Yesterday was my first run in 2017. It wasn’t a long run or anything impressive, but it still made me proud. I maybe ran two or three times last winter because I was too afraid to face the cold. I made up every excuse to not get out there. I was afraid of injuries, afraid of being slow, and afraid of facing the fact that I was out of shape. It’s easy to get lost in life sometimes. I forgot what made me happy, I let my health get behind me, I ignored my goals, and just waited to hit rock bottom. Oh, and I definitely hit rock bottom.
I was not a happy person last January. I felt like over the past two years I lost the positive and happy person that used to live deep down inside of me. I tried to put on a smile and be happy, but I felt like I was struggling to keep my head above water. I knew things had to change because the path I was going down did not feel good.
It’s been exactly one year since I hit rock bottom and the person I am today is 100% different that the person I was on January 5th of last year. It’s incredible how one year can change everything, but you have to be willing to change and willing to dedicate yourself to a new lifestyle. This isn’t something I’ve talked about on the blog and I struggled behind the scenes. It’s really hard to put yourself out there and share your struggles to millions. I have so many amazing readers, but there is also a lot of negativity that comes along with being a blogger. I wasn’t in a great place and I didn’t feel comfortable putting myself out there. Sometimes this subject is embarrassing, but is shouldn’t be. While I was out on my run yesterday, I decided that I was ready to share my struggles and hopefully there is someone out there that can relate. I am in such a great place in my life right now, and if you’re feeling down or in a rut, trust me, you can turn it all around!
Getting in shape can be stressful and a freaking pain in the butt, but it doesn’t have to be. I’ve lost 17 pounds since last January just by making some changes in my life. I don’t spend everyday counting calories, I don’t cut sugar, I don’t cut fat, I don’t workout everyday, and I don’t jump on the scale obsessively. I wasn’t born with a “she can eat anything and as much as she wants” kind of metabolism, so weight has always been a struggle. As an E.D. recoverer, I have to be extra cautious to not fall into unhealthy habits. It’s never been easy for me, but this past year changed my entire mindset. 
I had to STOP making excuses. I blamed my lack of exercise on the weather. I blamed my eating habits on football season, or the holidays. I made up excuses for why I was unhappy, but didn’t do anything to change it. When you come up with a game plan, write goals, and stop making excuses, you’ll be surprised at how much you can accomplish. It’s easy to make excuses, but it’s more rewarding to get up and do something about it. I mentally prepared myself for the winter weather, the hot summer days, and came up with a game plan on how to GET THINGS DONE. When you’re in a slump, it’s super hard to pull yourself out of it, but you have to be patient with yourself and ease back into the swing of things. You don’t want to go from slump to full out beast-mode, because that is not realistic. You have to take baby steps and gradually ease back into it.
It was time to surround myself with people who are positive, inspire, and motivate me to be the best version of myself. This was one of the key steps in changing my lifestyle. I was surrounded by pretty toxic people for a while. There was nothing but negativity and degrading words. It’s easy to get sucked into that, and I’m sure a lot of you have been there before. I couldn’t take it anymore, because it was causing me to lose who I was. This past year, I was blessed with new friends and people who have a positive influence on my life. This is what I had been praying for. I now have friends who love to go running with me, cook healthy meals, go to the gym, and walk miles on miles just becuase! Our friendships aren’t always about health and fitness, we have so much fun being goofy and that happiness plays a huge part in my healthy lifestyle. When you’re happy, you feel good. It sucks to cut people out of your life, but if people are a negative influence or dragging you down, you have to do what is best for you. It’s not a selfish move, it’s a necessary one. I wouldn’t be where I’m at RIGHT NOW if it weren’t for the people I surround myself with.
I found my love for fitness again. When you fall off the bandwagon, you kind of lose a love for eating healthy and exercising. I was scared to get back out there because I was so out of shape. I didn’t want to face the fact that I was going to be slow, going to be out of breath, and going to all around suck. I had to get out of that dumb mindset and take baby steps to finding a fitness plan again. I made a calendar with a fun fitness schedule. One of my FAVORITE workouts isn’t actually running, it’s walking! I had a schedule that looked like this Mon: Run 1 Mile/Walk 3 Miles, Tues: Gym Circuit, Wed: Spin Class, Thurs: Walk 3 Miles, Fri: Run 2 Miles/Gym Circuit, Sat: Hike, Sun: 4 Mile Walk. I would add more to my miles each week and change up all of my classes and circuits. After three months of scheduling, I started to get back into shape and become more confident with myself. I was confident that I COULD change and I COULD be my happiest again. I used to be a cardio junky and thats great, but mixing in strength training is so important. It helps build muscle, prevents injuries and helps shape you! I’m a huge advocate for writing down and making plans. I now LOVE running and I love going to the gym and coming up with circuits. I used to dread the gym and hate facing people in a workout class, but now I live for it and can’t wait for my next sweat session. My biggest competition is myself and I love crushing goals. Signing up for races really helped too. It holds you accountable! Tell everyone you’re going to do it, so the pressure is on!
I stopped “DIETING” and now practice intuitive eating. I will never change this mindset and it’s the healthiest way to eat in my opinion. If you ever find yourself in an unhealthy relationship with food, you should really look into intuitive eating. Intuitive eating helps you form peace with your mind and body. There is no such thing as “fattening” or “bad” foods when you intuitively eat. You allow yourself to listen to your body, eat when you want to eat, eat what you want to eat, never deprive yourself…and so on. You naturally know when enough is enough and just knowing you can have anything you want, takes away the deprived feeling. If I tell myself peanut butter is off limits, I want to eat the whole damn jar. If I tell myself I can have it, it’s whatever. You should never tell yourself you can’t have something, just eat it. Intuitive eating has helped me practice natural moderation and allows me to listen to my body. I used to be so obsessed with counting calories, limiting fat, limiting carbs, and now I just eat what my body is telling me to eat. I’ve never felt more at peace with food. Some people will fail over and over, but never come to the terms that “DIETS DO NOT WORK.” You can’t diet forever and when you’re at your goal weight, then what? I’ve been there and done that. If I would have just started practice exercise and intuitive eating from the start…
Principals of Intuitive Eating: Reject the Diet Mentality, Honor Your Hunger, Make Peace With Food, Challenge the Food Police, Respect Your Fullness, Discover the Satisfaction Factor, Respect Your Body, Honor Your Feelings Without Using Food,Exercise–Feel the Difference, Honor Your Healthy–Gentle Nutrition. (Intuitive Eating (BOOK I RECOMMEND) 
I drink more water. I’m not a water person and I feel like I could live without it for weeks. I decided to carry around my water bottle everywhere I go, and drink water while I’m working or doing whatever throughout the day. It’s something I do have to force myself to do, but it’s made a difference in my skin, energy levels, and the way I workout. I also focus better when I’m hydrated. If I’m ever feeling blah, I make sure to chug water. Lemons in my water help! 
