GOAL WEIGHT ACHIEVED

Some people set out on a journey to better their lives, better their health which in the end will help them come to a peace of mind with the way they feel about themselves and the life they live.  Some people get scared and back down, some get half way - step back and look at their achievements and just stop, and then there are people who keep pushing and fighting every single day to make the best of themselves and really prevail! I am so beyond to say I am the latter...

For the last 15 months, I have been working towards the "typical new year's resolution" every person tends to make at least once, if not more, in their lives! To LOSE WEIGHT and I FINALLY DID IT!!!  January 1, 2013 I made the resolution that I will get my butt to the gym, I will workout and I will reach my goal weight! My biggest motivation was being engaged, and knowing that for one day - all eyes would be on me. That is what pushed me towards my weekly/daily/monthly/overall goals. 

Let's start with a little bit of background about my struggle with my weight/self confidence... 

I always felt like I was the girl who everyone looked past, who was too chubby to be chosen for a certain team or someone who just wasn't pretty enough. It made me always hate the body I was living in and in turn I would run to food to ease my emotions. I didn't feel pretty dressing up, I hated taking pictures and I always felt like I was left out. But that HAD to change.. And I knew I had to stop letting what others thought of me affect my self confidence levels and be happy with myself.

During the first year, life was crazy.. It was hard trying to accommodate my eating habits with my fiancé and declining happy hours, nights out on the town with friends and my healthy lifestyle. Now I didn't give up EVERYTHING the entire year, it was kind of like learning to run... First you scoot, then you crawl, walk and finally you're off full speed running! That's exactly what this journey taught me... It takes time and eventually it can be done if you have the willpower. Now I'm not saying you have to give up everything, just do/have some of the "not so healthy" things in moderation! If you deprive yourself it may cause you to fall completely off track and lose your sight of where you want to go.

So here's how I reached my goal weight....

Beginning my journey at the unthinkable 166.8 pounds -- I started switching up my diet, not eating out as much and getting in cardio at the gym. Within the first few months I was down about 10 pounds or so and I was happy I had lost that much but I knew I still wasn't where I wanted to be. 

***here's a small fun fact about how determined I was to reach my goal weight... I went dress shopping for my wedding gown at the end of March and I found my beautiful Maggie Sottero gown at MB Bride... My consultant who measured me told me I need to get said size so obviously I did... I got home and was thinking and knew how determined I was, and told them I wanted to change my size down to the smaller size. They said they didn't normally do that, and would have to get management approval, BUT THEY DID IT FOR ME!! So I had my dress ordered in the smaller size, so that was a little motivation to keep going!***

In March I tried drinking Body By Vi, which is a meal replacement and you have 2 shakes a day. ViSalus helped me for about a month and I dropped 8 pounds but I just couldn't keep up with the shakes because I missed actual solid foods and felt like I wasn't getting enough proper nutrition. Now don't think I'm bashing BBVi because it has helped numerous people get to their goals and whatnot, but everyone is different. This just wasn't my path... so I moved on.

After ending my journey with ViSalus, I then got back to monitoring what I ate and thought I was doing good with my diet and whatnot lost a few pounds then got stuck at a plateau for a good 6 months, it was getting extremely frustrating! I didn't know what to do!! I tried everything, weight loss pills, ViSalus shakes here and there, working out hours a day, whatever you can think of I did it. I kept fluctuating between 144-148 and had no idea what I needed to do. I started looking into weight training because my wedding was quickly approaching and I needed to do something. I was so close to my goal weight that I just didn't want to give up, and knowing I had my dress fitting eventually coming up, that helped a little.

***Another progress reporting here, in August my wedding gown had finally come in and it was kind of an oh crap kind of moment... Going to try on my dress, would it fit or not. Well I went and tried it on and it fit PERFECTLY!! Like it was designed just for my body! I was beyond ecstatic!***

So beginning to be hopeless that I wouldn't reach my goal weight, I was approached about becoming a Beachbody coach and I turned it down multiple times because I thought I knew what I was doing and didn't want to spend any money on that stuff. BUT At the end of January 2014, I had a little change of heart -- I decided to join Beachbody and give it a go since I've been following a ton of BB challengers and coaches and all their results were INSANE. I started drinking Shakeology daily and working out with the one and only Shaun T doing T25!! I also started eating "clean" and avoiding a lot of things I absolutely loved in the past months and going for different options. I traded All Natural Peanut Butter for PB2, traded my chips for a piece of fruit, and started watching my portions more closely. The 5 weeks of T25 Alpha Phase went extremely fast and I was only down 3 pounds but I had lost 6 inches overall!! I was beyond ecstatic! 

