F2M2

Hi - I'm Bridget C. and I'm an exercise-a-holic (insert "Hiiiii Bridget...." here). I'm proud to say that I have a healthy addiction to exercise, and especially the unrelenting, constantly changing, ever motivating kind that Margie continues to deliver each week. Before I moved to Texas at the end of 2009 and started Margie's kickboxing class soon after, I was already in shape. The fact is, I have been in shape my whole life. I grew up playing sports and quickly learned that I was going to excel the most at running, both cross country and track. And so I did. I ran and ran and ran. Starting in high school, our coach put us in the weight room twice a week. I picked up on weight training quickly, and really enjoyed it. When I got to college, I attempted to continue my healthy workout habits. However, I began to struggle with some inner demons that manifested themselves in the form of a very unhealthy obsession with food and exercise. I don't talk about it very much, but I figured this blog is a good way to share my story and possibly even help others out there who are struggling. The truth is, I am a proud survivor of an eating disorder that took over my life for about 5 years. I have been to my own personal hell and back, but I believe that I am a better person because of it.
 
I thought that controlling my food and weight was the way to control my life. I had no idea how to maintain a healthy balance of food and exercise. On family vacations, I was obsessively in the gym or running outside every single day, because we were eating at restaurants. I ate the same things all the time - foods I considered to be "good" or "safe". Eating out or at someone else's house where I wasn't in control, terrified me. An eating disorder in any form is a very sad and debilitating disease. That was the darkest time of my life and I pray that I never have to experience something like that again. However, you are never truly cured or recovered from an eating disorder - much like an alcoholic, an eating disorder survivor will struggle with food and exercise obsessions for a long time - possibly the rest of their life. That being said, I am really proud of how far I have come. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is a priority in my life, and that means exercising 5 or 6 days a week, and not 7. That means eating ice cream and pizza when I feel like it, and not beating myself up. That means going on a week long vacation and working out twice, instead of everyday. I have learned to give myself a break, and to listen to  my body. I have learned that the world is not going to end if I gain 5 pounds over the holidays. I have learned that I know exactly what to do to recover from the holidays, and get myself back into fighting shape, in a healthy way.
 
When I first started Margie's kickboxing classes, I was in "good shape". I did cardio and abs on my own, and took a few other classes at Spectrum throughout the week. However, my body really started to change when I started Pure Strength in April of 2010. I wanted to get in the BEST shape of my life because I was getting married that October. Well, one year later, I am still addicted to Pure Strength and kickboxing. After about 3 weeks of Pure Strength, my arms and shoulders were noticeably more toned and defined. My midsection also toned up, as did my upper back. I was shocked to see a picture of the back of myself at a friend's wedding last summer. You could actually see muscles popping out of my upper back. And I proudly gave Margie a picture of myself in my wedding dress, where you could see the work she did on my shoulders. Yes, I said the work "she did". Why? Because I wouldn't have had the knowledge to do that on my own. For me, the motivation is there...I needed someone with knowledge to guide me over my fitness plateau. And Margie = knowledge. She got the two things I asked for accomplished - I was looking for definition in my shoulders and midsection. I achieved everything I wanted for my wedding with Margie's help. She showed me some new treadmill routines that were a nice change from my regulars. Also, she helped me add some more protein by combining it with a "good carb" snack.
 
Which brings me to nutrition. I can't emphasize enough how important it is to cook for yourself and your family at home. YOU have the control over what is going into that dinner. When you are at a restaurant, forget it, unless you are going to ask for a plain piece of chicken on top of mixed greens....but who does that at Papasito's or Kona Grill? Nobody. So, cooking your own meals is key. My favorite cook books are by Cooking Light and the South Beach Diet. I also look for healthy dishes on AllRecipes.com. I do not eat red meat, which I think is a good thing. I mainly stick to chicken, fish and ground turkey. I make sure there is a green vegetable at every meal (lunch and dinner). I ALWAYS eat breakfast. That's very important to keep your metabolism going, and avoid late morning hunger pangs. I stick to whole wheat or whole grain products (yes, even pasta, occasionally). Favorite comfort meals can be made healthy with the right ingredients. I enjoy making meatloaf with ground turkey and rolled oats instead of the breadcrumbs.
 
Something I am always mindful of is liquid calories. You would be shocked at how many calories and sugar are in your favorite drink. If you think you are being good by not having soda and instead, having a Snapple or some fruit juice? Think again - it's loaded with sugar, artificial sweeteners, and calories. The ONLY drinks I have in my house are bottled water, a quality orange juice, and Gatorade G2, which is the lower calorie version. When I drink alcohol, I have wine, or vodka with soda water and two slices of lime. I never drink any fruity mixed alcoholic drinks. Avoiding sugar as much as possible has made a big difference for my body.
 
I also avoid starchy carbs. When I need a salty snack, my current favorite is multigrain pita chips with hummus or salsa. I also snack on nuts a lot. I am trying to get into Greek yogurt, but I have to flavor it with honey. The other change I am making right now, is I am trying to train myself to like dark chocolate, so I can have that when I have a chocolate craving, instead of milk chocolate.
 
So where am I at today? Well, I am trying to get into fabulous shape for Memorial Day weekend, when I will be in Galveston, in my bathing suit the whole time. Talk about major motivation! My meals will be clean in the next few weeks - protein and vegetables. Minimal carbs. I try to cut back on calories when I have a fun getaway coming up, because I know I am likely to splurge a little when I'm on the trip. And why not? I deserve it. Life is way too short to work out that hard and not enjoy some great food as a reward. And when the trip is over? I am back in the gym the next day!
 
I am also planning to run the Rock and Roll Half Marathon, which is a great goal for me and my husband, and something we want to do together! Fitness and good nutrition is a part of my life, it's part of who I am. I'm so thankful to be healthy and happy today, and very thankful that I met Margie. Her personality and passion for health is infectious. Keep up the amazing work, Margie!