Showing posts with label weight loss story. Show all posts
Showing posts with label weight loss story. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

Make Yourself Proud

Today I had the honor of chatting live on The Mickey Ellison Show. It is something that when I tell you is completely out of my comfort zone and so not something I would normally do, it absolutely is. But I love a good challenge and when Mickey reached out to me about sharing my story, I may have been a little nervous but I took it as a sign that I needed to break out of my shell! I am such a introvert and talking about myself and being in front of a lot of people scares me. I mean technically no one saw me and Mickey and I were just talking but it still freaked me out a little. I mean once I am doing it, I loosen up and get in the groove of the conversation. 

I haven't really publicly, verbally shared my story. I mean don't get me wrong, I share my story all the time through social media but to actually talk to someone about my story...eeks that scares me but it also excites me. 

Sharing my story is a very personal thing and sometimes I am ashamed of where I have come from but at the same time, I am so proud of how far I have come. Sharing my story today has been an absolute blessing. I listened to the recording and I have to say that I had to stop it about a quarter of a way in. I seriously had a moment. I couldn't believe that I was actually sharing my story on a live podcast. I thought back to the girl who was 220 pounds, overweight, unhealthy, unhappy, not loving of herself and most of all broken. But as I listened to this confident person who was speaking her story, I for a second, had tears in my eyes. It was one of those moments where I still can't believe how far I have come and how many lives that I have changed.

I have lost 70 pounds, maintained my weight loss, competed in two triathlons, a half marathon, a 65 mile bike race, countless other shorter running races and I continue to strive to be better everyday than I was the day before. It truly is amazing to me how far I have come. I am not writing this to toot my own horn but to share how proud I am of myself. Never in a million years did I think that I would be where I am today. 

You never really embrace the journey or celebrate it, well at least I never did. But today listening to the recording and even when we ended the show, I was fired up. I was proud of myself. I was proud that I did something that I never thought I would do. I was proud that I overcame an obstacle. I was proud that I never gave up. I am proud of who I have become. But most of all I am proud to be me! 

I tend to overlook my accomplishments, chalk them up to happening but it's sometimes nice to share how amazing the journey has been. The struggles, the accomplishments, how I plan on helping others. I want you to MAKE YOURSELF PROUD everyday! I know today, I can truly go to bed completely and wholeheartedly proud of myself. Embrace the journey and NEVER GIVE UP!

Check out the recording below and hear my journey! 


Monday, February 9, 2015

Week 8: Insanity Max 30 Progress, Insanity Max 30 Results, Up Next...21 Day Fix Extreme

Oh My GAWD!!! I am kinda freaking out! You want to know why...shhh...don't tell anyone....well maybe tell everyone!! I AM OFFICIALLY AN INSANITY MAX 30 GRADUATE! Totally smiling from ear to ear with this one! I think this workout graduation might be my most cherished one! I have to say, I don't think I was every pushed to the limit or worked that hard day in and day out! This week I was feeling stronger than ever! I felt like I had come full circle and really had pushed myself to the limit! It is absolutely crazy how when you push yourself to a level that you never thought you could and really overcome and come out on top, you feel this sense of accomplishment.















I never thought in a million years that I would finish Insanity Max 30. I seem to doubt myself when starting a new program and I really shouldn't because if I remember, I can accomplish any task that is put in front of me. I may fall but I will always get back up!


Week 8 was truly amazing, I really felt like I was stronger than ever. My max out times were better and I just had this sense of calmness! I still struggled through every workout to do better and max out at a better time than the previous workout. I realized that you know what, I can truly accomplish anything! I really learned that no mater what your size or weight is, you can achieve anything you put your mind to. All along, I have always known this but I think I just needed that moment of clarity when I was down on the ground, gasping for air and drenched in sweat, knowing that I gave it my all. It wasn't easy, but life isn't easy.















As I reflect on the last eight weeks, I really can't help but smile. I am not saying this to toot my own horn or praise myself, I am saying this because this is one of my top accomplishments. I always doubt myself, I always don't support myself, I always don't have the most positive self talk, but these last 60 days have really showed me how strong I am. This applies for everyone! I doubted myself that I wouldn't make it through the full 60 days. I feared that I would hurt my ankle again like I had done with Insanity. These "excuses" could have held me back but I truly gave it my all and I am beyond proud of myself.



