I come from a family of health nuts who are all physically fit people. I am the oldest of 3 girls. I've always referred to myself as "the big sister" ( having more meanings than one unfortunately). My mother is a tiny woman who spends endless hours in the gym to maintain her excellent physic. My dad remodels homes for a living and on top of that he plays hockey and water skis. He is in excellent shape for a man of 57 years old! Next there's my "health freak" middle sister (age 22) who just graduated with a degree in exercise science. There is not an ounce of body fat on this child! She could walk into a bakery full of delicious treats and order a plate of veggies and a water. If only I had that will power! Haha! Lastly there is my baby sister (age 21). She was a bit of a chubby child growing up, but has since blossomed into a super model of a woman! She has been blessed with being naturally thin with long lean legs. Freak of nature I tell you! She could sit down to a donut feast and not gain an ounce! I on the other hand get a whiff of a donut and 5 pounds appear on my thighs!
Here we are. From left: Mom, baby sister, middle sister, me, Dad.
Then you have me. I was a thin, active kid growing up. I was always participating in some sort of sport all the way through high school. Then college and the dreaded freshman 15+ came. Ugh. I liked to party, ate whatever I wanted and didn't work out. Go figure I gained weight! A year and a half ago I got on the scale and it read 162 and I was in a tight size 8 jeans. I was overweight, unhealthy and unhappy. Enough was enough. I started exercising regularly and started using MyFitnessPal to track my calories. I even started running! I guess it was more like jogging at walking speed in the beginning, but hey it was something! The pounds started to come off slowly but surely.
Since then I have lost 32 pounds and have even completed 2 half marathons! I figured with this new body and eating well I would feel fantastic, right?! That still was not the case. For as long as I can remember I have had stomach issues. I won't get into details, but let's just say I never felt good. I finally went to the doctor and after many, many tests I have been diagnosed with Celiac Disease. This means I cannot eat any foods containing gluten or there will be hell to pay. I was devastated. No more delicious baked treats like cake, bagels or donuts! How could I possibly live?!
Well after many slip ups I realized that my health and feeling good was more important than that donut. And I have found there are many gluten free alternatives! I am 1 month completely gluten free and I feel great!!! My stomach that was always pooched out has even flattened out!
I hope this blog will help inspire others to get healthy. Enjoy!
Halie
Here's a before and after. Left: 162lbs. and unhealthy Right: 134lbs. On the road to health
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