I stopped weighing myself every damn day. I was so guilty of weighing myself everyday and letting it control my self-worth. If I was up in weight, I would diet and workout until I was losing pounds. If I was losing, I’d allow myself to eat more and it was just a really unhealthy relationship. I decided to weigh myself ONCE a month and I really focused on checking inches and body fat percentage. The scale can be your worst enemy. I remember weighing myself early February and it said I had gained 3 pounds. I was PISSED! (only pissed because I had been working out and taking all the right steps) I went to the gym to check my inches, and I had lost 1 1/2 inches…so yeah, screw, you, scale!
I focus on fueling my body properly. I never used to eat the right foods when it came to working out. I was only focussed on low calorie and low carb, but my body responded with a big “OH, HELL NAW!” When I started incorporating more carbs, calories, and protein into my diet, I started seeing more progress. I now make sure to have carbs before a workout and protein after a workout. I feel so much better, recover way faster, and my body is much happier! I don’t count carbs or protein, but I know what foods to eat before and after.
I finally feel like I have control over my healthy lifestyle. I’m getting ready to lace up and go out for my run after this post (I have a half marathon to train for!), but I hope this helped at least one person out there! Just remember to consult with your doctor before making any changes to your lifestyle 😉 These are things that worked for me, but everyone is different!
XOXO
I will have a new fitness challenge coming next week!
Questions For You! ( I promise to get to every single one of your comments during my down-time tonight)
- Have you ever hit a bad slump in your life?
- What is your biggest 2016 accomplishment?
- Questions for me?
I’m in the bottom place where you described right now. Finding excuses not to run because of the cold weather. I stopped right away after I ran my first 3k race. So frustrated with myself!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Don’t get frustrated. Make a game plan 🙂 You are in control of your own actions and if it’s something you want, you’ll get there! xo xo
Love this! I feel like I’m on a slump now and have been! I have struggled with my weight MY WHOLE LIFE. I have YO YO dieted all the time. 8 hit a peak in 2015 when I was actually eating right and working out but that went away. I fee so helpless sometimes! Idk why I can’t find the motivation! I’ve started eating right and doing a diet bet this January. Any advice? I just want to feel comfortable with myself!
Love your blog as always and it always motivates me after reading your posts!
Thank you Kristen!
I know exactly how you feel and the yo-yo dieting is exhausting! If you can find something that works for you and something that comes naturally, you won’t feel helpless. I now am so stress-free when it comes to my lifestyle, but it didn’t happen overnight! It’s something I had to work for and figure out overtime. I think the best thing to do is workout, and eat healthy, but don’t get caught up in it! Don’t try to lose weight to win a diet bet or try to lose weight fast. Stop even trying to lose weight, and just focus on “behind healthy” and let your body do what is natural. You’ll get there in time, but don’t try to do something overnight! That isn’t realistic thinking or permanent progress. If I wanted to lose 17 pounds next month, I could, but we all know i’d put it right back on after I lost it! You have to take baby steps and do it gradually! 🙂
xo xo
Towards the end of 2016 i definitely hit a slump. Nursing school really had me down and stressed and I didn’t want to do anything productive and just eat comfort foods. I think my biggest accomplishment in 2016 was just getting through nursing school because I graduate March 16th of this year!! How did you stay productive of your health and such while such a busy schedule whether that be school, work, family, relationships, etc? Xox
Congrats on getting through nursing school. That is amazing! I think the best thing to do is not reward yourself with food or eat when you’re stressed. Replace those habits with drinking tea, water and incorporating yoga or an outlet like walking. I used to study while working out! When it comes to relationships, you HAVE to find someone who lives the same lifestyle as you and that can motivate you to love yourself and be the best version of yourself.
Thank you!! I struggle with keeping up with so many aspects of my life when school consumes me. Rewarding with healthy options is such a great idea!! Xox
You’re welcome! 🙂 I used to record my notes on the computer, upload them to my playlist and walk while listening to them to study! Kind of a cool thing to do! You can also plan active dates in your relationship.
You’re a life savor. Thank you so much!!
I think my biggest slump was when I graduated this past May. I weighed more than I ever have before and almost none of my clothes fit. I felt really self conscious and uncomfortable all the time. After I graduated I started trying to do something active for at least 30 minutes a day. Once I was doing that I started trying to find workouts I liked and then trying to not bail on the gym after I started grad school. I’m not to the maintenance stage yet but I’ve cleaned up my diet, I go to the gym on a regular basis and I feel comfortable and happy again. So that’s the accomplishment I’m most proud of for 2016 🙂
Doing something 30 minutes a day is VERY effective. So proud of you for making a change and staying motivated! Being happy is so rewarding.
Hi Taralynn! I loved this post, so motivating! I love seeing your circuit workouts that you post on Instagram. I really want to get into running, but have tried several times and always always get shin splints. I’ve been to PT’s, gotten fancy inserts for expensive running shoes but I still struggle. Hopefully one day I’ll be able to run! You mentioned in this post some good foods to eat before/after a workout. Would you mind sharing them? I always struggle with knowing what to eat before and after a workout to keep me feeling my best! <3
Thank you Kim!
Running is tough when injuries appear. Just take a break from trying to run, maybe start swimming, cycling, circuits and continue to ice and heal! Eventually you’ll be able to start running, but focus on something else for now. I had to do that when I had runners knee. Everyone’s body is different and we all respond to foods differently, so you have to really do some trial and error for yourself. It also depends on what type of workout you’re going to do! I like to have carbs and a little protein before a run and then a little natural sugar and protein after I run. I’m still experimenting with different foods.
Thanks for posting this! I always feel like I need to follow a certain diet to lose weight and I can never follow it and then the cycle repeats again and again. Thank you!!
I know exactly how you feel. I will always stand by “diets don’t work” because they are not permanent. Consistent healthy lifestyle is the way to be! xo
I love that you mention intuitive eating! I read the book a couple of months ago and I have been trying to incorporate these ideas in my life as well. It’s a process, but I truly think that obsessing less about food and weight will make me happier. I hope I will get to a place where I can be truly happy with my body. Way to go on your progress. I’m so glad that you are so happy.