After T25 I was still determined to lose a few more pounds because I was about 3 pounds out from my goal weight and had my first dress fitting appointment a couple weeks after so had to make sure I was as close to my goal weight as possible. I started working out with the newest addition to BB, Autumn Calabrese doing the 21 day Fix. I was a bit apprehensive because I didn't want to drop a ton of weight just wanted to tone up and whatnot. I didn't follow the meal plan/workout to a T so I don't have my results to share with that but plan on doing the full workout and following the meal plan after the wedding.

***March 19 comes around and it's the day of my first dress fitting and the dress fit PERFECTLY a little lose in the bust but that was always a typical area that needed some attention with all my dresses I've ever purchased. But there really wasn't any more room for the back to be pulled together. The seamstress said it was a very smart choice to order the smaller size and that the weight loss had to stop!  SAY WHAT... This is what I do, this is what I love, I have a goal to get too! I was a little sad because I didn't think I'd be able to do the workouts I've come to love! But after talking to some friends and my team I got an understanding of what would need to be done!!***

So now it is April and I just finished up my three day Shakeology cleanse, it helped me out a ton because I ate crap food after I heard my dress was perfect and didn't need any other alterations and I needed to stay where I was, but I had a goal to reach and I knew I had an appointment or two for alterations before my wedding so I wasn't too concerned about it. The dress could be taken in more with the amount of time left for the wedding!! So here it is, as of April 2nd I have officially hit my goal weight of 135 pounds!!!

So how do I feel... I feel amazing. I feel more confident, I feel like I can reach any goal I set out for myself. Over the last 15 months I did some of the things I NEVER thought I would do... I ran my first half marathon, signed up for my second, stepped out of my comfort zone and bought my first and SECOND pair of skinny jeans, also did an in home workout (I'm a gymrat so I was a little apprehensive here), I'm no longer embarrassed of what I look like, I feel happier, healthier,

more motivated, and best of all I feel accomplished for putting forth the long hours at the gym, pouring sweat, trading those fried foods for a yummy Shakeology, and getting up at the crack of daylight to get my workouts in!! It was all soooo worth it and I could not be anymore excited for this journey.

So what's next some will ask, maintaining and trying to time up for my upcoming wedding and then after the wedding who knows!!  :-)

I am a beachbody coach and I do have a challenge group opening up within the next couple weeks - if you want to join me - send me a quick message and will chat about what all it entails! I did and I know you can too! Having an amazing support system and the drive is exactly what it takes to be successful and I will make you be successful!! For more information about Beachbody go to teambeachbody.com/StephClemmer

RESULTS ARE IN!!!

For the very first time in my life... I stuck with an at home workout and didn't miss a single workout! I have always struggled with being extremely bored with them or just wanted to see results instantly! Well, obviously we know that can't and won't happen... so you must put in the time, sweat and pain to get the results you want to see! Well that is exactly what I did!

For the last 5 weeks - everyday I have had a date with Shaun T doing the Alpha Phase of T25!! I have to say I love this workout being of many many reasons... 

1. It offers a modifier (Tonya) and if you feel that you aren't ready to "Dig Deeper" just yet as Shaun T would say, she's there to provide you with a modified movement. IMO, this was great during Total Body Circuit because you're using a lot of power so when you think you may just die, you look to her for the support!!

2. It is TWENTY FIVE MINUTES A DAY!!! The amount of time I use to spend in the gym compared to the time I spend there now is incredible because I've seen inches fall come off way easier than getting in those HOURS at the gym everyday. In 25 mins I was sweating just as much as I was if I were to run for 5 miles, it is amazing!!

3. Shaun T - he is honestly a great fitness instructor and always motivates you throughout the entire workout and provides you with tips on how to make sure you get the correct form down for each movement. He made it so much easier to keep going when I wanted to just say screw it, haha.