It doesn't matter what size, shape, color, age, gender, etc. you can do anything  you put your mind too, even a crazy workout program like Insanity Max 30. YOU HEARD ME RIGHT! You can do this too! Another huge thing that I learned while doing max 30 was that it doesn't matter who you are, you can do this and you know why? Because you are NOT trying to compete with the person next to you...your competition is looking you in the mirror. It is the person that you look at every morning when you look in the mirror. Its the person staring back at you, YOU ARE COMPETING WITH YOURSELF. You are competing to be the best version of yourself. You may fall flat on your face or max out at an early time, but you best believe that next workout, your trying to beat your best time. Your trying to be better than you were the workout before, the day before, the minute before.

Like I said before, life is not easy. When I look back on how far I have come, I am proud to say that I MAXED OUT, I COMPLETED INSANITY MAX 30, and I AM THE BEST VERSION OF MYSELF. How many times can we say that we gave it our all? We left everything out on the court and have no regrets? not every often to be get the chance to make a change in our lives and really how many of us take the time to focus on ourselves. I had my ups and downs in the last 60 days but I can honestly say that I came out on top! You know what I might not have been a 110% on point with my nutrition, heck it was Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, my birthday all during the time that I was doing max 30 but that does not mean I didn't give it my all.

Drum Roll Please.....MY INSANITY MAX 30 RESULTS!

I gained 4 pounds and lost 11 inches total. I feel tighter and leaner. I am not at my goal yet but I am closer every day! It is still so hard for me to post progress pictures. I think that is also another reason why I am struggling posting this blog. I look at my pictures and I pick out all my imperfections. but you know what my imperfections are what make me me and make me perfect! Never be ashamed of your progress. Embrace your progress, Embrace your changing body, Embrace the journey. Love yourself and live for the moment!

Autumn Calabrese & I (creator of 21 Day Fix Extreme)

You might be asking...What's Up Next? so glad you asked..hehe...Well if you must know...I just started the 21 Day Fix Extreme today! No rest for this fit chick! I am totally dialed into my nutrition. I am going to make the most of the next 21 days and I am really focused on seeing amazing results! What doesn't kill you makes you stronger....cheers to another crazy roller coaster! 21 days of extremeness!

If you have ever considered doing a program such as Insanity Max 30, P90X, PIYO, 21 Day Fix, 21 Day Fix Extreme, I would love for you to take this journey with me! Fill out the form below and I will contact you on how you can join us in our next accountability group! I want you to see amazing results like I have! Its all about a healthy lifestyle! :)

Hope you all have a happy and healthy day!
<3 Nicole








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Tuesday, January 20, 2015

How Weight Watchers Saved My Life

Most of you may not know my story and how I came to become where I am today. So today, I want to share a more personal side of my journey. It all started January 24, 1990....haha just kidding, I won't go that far back to the date of my entrance into this amazing world. but I will go back almost 4 years ago or a little beyond that. The date was May 31, 2011. It had been a really tough year. I had been struggling through nursing school. I had recently lost my cousin who was like an older brother to me. I was trying to accept the fact that he had been taken way too soon. I had always been overweight and struggle with staying in shape. In high school, my senior year, I had lost about 30 pounds right before college doing weight watchers. Going into college, I stopped following weight watchers. I was young, stupid, and thought that I was invisible and couldn't gain weight again. Stupid I KNOW! but you live and you learn! So the freshman 15 turned into the freshman I DONT KNOW (because I never stepped on the scale). I would go to the gym when I could and thought I was doing great. But then you throw in the cafeteria food which was all you can eat two or three times a day, excessive frat parties where drinking beer in excess was always happening thursday, friday, and saturday nights. So this whole cycle happened for my entire freshman year of college. Fast forward two years to my junior year where I had a horrible year. Cousin passed away, nursing school became really hard with clinicals and managing lectures and everything, and really just being totally unhappy with myself.


The entire month of May 2011, I knew I needed a change. I was unhappy, I couldn't stand looking at myself in the mirror, I hated the way I looked and felt. So on June 1, 2011, I signed up for weight watchers, like I had said before, it had helped me lose weight before I went to college, so I figured I could do it again. this time I knew it would be a lot harder and I knew I was doing it for the right reasons. I set a high goal. I wanted to lose 50 pounds. June 1st, I started at 220 pounds. When I went on the scale and I saw that high number, I cried. I had never been that heavy. I did not want that number to define me. I was determined. Went to the gym 6 days a week, checked in daily and tracked my points. I worked my butt off day in and day out. No excuses. Even when I did not want to, I used motivation, I used my thoughts of what other people thought about me.