It’s a process, but once you understand it and get the hang of practice intuitive eating, it works. It has changed my life and the way I think about healthy living. The obsessiveness is what sets people back and I’ll never let myself get to that point ever again. xo
This is the exact plan I’ve started implementing in the last six months and I feel infinitely better. I have friends who jump on and off diets and are constantly talking about what they can and cannot eat or what is or is not on plan, and I just hate that mentality. I haven’t lost weight as quickly at times, but I know I feel infinitely more at peace. I work out most days of the week, but when I can’t, I don’t hate myself for it. I eat what I want and never feel guilty, and generally just feel good. I constantly hear people calling diets lifestyle changes and I never understand it since it seems so restricting. I’m finally at peace with how I’m feeling about myself and my health. This is a great post. I know how much better I’ve felt since starting this and I’m pumped for anyone else who finds it too.
That is so amazing to hear!
I really hate that mentality to, but sometimes you have to let them go through the process until they realize it themselves. It’s not even about the weight, it’s about who you feel and that is what leads to happiness. It’s so great to be at peace with yourself when you don’t workout. Beating yourself up for something is not realistic, nor healthy. Love your mentality right now! xo
Hey girl- this was a very thoughtful post with a fantastic message. I read your words every day and reading that you too are human and have had your struggles and overcame them is empowering.
My toughest time/slump was freshman/sophomore year of college (was hanging out with people I wasn’t comfortable with, was paralyzingly homesick, unhealthy, and eating terribly)- That’s when I joined Weight Watchers. It was initially a diet, yes, but it worked. I got to my goal weight eventually and now 6 years later I use it as a lifestyle. WW is a lot like intuitive eating in that I can have what I want when I want and I make sure to never restrict myself from something I’m craving- just have to plan for it.
Do you have any suggestions for a good scale
2016 was a crazy year but I did accomplish a lot. I quit a job I hated back in February and now work for a company that I love. I even got a promotion last fall. My husband and I also developed a solid budget and we’ve been really proud we have been sticking to it. We also picked ourselves out of another little slump at the end of the year and switched to a gym MUCH closer to our house (also cheaper!) and made the effort to continue to eat healthy even throughout holidays.
I am SURE you’ve mentioned this in previous posts, but what are your favorite running shoes? I have horrible knee problems and my Nike Frees seemed to make it worse- I switched over to ASICS a while back and it’s helped. But just curious if you have a go-to since you’ve mentioned your knees before too.
Thank you as always for sharing your experiences! Here’s to a great 2017!
Thank you Teresa!
Your kind words mean so much. I think so many people can relate to you when it comes to those first couple years of college. Weight watchers is one of my favorite “diets” out there because nothing is off limits and you learn moderation. It’s so close to intuitive eating and it’s something you can do for a lifetime.
I suggest a scale that gives you your body fat percentage. That is better than weight.
Good for you for leaving the job! SO brave of you & congrats on your promotion. You’re killing it!
I am an ASICS FOR LIFE runner and I get new Asics every couple of months. I will never run with NIKES! but I will wear them because they’re super cute! woo! You could go to a running store and get fitted too! That helps:)
xo xo
Hi Teresa! Just wanted to chime in with a suggestion. You can try inserts in your shoes, there’s a great brand called Superfeet. They will give your feet a lot of supprt and can really make a big difference! Not Dr. Scholl’s though, they are too squishy and can actually have the opposite effect you want. Hope this helps! Take care. 🙂
Hi Taralynn!
I actually hit a huge slump in my life right around the same time it sounds like you did. I was living in a terrible environment, I had almost completely stopped exercising and eating right (which I really enjoy), and I also surrounded myself with negative people. I made some changed in the spring of 2016 and I started becoming myself again. I still had periods where I struggled mentally with myself, but I feel great starting 2017. I still have lots of goals, but I’m working hard and getting there slowly, but surely!
My biggest accomplishment of 2016…hmm I think it would have to be making several positive changes in my life!
I guess a question I have for you is how do you stay motivated? Do you sometimes just have to make yourself get out for a run? I know that you slowly started working out again, but I’m having a hard time working out as much as I used to. I eat pretty healthy because I like to nourish my body, but I find myself going through periods of working out multiple times a week and then stopping for two weeks. It’s a terrible cycle and unlike me!
Thank you and really happy to hear that you feel like yourself again and are happy and healthy! Congrats!
XOXO
Thank you so very much for this post! I am currently going though a similar situation, I feel lost and alone. After reading your post I no longer feel alone in this struggle, you have motivated me to make a change and to find my motivation again. Thank you so very much for sharing your experience, it has helped me and I truly appreciate it. Take care and Happy new year
Please don’t feel lost and alone because I know there are SO MANY people out there going through the same. Just take baby steps and work at bettering yourself everyday, even in the smallest ways.
Have a wonderful New Year! If you ever need anything, I’m only a blog comment away! xo
Answers for you Taralynn! I’ve been following you throughout my own weight loss journey.
1. I’m in my own slump right now. Working out, cutting carbs and sugar completely and stressing out over what the scale says. I’m an ED recoverer as well. But I went from one end of the spectrum to the other. Started out as a chubby kid, by eight grade I was eating one meal a day, if that. By the time I got to college I had had enough. I was hungry and mean all the time. I said screw it and gained weight and then got diagnosed with an autoimmune disease that caused me to gain even more weight. I was pretty heavy and I honestly believe I was obese and that I could not be fixed.
2. Biggest 2016 accomplishment. Changed my diet and lost 25lbs of the 40lbs I wanted to lose.
3. Question for you. I have plateaued big time. I have 15lbs to go, ideally before my wedding in June. The cutting of food I’ve been doing feels an awful lot like my high school days. Any advice on how to beat this?
This was so incredibly inspiring!! I’ve been reading about your journey into running and you’ve inspired me to make my 2017 fitness goal to run a 5k. My question for you is are there any books you recommend to help get into the intuitive eating mindset? Oh and also please continue to be open with your journey, you have no idea how much you help all of us!! I’ve been reading your blog for 4 years now and although I don’t comment often, you should know that I have learnt so much from you. Keep it up!!
Thank you!
You can totally do the 5k, but don’t worry about speed! You’ll naturally get there. I just read a ton of intuitive eating websites and learned a lot of other bloggers I follow about intuitive eating. Thank you for the encouragement and I will try to post more “real” on the blog. It’s hard to be an open book at times. I appreciate you reading for all of these years! That means the world to me. xo
I have followed you and read your blog for the last 4 years (since U.S. lol). You are such an inspiration. I am currently in a slump. Over the past 2 years I’ve been diagnosed with Major Recurrent Depression, OCD, Binge eating disorder and Social Phobia. I’m in an unhealthy marriage (verbal abuse) and don’t have any friends. Thanks to the social phobia I don’t know how to make friends and I’m terrified of social situations. I’ve gained 80lbs over the past 2 years (since I had my daughter) and I have absolutely no self confidence. I have made a promise to myself that 2017 will be the year I truly find myself and lose the weight. I’m trying to figure out where and how to get started. I know so much about eating healthy and exercising but every time I get stressed I reach for food to make me feel better. I hate this cycle and I am done letting it kill me. Here’s to 2017 being my year to get out of this slump and find me again!!
