How'd ya' do it?!

We've had an intense seven months, both professionally and personally. I had to give up something, and writing in this space was it. While the journey of these last months has been hard, there have been many victories. 

The biggest victory has been a very personal one for me. Since April 16, I've lost 30 pounds, 34 inches, and 10 percentage points of body fat. 

So, you ask, "How'd ya' do it?" 

I wish I could say that it was easy, that there is a magic pill that you take to miraculously melt away the pounds and fat. There's not. However, I have made a lifetime change for my wellness. I won't go back to the way I lived before!

My Before: Easter Sunday, April 8, 2012

The first thing I did was hire a trainer. I had been running on a regular basis, but was unable to lose more than 10 pounds. After watching a dear friend completely transform her body, I asked her "How'd ya' do it?" She directed me to the lovely Meg McGee. Meg and I chatted for a bit and I hired her. Over the next twelve weeks, I learned how to eat clean, lift weights, and do more effective cardio. I managed to lose weight even though we went on two long trips (San Antonio, TX and Orlando, FL). I was shocked by the stability of my energy level throughout the day. It was incredible! I didn't have crazy cravings, the 3pm WALL disappeared, and I lost 17 pounds and 18 inches. 

After 12 weeks: July 5, 2012

But I wasn't where I wanted to be quite yet. I decided to continue with Meg for another 12 weeks. I learned even more about this new lifestyle, and really felt like I achieved and maintained the new heart and mindset. I also read Made to Crave  by Lysa TerKeurst during this phase. I highly recommend it! My friend, Jen, has an entire blog series on the book. Her insights mirror mine. At the end of 24 weeks, I lost a total of 30 pounds, 34 inches, and 10 percentage points of body fat. 

After 24 weeks: September 30, 2012

So, that brings us to today. I'm still trekking. My new goals include losing five more pounds and five more body fat percentage points, going down one more jeans size, and shaving a minute off my mile time. I've never felt better or healthier in my adult life than I do right now (even though I've weighed less than I do right now!).

Without further ado...(drum roll please)

Christie's Top Ten Lessons Learned

1. More than losing weight, this has been a journey of developing self-control and accepting discipline in an area that was woefully lacking both. (Galatians 5:22-23, Hebrews 12:11)

2. I NEED accountability and mentorship in all areas of my life. (Proverbs 19:20)

3. All things are allowable. Not all things are beneficial. (1 Corinthians 6:12)

4. Chicks can lift heavy weight, too (and shouldn't let burly boys get in the way). (Philippians 2:14-15)

5. I'm finally ok with how I look (with the baby-stretch marks, gray hair, etc.), and it's NOT because of the number on the scale. (Psalm 139:14, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

6. Eating clean can be appetizing and delicious. (Proverbs 31:14) 

7. 0500 comes every morning. What I do at the moment the alarm goes off defines the rest of my day. (Psalm 118:24)

8. I have an amazing group of encouragers. (Ephesians 4:29)

9. There is an immense difference between training to do something and trying to do something. (p. 43, The Life You've Always Wanted by John Ortberg)

10. Be strong and courageous, and DO THE WORK! (1 Chronicles 28:20)