I also want to let you in on a little baby secret of mine. I told absolutely NO ONE what I was doing. I was determined to prove myself wrong and change that 220 into a different number. I did not tell my family, my close friends. I kept it in secret..you know why...because I was ashamed. I was ashamed I let myself get to 220. I was ashamed that I couldn't control what I had done to myself. While that was hard to swallow and hard to handle, being ashamed only made me work that much harder. Within the first month, my family started to notice, they would ask me if I was on a diet or something because something had changed. I started meal planning and prepping, following the weight watchers point system.


When the weight started to drastically come off, and people would ask me what I was doing, I felt like everyone was out to judge me (this was my own insecurities) and I would just say oh working out and eating healthy. To me it was not about a diet, it was about a lifestyle change. Weight Watchers changed my life and they saved me! If I did not start weight watchers on June 1, 2011, I do not know where I would be today! So many amazing things have happened to me as a result of my weight loss. THANK YOU WEIGHT WATCHERS FOR SAVING MY LIFE!

By December 2011, I had lost the 50 pounds that was my goal. I was so proud of myself. I felt amazing, I was happy, I loved the person that I became. I was at a cross roads. Thoughts of anxiety went through my head about what should I do next? How will I maintain my weight loss? What is my next goal?

1st Triathlon 2012
Well now that I hit the 50 pounds down mark, I had to set a new goal. My goal going into 2012, was to maintain my weight loss. In the past, as you know, I had lost weight with weight watchers and then gained it back. So my biggest fear was gaining that 50 pounds back, I thought long and hard about what I wanted to accomplish next. I always wanted to compete in a triathlon, so why not sign up for one. I signed up for the Danskin Women's Triathlon in Sept 2012 in Sandy Hook, NJ. I had trained for months leading up the the tri and I have to say, It was one of the most amazing experiences ever. While I was training, I lost another 20 pounds while following weight watchers. I felt like I was in the best shape ever. I finished the race better than I ever thought, if I can remember correctly I finished 7th overall for my age group. Something like that. This just fueled me more to want to continue to stay in shape, all by continuing to follow the weight watchers point system.

Weight Watchers taught me how to portion size, meal plan and prep, follow a routine of staying healthy. Above all, it taught me about how to live a healthier lifestyle. It wasn't a diet or a quick fix, its a way of life.

 DC Half Marathon 2014
Over the next year, I would continue to workout 6 days a week, including cycling, and running. I ended up getting into running with my dad and we started to do runs. who would have thought, this would have lead me to run the Washington DC Nike Women's Half Marathon in April 2014. This was a huge accomplishment and was taken off the bucket list.

Towards the end of 2012 and into 2013, I was training for my second triathlon in May of 2013, this one was in Red Bank, NJ. As a competitor, I wanted to be better than I had done before. I was strong in the swim and bike but when I got to the run part, I literally thought I was going to die. I felt like the wheels rolled off and I couldn't gain momentum. I wanted to give up but I did not. I think it was a sign of God that I maybe was not following through with weight watchers and I was going through the motions and I needed a change.

2nd Triathlon 2013
Sometimes you have to move on and challenge yourself to something new to overcome a plateau. I had posted my transformation picture in april of 2013 and I ended up getting alot of responses and comments about how I did it and people wanted my help. It literally took me like a week to post the picture and even that I almost did not post it. People wanted my help? I thought. I had that self doubt and self negative image of myself but weight watchers allowed me to help others and believe in them, when they didn't believe in themselves.

In June of 2013, I became a beachbody coach, only because I wanted the discount on shakeology and I wanted to do p90x. For those of you who do not know, shakeology is a healthy meal replacement you drink daily that has vitamins, super foods, and amazing nutrients in it. It has been a staple in my life over the last almost two years. I wanted to challenge myself to push my body to the limits and let me just say, I have truly done that. I have completed programs such as P90X, T25, 21 Day Fix, PIYO, and I am currently doing Insanity Max 30. I never thought in a million years that I the girl who was 220 pounds would ever be doing programs like insanity and p90x. but you know what I have completed them.



No matter what, you need to lead a balanced life that is filled with happiness, health, wellness, and above all, a life that you want. I know the struggle of being unhappy with what you see in the mirror and not loving who you are but by doing weight watchers and losing 70 pounds, my life was saved. I have no idea where I would be if I had not decided that I was sick and tired of where I was in my life and I needed a change.

Helping others in their own health and fitness journeys has given me a phenomenal opportunity to be a support system for others in their own health and fitness journeys. the journey is not easy but when you have someone there to support you and help you, it makes it a little easier.