4. THE BEST REASON I LOVE THIS WORKOUT - the RESULTS I got!!! I couldn't believe the results I got when I finished this workout. For the last 15 months I've been striving to get to my goal weight and T25 has dramatically helped over the last 5 weeks. It was incredible having people say that they can tell I'm losing weight and I look great AND OHHHHH - stepping out of my comfort zone and buying a pair of SKINNY JEANS!! This has been an INCREDIBLE 5 week journey and I want you all to know - it took dedication and the willpower to push play every single day! I know that if I can do it - ANYONE can!

Now you all are probably wondering... well what are your results - ok so here they are!!

Beginning on February 4th - I weighed 140.2 lbs and weighing in today at 137.2 so I lost a total of 3 lbs... No it doesn't seem like a lot - but here's the best part... I think I lost an incredible amount of inches in just 5 weeks...

Waist - Down 1.4 inches

Bust - Down 1.15 inches

Hips - Down 1.1 inches

Left Arm - Down .25 inches

Right Arm - Down .3 inches

Left Thigh - Down .25 inches

Right Thigh - Down .5 inches

Lovehandles🙊 - Down 1 inch

For a total of 5.95 inches and 3 lbs gone in just 5 weeks!!! I feel absolutely incredible after this journey. I'm sure there are some of you saying well 3 lbs isn't a lot so I'm not gonna try this but what I've learned is that you are burning fat and losing inches and essentially building muscle!! Yes I was totally bummed I didn't drop like 10 lbs over the last 5 weeks but that's ok because I'm fitting into smaller jeans and feel better in clothes and I think it was all totally worth it.  And I am so thankful that I was able to share this with you all. 

I want to give a HUGE shoutout to my Beachbody Coach, Amie DeSanzo, for kind of convincing me to do it everyday because it'll show better results and another huge shoutout to my amazing fiancé, Craig!! Even on the days where I just wanted to go lay down instead of dealing with Shaun T - he made me get up and realize what I wanted! I couldn't thank him enough for being my biggest supporter and motivator!! Thank you Amie & Craig for you continuous motivation and support through this journey!!

Below these pictures are taken about 11 months apart - this was March of 2013 on the left and the right was Mid-February 2014 when I bought my first pair of skinny jeans!!!!😉

If you have any questions about anything, please feel free to contact me on Facebook: 2 B F.I.T, email me at pghfitnessgirl@gmail.com or teambeachbody.com/stephclemmer 

Skinny Jeans!!! H2O Problem & Week 3 of T25 Update!

So I am pretty sure I can speak for all females when I say that fitting into a smaller size of jeans is probably one of the biggest self confidence boosters, point blank! With that being said, I have officially dropped 4 sizes since beginning my weight loss journey 14 months ago - doesn't seem like a lot - but to me, it's hours upon hours sweating at the gym, clean eating and the amongst all the biggest factors - dedication and accountability!! It took me a good 2 months to feel comfortable in the smaller pair of jeans but when I tried them on the other day and there was no sucking it in, no jumping up and down and no muffin top - I was probably jumping around like a goof ball with so much excitement!!☺️ Sooo excited about this as I haven't been able to wear this size in jeans since my freshman year of highschool (as far as I can remember) so that's been about 12 years ago... crazy that I am in the best shape of my life now, and feeling more comfortable in my own skin! That is it's own topic that is always going to be a work in progress for me!!

I've learned over the last several months that you get out what you put in. So if you give 100% every single day - chances are you will reach your goals very quickly. But honestly, who can give 100% every single day without cheating... it's a huge struggle for me because of recent stress, wedding planning and other crazy things going on - but recently I've been doing so much better with my diet (even making weekly menus that are FIANCÉ friendly), and the cutting out of unnecessary drinks/foods that I thought were good for me but was causing boating and discomfort. Keeping an eye on the food label is HUGE and I definitely have been looking at that before I buy something now. 

Another big issue for me is h2o!!! I can't drink just plain water on a regular daily basis unless I'm working out or I'm out at a restaurant and the glass is filled to the brim with ice - so it's extremely hard for me to do but I'm trying my hardest to change that. As a matter of fact, in March my challenge is to try to drink at least 60 ounces of regular water everyday! I use to drink Propel Kiwi-Strawberry until a friends mother told me they were loaded with sodium! I was so upset because I didn't realize that at first - then after putting two and two together, I stopped drinking Propel then finally my fingers didn't swell up as much and my hands didn't feel as dry as they did when I was drinking Propel AND I was drinking about 3-4 bottles daily. Then after that going cold turkey with that - I went to Wal-Mart and got the Clear American carbonated Kiwi-Strawberry flavored water and was drinking 2-2.5 bottles a day. My coworker came by my desk one day and mentioned that she and her family use to drink them all the time, and she had to stop drinking this brand because they hurt her stomach. Here she asked to read the label and noticed it had Phenylalanine in it. This is actually similar to aspartame and I didn't know that. So I was so bummed because my flavored water brands I use to drink ALL DAY EVERYDAY have all completely failed me... so what to do now, drink plain WATER. But I want to see the results that I know I can get, and feel better with the foods/drinks I have so reading the food label is a must now for me.

