Throwback Thursday: My Weight loss Journey BOOYAHH!

Awkwardly taking a picture in a beautiful sunset over Whitley Heights. 

Me, stuffing my face with who knows what at my niece's birthday party . 

In the past 4-5 years there has been a significant difference in my physical appearance and abilities It's always been difficult to get comfortable with the idea of sharing pictures of myself. Especially older ones. I've always been a bit camera shy and sharing those pictures reminds me of the vulnerability I used to feel when taking them. Having someone look at me for a long period of time waiting for a flash or a sign that its done was nerve wrecking. I've grown to be more comfortable with the idea of  myself, making picture taking a lot less stressful.




A picture ... a captured memory solidifying what I look like. All of this photo irrationality brought on by my self-conscious feeling of what people were seeing.

I don't feel that way anymore.
I'm not sure if its my realization of the irrationality in my behavior or the plain fact that I made a change to improve myself and the view I had of who I really am, but my fear has slowly but surely gone away. So, I decided to share some of my old pictures and  a bit about what I started out doing in order to get to the point of where I am today. So. Here's nothing...

Drinks with some co-workers for my 23rd birthday at BOA . 

My sister and I celebrating my birthday. 

It started with a bet at work in 2010. A Biggest Loser type of bet between my co-workers and I. Money was involved.. that was pretty motivating.  It was one of the best experiences of my life. I'm not that much of a competitive person but the competition we had going on against each other was motivating and although we all wanted to win it was a great support system. That was the beginning.

While visiting my brother in Kentucky. Circa, 2010

Sneaking in some shots with my sister at the park. 

I reached out to Adam Williamson , the person that I knew would help guide me in the right direction with food tips and exercising ideas. He's always been health conscious and the best example of physical fitness that I have. He schooled me on everything and I'm still learning today.

Most of my adult life up to that point had consisted of paper-crafting, scrap-booking, reading, watching TV and eating whatever I wanted. I was not aware of how much my hobbies and lifestyle had effected my body physically and my self-esteem. I had told myself so many times before that I wanted to lose the weight  but I never made an honest effort, until I was held accountable.

With this competition I had to weigh myself in front of everyone. Such a crazy experience. Especially when you already have a tough time getting on the scale by yourself. It was difficult but I got through it and everyone at work now knew the damage. Although I was in disbelief from what I saw on the scale along with my co-workers it fired me up. I had gotten to 205 lbs. Way above what is recommended for my height and age at the time. It was a tough 3 month period in which I lost my first 32 lbs. I didn't win the competition. I got third place, but I really didn't mind. The day the competition ended I decided I would continue as if nothing had changed and I would keep challenging myself and my weigh loss goals.

The first hike I went on with Adam after my Biggest Loser Challenge at work was completed. 

Before getting a gym membership. I was working out strictly at home. It made me feel more comfortable. I was able to do things at my pace which meant a lot since I had not done too much physical activity prior. I started with walking at a fast pace for 20 mins. on the treadmill or around my neighborhood early in the morning before work.. Before anyone was up.  It was a small commitment but it was a the first step. Then I started running up and down the stairs in my house until I felt like my legs were gonna give out (it would often happen early on but I would try my best to push through). I slowly started adding floor exercises like crunches, planks, and girl push ups moving my way up to 3-5 lbs dumbells to work my arms. Most exercises I try I have found on line or through social media. There are a lot of resources out there. A very fun activity Adam and I got into was riding bikes. Nothing too crazy, but such a good time in which you would forget the you were even getting a workout in.  It was small steps but each step motivated me more and more.

Riding our bikes from the North Hollywood Train station to Downtown 

The first Gym I got the courage to join was Total Woman Gym and Day Spa. I loved it. It was an all girls gym so I felt comfortable to try out exercises and motivated by the ladies I would meet and see regularly. One of the things that was the most interesting yet scary to me was trying out one of the fitness classes (I'm naturally not very coordinated). I saw how much fun it was in those Kickboxing and Zumba classes and I wanted to try it out. It took a while but eventually I did it and I'm so happy I did. Both Kickboxing and Zumba increased my coordination and stamina. Plus, it was so much fun. Another great class I would go to was cycling . It was something I had to get used to while learning the proper form and how to pace yourself. Every class I took made me feel more capable and motivated to try more things and to trust myself and my abilities.

During this time I started trying out the free weights, weight machines, and exploring more floor exercises. It was a great environment and an awesome place to workout but eventually I wanted more. I explored my options and decided to join 24 Hour Fitness. It's been three years now since I joined and its one of the greatest decisions I've ever made. Its a great gym with a lot of dedicated people who go regularly. The classes are the bomb.com and kept very clean. Continuing with Zumba, weight lifting and trying out new workout routines I've noticed a significant difference in my strength and abilities physically.

Birthday Pictures Captured by Adam.

I've made changes to improve my self physically that has without a doubt improved who I am overall as a person. I'm glad that I've had the guidance that I have and support in reaching my goals. I'm sure not done improving myself ( there is always room for that) but this now a lifestyle that I will continue forever. I hope that this serves as a bit of motivation and encouragement for anyone reading this and struggling with weight or even possibly self esteem issues.

In case you're looking for an extra push or a challenge I highly encourage you to contact Adam Williamson of Form of Fit  to help get you on the right track with your health and weight loss goals.

Keep up with my Instagram to see what I got going on @scraplifting 

First Picture I ever asked someone to take of me voluntarily whilst being coached by my girl Angela Rodriguez  

Awesome Hike at O'Melveny Park with my boo.