We have an accountability group starting on monday January 26th! It is a great way to achieve all your health and fitness goals. I would love to help you out in your own health and fitness journey! Fill out the form below and I will contact you! Anyone who does not currently have a coach or is a coach can join us!



Hope You All Have a Happy & Healthy Day!!




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Sunday, January 18, 2015

Week 5: Insanity Max 30 Progress Update

Happy Sunday everyone! I hope you all have had a fantastic week! It is absolutely crazy how fast time seems to be going! I just completed week 5 of insanity max 30. that is more than half way done with the full 60 days! I have to say, last weekend was pretty amazing, but coming back monday and taking my month one progress pictures and measurements, I almost cried. I was so frustrated, monday morning at 5am...stepped on the scale. (DUN DUN DUN) and I was up 6 pounds! Now as I looked at the scale in disbelief, I thought about month one and I know my nutrition was not 100% on point and I know I did cheat a little but not 6 pounds worth of. The old me would have been depressed for days, I would have wanted to throw the towel in but I took a deep breath and I decided to take my measurements...well sure enough I was down 9.5 inches total body. 9.5 inches?!? well ok so I gained 6 pounds but I lost 9.5 inches...not bad. Alright, alright...Ill take my 30 day pictures...did that and boom, I could see a difference. (I am not posting them because I want the suspense of my day 1 to my day 60 pictures....sorry). As I had a minor metal breakdown because I had gained 6 pounds, friends of mine were telling me remember your gaining muscle, muscle weighs more than fat. And when I looked in the mirror, I did not think I gained 6 pounds. I felt better, I looked leaner...but still the scale told me I gained 6 pounds. 

I could have let that set me back that I gained 6 pounds. I could have said no way am I going to succeed in month two of max 30, I am just going to weigh more than ever in a while. I could have let the scale define me. I could have made it an excuse to fail. I could have quit. But what I did do, was put my head down and I focused on this week. I focused on my nutrition, yes it was 100% great and I did not always follow my meal plan but what I did gain from this week was my motivation to kick it into high gear! If I wanted my idea of my perfect body then I would have to really FOCUS. Throw the                                                               excuses out the door and FOCUS.


So going into week 5 on monday morning, I had gained 6 pounds in one month and my mindset was NIKKI, IT'S GO TIME! FOCUS! FOCUS! FOCUS! with that, I took month two into my hands and I gave it my all! This week, I pushed myself harder than I think I have had  ever! Month two is absolutely no freaking joke! Friends of mine who are a week ahead of me with the program kept telling me, month 2 is crazy, you won't be able to walk the first week of it, its harder than anything else. Well they were all true! None of them lied to me! haha 



I have to say, I am truly grateful for the process! It might not be an easy journey but it is so worth it! It might be hard and I may want to scream at Shaun T everyday but I have given it my all this week! I struggled through workouts but I never gave up. I was stronger than my excuses and I was better than myself everyday! and that is what Insanity Max 30 is all about! It is all about being better than you work the day before, the workout before, and challenging yourself to working hard and focusing on how you can be the best version of yourself. The process is not easy by any means but when you take a step back and you realize just how far you have come, it is all worth it! 




I hope you NEVER GIVE UP! I hope you are better than yourself the day before! I hope you love yourself because you all are truly amazing people!




Meal Plan for week 5: Take a Peak! :)

Hope you all have a Happy and Healthy Day!!
Nicole


Sunday, June 29, 2014

3 Day Refresh Results


As some of you may know, there is this new thing called the 3 Day Refresh. You might be sitting at your computer screen like I see Nicole posted about this but I have no idea what it is all about. So for starters, I want to share with you what exactly it entails to do the 3 Day Refresh and what amazing results that I saw. Seriously if I can do it, you could too!

Trust me, it was not easy but if you have a goal in mind to complete something, you do anything in your power to make that goal become a reality!

First off, a little about the refresh, its a 3 day program that is used for a plateau, you need to get back on track, you want to eat healthier, you want more energy and your clothes to fit better or you want to lose weight. Now this might be a little overwhelming but they have this AH-MAZING Little book that comes with the refresh that is so simple and helpful to understand its great! What is great about the refresh, is basically everything comes with it. It comes with 3 packets of specially formulated shakes, per day and shakeology. You are eating healthy snacks and there are easy-to-prepare meals. 

Everyone Has to Start Somewhere
I love that you have the option to write down what you want to eat each day and it is small enough that you can carry it with you and throw it in your purse and not think twice about it!

