For the recovery of the skin removal, I never knew what to expect. I just did not. Every single time I spoke to  someone who had went through it, they always said “its just so painful I cannot even explain it or put it into words”. Let me just say how much that response frustrated me. Like how can you not put it into words. I am genuinely wanting to know how my recovery will be, and you cannot even compare it to anything? Nope nobody could. I even had a woman tell me, she had 6 C-Sections and a hysterectomy, her gallbladder removed, and the recovery for the 1st week or 2 was more painful then all of those combined. GREAAAAAT. Hellllo FEAR.  Actually the fact that nobody could tell me how it felt made me even worse. I did not know what to feel. Because of the complications of neck surgery and my airways shutting down after that surgery, I just did not know what to expect. I made sure I met with both the neurosurgeon and orthosurgeon who did my neck surgery 4 months prior to Make sure that this was something that was okay for me to do. I did not want to hinder my recovery and the healing of the neck fusions that were healing. Both doctors knew my surgeon, spoke highly of him and gave it a green light. That definitely put me at ease. It was all falling into place. Although it was having a hard recovery, I had confirmation that these surgeries would not at all hurt me in any way.
I did my research for post op. I got my gingerale, purchased bunch of crackers and stuff to have after surgery because I get very sick after anesthesia. I was told to purchase loose panties, nothing that would cling, and to purchase joggers, lounge pants, etc. I was told by others that I would be extremely swollen, so to buy a size up. I thought it was crazy, but boy were they right. I also then got all of the different antibacterial body washes, and anything and everything possible to prepare me. I stocked up on all my vitamins,  and anything I knew that I was going to need because I wouldn’t be driving for a while.
I wanted to emotionally prepare myself but the thing is….I did not know how. I was never going to be ready. I lived my life a certain way for so many years. Being ashamed of my skin, hiding my skin, not being able to wear certain things because of my skin. A huge part of my life revolved around it. I just thought to myself a whole lot. How were my clothes going to fit? Would I be the same size? The surgeon said I would probably be the same size, but that clothes would just fit different. That brought relief, because I could not even imagine being able to afford all new clothes. Not just normal clothes, but new gym clothes, new bras, new panties, new jeans, not even thinking about new clothes for dressing up going back to work. I worried about all small things. But that is me. I am a worrier. Anyone who knows me very well can truly say I worry about things that other people probably do not even think about.
I worked so hard. Literally so hard. Every single workout, every single healthy meal, every single sacrifice was leading me to this very day. The hard work was about to pay off.
This was about to change my life.
If I can say I felt one emotion the most, it would be just this energy of feeling so grateful and thankful. Thankful for the opportunity to really have this taking place. Thankful for those making it happen. Thankful for the help in every aspect. Thankful to God for so many reasons. Not just for the opportunity and having such amazing people in my life, but for the strength that I had gained. I do not just mean the physical strength at the gym, and the mental strength sticking to my goals. I mean this inner strength that got me through my weight loss up until this point. I still remember when I was ready to go for weight loss surgery and decided not to. Signing up at the gym and never looking back. Thankful for that very day. Thankful for the mindset I have. Knowing I could make it through anything. Knowing that I never made an excuse to not workout or eat healthy. I cannot even explain it. My mental strength became a trait that so many people grew to admire. Nobody knew the things I have battled throughout my journey. In every single aspect. Physically, financially, personally, emotionally...etc.! Battles after battles and I just prayed for the strength to always get through whatever I was going through. That is why I just felt this overwhelming feeling of just being grateful. All of my decisions right and wrong lined up like stars. I was thankful to those who genuinely supported me. Many people from day 1 watching me grind and grind. Seeing the work I put in and knowing what I had gone through and faced to get me to this chapter in my life. Many people will watch the journey on social media and obviously be happy that I had just come so far and I was finally getting this done. But then there are those people who just know me personally and were in tears of joy knowing my skin would be gone.
I would take walks multiple times a day to stay active before my surgery, and I would just THINK. I would see flashbacks of all the last few years. From the start, being over 400 pounds. My 1st day in the gym. My walking in Unity park in Trumbull to lose weight, my size changing in clothes. Going from a size 28, to a size 24, then 22, then 20. I was so happy when I got into a size 18. Then a size 16, then 14, then 12, and then 10. But Once I became a size 8, it was like WHOA. HOLY GUACAMOLE. I did this.  The feelings of joy in the dressing room when my clothing size got smaller INSTEAD of all those years I spent crying in the dressing room because of size getting bigger. These are things that were just crossing my mind. These are the flashbacks playing in my mind. That’s all they would ever be. Memories.
Then the day arrived. March 28th, 2018.  Hands down the biggest day of my life. A day that every other life event could not compare to. Not because it was more important, but because it was completely different. Nothing could prepare me for this. Not an article, not a blog, not a previous patients advice, not the doctors advice, nothing. This was going to be the most physical and emotional rollercoaster I was ever going to get on. (To be continued)

My stomach before the skin removal:

 I am as transparent as possible about my weight loss journey, or at least I try to be. My hanging excess skin was something I discussed openly and often as I felt comfortable doing so. After spending years tucking it into my clothes, hiding it, wearing layers and layers of compression...not to mention the days where I could no longer get undressed in front of the mirror because I emotionally could not handle looking at how the skin just hung. It was hard for me. I worked so hard. Obviously people around me saw the work I put in. Not just at the gym but with the healthy eating. They saw my journey as motivating and inspiring....however as good as I felt about what I had accomplished, I just did not feel okay with what I saw in the mirror. Now please...please...do not think that it’s a form of self-hate or that I did not love myself, because well that is far from the truth. I spent years being morbidly obese hating my body, and it is a completely different feeling. It is more a feeling of defeat. Like you killed yourself working for a trophy that you deserved but couldn’t obtain. Sounds crazy I know. To those in the same boat, you get it. To those going through massive weight loss and scared about the excess skin outcome, please realize everyone’s body is different. Everyone’s skin is different. I know people who have lost less pounds but have way more excess skin. Then I see people who have lost more pounds but barely have any excess skin. Let me also say, not everyone who has the excess skin let it affects them emotionally. I know I sure as hell did.
I put off the procedures for a while. Many reasons. Emotionally, financially, physically, etc. Then I realized, if I keep waiting for the perfect time, I would never go through with it. So you know what? Sometimes you just need to let go of all the reasons holding you back and just jump in.
So I Jumped in. I called the plastic surgeon I had done all my research on, and I made an appointment for a consultation.
I chose Dr. Alfred Sofer in Fairfield, CT.
Let me tell you. I did serious research on this Doctor. Not just being fascinated by the before and after pics on the website of his surgery center, but all of the reviews of prior patients, etc. I was truly set on him being my surgeon, but I also had to keep in mind that he may not be the doctor I chose. I may not click with him. I may not like his approach, his staff, his bedside manners, etc. Those are all things I take very serious. I have to click with the doctor. I do not care how good a surgeon is in an operating room if he does not have good bedside manners.
The consultation day came. My mom came with me, because she more than anyone in this world keeps me calm.  When we got to the office, the staff was amazing. Friendly, outgoing and attentive. I was shocked at how advanced they were. There was no piles of paperwork. It was all done by Ipad. How cool is that? We then went into a room and I was told to undress so that the surgeon could take a look at the excess skin problem areas and let me know different options. So I took off my clothes, the surgeon came in and I let him know my main concerns about my body and he let me know what I would need to have done procedure wise in order to get rid of the skin. Biggest concerns were my stomach and my arms. That was when I found out, that due to the length of time of each procedure, it would need to be two different surgeries. Now do not get me wrong, I see other surgeons on TV do many procedures all at once. I know people personally who have gone to doctors out of state and had way more done and all at once. I just know that if I did choose this surgeon, this was his approach and I needed to be okay with that. What I realized is that he is very conservative, and I was not going to question it. I respected it. My stomach was going to need liposuction, then an incision around my lower stomach horizontally like a belt, and then very possibly a vertical scar all the way up the middle of my stomach as well. He said right then and there that he was going to do everything he could to avoid the middle vertical scar. I also had almost no chest left. I went from being a size DD before weight loss to being smaller than a B. Not to mention how weird and flat they were looking. If I decided to go through with the skin removal in the abdomen, my skin would be pulled down, making my chest be even smaller. We discussed implants and how they would then cause my body to not look weird once my excess skin was gone. When I think of implants, I think BIG breasts. I did not really realize people get them just to have “something there”. He told me if I did decide to go through with the breast augmentation, that they would be the smallest possible implant for my body frame. He was all about being as conservative as possible. He knew I did not want anything “artificial” looking. I just wanted to look NORMAL. Then, we discussed my arms and back excess skin. Boy oh boy did I work hard on my arms when lifting weights. I had amazing biceps. But as soon as I lifted my arms, there was those bat wings of swinging skin underneath. He said we would need to do two surgeries. One being my stomach and chest, and the other being my arms and back.
Now many people say…”Oh My God, how uncomfortable is it standing there naked in front of a doctor while they pick you apart telling you what is wrong with you?”. So let me set the record straight…it is nothing like that if you find the right doctor. This surgeon did not have me waiting in the room a long time. He came in and was very compassionate, friendly, outgoing, etc. He listened to me tell him about what I have accomplished, he asked me questions about what my concerns were, and he listened. Not just listened with his ears, but you can tell he genuinely listened with the care to help. He answered any and every question I could think of, and did not make me feel like I was “just another patient”. After the physical exam, we went upstairs and sat with Jennifer the surgical coordinator for over an hour and she went over everything. The financials, the procedures, etc…and was just an open book. Not a sales woman trying to sell me on the surgeon like I see on TV. She was personal sweet, and personal. The actualat is what is key. She was relatable. She was real. Those are the things that I picked up on.
After getting all the info, there was no need to “shop around”. I knew in my heart, this was the surgeon I was choosing.  I was not buying a car, I was making a life changing decision. I was going to put my future and my body, and even my life in the hands of this doctor.
I called the office shortly after and set up a surgery date for surgery #1. I had my pre-op with my primary care doctor. I then had my pre-op with the plastic surgeon.
The day of my pre- op with the surgeon, he personally spent over an hour with me, and went over every single aspect. When I tell people that, they are in utter shock. No, not an employee but the surgeon himself took the time to go over each consent form explain them and explain each procedure from beginning to end. I had a notebook of questions and he answered every single one with honesty. It was a long appointment, and I left there feeling like I was making the right decision by choosing him. He just had a way of putting my anxious nerves at ease about these procedures. Once I signed my paperwork, that was it.
Once I had everything set, I then started showing my actual excess skin on my social meda accounts to my followers. I finally felt comfortable doing so. I mean, the skin was going to be gone soon anyway, so why not. But it is a whole lot harder than you think. It took a whole lot of guts for me to publicly show what humiliated me. What I had spent so long hiding, I was now going to be showing to people all over the world. But I had to do it. I had to show others the whole truth behind my transformation. I cannot tell you how many people were supportive of this decision. How many people were shocked I was hiding all of that skin. It felt good afterwards. I no longer had anything to hide.
My next blog will be all about my actual 1st surgery itself and the recovery. Stay tuned….
​

These last few months have been insane for me! very busy...so I do apologize... I will be back on track with my blog entries!

A real important question I get is “what should I eat after my workout?”

Guys, eating is so important after you workout. Especially protein packed foods!

I have days where I finish my workout, and the last thing I can think about is food, and then those days where I finish my workout and come home and I’m so hungry I could eat the whole  kitchen including the sink itself, lol.

 

Here’s an idea of a few snacks you could be eating after you finish a workout in between meals.

 

Boiled eggs

Protein shakes

Nuts

Greek yogurt with berries

A banana with 1 tbsp of PB

1 slice of whole grain bread w/ a hard boiled egg

Spinach salad w/ lean chicken breast

Omlette- 1 whole egg/2 egg whites/1 cup of veggies

Whole grain wrap w/ turkey and spinach

Protein bar (make sure it doesn’t have lot’s of sugar or carbs)

 

As always, please feel free to email me with questions

 

 

Cellulite? Uhmmmm yeah, almost every woman suffers from it. and if you don’t? well you are extremely lucky!

