There's No Going Back | Live and Love...Out Loud

There’s No Going Back

It’s easy to ignore the weight you’ve put on following the birth of your fourth child. And it’s easy to ignore the extra pounds you’ve acquired thanks to your poor eating habits and sedentary lifestyle.

But this is certainly difficult to ignore.

This photo was a wake-up call, really. A slap in the face. A swift kick in the rear.

And all the motivation I needed to make some important changes in my life.

Like making better choices when it comes to what I put into my body. Quitting soda. Drinking more water. Eating fruits and vegetables. Taking vitamins. Keeping my body in an alkaline state. And most importantly, getting my butt off the couch and onto the treadmill.

It’s not easy. I struggle every.damn.day. But the results are worth it.

I feel good. I mean, I really feel good.

I can walk up a flight of stairs without huffing and puffing. I roll out of bed each morning with less aches and pains. And I have an incredible amount of energy.

There’s no going back. My mind is set.

This is the new me.

I don’t have a detailed goal in mind. I don’t want to be a specific size. I just want to be fit, healthy and strong. I want to be the best “me” I can possibly be. And I want to treat my body the way it deserves to be treated.

This is not a diet. This is not a phase. This is my life.

And there’s no going back.

If you’re on a similar journey or looking for inspiration and support, I’d love for you to follow my Health and Fitness Pinterest Board. It’s chock full of inspirational quotes, images and healthy tips.

*Image Source: Photo credit for my eye-opening “before” image belongs to Marc Orbito of Hungry Eye Photography. Marc is a talented Hawaii-based photographer and personal friend. If you’re looking for a photographer in the state of Hawaii, I highly recommend him. Head on over to his site to get a better feel for his photography, as the featured photo is not representative of his work.

Tags: Fitness, Health

49 Responses to “There’s No Going Back”

Becca - Our Crazy Boys (29 comments) twitter: @beccascrazyboys

You’re amazing, Kristi! I’m SO proud of you, and I know it hasn’t been easy. BIG virtual hug for you
Becca – Our Crazy Boys´s last blog post – Thank you.

Kristi (3460 comments) twitter: @TweetingMama

Thanks, Becca! You’ve been an amazing support. So glad to have teamed up with you and the girls.

DaenelT (36 comments) twitter: @DaenelT

Ummm, I’m with you… Im about 20 lbs heavier than I’d like to be nd I need to fix it. My excuse has been kids, cancer, no time but, really, there isn’t a good excuse.

Kristi (3460 comments) twitter: @TweetingMama

Um, cancer is a ridiculously good excuse, Daenel! I didn’t know that you had/are dealing with cancer.

Katie@Pinke Post (40 comments) twitter: @katpinke

Way to go Kristi! I struggle up and down but made a commitment about 6 years ago to lose 30 lbs. Through two pregnancies and gaining 50 lbs. with each pregnancy I have kept the weight off. I struggle with the same 15 lbs. but it’s all about healthy choices, balance in my diet and exercise. Making time for myself is the biggest struggle. Thanks for inspiring me tonight!
Katie@Pinke Post´s last blog post – Hunk of Meat Monday: Cheeseburger Fries Hotdish

Kristi (3460 comments) twitter: @TweetingMama

Wow, that’s awesome that you were able to keep the weight off, Katie! It’s so hard to do, huh? Especially when we’ve got those last 10-15 pounds to get rid of! Thanks so much for your support and for sharing your struggles.

barefootmama (35 comments)

You look BEAUTIFUL!!! Congrats!!!
barefootmama´s last blog post – This Moment { to live free}

Kristi (3460 comments) twitter: @TweetingMama

Aw, you’re always so sweet to me! Thanks, girl.

Tracie (41 comments) twitter: @fromtracie

“This is not a diet. This is not a phase. This is my life. And there’s no going back.”

YES!! Good for you! I need to have that same mindset shift in my own life (and weight).
Tracie´s last blog post – Unplanned Words

Kristi (3460 comments) twitter: @TweetingMama

Thanks, Tracie! Good luck to you! It’ll happen when you’re ready.

Elaine (24 comments) twitter: @elainea

I have a similar photo that changed me too. Congrats to you on making positive and healthy changes!!
Elaine´s last blog post – Dusting off the blog & Miss Elaine-ous Monday

Kristi (3460 comments) twitter: @TweetingMama

Thank you so much, Elaine! Funny how photos can have a powerful impact on our health, huh?