Day One, I weighed myself, took my before pictures, and had all my meals ready for the day! I wanted to go full steam ahead to really succeed in this! When I do cleanses or programs or new products that beachbody comes out with, I like to do them the way they were designed. In my mind, if I can do them, my customers can do them as well. If I fail at something like this, how am I setting a good example for those around me? I stuck with my PIYO workout. 

Day one was a little tough not going to lie, I love my coffee and I really needed it. I stuck to drinking lots of water and the refresh meal plan! 

Avocado c Veggies Snack
The morning of Day Two came and I jumped on the scale and let me just say, I lost 3 pounds...WOAH! 3 pounds in one day! and I felt amazing! I didn't feel bloated, I felt healthy again! Day two was great! I overcame a big hurdle half way through the day! One of the doctors that I work with bought pizza and salad for lunch! Not going to lie, it smelled absolutely delicious and I really wanted it but chose to walk right past it and have my vanilla shake with a side of carrots and hummus! It was the best victory I had during the entire Refresh. 

Final Shake and Dinner
Day three is the best because you are almost done. You see the light at the end of the tunnel! But most importantly, I was not craving anything unhealthy. I felt like my bloated stomach was slowly disappearing. When I jumped on the scale, I had lost 2 more pounds...now do the math, that's 5 pounds lost in 2 days...Day three was great! I had more energy! By dinner time, I felt great. I was excited to have my last Vanilla Fresh Shake and make my Veggie Stir-Fry. One thing that really was sticking in my head and tugging at my heart is that so many people say oh I could never do anything like that or you have so much will power! "You have the power to succeed in anything you do! Clear you mind of can't and fill  your mind with I CAN and I WILL!" It may not be easy but the results are a true success. That holds true for anything you do! YOU CAN and YOU WILL do anything you put your mind to. You may stumble and fall but you will get up time and time again...you know why?!?! because YOU HOLD THE KEYS TO YOUR SUCCESS!

Today is Day 4, and the Refresh is over. I was excited to hop on the scale and see if I lost anymore. I felt like I really didn't ultimately I do not judge progress by the scale, I judge by the way I feel. I lost another pound! Total of 6 pounds in 3 days! I feel like my body is detoxed. I feel like my body is ready for me to stay on track! I feel less bloated and I feel better about myself. Where do I go from here you might be thinking...well for me I am starting week 2 of PIYO tomorrow and I am going to focus on staying on track with the PIYO Meal Plan and the workouts!
THE RESULTS ARE IN
Example of what my eating looked like on the Refresh


Upon Waking: 8-10 oz Water
Breakfast: (1 hr upon waking up) shakeology shake with 10 oz of water plus a fruit serving (apple)
Optional Morning Tea: 1 cup of green tea
Mid-Morning Snack: Fiber Sweep (digestive health drink) [CHUG THIS! ITS NOT THE BEST TASTE]
Lunch: Vanilla Fresh Shake with 10 oz of water plus one fruit serving (clementine) plus one vegetable serving (carrots) plus one healthy fat (hummus)
Aftnoon Snack: one vegatable (cucumber) plus one health fat (avocado)
Optional Afternoon Tea: 1 cup of green tea
Dinner: Vanilla Fresh Shake plus a dinner recipe (veggie stir-fry...so my favorite)




If you want more information or want to join my exclusive refresh group, I want you to see great results like I did! There is no reason you cant start today! and did I mention...the 3 day refresh is on sale NOW! its a savings of over $70! Save money and see amazing results! YES PLEASE!






Hope to see you all soon and hope this helps you when deciding on whether or not to do the refresh. It truly is for everyone!



Have a Happy & Healthy Day!

Nicole Keating
Emerald Beachbody Coach

Sunday, June 1, 2014

3 Years & Still Going Strong



Today is June 1, 2014 & this is my 3 year anniversary of my journey to a healthier me. 3 years ago today, June 1, 2011, I started my weight loss journey. I signed up for weight watchers. I had done weight watchers in high school and lost some weight before college, so I decided to sign up online. I didn't tell anyone what I was doing, not even my closest friends and family. I didn't want to hear or see the looks (come on people you know those looks) others would give me. Or the eyes rolling like what is she doing. I am a very private person, it may not seem like it by the fact that I do post a great deal about myself on my instagram, twitter, facebook, health and fitness page, or blog. But I have and always will be introvert.

