Last January when I decided to plaster a picture of my unhappy and unhealthy self in my Biggest Loser-type ensemble on the blog,
I didn’t do it thinking I would inspire anyone.
I did it because I knew if I told thousands of people that I was going to lose weight, it would really keep me on track and motivated to get to this point:
After I started getting emails and messages from people telling me I was an inspiration, I had the idea to extend the offer and opportunity to readers.
Let me tell you, there is nothing like knowing you are going to have to post a picture of yourself wearing next to nothing all over the internet on Monday morning to make you think twice about blowing off a workout or eating a late-night bowl of ice cream.
And so, that’s how it started.
Today marks Season 3 of Not Your Average Journey.
And we have two participants.
Two brave, determined ladies.
Here they are!
First, I’d like to introduce Samantha.
My name is Samantha. I’m a wife, and a stay at home mother of two. My son just turned two on October 16th and my daughter is four months on the 29th. When I was about 6 months pregnant with my son my husband and I watched the documentary “Forks over Knives” and immediately changed our diets. We were already active people so after having my son I immediately lost 50+lbs. It was the lightest I had been in a long time and I still didn’t “see” it for myself. When I got pregnant with my daughter I pretty much just gave up. I let my diet slip and I did absolutely nothing except for take care of my son the entire pregnancy. This time around I have learned that it doesn’t matter what the scale says, if I don’t love myself I’m never going to be happy with what is in the mirror. After seeing how Susie has made the time every single day in her life, while having seven children and being older than me, I knew I had to make the choice and that there were no longer anymore excuses! I’m ready to get healthy and happy for myself and my family.
Love that, “while being older than me” part 😉
And next, Ashton.
Hi Susie!!
A little about me. I’m engaged to be married next August to my high school sweetheart. I am 22 years old. I’m an EMT and a full-time nursing student. I commute 2 hours (round trip) daily and I’ve accustomed myself to an unfortunate fast food diet.
My entire life, I’ve struggled with OCD and anxiety. I’ve ALWAYS been underweight. So much in fact, that when I was a teenager, I had to go to the doctor’s weekly to be weighed. I didn’t have an eating disorder- I was just always very thin. I’m 5’7″ and weighed 110 pounds until I graduated high school. The weight gain became steady after that. 5 pounds here, 5 pounds there.
It’s not a joke that your teenage weight “will catch up to you.” I’m living proof. I went from scrawny to well on my way to being a Goodyear blimp. For the past year, I’ve held steady around 150 pounds. Not outrageous, but definitely heavier than 110.
I went to the doctor’s today and stepped on the scale. 167 pounds. I am so ashamed. My goal is to get down to 135-140. I want to stop this weight gain before I’m morbidly obese. I want to feel beautiful in a wedding gown in just 10 short months. I want to be in shape BEFORE I have children so that my weight gain doesn’t get worse.
I lack motivation. I know I need to lose some weight and eat healthy, or I’m going to die an early death. My family history is awful and I’m setting myself up to be another statistic.
Please, consider me for your blog. I feel that being “put on the spot” will provide the motivation I need to put down the Big Mac and Dr. Pepper and hop on the treadmill and drink water (I HATE water, FYI), and eat regular fruits and veggies.
Your “work” is amazing and inspiring. I really hope you consider me to hop on this awesome weight loss train you’re leading. You’re a role model and your journey has been awesome to follow. Please help me to become the “fit, fierce, and fabulous” bride I’ve always dreamed I’d be.
Well I just love that letter.
So here is Ashton on Day 1.
Show these ballsy girls some love, please.
Show them some support.
Just like you did for me.
And thank you, Ladies.
Thank you for allowing us to take this journey with you.
We are really looking forward to the ride.
One more thing…
Want to join Ashton and Samantha in their journey, but not ready to plaster your picture onto the internet?
My next e-course, Not Your Average Holiday — Staying on Track Through the New Year, starts on November 18th. It’s a seven week course designed to help you enjoy your holiday season without gaining any weight, and set you up for a happy and healthy start to the New Year. Nothing crazy, nothing too hard core (unless you want to make it that — it’s adaptable to any fitness level).
VOTE! VOTE! VOTE! VOTE! VOTE! VOTE! VOTE! VOTE! VOTE!!!
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You ladies, like Susie, are an inspiration! Go for it! You can do it! Stick it out! Tough it out! Do what you have to do!
So excited for this next round!! I know both these women are going to do great!!
Wishing both of these ladies the best of luck on their journey!
You can do it ladies! Susie is awesome at being supportive along the way! There’s no magic pill, no short cuts, etc., but she’s great at helping you through, pushing you a little (or a lot) out of your comfort zone, and providing that much needed accountability! With Susie’s help, I’m down over 11 pounds, and very near my goal weight! I feel great, and hope you ladies have as great of an experience as I am! Can’t wait to see your progress pics!
You guys will do great! You should be proud of yourselves already. We’ll be routing for you.