The challenge of commitment

When asked to participate in the Mels Meals 21-Day Challenge with Pure Austin, I jumped at the chance to be part of a team to shed a few pounds before Thanksgiving. I have stood behind Mels Meals since they began a partnership with Pure Austin. Their mission statement is authentic and genuine. They hold their customers' best interest at the forefront of their business model: prepare tasty and healthy meals on the go that will contribute to weight loss.

Sticking to a plan and a consistent routine is the recipe for success when trying to lose weight. Without consistency progress will be interrupted. Committing to a 21-Day Challenge can be the jump start to consistency. This is the beauty of the Mels Meals 21 Day programs. It's the jump start that can contribute to solid weight loss success.

When I committed to the challenge I had weight loss in mind. It's been an uphill climb since May 15th. Injury is not fun for a trainer and group instructor. Modification becomes the game plan. Attention to detail is absolutely necessary. Rules and regulations as to how to move my body or how to not move my body have completely overwhelmed me. I have screamed in a pillow several times. I have looked in the mirror with disgust and frustration and horrible thoughts several times. I shouted "Why me" more than I should admit. Injury is not the end of the world. I am rational. I know that. But it sure has felt like that over the past five months.

So yes, I have gained a few pounds. My thighs look so different than they use to. My booty has fallen...no more bouncing a quarter off of it! Of course, I know that I have nothing to worry about and that to others I still look fit and in shape. However, you all know that if you are not feeling fit that's when the not so friendly thoughts about your body take over. No matter what anyone says it really just doesn't help.


I jumped at the chance to do the 21 Day Challenge with Shirley, Beto and Ryon so I can be part of a team to shed a few pounds. I also wanted to share with you all my experience on the program to help you commit to living a more healthy lifestyle. I will admit when I picked up the first three days of meals I said to myself, " Ooh, I for sure have my work cut out for me." Why? Because right now I am a social butterfly and dinner with friends and invites to parties have filled my schedule. My relationship status has changed and I have relied on a little help from my friends to get through the heartache. Late night dinners. Cocktails. Pizza and popcorn. Chocolate peanut butter malt balls. No wonder why my jeans are snug. However, it's been my new found social life that has helped me get through it all. Thank you my friends.

Straight up - a humble statement to come - I over committed when I accepted the challenge with Mels Meals. I didn't take into consideration what the next 21 days would entail. When committing to a plan to shed a few pounds, I always tell my clients you have to choose an appropriate time in your life that will set you up for success. My philosophy may differ from other trainers but I believe there's two specific areas of fitness. There's body change and then there's body maintenance. Each require a particular sort of effort, whether it's understanding that you are in the stage of change where consistent and absolute diet and exercise are crucial to seeing results, or you may just be trying to maintain your current fitness because nutrition and exercise consistency may be difficult with your schedule at the moment.

I DID NOT SET MYSELF UP FOR SUCCESS. Mels Meals sets you up for success. Gina, the dietitian, she rocks and totally sets you up for weight loss. But if you are not ready to commit and stick with the plan, then you are not going to be as successful as you can be. Dinner with friends an social invites may have to be altered. Cocktails with the girls will be limited. Chocolate peanut butter malt balls will not be part of the plan!

I was not ready to commit and unfortunately didn't truly realize it until 5 days in. This is a bit embarrassing to admit to you. I am a trainer, a group instructor, a role model for commitment and consistency. 21 Days seems like it's an easy feat. I have beaten myself up for this and went through the usual shame/guilt/ failure thought process for several days. But in the end I just had to do what was best for me. Right now I guess it's just all about maintaining......

What I learned from the 21 Day challenge - even if it was just for 5 days - is invaluable. First, I eat way too much. The portions that are given to you are appropriate and just right. It's just a habit to eat more than what you really need. Second, prepared meals can be tasty and filling when done right. Mels Meals for sure does this. There's enough variety so you do not get bored and each meal is loaded with flavor so you continue to be satiated. Third, I now know my "diet" sabotage is dinner with friends. You can consume way too many calories when at a restaurant! Last but not least, you have to be 100% committed to being consistent if your goal is to shed a few pounds. You have to know what's a priority in your life at the present moment. Is it weight loss or dinner with friends? Though I may be criticized for this, I have chosen the latter.

Diet and exercise are crucial and fundamental when weight loss is your goal. If you are not consistent results will not be produced. I have always been really good about exercise. I love to workout. I love my job. I get to go to work everyday in pink Nikes and help people with their fitness goals. I too have struggled with my weight. (You should see the pics from when I was a kid and a teenager.) Nutrition has always been my downfall, as well as social gatherings. I was in the restaurant business for 15 years before I was a trainer. I love to eat and yes, I am very fond of martinis. So that said, I do know that if I forgo the chocolate peanut butter malt balls and late night dinner with friends the woes about the look of my body may disappear. However, as I have learned when doing the 21 Day challenge, timing is everything. And if it's not the right time, success will be replaced with thoughts of failure and disappointment.

We owe it to ourselves to feel good about who we are and what we do, no matter what we look like or what we put in our mouths.......