I was unhappy at 220 pounds (and yes I have never really said publicly how much I weighed). I was short of breath, miserable, when I looked in the mirror (and WHEN was a big IF) I hated everything I saw. I hated the person I was becoming, I hated me because I was not happy. I needed a change. Because I am an introvert, I kept my start of weight watchers again. My family is my biggest supporters but they are also my biggest critics. I didn’t want to me the talk of everything, I didn’t want to hear all the negativity, I didn’t want to see the ones I loved most roll their eyes at me or get those looks that I always got when I would walk in the room. (and I don’t mean good looks from others, it was like looks that made you feel worse about yourself). 

When you first start something new, there is always the fear of the unknown. The fear of “will I fail”. For me, as I look back at my beginning, I don’t remember being fearful. I kind of just put my head down and just went for it. Go big or go home right? Well my journey hasn’t been all gumdrops and lollipops. There have been some uphill climbs and some downhill rolls.

I followed the weight watchers point system and thank goodness for having an iphone and the ww application because that was perfect for me to keep track of what I was eating and making sure I was on track. I went to the gym 6 out of 7 days a week. I would work out on the stair climber and elliptical as well as spin class. I would spend on average probably 45 to 60 minutes at the gym each day. I made it a routine and habit.

Over the course of the next 6 months, the pounds started to just melt off. I was really focused but just wanted to feel better about myself. By November 2011, I had lost 50 pounds. My goal was 50 pounds! I had hit my goal, now it was time for a new goal. My next goal was to maintain my weight. Now at 170, I was petrified of gaining weight. I had lost weight previously and never kept it off. So now I was on a mission to continue this healthier lifestyle I had created for myself. Yes, I CREATED FOR MYSELF. I did it for myself. I didn’t let anyone bring me down and I didn’t want to fall off the path.


While my goal was to maintain my weight loss of 50 pounds, another goal I had was I wanted to compete in a triathlon (swim, bike, run race). Now running was and is not one of my strong suits. So I started to run with my dad. My dad is one of my biggest supporters and the best running/workout partner ever! We trained for the running portion. Swimming was always one of my strengths! I was continuing spin classes and outdoor cycling. While I was training for my first triathlon, I lost another 20 pounds. So now you are probably doing the math…that is 70 pounds! 70 pounds lost, 70 pounds gone, 70 pounds I NEVER want to see again.

In Sept. 2012, I competed in my first triathlon. It was one of the most exciting experiences of my life. I have to say that not in my wildest dreams did I ever think that I would have come so far. After I ran across the finish line, I had that racers high and I wanted to compete in another triathlon.

Over the course of the next three quarters of a year, I was training for my second triathlon and I wasn’t seeing the results I wanted. I had continued with the weight watchers point system. I was working out like crazy but just wanted more. The goal had been a constant, I wanted to maintain my weight loss.

I competed in my second triathlon in May, 2013. This triathlon was a longer distance on all legs of the race. I thought I was in great shape, I had trained hard but on the run, I struggled! So after the race, I did my research, I had seen all the infomercials of p90x and I wanted to try it.

June 15, 2013, just two years after I had started my weight loss journey, I became a beachbody coach. I drink Shakeology daily, do those workouts such as p90x, t25, insanity, 21 day fix, and brazillian butt lift. I had never seen such amazing results in such a short amount of time. I was hooked. There is nothing better than when you look in the mirror and love what you see. For so many years, I didn’t even look into the mirror, I didn’t love the person I was or the person I saw staring back at me.

I was selected to run in the Nike Women’s DC Half Marathon at the end of April, 2014. Man oh man, have I come a long way from that unhappy and unhealthy 220 pound girl, just struggling to get by. Now as you all have read and heard, running is not my thing but you know what you can do anything if you just put your mind to it. You can achieve anything from here to the moon and back with a little hard work, dedication, determination, consistency, and motivation. I even worked out with Shaun T, yes THE SHAUN T! It was probably one of the hardest workouts I have ever done in my entire life but I LOVED every minute of it. Oh and I get to work out with him again at the Beachbody Coach Summit in Vegas in a few weeks, as well as Tony Horton, Chalene Johnson, Leandro, and Autumn Calabrese.  If you told that 220 pound girl that she would compete in two triathlons, a half marathon, and workout with Shaun T, and would have the opportunity to work out in VEGAS with the top trainers, she would have rolled her eyes, said something like you are out of your mind, and would have went right for the potato chips. But this girl 3 years down the road of leading a healthier lifestyle, says bring anything on! I am up to the challenge. Every day is not easy, every day is not a successful workout, but every day is a new beginning, a new day to get it right, a new day to continue to be healthy.
 