I suffer from it more now than I did when I was over 400 lbs. well actually its only more noticeable because my legs are smaller? Cellulite does not ever completely go away naturally. Regardless for what creams, gels, wraps, etc. that people talk you into. If you don’t believe me, speak to a doctor. People will try to sell you dreams and give false hope off of edited pictures.

The only way to decrease the appearance of cellulite is by working out and eating healthy, and remaining constantly hydrated.

There are really some good workouts to help you. My cellulite is still visible, but it has decreased a whole lot to where its not that noticeable.

Here are a few leg workouts that have helped me:

 

Squats using the exercise ball

(this is where you put a stability or exercise ball b/w your legs, keeping your knees behind your toes, and all your weight In your heels…and SQUAT…but squeeze your knees inward. You need to put as much pressure on the ball as you possibly can when you are squatting up and down)

 

Butt bridges

(you lay on your back with arms at sides, and tuck your feet under you knees. use your heels to push and thrust your hips upward in the air, but you need to keep the upper part of your back on the flood or mat. Repeat it atleast 20 times, for 5 sets)

 

Mountain climbers

(on all fours, feet on tippy toes use one leg and keep bringing knee to chest, as if you are climbing up a mountain)

 

Resistance band side leg raises

(put resistance band around calf. Lift your right leg up and out towards the right wall. Keep your leg straight and just hold it for 15 seconds. Work your way up to 30 seconds)

 

All squats, floor leg exercises like leg lifts, leg kick backs, etc.

All of these exercises help to tighten your thighs, booty, and even saddlebags!

 

Also remember, weights are key. Do not be afraid to walk into that weight room! Lifting weights is so important when trying to lose weight.

 

A lot of people ask me “how do you stay motivated if you don’t see the scale changing”.

I will try to keep it short because this is a subject that sends me talking forever, lol.

First things first…just because the scale is not moving, does not mean your body is not changing. There are what we call “non scale victories”. For example, pants being looser, rings on your fingers being looser, noticing size of stomach getting smaller, curves starting to show. Anything. Just because you don’t see the number n the scale getting lower, does not mean you are not making progress.

 

I would be lying if I said that I didn’t have days or moments when I get discouraged.

I’ve been on my journey for a few years now, and it still happens. Those moments where I feel like I’m working so hard in the gym, eating so healthy and I’m just not losing.

So what do I do? I change up my routine in the gym. I add an extra 10-20 min of cardio to my workout at the end, and lift lighter for more reps.

Changing up your workout is important. You cant expect to do the same thing every single day for months on end, and always see progress.. eventually your body will get used to it.

Then, change up what you are eating. Eliminate something or replace something. For instance, I like to really eat my main carb with dinner. I stopped doing that and switched my sweet potatoes to my lunch, and noticed a difference.  You would be very surprised what a difference small changed can make.

 

Also, (and I meant this in the nicest way possible)….

Make sue you are not lying to yourself. Are you really eating extremely healthy?

Could you be sneaking in a few cookies here and there, or eating bigger portions? 

Maybe try to 2 weeks to write down everything you eat, and the calories it is. Total it up at night and really see that you may not be eating as healthy as you thought you would.

 

Last but not least, always remember this is a process. You did not gain all your weight in a week, so you will not lose it in a week. There are zero quick fixes to natural weight loss. It takes time. Months, even YEARS. Yes years. Its taken me y ears and im still going. So imagine how discouraged I might get. But I keep in mind that I  have come so far. And if I had given up any of those times I would not be here today. I wouldn’t be down almost 200 lbs. I wouldn’t be writing a motivational blog to people trying to lose weight. I have gained so much knowledge in this experience, and I am always happy to help anyone who is truly committed to the process.

Weight loss is a personal journey, a personal commitment you are making with yourself, for yourself.

Don’t give u p, no matter how many times you get discouraged. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. I promise you. Im living proof.

 

Hi guys, if you follow me on IG, then you can see I am sent products all the time. Because of my large following, I am beyond blessed to be sent tons of products all the time, from clothing to shakes, bars, drinks, EVERYTHING. Some are from newer smaller companies, and others are from larger worldwide companies.

This blog really isn’t me grading these companies. Honestly its not even remotely like that  I’m just basically naming my favorite products that I use constantly and that I feel are successful for anyone on a weight loss journey or someone looking to become healthier or fit.

Having products that you enjoy while changing your lifestyle makes it so much easier to stick to.

 

Let me also add before you read any further…that I was not paid by any of these companies to write this blog. These are my honest opinions.

 

PROTEIN WATER?- Hands down...I would say TRIMINO is the best one on the market. Not only does it due what it says it does, which is to boost metabolism and curb appetite… the taste is AMAZING. The peacho ne is my favorite. What I love is that it doesn’t have that “protein taste”. I could go on and on about this product. No other protein water on the market could compare IN MY OPINION. They can be purchased at many stores, gas stations and restaurants as well as gyms. On the website DRINKTRIMINO.COM there is a link where you enter your address and they tell you where they are sold near you. You can also order directly from the website.

 

PROTEIN BAR?- I would have to say taste wise is Quest. Hands down. Filling, tastes amazing, and low in carbs, high in protein. Second, I would go with detour bar. Both are sold in almost all stores, or on the websites. Questnutrition.com and detourbar.com

 

CHIA BAR?- Health Warrior Chia Bar! Every flavor is out of this world, and they are low in calorie. Can be found in stores or online at wellandgood.com

 

PROTEIN COOKIE? There is no question with this one. It is Lenny and Larry’s Complete Cookie. Each flavor is to die for, they curb a sweet tooth, and keep you feeling full. Also- read package and nutrition label, because  there are 2 servings per cookie which can end up with you consuming more calories than you expected. Half a cookie does keep me full. I have seen them at GNS, and supplement stores. Can be purchased at LennyandLarrys.com

 

PROTEIN BROWNIE- This wasn’t a hard decision. It’s the “Eat Me Guilt Free” Brand. All of the flavors are mouth watering. I have tried other brands, and there is no comparison. They also have a powdered protein peanut butter that I add to all my shakes. This company is definitely not only creative, but talented! EATMEGUILTFREE.COM

 

GREEK YOGURT? Oikos is my favorite, taste wise and low calorie. Can be purchased at almost all supermarkets/grocery stores.

