Blogiversary & Blog Swap

Today is my Blogiversary! One Year...Wow! I can not believe how much this has grown and how much I have grown from it. And you guys came through...North Dakota has been added to the map! I can't believe I have had visitors from every state in the US and over 90 different countries. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Today also happens to be the 20 something bloggers Blog Swap. I'm over guest posting at Erin's blog, so without further ado, I introduce you to Erin!

For those of you who don’t know me I’m Erin ; a newlywed, home renovating, obsessive cooking, pushing 30 year old. A couple of days ago I was so happy to be paired with Suz for the Twentysomething’s Blog Swap because we are in the same boat. I’m trying to accomplish a lot before I turn 30 and kids start showing up in the picture.

(Oh, and Suz will be quest blogging over on my blog so please go check it out!)

So when she asked me to write about something on her 30 before 30 list, number one I thought was the greatest: Get into the best shape of your life! ...and the toughest!

About 10 months ago I was trying to ignore the fact that I was turning 27 and that 30 was quietly approaching. I was also trying to ignore the fact that my metabolism decided to turn on me, I was not losing weight but I was not gaining.

I really tried to lose weight before my wedding but of course with all the stress that comes with planning a wedding, I was not about to give up the comfort food I needed. Mac & Cheese...mmmm! But when the party was over and the thank you cards were sent I realized I had plenty of time to work on my health but didn’t quite want to. I’ll admit I love to eat!

Then something hit me, I was probably going to have kids in the next couple of years and I didn’t want to go into a pregnancy being overweight. Also I really wanted to get back into the bag of clothes I’ve been saving since college because I was determined to get back into them. Well, it’s was now or never.

So it was me versus my metabolism and fat, and in 10 months I lost nearly 30 lbs.

How did I do it?

Well I can say there is no magic pill or diet plan that can help you lose weight, it is all about you. It’s about figuring out what works for you!

Who Knew? Well, I didn’t!

I always thought it required working out 1 hour a day 7 days a week. Avoiding carbs, sugar and whatever else the media says is bad for you.

I was totally wrong!

I started out by ignoring anything I read in books, heard on TV or advice given to me by family and friends. I went to the gym and just started walking for about 30 minutes 3 times a week. Then I slowly increased it every two weeks. Before I knew it was walking 5ks, 3.2 mile, in about 45 minutes. On top of that I gave myself a food makeover! Now I did seek the advice of Weight Watchers for this part. I only went to one class and figured it all out on my own. Weight Watchers teaches you about portion control and what’s good and bad for you, but doesn’t necessarily keep you from enjoying the food you love (Not trying to sound like an advertisement…really!). You learn how to balance. Now that I look at it I think I’m eating more then I was before, just better stuff!

My weekly routine consists of walking 4 miles 2-3 times a week and I do it with the help of friends. We go on long walks and just chat away. Before you know it 4 miles is up and you’ve caught up with an old friend along with burning some calories!

My food routine, however, is a bit more complicated. It consists of, breakfast, snack, lunch, snack, dinner, snack! Fresh fruits and veggies and of course a bag of chips every now and then, the single size ones of course!

Now everyone is different and has their own struggle, this is what just worked for me. My basic point is that everyone can get back into shape and eat healthy; you just have to be willing to take the steps needed to figure out what works for you.

I also realized that this was a tough topic to write about so if you ever want to know more about my journey getting back into shape please feel free to check out my blog and leave me a message.