Now 3 years down the road and 3 years still going strong, I may have packed on a few pounds here and there but I have also gained muscle from doing various programs but I am happy. I love myself. I love the person that weight loss has made me. I love that I see my potential and all that I have to offer. I love that I dream a little bigger. I love that I am not afraid of the unknown and that I live my life fearlessly and to the fullest. I surround myself with people who boost me and make me better person. I realized in the past, I didn’t have the best friends or the friends that had my best interests in mind. I realized that people used me. But now, with a new found me, it’s a totally different story!

While I have lead this healthy lifestyle, my family has picked up on the lifestyle that I live. Its great that my weight loss journey had such a positive effect on the ones that I love the most! 


So you might be thinking, what is your new goal, now that you are 3 years strong? And my current goal, is to help others achieve all their health and fitness goals. While my journey in my mind wasn’t that hard and I always think that it really wasn’t much but looking back it was. I overcame so many obstacles. I found out what I was made of. I wanted to help others to find themselves and to lead healthier lives. I want others to experience what I have experienced. I want others to say I am a half marathoner and I would have never thought I would get here.

No matter where you are in your life, I want you to know you are not alone. You have me, you have other weight loss survivors and those on their own weight loss journey to be supporters!  You will have your good days and bad days but remember: food never tasted as good as healthy feels. Stay strong!


See you in a year for my 4 year update because I WILL BE HERE IN 1 YEAR AND I WILL BE ACHIEVING ALL MY HOPES AND DREAMS! But between now and next year, I look forward to helping some of you lead healthier lifestyles! 


Have a Happy & Healthy Day
Love, Nicole

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Nicole’s Advice on Weight Loss Based on Her Own Experiences

Back in April, I got up the courage to post my transformation picture. It was something that I was contemplating for probably about two months. I was so nervous, I was scared, I didn't know how people would react or would I be criticized. I myself, was and still am my biggest critic. One morning, I woke up and just said to myself that I needed to put on those big girl panties and just post it. Honestly, I don't know what I was so scared about because after all was said and done, I cannot begin to tell you the amazing outpouring of love, congratulations, and the amount of people (friends and family) who wanted my help on how I lost 70 pounds and kept it off. So I decided to write up a document about what i learned from my own experience! I was out with a friend for dinner the other night and she said, when you sent me that document, I printed it out and have it hanging on my wall, I look at it everyday! So, I wanted to share it with you what I wrote up, in April! Hope this can help you!
Weight Loss Transformation
June 2011-April 2013


·         First and foremost, CONGRATULATIONS on taking the steps to achieve your weight loss goals

·         Most importantly: YOU ARE NOT ALONE in your journey of weight loss
o    It may feel like you are completely alone or you may not want to talk to others about what you are doing but you are not alone
o    Many are out there and are taking their own steps in their own weight loss transformation
o    Never be afraid to ask for help or support from others around you
§  Surround yourself with supportive people who make you better and challenge you to continue to pursue your dreams

·         You need to lose weight for YOURSELF
o    If you do not do this for yourself or for personal reasons, then you may not succeed in attaining those weight loss goals.
o    When you do it for yourself, you are the one who will let yourself down if you don’t achieve your goals.

·         SET A GOAL
o    It does not matter what the goal is, set a goal and stick with it.
o    Set goals that are attainable.
o    When you reach your goals or milestones, celebrate how far you have come, do something special for yourself
o    When you have reached your goal, set another goal, and every time you reach your goals, set new ones to keep yourself on track.
§  When I first started my goal was to lose 50 pounds.
§  When I lost 50 pounds, my next goal was to compete in a triathlon, I trained hard and as a result, I lost another 20 pounds.
§  When I competed in my first triathlon, my next goal was to get in better shape and continue to maintain my weight loss. My biggest fear was that I was going to put the weight that I had lost back on.
§  When I got in better shape, and learned how to maintain my weight and live this healthy lifestyle, I wanted to compete in another triathlon.
§  After I competed in my second triathlon, I set a goal that I wanted to get faster and better at competing in triathlons.
§  I became stagnant in my everyday workout and needed a change. I then decided to start doing p90x and taking shakeology. My goal through doing these is I want to get stronger for competing in triathlons. I also want to become more toned.
§  My goal along with this is that I want to become a better runner.
§  As you go along, make new goals that challenge you to be better and grow as an individual in your transformation to a healthier lifestyle.

·         COMMITMENT AND CONSISTENCY
o    Consistency is the key to success
o    Committing yourself to not only weight loss but also a lifestyle change
§  This is not something that is temporary, this is something that you will have to fight for the rest of your life.