 

SEASONINGS?-Flavor God is all I will use. Low sodium, and tastes amazing. I use the whole seasoning line.

 

TEA?- I use Teami Tea. The nighttime one is a detox and the day one is used to help boost metabolism, and curb appetite. It gives me natural enegy and focus, and my workouts jut seem so much better. TEAMIBLENDS.COM

 

PRE WORKOUT(s)?- I use cellucor c4 and Celsius pre workout. Ive tried so many but these are the most beneficial. I  order the cellucor from bodybuilding.com and the Celsius from Celsius.com

 

SHAKES? Quest, and Advanceplus, and cellucor are my top favorite brands. I order everything from BodyBuilding.com

 

SUPPLMEMENTS/PILLS- I like the line from NutraSumma.  The vitamins are amazing. Nutrasumma.com

 

PROTEIN PANCAKES?- I have tried 3 or 4 brands. The best tasting one, with the least calories, least carbs, and lowest sugar definitely is Abs Protein Pancakes. The chocolate chip flavor is my favorite. ABSPANCAKES.COM

 

TOPPINGS/SIDES/SAUCES?- I have used almost all of the products form the Walden’s Farms line. Sauces, dressings, syrup, jelly, ETC. zero calorie, and zero sugar. Yes they are almost at all stores. I also occasionally order online.

 

Hope this helps guys! There are so many products for everything on the market. Like I said before, if you like what you are eating, or you have things that you look forward to eating or drinking while on a journey to become healthier…it makes it so much easier to stick with.

Any questions, please email me directly.

Xo- Annamarie

 

I am beyond excited to tell everyone that I am part of an amazing team @glp_fitness which is a great company. This company works very hard to help everyone find their #confidencefromwithin 😀 They have done an amazing job, going above and beyond to reach out to people and promote self love. I've fallen in love with what they are about.

Me going through massive weight loss, there have been lots of ups and downs and it took me years to find my own inner confidence. Now that I have found it, I can't wait to others find their own.

Thank you to the GLP FITNESS team, for asking to me be apart of this team for such a great cause.

This picture of me I am wearing 1 of the shirts from the clothing line that says "Girls Who Lift" and I will wear it proudly. 💪🏽🙌🏽

Hello everyone! I hope you are all enjoying your summer. I know I sure am. Getting to spend a few of my Saturdays relaxing on the beach, which to me is one of the best feelings because my life being so nonstop, I never really get the chance to relax, which is why I am taking a few hours every other weekend to be on a beach chair, with my headphones in and my eyes closed. J

 

Ok, Ok, let me get to the point. This blog is all about setting a record straight. So many times people get being overweight confused with being unhealthy. YES, being overweight, or obese, etc can make you unhealthy…..but it doesn’t make you too much more than someone who doesn’t have a weight problem that doesn’t take care of their health. Health is NOT a weight. A doctor can tell me I am still 30-40 lbs overweight for my age and height, and I can be so much more healthier than a person who does not have a weight problem.

Health is not just a word, or something you learn in school. Its about what you put in your body. Its about exercise. There’s not just nutritional health. There is mental health. There is physical health. And you know what can help make you healthy in every aspect? EXERCISE and HEALTHY FOODS.  (This shouldn’t be a shocker, lol) There are so many benefits of exercise, that you probably don’t even realize. Adding in exercise everyday helps to increase your energy, make you more productive and you end up getting more done. For lots of people, exercise actually helps people to relax more later. To some people they turn to a quick exercise before bed, rather than melatonin or a sleeping pill.

NOW, I’m not sure if any of you suffer from anxiety. I know I do.  I can honestly admit that I suffer from bad anxiety, and panic attacks. You might be surprised to learn that the chemicals released during and after exercise can help those of us with anxiety disorders. 

Working out between the ages of 25-45 boosts chemicals in your brain that support memory loss when you are older, and even Alzheimer’s. No it cant prevent it, but it can help the decline.

There are so many people who turn to exercise as a way to get over an addiction.  An addiction of drugs, alcohol, sex, food, ETC.  Working out daily has more mental and physical benefits than just the physical changes you see in your body.

As far as physical benefits? Being overweight or not, exercise helps to keep your muscles, bones and joints healthy. If you are overweight and you are losing weight, you have no idea how much pressure and workload you are taking off your body to perform day to day tasks. Exercise helps the risk of cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and many other diseases and disorders including diabetes. This goes hand in hand with good nutrition. An overall healthy diet lowers your risk for not just diseases but heart attacks and strokes.

 

Regardless of your weight and age, exercise and eating healthy have so many benefits. Just because you do not have a weight problem, does not mean that you aren’t at risk for health problems. Even if this doesn’t apply to you, and you are on the right track, TRY to help someone else out. Try to teach them about what harm they could be doing to their body and what benefits exercise and healthy eating has on your body mentally and physically.

Don’t get so caught up in thinking that skinny means healthy. It doesn’t. if you are over weight, your body internally and physically can be stronger than the person next to you. You can out run that person on the treadmill for all you know. Just take care of your health and try to spread the awareness.  Always realize that not everyone in the gym is there on a weight loss process. Many are there just to maintain good health, which in my opinion is amazing.

Hi Guys! I hope you all enjoyed your holiday weekend! Now…I get lots of emails and messages from women about what kinds of squats there are, how to do them, ETC. Here are a bunch, I do some if not most of them. There are tons more out there but I figured I would list the most beneficial ones. If you are not sure form reading the description, please YouTube them or ask a professional to assist you so that you do not get injured.

I hope this answers lots of the questions you guys ask!

PS- for those who do not know, squats work your lower body!

(Quads, Glutes, Hamstrings, ETC) adding things to your squats like ball throws will help to also work your upper body at same time! Ladies, squats do work! I have seen such a significant difference in my butt! The size, shape, ETC! Squatting is an exercise you don’t want to skip!