Hi Taralynn! Thank you for this post. I can relate a lot to you and enjoy reading your blogs.
1) I’ve had many slumps in my life. Some fitness related and a lot of other. Life is definitely not easy at times.
2) Biggest accomplishment of 2016 was losing 30 lbs and keeping it off. I’m very proud of it! I still want to lose another 20. Like you I believe in a good mix of running and strength training.
3). Can you give some examples of foods you eat pre and post workouts? I never really know what to eat.
Thanks for being an inspiration 🙂
Thank you for this post! I have followed your blog off & on for the last 6 years, and every time I come back I get so inspired. I always happen to catch the post that applies to my life at that exact moment. Crazy! That being said, I’ve been in a “slump” for the last 3 years. I just continue to advance my unhealthy habits & every few months I feel like I hit a new rock bottom. I NEED to be healthy. I NEED to feel better. My goals for 2017 include trying to start a family, and I have a serious desire to better my health and my mind set before that happens. There are so many extra concerns with pregnancy when you are over weight. I’ve watched friends and family members struggle with it, and I do not want to follow in their foot steps! Thank you for sharing your experience with all of us, so that we can learn new ways to better ourselves. I have officially added “keep up with Tara Lynn’s blog” to my list of goals for the year. I feel like that will really help keep me on track!
Thanks so much for this post! I was also in a slump at the end of last year, drinking all the time, eating really bad andnot doing any exercise, but mostly having horrendous low self esteem. But I have started to turn it around, swapped the booze for tea (which I LOVE) and make sure I do yoga every morning to focus on myself and ease my body back into exercise. I feel so much more at peace with myself! X
I have been following your blog for many years now and I have to admit I’m so happy to see you get to this point.
I am a true believer that diets don’t work. I lost 20kgs by gyming (cardio and weights) but continued to eat my usual just in smaller portions – Like you said if you are intuitive and listen to your body you don’t need to cut anything out.
Well done to you, you look great and I’m so happy that you’re happy.
Thank you for this post! Exactly what I needed to hear. I fell out of my spin/ gym schedule and also my outdoor walking/running schedule and I really don’t know why. It just happened. I need to get it back this year. I turned 40 and need to get back to working out and eating properly. You look amazing Taralynn, but most important you look very happy. I hope I get my ‘groove’ back like you did. ✨??
Have you ever hit a bad slump in your life?
-I feel like my whole fitness/health has mostly been a big slump! I’ve always been afraid of competing, being the slowest person in the group, struggling, and just getting fit.
My goal for 2017 is to enjoy my first of (hopefully many) races! I am going to get a feel for this race stuff with my 5k and I hope to just keep pushing the envelope and accepting that I too can be athletic. Also to finally dive into Instagram and Snapchat and embrace sharing my journey!
What is your biggest 2016 accomplishment?
-In the last couple months of 2016 I switched up my nutrition and shredded my weight! I’m so proud of that and the best part is I did it with my husband. Which helped tremendously, we were letting ourselves go and getting very down about our move to TX thinking it was going to be our final downfall. Losing the weight helped prove we can create the fitness in a community that doesn’t have it as vibrant.
Questions for me?
-I’ve been so inspired by you since I found your site, and I found your site for something totally off the wall (whiskey cupcakes). I love that you’ve created a community of health with your own friends and I aspire to do that too.
My question, is about your races coming up! What is your overall goals this year for racing? Does it still give you butterflies to race?
OH! And my other question is, when did you “know” you were ready to sign up for a half??
This came at the right time. I lost almost 40 pounds since May 2015, which was awesome! I hit my lowest weight since early college, and I was feeling great this summer. Then, the pounds started creeping back on, and I gained 15 back. I’m still at a net loss, but my new smaller-size clothes are a little snug and I’m not as lean/tight as I was. Part of me wants to let it roll off and forgive myself for being a little looser with my diet, but then there’s the other part that has immense guilt and self-shaming. Thanks for the reminder that I can get back to wherever I want to be, and it’s okay to fluctuate. It’s easy to look at posts from fitness bloggers and Instagrammers and think that they have it all figured out — and I definitely had those seething moments of jealousy looking at your pictures and wishing I could be as thin and fit as you. It’s nice to see that you’re a real human being with real struggles! Thank you for your vulnerability and putting yourself out there.
Taralynn, this post is amazing. I’ve been following you for quite a while and can tell how much happier and healthier you feel by the energy of your posts. I think a lot of us struggle with these same things but for some reason its such a taboo topic that people refrain from talking about. 2016 was a great year for me as well. I completely changed my food mindset and habits and I’ve never felt better! I started doing more yoga, cycling, and some strength training. December I slumped out just being busy with life but am eager to get back at it. This post definitely helped to inspire, especially the fear of running again because of how out of shape and slow you will be. Thats where I’m at right now. I wish more people understood that each of us are living our own life and everyones journey is different. We get so focused on what society tells us we should eat, do, and look like that it creates anxiety amongst many when they dont fit into that box. We need to accept ourselves, our journey, our goals, and learn to be happy with the life we each want. Any suggestions for running in elevation? Or do you follow any high altitude runners? I grew up at sea level but live at 8000ft so getting back into running is so much harder for me. ♡
What type of asics do you use?
Hey pretty girl!
Just wanted to say I’ve been a reader for a couple of months now and I am inspired by your choices. Makes me feel like I can get fit too. I lost weight but those stubbon 5 pounds just won’t budge!
Anyway, please do a ‘What I ate Wednesday ‘ soon ok? I need ideas for meals/snacks. If I see one more broccoli and chicken prep I will cry!!
Love this post!! I kind of have the same story as you – I was severely overweight in high school and by simply cutting back on portions and limiting my sweets to one thing a day instead of like, 3, I lost 50 lbs. it was awesome at first but after time I started having a poor relationship with food and exercise. I exercised because I had a fear of gaining weight and I ate all the “low calorie and low carb” things, thinking they were healthy. I had that outlook for a long time. I mean, I literally would eat cereal at least 2,sometimes 3 times a day because I thought it was healthy.
It wasn’t until I started learning what healthy eating REALLY was that my relationship with food started to change. I started learning that I needed protein and healthy carbs and fats. And I started eating that way. And I started watching the added sugars in the foods I was eating. And I inadvertently lost about 10 pounds. And I started working out because I wanted to.