Now on to give you an update of my most recent workout program: 

T25 Update for Week 3.... I can't believe I have already completed 3 weeks of the Alpha Phase! It's been totally awesome to step out of my comfort zone and actually work out at home, FOR TWENTY-FIVE MINUTES a day!!! Although, I am quite impatient and not seeing the results I want like yesterday - I have found that my endurance to do these workouts has been increasing each and every workout! Going into my last two weeks I am going to be super anxious because I want to be able to share with you my awesome results! Week 5 of the Alpha Phase will end March 10th -- only 16 days left!!! Can't wait to share with you the results - but you'll have to stick around for that!!😉

Photo: (Left) March 2013 (Right) February 2014

But that's all kids, time to call it a night! Got a busy day tomorrow with birthday parties, bowling and spending time with my bubs on my rest day! Enjoy your night/day!! 

Also, if you would like to check out my site to find out more information about the Beachbody programs and products - go to teambeachbody.com/stephclemmer 

T25 Update!

So I'm not the one that likes to workout at home, I'd rather be the girl pumping iron at the gym and getting in those miles on the treadmill... but since the beginning of February, I have stepped out of my comfort zone and finally gave T25 a shot!! I am now working on Week 3! I can't believe I've stuck with it this far, and I could not be any more excited with the results I've been seeing!

Since starting T25 and Shakeology, I am down 2 inches overall, and down .8 lbs! Although, I am sure I could have been down a little bit more in weight - I did splurge a little this past weekend because of Valentine's Day, our anniversary and the bake sale we had at work to raise money for the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation. But I am human and enjoy the not so healthy snacks here and there, but I immediately jumped right back on track Saturday and have not missed a workout since starting the program!!

Although, I do still go the the gym to run/train for the half marathon, I feel feel that I am seeing a little more definition in my arms/shoulders but obviously I look/see my body everyday so I think once others start seeing the results it'll make a bit happier.... but I am not giving up!! I've come too far now :)

I am so excited to keep seeing changes and getting in even better shape for my wedding! Stay tune for week 5 workout results coming in early March! :-)

Valentine's Day Recap & T25 Update!

Hi all my lovies.. it's been a little while since I last posted on here, but things have been oober crazy and stressful. But I'M BACK :)

So yes, February 14th - is of course the one day a year a girl should get showered with big teddy bears, boxes of chocolates, and some pretty flowers! For me, it's not just a hallmark holiday, but it's the day my wonderful fiancé and I started dating! (Yep... Totally cliche) Three years for us... and we're 85 days out from the wedding! I can't believe it's been three years already... time sure does fly when you're having fun!! Craig and I decided to celebrate our Valentine's Day at the Outback Steakhouse Thursday night, instead of having to deal with the long waits and tons of people out and about. It's my favorite place to get a yummy steak & it was nice to have an evening out and about with him since it's been a while! We also exchanged gifts we got each other! He surprised me with a beautiful pandora bracelet that included a 13.1 charm for completing the half marathon last year, a cute decorative charm, and a limited edition Valentine's Day 2014 charm that opens up as a locket to hold our pictures in it! :) I have been asking for one for the longest time, and I am so excited to have it finally!! He also bought me a digital picture frame and a giant hand made Valentine's Day card that surprised me saying we are going to have a beautiful Dove Release for our wedding ceremony!!! I am so excited because we called the lady this morning at When Doves Fly, she was really excited and when she sent the contract over to us she mentioned that the couple that was chosen for the 50% off any package for attending the Wedding Expo last month didn't accept the offer so she offered it to us, how sweet right!!! I feel so relieved that everything is coming into place.

