One thing I get asked about most often (besides my skincare routine, which I covered here!) is about my fitness routine. It still sounds funny even saying “my fitness routine” because honestly until about 2 and a half years ago, there was no fitness routine. The thought of going for a run was comical. I remember before my sister’s wedding in 2014 we decided to take a boot camp class, and I truly thought I was going to die. I mean it was so sad. I also passed out in Pure Barre one time, who does that? Fast forward to now, and I can just pick up and run 3 miles outside like it is NBD. Who am I?! So what happened, how did I get here? Well let me tell you friends.

In January 2016 (I had just started dating my husband!!) I decided to make fitness and nutrition a priority. I had spent the better part of my twenties in a vicious yo-yo diet cycle, and I was sick of it. I hated the way I felt, and was ready to truly make some changes. I joined Orange Theory Fitness (thanks Meghann!) and quickly began to feel better. I had more energy, I loved the accountability and routine of a group fitness class, and I just felt good, because I knew I was doing something good for my body. You can learn more about Orange Theory here! I love my OTF fam in Lexington, and I love that I can take classes in other states too when I am traveling. I try to do 5 classes a week, but it is sometimes 4, sometimes more, just depends on the week. I have been doing OTF for about 2 and a half years, and I have never been stronger or more toned. It is so crazy and so cool that we have the ability to change our bodies, don’t ya think?

Exercising isn’t the only thing that has helped me change my body, nutrition is a HUGE part of it. I have a really tricky metabolism. I can look at a bagel and gain five pounds (not even kidding) so it has always been difficult for me to lose weight. I have to really focus on what I am eating if I want to see results, working out alone doesn’t cut it for me.

I got married last year (in case you didn’t hear, lol) and I was looking for a food plan to help me get wedding day ready. I had already lost about 17 pounds when I found out about Amanda Nighbert’s program through my friend Catherine, and I am so glad I did!! I completed my first round of the 7 week program, and it helped me lose the final 7 pounds before my wedding. I think what I liked most about the program was Amanda herself honestly. I have continued to follow along with her, doing round after round to maintain what I had done. She is a registered dietician, and has worked in the field for the past 15 years, so she knows her stuff! She has actually just launched a new program, LEAN, which I just started this week! The program focuses on intermittent fasting, macro management, and teaching you how to eat real, nutritious foods. She also provides daily workout plans for each week, but has worked with me to incorporate my OTF, since she knows I love it! Her plan is so easy to follow, and implement into a busy lifestyle. And she totally understands that duh, wine happens. That’s just life people! I will make sure to keep you posted on the results! I am going on a cruise with the fam in about 9 weeks, so I figured this was a great time to do another round with my girl Amanda. My goals are to tone up, and drop a few lbs to be Caribbean ready! You can read more about Amanda Nighbert’s program here! Come do it with me!! We can figure out how to still have low cal margarita’s together, lol!!

I feel the best I ever have. I have completely changed my body composition, have lost 24 pounds overall, and am stronger than I ever thought I could be. I mean look at these pics! Taken a year a part (October ’16 and October ’17). I am proud to say that I only fluctuate between 3 pounds of my wedding day weight, that is pretty decent right?

And for kicks, here is a pic I took the other day shopping just for comparison sake. I am so proud I have been able to keep the weigh off for almost a year now!

One of the most unexpected benefits that I have seen from regular exercise and eating well, is the decrease in my anxiety. I have always struggled with anxiety as long as I can remember, it can be so debilitating at times! I have seen such a difference in my mental health these past two years. I was even able to stop taking my anti anxiety medication, which is huge you all!!

I would love to do more regular, and more detailed fitness and nutrition posts as I follow along on Amanda Nighberts 7 week LEAN program. If there is anything specific you want to know more about, just let me know!

SHOP THIS POST:
(my shoes are the Nike 270 Air Max in coral! My tank and shorts are LuluLemon, the blue kimono wrap is also Lulu and still in stock here! bathing suit is Victorias Secret from years ago, and any details on wedding dress are listed at the bottom of the post here!)