It’s amazing what a change that has made in my life in the last 2 years. I am in such a better place than I was 2 years ago. I don’t deprive myself of foods I want to eat. But I always strive to eat well but always giving myself leeway. That, and I don’t ever have a scale in my house. I put WAY too much value in the number on that scale and I won’t jeopardize myself like that anymore.
I appreciate it so much when bloggers/influencers get real with their audience. Thank you for this post!
1. I had a very unhealthy relationship with food and exercise until almost a year ago. I would yo-yo diet and go through spurts of motivation to exercise, but I was never truly healthy — or happy. Then I got into running.
2. My biggest (on paper) accomplishment of 2016 was running two 10Ks, but really I count my biggest accomplishment as finally becoming healthy and happy. I stopped focusing on dieting and losing weight and started focusing on being strong and running more miles, and that’s made all the difference.
3. I don’t think I have any questions, but tomorrow I’m signing up for my first half marathon (in April) and I can’t wait to see a post on how your training is going/what your plan is for the next few months.
Hello Taralynn,
(I’m French, sorry if my English is not perfect). Thank you so much for sharing your story, your ups and downs.. it’s certainly not an easy thing to do. I’m 24 and my life is pretty perfect on paper, I have a wonderful family, I’m very close to my big brother, I live in Paris with my boyfriend and everything goes very well, I have friends and a job that I like… And yet, I feel that I forbid myself to enjoy all this happiness because I have the feeling of not being good enough, not beautiful enough, maybe that I don’t deserve all of it. I had eating disorders for several years, it’s been hard but today I almost managed to get out… Today I have a healthy lifestyle but I’m still not satisfied with my body and I always find excuses not to reach my goal, as if I was afraid that once I have lost my weight, I still do not feel good enough, not beautiful enough… I’m tired of trying, loosing hope, trying again… But I keep hoping that everything will be ok one day, especially when I read story like yours that makes me want to believe that I can do it too… Thank you for this hope, what you’re doing is priceless !
Merci beaucoup,
Pauline
Salut Pauline,
Je suis tellement d’accord avec ce que tu as écris…
Hi Tara! Sorry i’m french too!
For the past 4 years i’ve been struggling with excessive eating causing by a too much restrictive diet called “régime Dukan”… Right after loosing 10 pounds, i gained 30 pounds…
I starter running to loose fat at first, non i want to loose weight to run faster ! I love running, and i’m doing lot of sports, i always find a friend to workout with me. But when i’m saying i’m a sporty girl, people look at me and…hum… How to say that… I see in their eyes that they don’t think i am. Because my body don’t match with the amount of sport i’m doing. Because i eat too much… Sooo this year’s gonna be my year. I saw a nutritionist and began to eat what my body needs and nothing more. Nothing is forbidden, but quantity is the key. Step by step is the solution. Day by day.
I’ve been following you for years and you’re such an inspiration for me. Thank you Tara. Thank you for sharing your struggles too.
Coralie
I totally know where you are/were coming from. Last October was my rock bottom. Not just with how my body looked, but mentally, my job outlook, financially, even in my relationship. Everything was crashing down. I felt like I was loosing myself, and in that moment I think I was very much lost. The fact that I have a hormonal disorder that literally makes it difficult for me to loose any weight wasn’t helping anything. I was miserable to say the least. I contemplated so many things that month. But like you did I decided to make a change. I started to pay attention to what I was consuming, including eating little to no refined sugars. I got out of my toxic relationship. I started to pick up the pieces to get a better job, same type of work but in a more supportive environment for me. I worked on looking at what I was really spending my money on, it was no surprise that it was for food and new clothes to fit my growing body. Now after three months I can happily say, I’m down 20 pounds, my hormones are in check, I’m in a better relationship with myself, I take time to care for myself, I found a new job, and I’m still fixing my finances. Everything’s looking up.
My goal for the new year or even better yet the next three months is to start working out again. Get back into running which I used to think was the love of my life, ha! But also to really take time to care for myself. Love myself.
My question is if you were in my place, what else would you do? You have always been this huge inspiration for me even back in 2011-2012. I’d love to know what you would do in my shoes.
Hi Taralynn,
I’ve been reading your blog for a few years and this post really resonated with me. I’ve been in a rut for a few years and I’ve had a hard time sticking to the healthy lifestyle I used to love. I’m working really hard right now to move towards a more plant based diet and reducing the amount of “junk food” I used to eat everyday. I can’t run due to a hip injury, so I’ve been using the bikini body guide to help me get stronger and cut inches instead of pounds. Thank you for putting yourself out there for your readers. It’s been a huge encouragement for me. You look so strong and beautiful!
Thank you so much for writing this! I feel like I’ve gone through the same struggles of previously obsessing over calories and restricting myself to the foods I love the most only to be disappointed in the end. I’m really going to look into intuitive eating and get back into my best shape in 2017 in the healthiest and happiest way possible! Thanks again!
Thank you for your awesome honest and DO NOT diet post. So many women get trapped in yo-yo dieting and I was so relieved to see such a great resource for girls out there who want to get fit and healthy (not skinny!).
My 2017 goals are to be more organized and work on eating for nutrition (no calorie counting or diets, but learning more about nutrition). I just finished Cameron Diaz’s “Body Book” and it was a great educational reminder (let’s say big kick in the butt) on eating is for nutrition, not just enjoyment! I am learning to listen to my body, and how to fuel it (and when!) for the best results. I too love to run and strength train. I run a few days a week and strength train at my Body Pump class a few days a week. I also learned you don’t have to be a marathon runner to keep the weight of (i actually gained weight training for my first marathon!).
Congrats for getting back to your best version of you!
Cheers,
Katie Wanders
http://www.KatieWanders.com
Taralynn girl, oh my gooodness I can relate to this post 100%! I am, unfortunately, at the low point in my life right now. I sadly lost my job in December to lay offs, and had not really been watching my food/drink intake for quite sometime. Overall I’ve just felt down in the dumps with no motivation and blamed it on so many things instead of fixing it. I decided after Christmas that it was time to pick myself up and move forward. I was also lucky enough to get an Orange Theory membership from my boyfriend for Christmas (just a month!) but I feel like it’s a start. I’ve started back eating intuitively and I already feel so much better. I swear I will take you up one day on running/walking in CLT – walking is my absolute FAVORITE here! I’m a diehard Fourth Ward fan ? Just know that you’ve got another Charlottean here rooting for you! xoxo
Congrats!
I’ve only commented maybe once before, but I was around to read your old blog. I think your transformation is nothing short of incredible, not only losing the weight but realizing that you had a different eating disorder. Thank you for this blog! I guess I am what some people call a yo yo dieter. For a few years now I’ve tried to workout and eat healthy, but I always lose motivation. Do you have any tips for me? I had a lot of great accomplishments in 2016, but I realize there is much more room to improve myself. Again thanks for your blog!
