I can’t pinpoint exactly when my health journey started, but what I can tell you is that it is an on going part of the ride of life. 

Growing up I was never one of those that could eat whatever I want and not gain weight, I had friends that were those types and I was envious. I thought to myself, why can’t I be like that! We have all had those friends right?! Or maybe you are one of them. 

However now, I am grateful. I don’t want to be able to put a bunch of junk into my body without the consequences. If that was the case, maybe I would still be eating that crap. I do let myself enjoy some of that on occasion but its not what I consume as my everyday food because really should it be called food?! Anyway, point is, if you are also one of those people look at it as a blessing in disguise. If you are one of those who don’t gain weight, that can also be frustrating and hopefully your eyes can open to, to the reality of processed foods.

I will talk more about food in another post, my purpose here is to share with you my struggles, breakthroughs and how you, too, can find your health balance. 

It was not until late in my college years that health and eating healthier really became a thing for me. One of the first books I remember reading that made a light bulb go off was called “Skinny Bitch.” I think I went vegetarian for about a month after that. It was a good wake up point, but also the start of some yo-yo dieting that helped me make progress but not necessarily feel good, have energy or find self acceptance.

Through self education, mentors, formal education, self discovery and ridding toxic thinking is when I finally started to really get it. Something in my head shifted to actually understanding how bad food affects our bodies and how real whole food heals our bodies. My mindset shift of also accepting my flaws, embracing my curves that I once hated, and appreciating my small stature is also a huge breakthrough in my journey to health. Truthfully, a lot of this came once I allowed myself some time to be single. Ladies, if a relationship is destructive to your self worth, leave it. Finally I was not chasing the scale anymore or trying to please anyone, I simply want to live a long life and feel my best. I love sour candy, ice cream and cheesecake and guess what I still eat them, sometimes just healthier versions and in moderation. I feel my best and honestly at over 30 also look my best. Do I have bad days or feel insecure at times? Absolutely, but overall I am at my happiest balanced self. I continue to eat whole foods, workout regularly, don’t deprive myself, step out of my comfort zone and take risks. This is how I continue to achieve my healthy lifestyle. 

If you are not already there, you have the ability to get there too. Take off that pressure of meeting certain standards, impressing someone or thinking if only I was this size I could be happy. Take control back of your lifestyle. Doing it on your own is not easy, I encourage you to educate yourself, invest in a mentor, take part in a support group because really the investment you are making is in yourself. There is not one program, diet or lifestyle that fits all. You must create your own unique balance. You got this

“Your genetics load the gun. Your lifestyle pulls the trigger.” ~Mehmet Oz

health, love and happiness,

Courtney