 

In the mean time… here’s a list of a few of the many different types of squats outside of the normal ones!

 

 

Sumo Squat

(Stand with your feet wider than hip-width apart, toes slightly turned out, holding a medicine ball in front of your chest. Squat down as low as you can, keeping your heels on the ground and your back straight. Press back up to standing)- you can also add dumbbell, medicine ball or sand bag.

 

Single-Leg Squat

(Start in the beginning squat position. Lift your left leg up, bending the knee slightly to get your foot off the ground. You can hold your raised foot slightly in front or behind you depending on whatever feels more steady. Using only your right leg, lower yourself down as far as is comfortable. Return upright. Try not to put your left foot down between reps; you can use a wall or chair for support if needed. Repeat on the other side)

 

Squat Ball throws

(Grab a medicine ball and stand with feet about hip-width apart and toes pointed outward slightly. Position your hands under the ball so that you are holding the ball at chest/neck level. This is the starting position. Begin exercise by squatting down so that your thighs are parallel with the ground and knees do not pass your toes. Come up out of the squat and push the medicine ball overhead so that the ball leaves your hands. Catch the ball and drop down into the next squat.)

 

 

Bodyweight Squat

(Stand straight up with your feet shoulder's width apart. While bending at the knees, push your hips out and bend down. Picture yourself sitting on a chair. Once your hips have become lined up with your knees, return back to starting position.)

 

In-N-Out Squats

(Begin with your feet about double shoulder-width apart or as comfortably spread apart as you can, while still maintaining a firm stance. Next, drop your butt down slightly while keeping your head up and a natural arch in your lower back . This is the starting position. Begin exercise like you would a jumping jack, except keep your arms out in front of you. Bring your feet together to about hip-width apart and immediately push off the ground and return to the starting position.)

 

Dumbbell Squat

(Stand up while grasping a dumbbell in each hand. Your palms should be facing the side of your legs. Your legs should be shoulder width apart with your toes pointed slightly out. Start to lower your torso by bending your knees. Continue moving down until your thighs are parallel to the floor. Raise your torso by pushing the floor with the heel of your foot as you straighten your legs. Move back into the starting position.)

 

Kettlebell Goblet Squat

(Take a kettle bell and hold it right under your chin with both hands. Stand with your feet a little wider then shoulder width apart. Squat down to a 90 degree angle and then stand back up)

 

Prisoner Squat

(Stand tall with chest out and back straight. Feet should be slightly wider than shoulder-width. Place fingers behind your head and pull elbows back so that they are in line with your body. This is the starting position. Begin exercise by pushing hips back and bending at the knees into a squat. Squat as low as you can, pause, then push yourself back up as quickly as possible in good form. )

 

Speed Squat

(Using a squat rack, position yourself so that a barbell is behind your shoulders and slightly below your neck. Grasp the barbell so that your hands are wider than shoulder width apart and your palms are facing forward. Step away from the rack and place your feet shoulder width apart with your toes pointing slightly outward. This is your starting position. While remaining upright, inhale and bend your legs into a squat position until your thighs are parallel with the floor. Without pausing, exhale and reverse the movement, pushing off with your legs and returning to the starting position. Immediately repeat the movement for a complete set.) these are the ones I found online a long time ago and this is how I learned. And hese are the ones I found online a long time ago and this is how I learned. Believe it or not I have learned and taught myself almost all of my gym routines from things that I found online. Happy squattttting!

 

Squat Pulses

(Perform a basic squat, but instead of returning to standing, stay in the lowest part of your squat with your thighs parallel to the ground and move up and down, keeping the movement small (a few inches up or down) and fast.)

 

Chair Squat

(Stand with your feet and legs together. Sit backward and down, pushing your hips out behind you. Lift your arms as high as you can, taking care not to let your chest drop. You can return to standing and repeat the squat, or for more of a challenge, hold it.)

 

Curtsy Squat

(Stand with your feet hip width apart and hands on hips. Move your right foot behind your left leg, as far past your left foot as is comfortable. Using a "curtsy" motion, squat down. Keep your weight in the front leg. Return to standing.)

 

Butt-To-Heels Squat

(Stand with your feet close together, arms out straight in front of you. Bend your knees and lower down until your butt is touching your heels. Your heels will come off the ground and your knees will be way forward past your toes. That's OK! As you squat down, lower your arms and lightly brush your fingers on the ground. Raise your arms back to shoulder height as you return to standing.)

 

Squat Jacks

(Start in a squat position. Jump your legs out like you would with a jumping jack but stay low in the squat. Jump your feet back in together. Don't come out of the squat until you've finished all your reps!)

 

Russian-Squat Jumps

(Start as you would for a Sumo squat with your legs wide and toes pointing slightly out. Arms can be on top of your head or crossed in front of you at shoulder height. Lower down into a low squat. Transfer all your weight to your left foot while kicking your right foot out to the side. Then switch your weight to your right foot and kick your left leg out to the side. For more work, add a slight jump with each weigh transfer)

 

Resistance- Band Squats

(Loop a resistance band around your legs, just under your knees. Keeping your knees stable by pushing out against the band (that's the hard part!), lower down into a squat until your thighs are parallel to the ground. Take one step to the left while maintaining your squat. Step back on the left. Keep switching sides or do all one side and then repeat on the other.)

 

Farmer Squat

(Start in a beginning squat position, holding a heavy dumbbell in each hand. Tighten your core and back. Perform a basic squat keeping the weights outside your legs. Return to standing.)

 

Wide-Stance Barbell Squat

(Place a barbell behind your head and slightly below your neck. Grasp the barbell with wide arms and palms facing forward. Stand with your feet very wide apart. Keep a straight back as you inhale and bend your legs to lower your torso down into a squat. Stop when your upper legs go slightly beyond being parallel to the floor. Reverse the motion and return back to the starting position.)