I always look forward to your posts and this one is no exception! I can totally relate – I had a year of toxic people and a toxic job (I worked in a hotel so I was around them pretty much 24/7), and food became my comfort, which led to binge eating. Thinking about it, people were so willing to put me down and keep me from being my best healthy version. Why are people like that? It sucked! But fast forward years later, and meeting my hubby, I now surround myself with only positive, uplifting people! It makes all the difference 🙂
I’m now also into intuitive eating – I didn’t realize there was a name for it until your post! But it’s been my savior and the healthiest lifestyle my body could ever go through. I actually feel good in my clothes again! And I eat dessert pretttttty much everyday! 🙂 Now I just need to get back to a good workout routine – since having a baby, it’s hard to find time! Your abs are inspiring me!
Anyway, I’m so glad to hear you’re doing so well! I love seeing you kill it! 🙂 xoxo <3
Jen
I always love reading your blog and I look forward to every time you post something new! I can’t tell you how much I appreciate this one especially.
As a college student, I just recently finished up playing college level soccer for 4 years which has always kept me in shape and the “I can eat whatever I want because I’ll burn it off” mindset. Now that it’s over, I need to be much more cautious of what I’m eating and to find balance in my exercises! I look to your blog for exercises and motivation! I really love this post especially because I need to not be so hard on myself at times. So THANK YOU for taking a leap of faith and sharing this with your readers!
I had the opportunity to go to your country, I’m from Mexico and I think that was my biggest accomplishment. However, I gained a lot of weight 🙁 I felt so stressed and I am still dealing with a lot of internal problems but I’m trying to face them. I’ve started working out and eating well, baby steps as you mentioned. I hope to feel encouraged to go on and find my own path in life. Thanks for being sincere with us.
I’m a fairly new reader of your blog, I found you after seeing AprilAthena’s vlog on YouTube at the Stitchfix offices and have been hooked since. I really found this post to be inspiring and really like the idea of just walking. I practice yoga and do bodyweight/at home workouts and think that adding walking to the mix would be great!
Thank you so much for this post! I feel like I’m where you were last year. I’m at my highest weight ever….which isn’t that high, but I know it’s not the weight that my body can handle.. I’m so insanely out of shape and I feel like I’m in a cloud most days. I’ve got the motivation but it comes in waves. My clothes barely fit, I have thighs that are muscly from being a cheerleader and I can’t seem to slim them down.
When I was little I had a bad foot injury that prevented me from running. last spring my coworkers decided to do a 5K to support a local animal shelter. I reluctantly did it and I consider it my biggest accomplishment last year. I ran a majority of the race and didn’t let myself suffer from the ‘I’m tired’ mindset. I pushed through and finished first of all of my coworkers!
My current job is sitting at a desk and I can tell my weight gain is all in my lower body. I really really want to get back into the swing of a healthy lifestyle. I find myself looking back at pictures from 3 summers ago when I had fun daily, went on adventures, and I was in the best shape of my life!
I have been watching your journey for a few months, and I’ve even done a few of your fitness challenges..but I always fall off around day 15. I need help and I love the encouragement and rawness you express in your posts (especially this one).
Would you be willing to post some pre and post workout foods?! I have to alter all of my recipes due to my dietary restrictions, but I love your diets don’t work policy as I can’t stand people that rely on diets..they never quite seem happy. I know that this is MY year all the help you can provide is appreciated! I need to find winter workouts 🙂
Hey girlfriend!
I’ve been following you since the Tumblr days & am so happy you’re still blogging 🙂 like you, I was a big cardio bunny & when I got injured, I got out of shape so quickly and it was so hard to get back into it!
After a year of running off and on, I’m finally back into it & it’s getting easier and more fun.
My life the last year or so has been a slump – it’s hard to get excited about things during the job hunt/when you don’t like your job!
I’m hopefully starting a new position soon & going to nursing school so I’m feeling positive about the next few months and years!
Glad to see you’re doing so well!!
This is so encouraging! I’ve been a reader for quite a while now, and I love that you share your personal journey, because it really does help motivate people like me! Much love (and TONS of respect) for you Taralynn ❤❤
This post was a breath of fresh air! I get it in my mind that fitness and health bloggers just have it all figured out, because so many don’t share their own struggles and set backs. My slump has been the past few months. I was at my very healthiest for most of 2015-16 and felt so good, but my anxiety and depression came creeping back into my life and hit me with full force last year. I started going on walks, sometimes jogging or hiking, and the fresh air made me feel so much better than the gym did—but I wasn’t seeing the results like I did with strength training. It was a struggle to just get out of bed, let alone go to the gym.
After lots of doctor visits I’ve finally found a way to manage my mental health and I’m starting off the new year feeling exponentially better than I did last year. I’m grateful for the struggles I went through in 2016 that brought me closer to my husband and helped me learn how to be vulnerable and accepting of myself. So even though I’m not in shape like I want to be, I feel like I have the tools to make lasting changes.
I love what you said about intuitive eating!! That’s a principle I love that really works for me, and Ive already felt a change these past two weeks as I’ve been been focusing on how my body feels and what it needs. This year I really want to focus on how I feel instead of focusing on a number on the scale. I feel best when I’m gaining muscle, eating superfoods, getting fresh air, etc. and those things aren’t necessarily going to give me a huge drop in weight, at least not right away. But I know when I’m healthy! And my body will thank me when my clothes fit comfortably and I feel good in my own skin 🙂
Sorry for my english
I just wanna say thank you for share this
I need this motivation right now
Congratulations for your happier life
Every post here makes me feel more happy… thank you so much!!!
I really needed to read this, so thank you for sharing. Especially the part about getting rid of toxic/negative people in your life. I’m battling with that right now as I care, very much, for someone in my life, but I am starting to realise it’s just not right.
As for your questions…
Have you ever hit a bad slump in your life?
In 2013 when I broke my ankle the same month my ex-husband asked for a divorce, that was pretty rough. And last month in 2016 was another really low time. I’m recovering from knee surgery (still!) and just at a real low point. I’ve gained a lot of weight. Lost a lot of self-esteem. 2017 started off badly, but I refuse to let the first couple of days (horrible as they were) dictate the rest of my year.
What is your biggest 2016 accomplishment?
For me, it was finally being a really confident derby skater. I was an asset to my team and I loved it. I then tore my knee.. but, for a little while there, I was strong, confident and kicking some butt out on that track!
Thanks again for sharing this post. It’s really just what I needed to read today.
Amazing, amazing, amazing! You’re truly an inspiration and I love reading your posts!
