I have always lived an active lifestyle. Growing up I was involved in dance and cheer. Apart from that, I enjoyed working out with my dad. But…like many others I ate terribly simply because I could. You know those people that eat whatever and gain no weight? Yep. That was me. As a child my mom and dad always made well-rounded meals, but I was the kid that always went back for seconds or thirds. Once I got to college, it did not get any better. Between stress and change of environment things were just out of hand. My relationship with food was unhealthy. When I was stressed I could not keep food down. But on the flip side I could eat an entire medium pizza without batting an eyelash. Freshmen and sophomore year of college I was the smallest I’d ever been, weigh 110 at 5’5.5. And it wasn’t necessarily about the numbers on the scale but the way I was treating my body. From there I attempt to gain weight. The heaviest I weighed was 148.

In 2014 my life took a shift for the better and I reevaluated my health. I started participating in the Miss America system in 2015 and it was honestly perfect timing. I was surrounded by so many body positive women whose encouragement was endless. In 2016 I started working out regularly but here’s the kicker…I was still eating terribly. I mean your girl could go through a pint of Blue Bell Cookies and Cream ice cream nightly and a family size bag of Lays Sour Cream and Onion Chips like it was nobody’s business. I was always tired and needed at least one coffee and one Red Bull to make it through the day. Even though I looked healthy and I was active, I was not living a healthy lifestyle.

This past summer I came in contact with some amazing woman. One of them had opened up a Herbalife shake shop in Troy AL, and the others are instructors at Neighborhood Barre. I was truly inspired by their passion and zeal for not just fitness but for a healthy lifestyle, which included their physical and mental being. On Aug.1 I joined the 14 Day No Junk Food Challenge. 14 days and everything shifted. I found ways to keep my food interesting and how to curve unhealthy cravings and replace them with healthier options. In those 14 days, I dropped 7 pounds but more importantly I felt good and had energy to make it through the day. After those two weeks, I did not want that to be the end of my journey. So, it continues. Healthy and quick meals have become my conquest. Gaining lean and toned muscle is my physical goal. But more importantly since I have become diligent with clean eating and consistent exercise, my mental state has never been clearer. My emotions don’t fluctuate, and I don’t feel like I am in a fog. That my friend is progress. Now time it’s to cut and lean out this weight! I can’t wait to see where these next few months take me.

I am excited to talk and share more with you about my health and fitness journey. The good, the bad, and the ugly.  Both the highs and the lows. Plus all of the lessons in between.

Until next time friends,

Angie