 

Criss-Cross Squat

(Stand with feet a little wider than shoulder-width apart. Squat down. As you come up out of the squat criss-cross your feet in the air. Immediately spread your feet apart again to prepare for the next squat. This completes one rep

Hey guys! If you follow me on Instagram, you will see that I have been posting pics about a tea that I have been drinking by the company called TEAMI BLENDS. I've gotten lots of emails about this so I figured I would clear this up. I did not use the tea during my weight loss process. Drinking a tea cannot make you skinny. Regardless of what you read or what you are told. My weight was lost with exercise, and healthy eating. I've only been using ths tea in the last month or so. I will say that it does help with any bloating feeling... And it does serve as a very good detox to rid your body of any toxins. I also love the way it tastes. Not to mention the way it makes me feel. There is nothing wrong with adding supplements to your journey.

Just wanted to clear some things up. A lot of times people get the wrong impression.

Hey guys! If you follow me on Instagram, you will see that I have been posting pics about a tea that I have been drinking by the company called TEAMI BLENDS. I've gotten lots of emails about this so I figured I would clear this up. I did not use the tea during my weight loss process. Drinking a tea cannot make you skinny. Regardless of what you read or what you are told. My weight was lost with exercise, and healthy eating. I've only been using ths tea in the last month or so. I will say that it does help with any bloating feeling... And it does serve as a very good detox to rid your body of any toxins. I also love the way it tastes. Not to mention the way it makes me feel. There is nothing wrong with adding supplements to your journey.

Just wanted to clear some things up. A lot of times people get the wrong impression.

Okay, okay, okay ill admit…working out in the morning before work is NOT easy.  Depending on what time you need to get up makes it even harder too. Because I start work early, if I want to work out in them morning, I need to be up at 3:45 am. Insane? VERY. But its so worth it. the feeling of accomplishment you get when you are done is seriously one of the best feelings. You drive home feeling like the incredible hulk lol. The day just goes by quicker, you have so much more energy and you are so much more awake!

 

Here are some tips for getting in an early morning workout, hopefully they can help you because this is what works for me.

 

Prep your clothes before you go to bed. –I pick out what im going to wear, and leave it on top of my dresser. Fill your water bottle and have it in the fridge…. Im a “plan-ahead” type person, and I always stick to a schedule…so intense that any inconvenience or change will drive me crazy, lol but that’s what has made me successful with getting things done.

 

Make it a habit. After a few weeks, it becomes a routine.

 

Don’t put the alarm clock close to you. I put mine on my desk, that way I have to get up to turn it off! (whatever it takes)

 

When you alarm goes off, get up, turn it off and turn on the lights. Once lights are on…that’s the golden sign that you are not going to get back in bed.

 

Plan your breakfast the night before, and make it something you look forward to eating!

 

Leave motivational pot it notes around the house and in the car.

 

Make your before pic your screen saver on your phone.

 

Start slow, take your time easing yourself into the morning workouts. Start with 2 times a week, build is up to 3 or 4, then 5 or 6.

 

Don’t count on anyone but yourself. Having a gym buddy is a great thing, I love it… BUT don’t count on them for your goals. You are in charge of yourself. If they cant go, or they quit, it could play a role on your motivation.  See it as “I’m going to workout, and you can join me”. that’s setting the tone with the mentality as “with or without anyone, I’m doing this for me”

 

NOW let me tell you the benefits of working out in the morning.

First off, you feel better all day. Like I said previously, you feel energized, focused, and less stressed.

You get a better workout than you would in the afternoon, because during the day you start thinking about everything you have to do after work, or things that would get in the way.

 

You find yourself wanting to eat healthier all day long, because you wont want to ruin the hard work you put in.

 

You could burn more fat. Lots fo studies show that you can burn 20% more fat if you workout before your 1st meal, also helps to jump start your metabolism. You burn way more calories throughout the day when you do a morning workout than you would if you did an evening workout.

 

The gym is almost always empty. You wont have to worry about a machine being taken.  You will also have less distractions. Nobody will be up at that time texting you, or calling you. The gym will be your main focus!!

 

Well wellll well, it's already July. Omg where does time go? I swear it was just the Xmas holiday season, lol.

Now I will admit, summertime and picnics make it so hard to stay on track. The potato salads, macaroni salads, chips and dips, hot dogs, cheeseburgers, ETC. (omg my mouth is watering, HAHA)

Here's a few tips I've mentioned before!!

Were you asked to bring something? Offer to bring a huge salad. Not only will it give you a healthy option it for others as well. Even if you weren't asked, just bring one anyway. Even a fruit salad for desert. Skip the s'mores or brownies and cookies.

Ask if you can bring a turkey dog or turkey burger for yourself to be grilled.

If you do have a burger, take off one or both parts of the bun.

Bring your water jug. Don't be tempted to drink soda and sugar drinks or sodas.

Assess the situation when you get there. Scope out the healthy foods.

The beer and liquor is full of sugar or empty calories. Skip it. It's hard but think of your long term goals.

Only fill your plate once and eat like you would eat any other meal. Focus on protein and veggies!

Maybe even eat before you go. That way you will be full and not even tempted.

As hard as it is on these days at events and picnics....you really just need to keep that mental focus. Picture your body the way you want it to look.

Put your before picture on your phone wall paper. ANYTHING to keep you focused and motivated to stick to your goals!

Hope all of you have a happy and safe andddddd healthy 4th of July!

Okay for those of you who have lost a massive amount of weight understand that last "plateau" where once you reach the last 30, you feel like no matter how hard you work, how good you eat, how much harder you make your workouts...you just can't get that scale to move. I would lie if I said I didn't get discouraged. It's all part of the process. In the last 2 months I've only lost 4lbs. I'm so determined and I work so hard, but when I least expect it, the scale will move.

This week I post 3 out of 4 of those pounds.

Talk about a good feeling!!!

Throughout a weight loss journey, you will hit plateaus and you CAN'T give up. Just keep your hea up. Stay focused and know that it will come off. Also remember that just because the scale isn't moving, doesn't mean you aren't losing weight. Non scale victories are just as important as pounds lost.

Okay for those of you who have lost a massive amount of weight understand that last "plateau" where once you reach the last 30, you feel like no matter how hard you work, how good you eat, how much harder you make your workouts...you just can't get that scale to move. I would lie if I said I didn't get discouraged. It's all part of the process. In the last 2 months I've only lost 4lbs. I'm so determined and I work so hard, but when I least expect it, the scale will move.

