I Can I Will

-By Amanda Anthony

Today is the day! The day I am taking it to the next level. I allow my fears to hold me back because of expectations from others and from myself because I am afraid of letting everyone down. Enough is enough! Today is my day- I'm starting 2016 off with better choices, positive attitude, a more forgiving heart, helping others and focusing on mental health. I am doing something I've always wanted to do. Yep- signed up today! What's your 2016 look like? What do YOU want to happen for YOU this year? If you want it bad enough you can make it happen! I believe in you!  Post it & own it!

And Now a little more about Amanda's Recent Transformation

 You have always worked out, what made you have such a big transformation in 8 short weeks? 

I was DETERMINED to finish this transformation for me. I have signed up for every transformation and never finished one. When you first announced the challenge you said, "This is your challenge to do whatever you want." I had no strict guidelines to complete the challenge. I was so excited! I could focus on me by doing what I wanted to do and not feel overwhelmed with a check list or a meal plan to follow. At that point, I decided to face my biggest fears, my safe place, my place of comfort...food. I started asking questions, saying nicer things to myself, reading more articles and breaking old habits. Most importantly, I had a huge support system. My husband never made me feel bad for working out at5:30am five days a week, my children cheered me on by reminding how strong I looked, and my closest friends gave me love and support, which all were my biggest encouragements. 

Food is so important when trying to make a change. I love the quote you can't out train a bad diet Can you run is through a typical day of food that you would eat?

 

You can't out train a bad diet if you want to see results. Clean out your pantry! I mostly ate foods that were in my refrigerator besides my complex carbs. I decided not to eliminate certain foods, but to eat healthier and cleaner, which for me, was less high carbs, fast food and no processed foods. Instead, I ate more fruits, eggs, sweet potatoes, brown rice, veggies and lean meats. I had to train myself to think ahead and plan my meals for the week. Once I fully committed to my plan, staying focused and preplanning was no longer a job that had stressed me out. They had become habits, a part of my daily routine. 

 What advice would you give the ladies- it's the new year- we are ready and motivated- give us some advice to keep us motivates when we want to give in?

If you stay committed and focused all your hard work will be effective. Believe in yourself, but most importantly be kind to yourself. Ask questions, read articles, and surround yourself around positive people who make you feel good. Only you can make 2016 be your year. So what are you waiting for? Make it happen!