The Skinny on My Strong Life

Hi! Thanks for visiting my new blog and taking a few moments to learn a little about me and Healthy Blooms Forever.

2010 post-pregnancy

I wasn’t always interested in being healthy and leading an active lifestyle. In fact, it wasn’t until I hit my early 30s that I finally realized I had to start doing something or else I could end up not only out of shape, but very sick. There is a history of Type II Diabetes in my family as well as obesity and heart and kidney problems. It took some time, but I finally decided I was the only person who could take control of my life and prevent those things from happening.

At first I started on a famous, national program where I went to meetings each week and counted everything I put into my mouth. I was also introduced to Adult Recreational Rowing, which I fell in love with almost instantly. I was amazed. I went from doing almost nothing exercise-wise to rowing in an 8-person shell on Saratoga Lake! This, combined with my nutrition program, really worked for me. I lost 20 pounds.

But then life changed. I moved away and met my future husband. And while I continued to row – I was lucky enough to move to a place where rowing has a long history – I started to gain weight because I was no longer watching my nutrition

Then a few other changes took place – I got married, which I quickly followed up with having two beautiful little boys and gaining at least 30 pounds. I did that national program again, but it just didn’t stick. So I gave up and just increased my exercise. By now I had become used to being very active. And even though I had to give up rowing I didn’t stop moving.

Triathlon ready!

Instead, my husband convinced me to start doing sprint triathlons. Talk about a test of willpower! Iwas an exercise machine – out running, biking or swimming 5 times a week plus taking classes at my local YMCA. But still the pounds didn’t come off.

It wasn't until I met my coach, that it finally dawned on me that I needed to start thinking differently about what I was putting IN my body, as well as what I was doing WITH my body. I started journey with the 21 Day Fix. It was wonderful. At the end of my first round, I’d lost nearly 7 pounds and 10 inches. The videos were awesome. I did them even though I was still training for my triathlon. I loved the program and the other “Fixers” I met through it so much that I decided to become a coach and help other busy, working women find the right fit of nutrition and exercise so THEY can take control of THEIR lives, too!

Just learning how to treat food differently has been amazing for me.

It’s hard to change. We all know that. But you are moving in the right direction just by reading this – my story.

Do I still struggle? Heck, yes! Everyday a new challenge pops in front of me – drinks with friends, dinner with my husband, vacations, picnics, etc. – and while I do allow myself to enjoy these times I always make sure I jump right back at it as soon as I can. I don’t use it as an excuse to go back to my unhealthy lifestyle.

You can do it. So what if you’re not ready to jump on a bike and ride 12 miles! Just making the decision to get up and move – even if it’s just walking 500 steps to start – is fantastic.

I want to help. I want to be there for you. I want to help lift you up if you slip and celebrate each success with you. I want to hear the joy in your voice with every Non-Scale Victory and give you a big hug when you cross the finish line of your first 5K. I’m with you all the way on this journey.

I’m here to help you bloom into the person you want to be.

Won’t you join me?

You can learn more about Healthy Blooms Forever at our Facebook, where we will post and share recipes, host challenge groups, and just provide support. Visit us at:Healthy Blooms Forever Facebook Page




“Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning to dance in the rain."
- Vivian Greene