Also, today... I finished the double workout day for T25! Other than splurging a little yesterday for the bake sale we had at work to help raise money to donate to the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation - I would say it's been a good week for me. Cookies, brownies, cupcakes, and a bunch of yummy treats... it got the best of me! But I live a normal life, and I eat some things I don't have on a daily basis so it's ok to have a "sugary" snack every once in a while. And today I woke up and got right back on track with my Shakeology!!! 

I actually looked forward to T25 this week and I am so excited to have completed week 2 of the Alpha Phase... only 3 more weeks left then onto the Beta Phase!!! :) Hoping for some awesome results. I want to be able to lose these last stubborn six pounds before I have to go get my first dress fitting in the middle of March! GOALS GOALS GOALS.

But ok guys & gals... it's about time to call it a night! Here's until next time... have a great evening everyone!!

Another goal crushed, start of T25 and finalizing some wedding plans!!

Happy Hump Day!!

Does anyone else feel like these weeks are getting longer and longer? I don't know about you but I think they should make work weeks 2 days and weekends 5 days, haha!! This winter has been insane, and I think it's draining me... every other day, it seems like I have to spend 20 minutes cleaning off my car and scrapping the windshields. Yes I live in Pittsburgh, but this winter has been brutal!!! Can we fast forward to summer now!!!☀️

So typically Wednesdays are my weigh in days, and well this morning I was a little iffy about getting on the scale... but needless to say .... when I stepped on the scale I felt like one of those women in the Special K commercials jumping for joy, haha! So as you know I've always struggled with my weight, but this morning was amazing... I am officially back in the 130s!!!!! I haven't been this weight since highschool, 8.5 years ago!! Creeping up in the single digits to my goal weight!!☺️

#throwback

February 4th marked the first day of my T25 challenge!! I'm trying my best to stick with it because I always give up on stuff, but I've made it through day 2 today! I love that it's only 25 minutes!! Wake up between 5:30-6am, get 25 minutes of T25 done and I'm set for the day. Who doesn't have 25 minutes to BETTER themselves! I've heard that this program as well as Insanity has helped others run better which is exactly what I need since I'm also training for the half marathon! That takes place May 4th! I've been crushing my running skills though, Monday, I was able to get in 6.5 miles in just an hour and eight minutes!!! For me... that's amazing!! Goals are achievable if you just put forth a little bit of dedication and hardwork. Like I said above, 25 minutes a day is all you need.

So, we are finally getting things finalized with this wedding! I feel so relieved. We will be having our ceremony right on the beach near one of the beautiful piers!! Finalized the menu for the caterer, and all that fun stuff! Don't get me wrong, I love planning my own wedding - BUT, I would have loved to hire a wedding planner had it fit in our budget! Also, thoughts on a day of wedding coordinator to make sure the day runs smoothly? All suggestions are welcome!!

Well I think that's enough for today... Hope everyone has a happy Thursday and a great rest of the week!☺️

Off Day & Super Bowl Sunday... Let's Go Steelers, haha!!!

It's Sunday already! These weekends just go by way too fast... thinking about having to go back to work on Monday is so depressing :( ugh! But definitely got caught up on a good bit of sleep and getting the apartment cleaned up and laundry done!! Productive weekends are better than just hanging out like a couch potato, for sure!!

But ok it is Sunday and this week it is my off day from the gym and running and I'm about to lose my mind! What do you all do for your off days? I feel very unproductive when I don't work out but think there has to be something to keep active on my off days. I also have a Fitbit Force and my daily goal for steps is 10,000 and with my off day I find it very hard for me to get there! :( any suggestions are greatly appreciated! 

Super Bowl Sunday .... has kind of a sentimental meaning to it for me!! The Steelers are not playing in it so it's kind of a whatever game for me, but 3 years ago on Super Bowl Sunday .. I met my future hubby! I can't believe it's already been that long! Feels like a lifetime ago.. crazy how somethings work out!! So, who's your pick in the Super Bowl? Im going to go with the Broncos... they play like Champions and I think Peyton deserves it, but I'm not much of a sports enthusiast so I can't really give my "expert" opinion, haha! GO STEELERS!!! So what kind of healthy snacks are you having for your Super Bowl get together? We're having cheese and crackers, and some healthy chicken nuggets I found on the Fitness Barbie's blog! :) check her out she's pretty awesome! Her fitness and health story is so inspiring!

But hope you all have a great night with your friends and family if you have parties to attend, have fun and don't pig out too much!!!