Why I decided to change my Lifestyle
Something that I feel compelled to talk about this week is my lifestyle and how it came to be. I’ve talked about this in the past but it was when my blog was new and I had a smaller following. I get asked health questions numerous times a day and I want to share all of my knowledge with y’all! I’ve also seen a backlash after my transition and it’s something that I want to address. I didn’t change my lifestyle for anyone else. I repeat, I didn’t do it to “be cool” or try and “one up” anyone. I changed because I saw that the way I was living was unhealthy and I wanted to do better for myself. It really hurts when you are trying to better yourself and other people are just out to tear you down. Flash back to six years ago, I was in college, not working out and partying every single night. On top of all of that, I would smoke cigarettes, drink countless mixed drinks (with soft drinks) and after a long night, hit up the McDonald’s drive through and get myself all the fixin’s. I was overweight, out of shape and depressed.
One day, I decided that I didn’t want to be that girl anymore. I started with walking every day. Just by adding in that amount of exercise, I started seeing a change in my body. Next was changing up my food… I cut out fast food and focused on eating the best that I could on a college budget. I quit drinking soft drinks and the glorious sweet tea that the South is known for. By upping my water consumption, my skin changed and so did my weight! I was steadily dropping pounds at this point. I met Derrek and started getting chiropractic adjustments and yall, it just all fell into place. Subluxations in the spine can hinder weight loss and once I focused on getting my spine back into alinment, I could really tell a difference in my weight. The hardest thing for me to give up was the binge drinking and smoking… this was my worst habit and the hardest toll on my body. Not saying that I don’t enjoy a glass of wine every now and then but this taught me the most important lesson and that’s everything in moderation is ok!
I am passionate about health because I look back on my journey and think “wow, that seems unreal and amazing!” And it is! I have seen first hand what change can do and it makes me want to shout it from the rooftops. I don’t know everything about everything but I can say that years of researching has taught me a lot and I love to share it so I can help others. I continue to grow and learn every single day and I hope that you can say the same for yourself. This doesn’t mean that I don’t have vacation meals and spiratically treat myself to a doughnut or Starbucks coffee. For the most part, I enjoy my daily routine and eating fresh and healthy meals. I also think that endulging randomly is ok as long as you don’t make it a habit. To all the haters and negative Nancy’s I leave you with this; why does someone wanting to be the best version of them self bother you? It shouldn’t. Point blank. Period. We should all focus on ourselves and how to grow and learn new things daily.
11 Comments
Brittany
Well said mama! Unfortunately I think the haters are the ones that are hurting most and could benefit most from your words. Makes me sad that we all can’t just love on and learn from each other.
Amanda Scott
True! I always try and remember that and not hurt back.
Sarah @ SUGAR MAPLE notes
I loved reading this because I follow you and had no idea where your drive for leading a healthy lifestyle came from. Congrats on bettering yourself and being such a good mama for those sweet babies!
Amanda Scott
Thank you! Your kindness means the world. I am always happy to share, I am far from perfect but learning and growing daily.
Caryn
Love this. I hate when people try to tear you down. We all do the best we can with what we have. If you don’t have anything nice to say don’t say anything at all. 🙂 I’d love to see a before and after picture – those are so inspiring to me! I have about 10 pounds to lose before we can do IVF and it’s hard. I ate my emotions about not being able to have a baby and felt so tired and bloated all the time. I’m starting to feel better and love your suggestions!
Amanda Scott
Thank you! People can be so hurtful. I can say that I used to be that way and I was extremely unhappy. Now that I’ve changed I can say that it’s been for the best!
Josephine
awwh that’s amazing I’m glad you are reaching for better health that’s great god bless you and your family
Amanda Scott
Thank you so much! My family is also why I continue on my journey for health.
Michelle
As a new mom and a dietitian I was so happy to come across your instagram and blog. Your kiddos are so precious and I love all your recipes and food tips. Thank you for posting, I can relate to the unhealthy college lifestyle being a tipping point. Keep it up, and shrug off that negativity mama! People who put others down for trying to be the best version of themselves aren’t worth your time!
Lauren
The fact is, we all grow and change. We learn and grow from past and present experience. It’s easy to tear someone down when you’re stuck in the past and unwilling to grow as a person. I love your words. They are inspiring! Keep doing you and ignore the hate spewing.
Amanda Scott
THIS IS SO TRUE! I love hearing that I am not alone. Thank you for your kind words.