AngieEatsPeace on achieving the unthinkable!
Posted
Thursday, May 28, 2009 10:32 AM
Nest Anni: So what’s your overall goal: Weight loss? Getting toned? Running a race?
AngieEatsPeace: When
I first started, my main goal was to have a more healthy and balanced
relationship with food. I yo-yo dieted for years and was a huge
emotional and stress eater. I was so sick of sabotaging my best efforts
in the gym by turning to food whenever I was stressed.
Currently,
my goals are to beat my past marathon time and increase my strength
training. I get in enough cardio with running and swimming, but
strength training is definitely where I need the most work.
Nest Anni: What was the breaking point that provoked you to make changes?
AngieEatsPeace: Once
I got engaged, we took pictures for our save-the-date cards. I was
appalled when I saw myself in them and so upset that I had let my
weight get all the way back up to 162, when I had been 20 pounds
lighter at the beginning of our relationship. I was determined not to
hate the way I looked in my wedding pictures, and I worked hard to lose
20 pounds by my wedding day.
Nest Anni: What kind of changes have you made so far?
AngieEatsPeace: When
I first started losing weight, I was a junk food vegetarian. I started
really cleaning up my diet and concentrating on whole, unprocessed
foods. I began cooking much more at home and reducing the amount I ate
out. I also started tracking my calories, which became a real eye
opener for me. I was able to see what my triggers were and how much
mindless snacking I did. In March of 2008, I went vegan and cleaned up
my diet even further. It felt amazing to eliminate animal products from
my diet. In August of 2008, I made a decision that would change my
life; I joined my running group, The Loma Linda Lopers. I joined to
just "check it out" and see if I enjoyed running. I never thought I'd
run a marathon.
The group's enthusiasm and knowledge were
contagious, and I was instantly hooked. On February 1, 2009, I did the
absolute unthinkable and ran my first marathon. I never, ever thought I
could accomplish something like that. I was never naturally athletic,
and I thought marathons were only for the extra-talented and fit. It
was definitely one of my most proudest moments.
Nest Anni: What’s your favorite healthy snack?
AngieEatsPeace: Peanut
butter! I love it with sliced apples, a banana, or on Ezekiel cinnamon
raisin bread. It's a great, quick way to get in protein and healthy
fats and a yummy, post-workout snack.
Nest Anni: What’s your biggest obstacle?
AngieEatsPeace: I
work two jobs and run about 15 to 25 miles per week. It's all about
planning ahead and packing my food for everywhere I go. I spend a few
hours each weekend cooking meals for the week. I generally make my
oatmeal, one or two big meals that I can pack for lunches and dinners,
and chop my fruits and veggies, so I can easily grab them and go. It
can be time consuming, but I know if I'm not prepared with healthy
food, I'll resort to eating junk, so it's definitely worth my time.
Nest Anni: Wow, that's a busy schedule! Do you have any secrets to your motivation?
AngieEatsPeace: I
always want to be the best me that I can possible be. I never want to
settle for less than the best, I expect the most out of me, but I also
try to set realistic and attainable goals for myself.
Nest Anni: What HASN’T worked for you in the past?
AngieEatsPeace: Low-carb
dieting. I developed a very unhealthy relationship with carbohydrates.
I lost 20 pounds initially with the Atkins diet, but I realized how
quickly the weight would come off and come back on. I'd binge on
carbohydrates just because I knew I'd quickly lose the weight by
eliminating them. I was stuck in this unhealthy cycle for about a year,
when I finally started counting calories instead and eating a more
balanced diet.
Nest Anni: Any advice for others trying to get on track?
AngieEatsPeace: Set
realistic goals and get out of your own way. You didn't gain the weight
overnight, so don't expect it to come off overnight. Don't beat
yourself up if you have dessert, or if you skip a workout, tomorrow is
a new day and a new chance to make healthy choices.
Thanks Angie - that's great advice!