You are an inspiration! I’m trying to incorporate intuitive eating principles into my diet. The aspect I find most rewarding is that any kind of food is “ok”. To me that is very satisfying in it of itself.
1) I have been in a big slump since I finished undergrad 2 years ago! I really appreciate you sharing this! It means a lot to hear your story and how you struggled… I too am frustrated with how out of shape I have gotten, and am just now getting to the point where I’m ready to meet myself where I am when it comes to fitness.
2) My biggest accomplishment was getting a full assistantship for grad school! I love what I am doing. 🙂
I have followed your blog for years and I love it!
Thanks for everything that you do. ?
Yes to this! People don’t always understand how much negative toxis relationships/people effect someone. It’s hard but I had to cut family out of my life for the sake of my mental health. Lots don’t understand the decision but it’s ok I’ve never been happier or healthier. Being in ed recovery you have to take every step to create positive influences and environments for yourself. I struggle with guilt sometimes related to my decisions but I am working through it. Good luck with everything and looking forward to a new happy healthy year!
You’ve been one of my favorite fitness bloggers ever since I saw your before/after photos on Pinterest a few years ago! Your story was so touching, and I love how honest and authentic you are in your posts! This one is only the latest in all the greatness you’ve put on the Internet in the past few years, making it a better place by shining a light in your little corner.
Thank you for sharing this, I loved reading it and I’m so inspired. The weekly workout you posted looks attainable and I want to take a shot at it. They say that like bathing, you need to motivate yourself daily, so I am happy as hell that this was my motivation for the day. You are amazing.
Reading between the lines (perhaps incorrectly, haha) I thought a change in your personal life may have impacted this. I can relate 100%. I was casually seeing someone last year who was not active and did not prioritize health, and when I was in a four year relationship previously that is when I suffered from anorexia because I was so unhappy. Now, though this recovery is on going, i’m dating someone who prioritizes his fitness AND prioritizes enjoying life and enjoying food. Having someone around who feels similarly about fitness and health is a huge help, if I leave his place to go to the gym and see him again later that day he isn’t upset or resentful like others have been towards me. I think I hit my high weight point last year and as i’ve started to intuitively eat, listen to my body on when to work out and when to relax, my weight is slowing going to its “set point” and started to come off. If I want pizza, i’ll eat it (maybe not every day…haha)! I’ve stopped (well, its a work in progress) obsessing over what I eat but still make mindful choices. I would love to lose a few more pounds but I have someone in my life who loves me for me, great coworkers who only want to see me healthy, and family and friends who have been there forever.
xoxo
This is great & just what I need to start the year; might seem like a random question, but where did you find these new friends? as a 20-something, it seems like making friends who are on your same page gets increasingly difficult when you’re in the real world
Hi! I have followed your blog for years but have never posted but this post really resonated with me as I have recovered from an ED and am finally finding a life of balance after many years of trying. LOVE your blog, keep being you girl!
What is your biggest 2016 accomplishment?
-Passing my boards and officially becoming a Registered Dietitian and running my second my half marathon!
Questions for me?
-Intuitive eating is an amazing lifestyle, working on that myself! Does it ever trigger you to see extreme behaviors in food/exercise from friends? If so, how do you best deal with it?
Again, thanks for a wonderful blog! Hugs from Colorado! 🙂
Ashley
1. Have you ever hit a bad slump in your life? I fell like I’m IN a bad slump in my life. After recovering from anorexia during my teen years, I’ve gone the completely opposite direction! I’ve gained a massive amount of weight and I feel like I’m never going to lose any of it.
2. What is your biggest 2016 accomplishment? I graduated from engineering school and got a great job!
3. Questions for me? What would you recommend as the very first step to getting your life and health back on track for someone who has hit rock bottom?
I loved this! I can 110% relate. Unfortunately, I have not made it through my rut completely. This was very encouraging, though! Thank You for sharing!!!
Tara,
This totally speaks to me and thank you for being brave and sharing!
I developed an eating disorder in college and it had been taking over my life for years. It wasn’t till I found out I was pregnant that I started recovering, and I would say that I have been in recovery for over a year now.
I owe it all to learning how to intuitively eat, and my daughter.
I wish I could explain this method to EVERYONE because it really is key. People ask how I look so “thin” after having a baby and it’s because I eat the way my body was made to. You explain it so well and I hope this reaches as many people as possible.
I am so happy for you, and I always love reading and following along!
This is FANTASTIC advice. I have been following you for years and admire all your hard work and advice! I obsessed over carbs and sugar myself – it just doesn’t work!! The weight will never stay off, and to be honest, its exhausting! It’s a journey to learn love your body and yourself, and this method is definitely the best route to get there. Keep it up! You look amazing!
Hi! I have been following your blog for years but have never posted! This post really resonated with me as I have recovered from an ED and am finally now finding true balance with food and exercise. Really loved this post.
What is your biggest 2016 accomplishment?
-Passing my boards to officially become a Registered Dietitian and running my second half marathon!
Questions for me?
-Intuitive eating is amazing, slowly trying to get there myself, its a process. Do you ever get trigger by extreme behaviors with food/exercise from friends? If so, how do you deal with it best?
Again, I love your blog, keep doing you girl! Hugs from Denver, Colorado 🙂
Best,
Ashley
I have been in a slump since Thanksgiving. I feel like all I do is binge on food and then beat myself up about it.. I am really trying to take things little by little. My January goal is to drink more water and walk more with my dog.
The crazy thing is that I’m a small petite person and most people think I am nuts. But when you are out of shape and in a mental state of unhappiness, it doesn’t really matter what size you are or if you “look healthy”.
I love when you do these posts because it makes me feel like I’m not alone and that I can get back on track.
This post is pretty much my life! I love how honest you are about hitting those bad times! As someone who is also an E.D. Recoverer, I know how easy it is to slip back into that nasty bad mindset! I am still working on my intuitive eating, and I love seeing that that is how you eat as well!
I hit a bad slump in my life after my second year as a teacher. I was depressed and stressed all the time. A career change was definitely needed!
My biggest accomplisment was running my first half marathon and transitioning into intuitive eating.
How do you stay positive with E.D. recovery? There are some days where it is just so hard! Also, what is your go to clothing store??
Wow Tara! This blogpost might be my favorite one you have wrote. Your view on a healthy lifestyle is my ultimate goal and with everyday I feel myself getting closer and closer to it.
1. I would say I was in a bag slump for the past 3 years with lots of ups and downs. 3 years ago was the time when my disordered eating started and ever since then, I haven’t truest felt like I was giving my whole best self to the world.