Mama Kat (12 comments)

Why is it always a photo that finally gets through to us? I feel the same way…I just want to get rid of this last ten pounds and it’s SO hard!! You go girl!
Mama Kat´s last blog post – Do I Look Bored To You?

Kristi (3460 comments) twitter: @TweetingMama

Tell me about it! Thank goodness it wasn’t a photo that popped up on FB. Isn’t that normally how it happens? lol Those last 10 pounds are a b*tch! But um…you look freaking fabulous, Kat! Seriously.

Angela S. (9 comments)

Good for you!!!! I need that kind of motivation! How did you do it? Any tips? I know how to loose weight….I gained almost 70 pounds with my first and although it took a year, I lost it. I gained less than that with our second but, I can’t seem to push myself to get the last 10 pounds off. It sucks!
Angela S.´s last blog post – Capturing the Glow of Christmas Lights-DIY

Kristi (3460 comments) twitter: @TweetingMama

I’m doing it the old fashioned way – making better choices when it comes to diet, eating lots of vegetables and fruits and just working out hard. Those last 10 pounds are so hard to get rid of. I totally feel your pain. Have you tried switching up your workouts? Experts say that’s the best way to get through those last 10 pounds; changing it up and challenging your body in a way that it hasn’t been challenged before. Good luck to you and thanks for your sweet comment.

Mama J (10 comments)

Good for you!!! I think making the mindset that this is a way of life and not a diet is a HUGE thing!
Mama J´s last blog post – Peppermint Meringues

Kristi (3460 comments) twitter: @TweetingMama

It sure is! Mind over matter… Thanks so much for the support, Mama J. Have a great day!

Melissa (3 comments)

I am right there with you! I am on a journey to unleash my fit self because she got lost somewhere on the way!
Melissa´s last blog post – First Week on Assignment in Laramie

Kristi (3460 comments) twitter: @TweetingMama

That’s awesome! Good luck to you on your journey toward unleashing your fit self. She’s in there!

Jen (76 comments)

You look amazing! I too have been trying to change the way that I view food and be more healthy. It is a daily struggle and I didn’t do so well through the holiday but today is another day and I will succeed.
Jen´s last blog post – Preschool Volunteering from Hell

Kristi (3460 comments) twitter: @TweetingMama

Thanks, Jen! You’re so right. Today is another day and we’ll both succeed. I totally blew it on Thanksgiving too by the way! lol

Paula Kiger (172 comments) twitter: @biggreenpen

EXACTLY! Do it for you and for the example it sets for your kiddoes. You rock, Kristi!
Paula Kiger´s last blog post – Ten on Tuesday (on Sunday)

Kristi (3460 comments) twitter: @TweetingMama

Thanks, Paula! I know you’re an avid runner. I’m slowly working toward running more. You’re such an inspiration! Thanks for the support, my sweet friend. Have a great day!

Through the Lens of Kimberly Gauthier, Photography Blog (15 comments) twitter: @kg_photography

I’ve so been there. Bad eating habits and lack of exercise can do a number on the figure and I finally had to make a change. Today, my life involves better eating and 3x a week weight lifting. I do it to keep sane and happy – I love that feeling of accomplishment.

Like you, I don’t have a goal in mind; I just want to be healthy and not have to buy new clothes unless it’s for fun. Good luck to you!!!
Through the Lens of Kimberly Gauthier, Photography Blog´s last blog post – A Wide Angle Lens is Great for Photographing a Room, Even the Dogs’ Room

Kristi (3460 comments) twitter: @TweetingMama

That’s awesome, Kimberly! I love that feeling of accomplishment too. It sure is a motivator! Good luck to you as you continue on your journey to live a healthy lifestyle and thanks for the support!

Tayarra (70 comments) twitter: @Tsharp12

Way to go, Kristi! So happy for you. So inspiring! I need to get back on the right track. This sickness is helping, believe it or not.

Kristi (3460 comments) twitter: @TweetingMama

Aw, thanks Tayarra! I hope you’re feeling better by now. Being sick is no fun!

Melinda (1 comments)

You are amazing! The smile on your face says it all.

Kristi (3460 comments) twitter: @TweetingMama

Aw, thanks girl! Wish I could’ve been as motivated while you were living next door. Maybe you should move back?!? lol Miss you. Give the kids big hugs for me.