·         Need to be OPEN AND READY to lose weight
o    Everyone is different and they are ready on their own time  and you should start when you are ready!
§  People may make comments or say things like “oh I really think it is time for you to lose weight” or “don’t you think you should drop a few pounds”
·         But what others do not understand is that you may not be ready to jump into it and that’s ok because when the time is right, you will be ready to open yourself to this and you will take the necessary steps to change


·         EXERCISE

o    Exercise is a major aspect of maintaining and losing weight.
o    Find something that you are passionate about and do it.
o    Find a gym buddy or a running partner.
§  Find someone that motivates you to do better, be better, work harder and pushes you to the next level
o    My dad is my running partner. We push each other to get out there and go for a run. We challenge each other by choosing new routes that might be out of our comfort zone. When one is having a bad day, the other is there to support one another
o    For me, I found a love for spin class and cycling. I found certain spin classes at the gym that I absolutely loved that pushed me and challenged me to a new level.
o    Whether it is walking, running, biking, swimming, whatever exercise it is, get out there and do it.
o    I use exercise for stress reduction. When I workout, it’s all about me! I use my workout time as me time, everyone needs a little me time.


·         PLAN AHEAD
o    Plan meals and exercises ahead of time, so you know what to expect and you can manage your day to day life with having exercise
o    We live such busy lives, for me I sit down on Sunday with the family and decided what we am going to have for dinner throughout the week. This way I know how to prepare my week with breakfast and lunches.
o    Planning ahead allows me to not be nervous of the unknown with what to expect for the week. It allows me to feel comfortable with what I can have throughout the day (pacing with food)

·         PORTION SIZE
o    Controlling what you put into your body and how much is going in, is so important
o    Portion sizes today are so large (usually portions are two times as much as what our bodies should have), and we put so much into our body, more than our bodies can handle.
o    By knowing what you are putting in your body, you can eat healthier and get the right nutrients
o    Use smaller plates when you are eating. It can make your brain think that you are eating enough. This trains your mind to consume what the body needs.
o    When you have that full feeling, you should stop eating and not continue on. It doesn’t matter if you are halfway through your meal. There is no reason to overfill your stomach when you are full. People constantly say, “oh I don’t want to waste this food” but you don’t want that extra food you are putting into your body to become unnecessary extra weight.  



·         SUPPORT
o    Surround yourself with others who motivate you are support your weight loss journey
o    Turn to others who have gone through it themselves or others who are making the journey themselves.

·         Weight loss takes HARDWORK
o    It is not easy. I would be lying to you if I said oh it wasn’t that bad.
o    You will have good days and bad days. You are going to hit some bumps in the road and that is normal.
o    Stick with it and believe in yourself that you can do it.
§  You would be surprised at what you can do.
·         I love the quote “what would attempt to do if you knew you couldn’t fail?
o    Think about that. If you knew you couldn’t fail at weight loss, what would you do to complete your goals?

·         FIGHT for your goals every day
o    I fight every day just as hard if not harder than the first day I started my weight loss journey. It’s a challenge to maintain my weight and continue to be motivated.
o    I have made it a lifestyle change. It’s a way of life. MY LIFE!
o    It is something that I do not think twice about.
o    I do it as a normal part of my day and do not think twice
o    It has become a habit, and job to continue to work out and eat healthy
§  It takes 21 days to make a habit. Remember that when you are trying to eat healthy.

·         Keep a weight loss JOURNAL. This keeps you accountable, honest, and on the right track
·         Drink plenty of water daily. Try and drink 64oz of water daily.


My Call to Action (Points to Remember):
·         Hard work pays off
·         Commitment to yourself
·         Dedication to getting healthy and losing weight
·         Determination to better yourself
·         Consistency
·         Lifestyle change
·         Making the changes becomes a routine, dedication to that routine
·         DEDICATION, DETERMINATION, MOTIVATION
·         Stick with it!




·         What weight loss has done for me:
o    More energy
o    Happier
o    Healthier
o    Less angry
o    Self confidence that I never had
o    Feel great about myself
o    Better relationships
o    Sleep better
o    No joint pains anymore

·         What others have seen through my transformation:
o    Dedication and desire to stay active and fit
o    Dedication to a lifestyle change
o    Positive attitude
o    More stamina and energy
o    Hyper
o    Confidence
o    Radiate presence
o    Stand taller
o    Better time management skills-always making time to work out and eat right


Feel free to contact me if you have any questions, need any help or motivation! I would love to work with you
908-285-4661
Instagram: nikkikeat24