Good evening all–
This is one of our weight loss success stories for this week. Today’s story is about Cookie Gets Lean. She explains in her interview how her lifestyle change truly changed her life. Enjoy the interview below!
BDJ: when did you start your journey?
CGL: I did those on again/off again diets for 5 years. I did weight watchers several times along with low calories, low fat, and low carb diets. Once I understood that these “one size fits all” diets weren’t, right for me, I took full control and full responsibility for MY own weight loss. This was in August 2012.
BDJ: What motivated you to make these changes in your life?
CGL Honestly, I got tired of people asking me “how far along are you?” This was embarrassing I don’t have any kids–but with a 38″ midsection, I can see how one would think so. At 25, I was on the brink of being diagnosed with high blood pressure and I knew I honestly needed to change my nutrition.
BDJ: what has helped you to stay consistent?
CGL I have made this healthy and fitness journey MY LIFE. I wake up, I workout, I eat clean, I get to bed at decent hour, and I do it all again the next day. I view training and eating well as a normal part of my day–similar to brushing my teeth, going to work, and going to class. Silly analogy but it’s true. I wouldn’t say “I don’t feel like brushing my teeth today, I’ll brush them on Monday.” I treat my health and fitness in this same regard–with equal importance as everything else.
Additionally, my kitchen is stocked with clean, healthy food. I make 95% of everything I eat and I plan my days in advance. By making my journey a lifestyle change, making the right choices becomes a habit–thus helping me stay consistent.
BDJ: what advice would you give others?
CGL: I didn’t gain 30 lbs in one week–so why would I expect to lose the weight in a week? To gain 30 lbs, I ate horribly, consistently. Well it’s the opposite with lose the weight. It’s important to be consistent. Without it, you won’t get far.
Additionally, our genetics, metabolism, and environmental factors are all different. These three things are important factors to lose weight. What works for you may not work for me. I learned that the hard way as I jumped from one fad diet to the next. You have to learn what works for you. It can be frustrating at first trying to figure it all out but you’ll be more powerful once you figure this out.
BDJ: what is your routine like?
CGL: Meal Prep:
I prep my meals in advance every Sunday. I usually prepare meals through Wednesday, then do a small meal prep on Wednesday night for Thursday and Friday.
Working out:
I’m usually up and at the gym first thing in the morning. This is when I have the most energy. Similar to meal prep, I plan my workouts, what muscles I want to train, and exercises I want to do.
Being detailed and organized prevents me from wandering aimlessly around the gym or making poor food choices.
BDJ: what are your fitness and health goals?
CGL: My first goal is abs. I’ve been told that due to genetics, I may never have a flat stomach. I don’t buy it. I started with a 38″ midsection, now I’m at a 31 inches. Another 2-3 inches and I’ll be there.
BDJ: how long have you had a passion for running?
CGL: Since 2006. When I first started, I couldn’t run longer than a minute. This fueled my drive to reach 30 mins of non stop running. I reached that goal in 2 months. The feeling of personal accomplishment is what fueled that passion. I also love how running makes me feel, the peace and the mental clarity (aka Runner’s high).
We would like to thank Cookie for sharing her story and journey with us. We hope that her story has inspired or even educated those of you that read it.
To continue following her progress. You can follow her at the links below:
Facebook: Cookiegetslean
Website: http://www.cookiegetslean.com
Instagram: Cookiegetslean