real tough chat about my fitness goals and how to find an alternative. I spent the next few weeks denying his prognosis and continued to run...By August I had a real issue. I was unable to run no more than 1 miles without my knees, ankles and feet swelling to dangerous sizes. I knew I needed to grow up and change some things around.

Now I am a BeachBody Coach helping others get healthier everyday. What hasn't changed is that I am still working on my health everyday too! It is just differently. I workout just 30 minutes a day and I incorporate Shakeology everyday. I focus on my nutrition more than I ever have before and I am not "out running" the scale. I have mental piece of mind too!

Post Workout: 21 Day Fix: Upper Fix

Vegan Chocolate Shakeology with 1 small Banana--My fav!!

How I transitioned was I started a 3 Day Refresh and then did the 21 Day Fix program, both from Beachbody and I loved it! My friend Annie was a BB coach and I knew where to find her when I needed help finding something new and something still challenging. The 3 day Refresh was like a "detox" but you ate foods still. All vegetables and some protein and fiber packets to fuel you through your day. I happen to have a sinus infection when I started this so I wasn't feeling the best during it. Once it was over though, I was pumped! I lost a ton of water weight from a very heavy weekend (it was my birthday and anniversary prior). I went from 146.2 lbs to 142.2 lbs!! 4 lbs whooo!

Before/After

 

So I really want to share my results. They aren't perfect and I did eat some non-21 Day Fix foods. But what's important is that everyday I tried again to be better than I was the day before. I chose to forget the guilt I had for having froyo or pad thai. My biggest struggle will always be nutrition! I'm a big night eater and have tried everything to keep my mouth closed past 8 pm! But lets be real, life is short. I am going to enjoy last minute ice cream stops with my nephew and wine nights with my girls. I'm going to try that new pizza place that just opened up with Bri!! It's all about balance and the 80/20 rule.

So finally, here are my results from round 1 of 21 Day Fix:
Starting Weight: 142.2 lbs
End Weight: 141.6 (down .6 lbs!!)

Before Measurements:
Chest: 33 inches
Arms: 10.5 inches
Waist: 29 inches
Hips: 39 inches
Thighs: 21.5 inches

After Measurements: I lost 8.5 inches!!!
Chest: 33 inches
Arms: 10.5 inches each
Waist: 27.5 inches
Hips: 36 inches
Thighs: 19.5 inches

Before (left)       After (right)

#nonscalevictories This is why it is so important to take those measurements and take those pictures! You can't tell every week that you lost an inch or your arms look toner! I'm all about muscle mass and eventually seeing my fat melt away will be a bonus.
 
You may not see much of a change but I see the biggest change in myself. I am not crazy running every day and I am mentally at ease with it. Everyday isn't perfect but my goal is to just keep trying. 30 minutes a day or activity and choosing foods that fuel my body.

If you want to check out some programs yourself, please visit my page and see what Beachbody has to offer. It changed my life and it can change yours with some hard work and dedication! I can help you any step of the way too for free!
http://www.beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/ariealmarie