This week I post 3 out of 4 of those pounds.

Talk about a good feeling!!!

Throughout a weight loss journey, you will hit plateaus and you CAN'T give up. Just keep your hea up. Stay focused and know that it will come off. Also remember that just because the scale isn't moving, doesn't mean you aren't losing weight. Non scale victories are just as important as pounds lost.

Okay for those of you who have lost a massive amount of weight understand that last "plateau" where once you reach the last 30, you feel like no matter how hard you work, how good you eat, how much harder you make your workouts...you just can't get that scale to move. I would lie if I said I didn't get discouraged. It's all part of the process. In the last 2 months I've only lost 4lbs. I'm so determined and I work so hard, but when I least expect it, the scale will move.

This week I post 3 out of 4 of those pounds.

Talk about a good feeling!!!

Throughout a weight loss journey, you will hit plateaus and you CAN'T give up. Just keep your hea up. Stay focused and know that it will come off. Also remember that just because the scale isn't moving, doesn't mean you aren't losing weight. Non scale victories are just as important as pounds lost.

Okay for those of you who have lost a massive amount of weight understand that last "plateau" where once you reach the last 30, you feel like no matter how hard you work, how good you eat, how much harder you make your workouts...you just can't get that scale to move. I would lie if I said I didn't get discouraged. It's all part of the process. In the last 2 months I've only lost 4lbs. I'm so determined and I work so hard, but when I least expect it, the scale will move.

This week I post 3 out of 4 of those pounds.

Talk about a good feeling!!!

Throughout a weight loss journey, you will hit plateaus and you CAN'T give up. Just keep your hea up. Stay focused and know that it will come off. Also remember that just because the scale isn't moving, doesn't mean you aren't losing weight. Non scale victories are just as important as pounds lost.

Ok, I definitely feel the need to post a blog about this.
Let me say this in the most BLUNT way possible, lol.
Guys, I am a REAL person, just like all of you.
Just because I have lost a large amount of weight, does not make me better than anyone.
What I have accomplished can be accomplished my anyone willing to put in the hard work, time, dedication, and determination.

As far as putting my story out there, publicly on social media, news papers, magazine, and TV is where “PASSION” comes into play. I am very passionate about my weight-loss because it is a back to basics approach with diet and exercise. No surgery. No magic pills, and certainly no excuses.

Understand this…. I had my slip ups. I had those weeks where I didn’t want to work out. Where I over-ate at a picnic and felt like crap that night. Guys, I am just like you.  As far as set backs? Wow, anyone who knows me I have had my share of those, including a pretty bad car accident, where I ended up rupturing almost a dozen discs between my neck and back. Medications, that cause weight gain…where you have to work 3x as hard as someone else just to lose weight? The occasional binge eating off emotion? GUYS do not think I have not done that. I am human. Going through those moments of disappointments where you step on the scale, and see no change even though you know you busted your butt the whole week, working even harder at the gym, and eating healthy.

Weight loss is not all high’s! not for me, not for anyone. Especially when you are doing It the natural way. What matters is how you go about turning those Setbacks into Comebacks. Don’t let anyone, or anything become a setback so strong that it takes away the motivation you had.

You have to remember that food is an addiction. You are battling an addiction. When you take that step to change your life and eating habits, you are saying “I am going to beat this addiction”. When you sign up for the gym, you need to understand, that “WEIGHT IS LOST IN THE KITCHEN, AND BODIES ARE TRANSFORMED IN THE GYM”.

In the gym, there are going to be those days that you do not want to workout. Where its too hot and you don’t want to sweat. Those days where you are exhausted and had a bad day at work and you just want to go home. BUT, those workouts turn into the best ones. You have to also keep in mind that results form the gym will not be consistent if your healthy eating isn’t consistent.

This isn’t easy. Do not let anyone lie to you. Its hard BUT its all about how bad you want it. how hard you are willing to work to reach your goals. How taking the easy way out will never feel as satisfying and rewarding as the hard work you put in paying off. Its about making the decision between getting results or getting excuses, because you cant have both.

People think just because I am in the public eye, or that because I have had a major success with weight loss, or because of my large following that I am some type of health/fitness robot. That my life is so perfect. That I wouldn’t be approachable. That is very far from any type of truth. I am a normal person just like you, who has a life outside of the gym and eating healthy. A crazy, busy, hectic life, lol.

I will get emails, and DM’s on Instagram saying “omg I saw you at the gym, and I wanted to come up to you, but I didn’t know what to say”. Guys, I have people come up to me daily that recognize me, whether it be at the gym, or a public place, a store, restaurant, mall, ETC. Trust me, I am 1 of the most approachable people, so never feel like you cant approach me!

Then there are those people will literally get extremely emotional when they meet me and tell me that it is because of me they started a weight loss journey. That I am their inspiration. I really get the people who ask to take a picture with me. I get it all.  THIS IS WHY I SHARE MY JOURNEY. My goal was and is to change lives. I just want anyone who follows me to understand that I am the same as you. All of your struggles during your journey…I have and always will deal with. Its overcoming them that makes us successful.

Here are a great bunch of tips I put together for you guys when trying to make a decision on which gym to choose!

 

Most of you know by now, I am a proud member of “PLANET FITNESS”, a gym who takes pride in their slogan of being a “Judgment Free zone”, and delivers that promise to its members every single day. Truthfully, my entire weight loss journey started with a random-spur of the moment decision to do a U-turn in the middle of the road and pull into a Planet Fitness in Shelton, CT. (which has since relocated to Derby, CT). Honestly, best decision I ever made. I was extremely self-conscious being over 400 lbs, and I walked in there, and not at 1 point felt I was being stared at or made fun of because of my size. That is how EVERY gym should be.

