My weight loss journeyA mother’s fight to be fit

The transformation begins

I started struggling with my weight in my early 20’s. After the birth of my two children, my weight spiraled out of control. My second son was born in May 2008, and by that July, I was 227 lbs.Going back to work full time and dealing with an infant who was up every 2 hours, put me into a state of helplessness. I was exhausted, both mentally and physically.Food became my reward system to myself. The turning point came to me at 2am one night. I had just gotten the baby back to sleep, so I sat in the kitchen floor and ate a cupcake in 2 bites. As I crumpled up the wrapper, the tears began to fall. I knew I couldn’t keep going on like this. I needed to make a change for my kids, and for myself.

Two big reasons for my quest to be fit. My boys.

AUGUST 2008 AUGUST 2011

August 2009 – 178 lbs

The road was slow, but I was steadily making progress. I read anything I could get my hands on to teach myself about proper nutrition, what foods I should be eating, and proper portion sizes. Exercise began as walks around the neighborhood. I purchased my first at home exercise dvd and slowly got the hang of kickboxing.The look on my son’s face when I couldn’t chase after him in the backyard is a look I will never forget, and a look that I vowed to not let happen again.

Finding my strength

As my weight was dropping I discovered that I was left with flabby un-toned skin. I began lifting small weights, 5 lb dumbells. As my strength progressed the weights got bigger and I got smaller.

A tale of two summers…

JUNE 2008 JUNE 2010

2008 to 2011

My husband. My rock.

OCTOBER 2008 AUGUST 2011

July 2008

An ongoing journey…

It has been 3 years since I embarked on this journey. Since July 2008, I have lost 92 lbs and have gone from a size 18 to a size 4.I have managed to do this without stepping one foot in a gym. My living room is my gym and my dvd’s are my personal trainers.Strength training is done in the morning, while the kids are still asleep. I squeak out cardio in the evenings, after homework has been checked and the kitchen has been cleaned.If I can do this, anyone can. Find your determination and willpower, and you will succeed, I guarantee it.

Beachbody Transformation Monthly WinnerAugust 2011

I am honored to be a monthly winner in Beachbody’s Transformation Challenge. My goal is to reach out to as many people as I can, in hopes of providing inspiration and motivation.

Voting for the quarterly prize ends October 27th. I would appreciate your vote. ~ Stephanie M.

http://www.teambeachbody.com/connect/beachbody-challenge/vote/quarterly