Betsy (2 comments) twitter: @betsylife

You look fab! Keep it up!
Betsy´s last blog post – Thanksgiving recap and a Caramel Cream Pie

Kristi (3460 comments) twitter: @TweetingMama

Thank you for the encouragement, Betsy!

Amanda Austin (9 comments) twitter: @amandaaustin

I need to get some of that motivation! I have still 10 lbs left from my baby and I eat like I’m still pregnant. I’ve justified it by saying “well, I’m still nursing…” and while that’s true, he’s not nursing as much and it’s just getting worse. Good for you and I’m proud of you!!
Amanda Austin´s last blog post – Birthday Party

Kristi (3460 comments) twitter: @TweetingMama

Oh my goodness, the same thing happened with me, Amanda. I really packed on the pounds after my youngest was born. I, too, was breastfeeding and used that as my excuse. Of course instead of eating and drinking healthy things, I piled up on the junk food. Good luck with those last 10 pounds. I’m right there with you. It’s tough!!!

Christina M (8 comments) twitter: @Christinamof2

Its all about how you feel. That is fantastic!
Christina M´s last blog post – Weekend Recap

Kristi (3460 comments) twitter: @TweetingMama

Thanks, Christina! It’s definitely all about how you feel!

Sarah (14 comments) twitter: @TheOhanaMama

I love this “This is not a diet. This is not a phase. This is my life.”

I’m trying to kick the soda habit and eat better too! (it’s hard but my kids are my fuel!)
Sarah´s last blog post – Traveling to Lana’i

Kristi (3460 comments) twitter: @TweetingMama

That soda habit is soooo hard to kick! I’ve done it before and fell off the bandwagon, but I’ve kicked it again. Hoping it’ll stay that way. It’s so stinkin’ bad for you! *whispers* But it tastes so yummy! lol

Lois H. (4 comments) twitter: @lois_houston

You look AWESOME! Congrats!
I know what a hard battle that is… I’ve been on the same journey myself for the past 2 years.

Kristi (3460 comments) twitter: @TweetingMama

Thank you, Lois. It certainly is a battle, isn’t it? I wish this weight was just as easy to take off as it was to put on! lol Good luck to you on your journey!

Lisa Maylee (6 comments)

Congratulations! I like your not a diet but a way of life attitude.

Kristi (3460 comments) twitter: @TweetingMama

Thank you so much, Lisa! It’s definitely a new way of life!

Ryan (The Woven Moments) (5 comments) twitter: @thewovenmoments

The day I stopped treating my eating like a diet and started treating it like a lifestyle was the day my life changed forever.

So happy for you!
Ryan (The Woven Moments)´s last blog post – Black Plague. I mean Friday.

Pieces of Sunshine (13 comments)

Great job Kristi. You must feel so much better about yourself and life in general.
Pieces of Sunshine´s last blog post – Dancing With Danger

Kristi (3460 comments) twitter: @TweetingMama

Thanks! I definitely feel better about myself – physically, mentally, etc.

Pieces of Sunshine (13 comments)

Hi Kristi, me again
Have been pondering this post heaps. How lone did it take you to go from the first photo to the second? Is it your wedding dress you are wearing? Quite an amazing change.
Pieces of Sunshine´s last blog post – Still Hopeful

Kristi (3460 comments) twitter: @TweetingMama

Hello. Again.

I’ve lost 27 pounds since September, which is when that first photo was taken. I’ve been exercising regularly, changing my eating habits and drinking lots of water. And yes, it’s my wedding dress! The scary thing is, that photo doesn’t even show what I looked like at my heaviest. I found a photo of myself at my heaviest and I’m planning on posting it in the next week or two. I don’t have a goal weight in mind. This is definitely a lifestyle change. I want to be fitter, stronger and I want to be healthy.

Life Lessons, Gifts and Memorable Moments of 2011 | Live and Love...Out Loud (872 comments)

[...] off. I feel like a new woman. This is not a diet. This is not a phase. This is my life. And, there’s no going back.If I don’t take charge of my own health, no one else will. The last four weeks of 2011 were [...]

On My Way to a Healthier Me | Live and Love...Out Loud (872 comments)

[...] insurmountable obstacles. But I will not be deterred. I’m on my way to a healthier me and there’s no going back.Hi. My name is Kristi. Six months ago, I looked like this.Photo credit: Marc Orbito, Hungry Eye [...]

There’s No Going Back

49 Responses to “There’s No Going Back”

Leave a Reply

i’m a proud…

Search

Categories