One thing that gets on my nerves is when people say, “A Gym Is A Gym”.  UHM, NO! That might be your opinion, but don’t except someone morbidly obese to feel the same way, because I  know I sure didn’t feel that way then, and I still don’t agree with that statement now. A gym isn’t just about where you go to sweat, its where you spend 1-2 hours a day. What you see, what happens around you matters. What is allowed at these facilities matter. Dress code, behavior, ETC matters. You being comfortable matters. How are you going to stick with making exercise a habit if you don’t feel comfortable where you work out?

Understand that there is no 1 set type of gym for people trying to lose weight, or maintain weight loss and another set gym for those who are trying to gain or bulk. But we all have 1 thing in common and that’s fitness, regardless of our goals, and that is HEALTH AND FITNESS. Keep that in mind. At no point should you feel intimidated or out of place, so you need to find the facility that you feel comfortable at. Find one with helpful employees that a friendly and make you feel welcome, that you can go to if you have a question or need helping using equipment. Check for cleanliness. No gym is “Clean”, lets be realistic here. The amount of germs inside of a gym or almost as much as an airport lol, but keep these things in mind: Are the Spray Bottles and Towels to wipe down your machines before and after use? Do you see employees cleaning? If there are ceiling fans, is there a ½ inch thick of dust? Are there showers? Are they decently clean?

Keep in mind as you are on a weight loss journey, that you were once a beginner. If I am working out and I see someone new who may not be using something right, I will ask them “would you mind if I show you how to use this machine correctly? You don’t want to hurt yourself.” Its all on how you approach people, and you also want to make yourself approachable. Say Hello to people. Give them a compliment, let them know that they are working hard and it will pay off. If you notice a change in them let them know “I see you are losing weight, you look great” I do this a lot! And seeing the way someone lights up when you tell them that makes me feel good. Wouldn’t you want someone to do that to you? Wouldn’t you walk out of  the gym feeling great? Feeling like your hard work is paying off? Make someone’s day. We were all beginners at some point. There were those machines I didn’t know how to use in the beginning and I remember someone coming up to me and correcting me. They didn’t do it to make me feel stupid. They did it because they saw how hard I was working out and they wanted to make sure I got the best results.

 

Here’s a good tip! If there are no Planet Fitness Gyms in your area, then visit the local gyms and ask if they have a free trial. Some offer a free week, or a free month, and some even have free day passes. Take advantage of those! Make sure you know what machines and amenities you will want before signing any contracts!! Visit the gym at the prime workout times! (8-11am, 3-4pm (after school rush or after 1st shift rush), 5:30-8pm (the after work and after dinner rush) Visiting the gym you are interested in at these times will help to give you a good idea of how crowded it gets, and the availability of the machines. What are the hours they are open? Will it accommodate your schedule? Is it 24 hours? How far is the gym from were you live or work? Distance is important.

Are they a chain? If so, can you use your membership at the other locations for free?

 

Check to see if the gym has or offers personal training. Ask for info on them, compare rates, success stories, ETC.

 

As yourself what you are trying to get out of your workouts. What your goals are. Look for a mix of machines. If your problem area is your legs or lower body, check for a gym that has multiple types of machines that target that area! DO NOT BE SCARED TO ASK QUESTIONS!

Next thing…the cost? Does it fit in your budget? Are you going to break the bank just to exercise? Weight loss isn’t cheap. From constantly having to buy new clothes as you go down in size, supplements, healthy foods (which cost more), and workout clothes and sneakers. Losing weight can end up being very costly. You have to find a gym membership that you can afford every month.

I am lucky enough to have a gym that is open 24 hours and  has EVERY piece of equipment that I need to workout. Whether it be upper body, lower body, machines targeting stomach problem areas, ETC, I have it all right there. Not even that but it has tanning beds for when I tan, Hydro Massage beds, that are amazing for relieving muscle stiffness and soreness which I use sometimes before and after my workouts, and also massage chairs, and not to mention FREE PERSONAL TRAINING. With my PF black card, I can also visit any Planet fitness, ANYWHERE. When visiting family in PA, or FL and need to get a workout in, I can go to any of those gyms there without having to pay a fee.

 

You need to find what works for YOU. What makes YOU comfortable. What makes YOU happy. What YOU can afford. After all this is YOUR journey.

 

I hope this could help you all out and try to guide you in the right direction when choosing a Gym at the beginning of your weight loss journey, or even if you are looking for a new gym. I get asked a lot “how did you know what gym to go to?” Truthfully I didn’t. I was at an extremely low place in life, was driving home from work…saw those “Judgment free zone” signs outside of the gym that I drove past every day, and just pulled in, signed up, and look at the outcome of it. I am now a weight loss success story trying to inspire others.

One thing people starting, or already on a weight loss journey tend to do, is to forget how to hold yourself accountable.

Even if you are already on a journey to lose weight, and you realize you have hit a plateau, not seeing the results you want to see, or starting to lose motivation. You need to light a little fire under your butt, lol.

WRITE EVERYTHING DOWN. Either buy a weight loss/food & water journal, or get creative and make one.

Write down everything you eat and drink that day, even the dressings, sauces, toppings, ETC. Anything that has calories.

 

Another Idea. Post everything you ate in 1 day on a social media site.  Make a collage and post it on Instagram or Facebook. If you wouldn’t feel comfortable posting it, then you shouldn’t be eating it. You would also be giving others good ideas as to how to eat healthy. There are lots of positive reasons for posting your health and fitness things o n social media. You never know who you are inspiring. You can also make a page just for your weight loss journey. There is such a large community of people going through the same things you are. Follow eachother, and help to keep each other motivated, get recipe ideas, ETC.

These are great ways to hold yourself accountable. Track, Track, TRACK! You would be surprised how quickly you clean up your act or see a change

Weird blog post I know...but this is just a tip! I know you change relate to those days...Crunched for time, don’t have time to bake your sweet potato in the oven but still need that sweet potato for your meal?

Don’t worry, I got your back!

Take a fork, or a knife and tab a few holes in it. Then place it in a microwave-safe container and put a little water in the bottom of the container. (3tbsp max)

Now put it in the microwave for 12-13 minutes on high heat BUT making sure that you check on it every 3-4 minutes.

 

This method has saved me so many times!

What do your cravings mean? How can

You satisfy them? Look at this pic!'