2. My biggest accomplishment in 2016 was definitely reaching out to get help. For so long I tried to fix my own bad habits and problems, but I wasn’t able to dig deep to the real problem. Now, ever since I have been getting help for the last 3 months I have seen strides that I don’t think I could have ever reached by myself.
3. What is your biggest tip for someone transitioning from restricted eating to intuitive eating?
Sorry to comment twice today, don’t wanna be a nuisance (or a stalker lol) but I couldn’t resist because this post is SO GOOD and it came in the perfect time for me. So answering your questions…
1) Have you ever hit a bad slump in your life?
Lots of them, unluckily. Right now I’m going through one. I’m 30, I know I look younger (no one would think I’m older than 24, at least I’ve been told so) but I feel so old and… kind of “finished”. Do you know what I mean? I have a job that it’s not that bad but it’s not my passion, live in an old apartment that I don’t like at all and been struggling with my relationship with food and myself for too long. I just don’t like the way I look, I know I’m thin, in fact a little underweight, and most people think I’m pretty, but it’s kind of not enough. It never is.
2) What is your biggest 2016 accomplishment?
I wouldn’t know. Can’t think of anything right now. It was a bad year in general. Maybe doing a photography project based on Bowie after his death (he was my idol since I was very little), writing a new novel, being promoted at work (nothing really important but oh well…)
3) Questions for me?
How do you find the energy to get up when you have a bad day? What do you do, in what do you think to feel better?
Again, I feel the pressing need to tell you what an incredible person you are. Really admirable. Wish I could explain myself better, but English is not my native language. Please keep always being like this, giving us wise posts like this one. You do help and inspire a lot of people, I hope you know that.
Please let me know if you come to Barcelona some day 🙂
1. This is SO relatable to me. I had a huge slump 2 years from today basically, where my boyfriend dumped me and I realized I was incredibly overweight and unhappy with so many aspects of my life. Definitely ROCK BOTTOM. I moved, got a new job, and started a weight loss journey, losing 40 pounds and being in the best shape of my LIFE! I was working out 4-6 days a week (it fluctuated) and felt great.
However in November, I moved again and life got busy. I’ve been working out, but not as regularly (some weeks once or twice, others three times, some not at all). I haven’t gained weight, but I feel like I’ve lost muscle and gained inches and feel horrible about it. I’m starting fresh now with the new year though, I don’t want to get too down on myself because that goes nowhere. I’ve already worked out 3 times this week, I have two more workouts planned for tomorrow and Saturday, and I bought passes for my favorite dance class! It helps that my roommate is doing it with me – I totally agree having good friends makes it so much easier! I’m also watching what I eat. Although I like the intuitive eating concept, I’m using my fitness pal to get back on track since my eating got a bit out of control – I was eating like I was still working out as much as I was!
2. Probably just continuing to maintain my weight loss without crazy diets or obsessions. (except for the end of the year lol)
3. Would love ideas for at-home workouts when you started getting back in shape. I made a schedule similar to yours but it’s great to mix it up!
Great post! Thank you for opening up and sharing. Sometimes it seems like you have a perfect life, and while I certainly don’t wish for you to have struggles, hearing that you have struggles like the rest of us and opening up about them makes you more relatable, which makes you more inspiring.
This is the first I’ve heard of intuitive eating. I’ve always been a firm believer in lifestyle changes over diets, so I share a similar mindset, but I think I would have a lot of trouble with intuitive eating because I have very little self control when it comes to food. Saying to myself that I can eat whatever I want, whenever I want will send me straight to the candy bowl or bag of chips when I’m not even hungry. What’s the best way to listen to what your body wants (healthy and nutritious food) instead of what your brain is craving (junk food)? I certainly don’t want to cut unhealthy food out of my life because I know that will never work, but I certainly need to cut down on it and that won’t happen if I allow myself to eat it whenever I feel like it.
Is there a better book than others based on intuitive eating that you can recommend?
I recommend “Making Peace With Your Plate” by Robyn Cruze & Espra Andrus… it incorporates intuitive eating principles and other helpful tips for ED recovery. It was a game-changer for me, along with Intuitive Eating!
P.S. Loved this post Taralynn! Thanks for keeping it real 🙂
I really needed this.
I am so glad you plugged Evelyn Tribole’s book/belief system but wished you’d dropped her name and recommended her book!!! Everyone should follow intuitive eating! If anyone is struggling with obsessively counting, they should definitely listen to Meret Boxler’s Life Unrestricted podcast with Evelyn Tribole on there. She summarizes all of the studies including Minnesota Starvation diet and the effect under eating has on us psychologically and physiologically! As someone who fought my body for years and let myself waste away to a BMI of 17 or less, reading this could not make me happier! As I am currently struggling to not exercise at all and maintain a substantial intake to work on healing my hypothalamus amenorrhea in hopes of conceiving, it’s always heartwarming to hear someone say healthy things about weight and exercise. I always read your blogs and hope you are not facing the same struggles.
Hi Taralynn,
I’ve been reading your blog on and off for a few years now and just yesterday decided to re-read your “About me.” I had forgotten a lot about your journey, not just physically but emotionally. I am so impressed that you are able to share your journey with others, because I know it helps so many of us! I don’t think you’ve ever appeared happier or more confident-your photos, starting with your summer with Becca, and now on to your cutie of a bf, truly show a new side to you. I’m very happy for you!!
As a lot of this resonates with different things I’ve experienced, my question for you is how do you meet these new positive people? I can be a little shy and my husband and I are looking to build our circle of positive people, but don’t know how to go about doing it. What are your suggestions?
Keep it up and wishing you all the best! xo
THANK YOU. I needed this so much. The past 7 years of my life have been all about eating a “perfect diet” I’ve never given myself much room to splurge on certain foods. Up until this past year. Restrictive diets are miserable. It’s training my mind to stop obsessing over food that takes work. Thanks Taralynn!
Everything about this post is great! As a reader I’m so happy to see you in such a good place. I feel like your happiness and true sense of self radiates through your words and pictures!
I think everyone goes through slumps sometimes. I know I’ve been through slumps when life tends to settle down and I think to myself ‘what am I doing’ or ‘what am I accomplishing’ and don’t have a real answer. Focusing on small steps within a healthy lifestyle always helps me to feel more ‘me’ and show myself that I’ve got a good thing going and there is always room for improvement.
I’m not sure what my top 2016 accomplishment was… 2015 was a crazy busy and exciting year for me (getting engaged, moving, and getting married). So 2016 was really all about focusing on settling into life and making it something that I love. One thing I was proud of was sticking to my promise to my best friend that I would see her in 2016… She lives far away (in Norway) and doesn’t get to see a lot of family or friends because of it. Everyone always tells her they are going to come visit, but rarely ever do. I’m glad that I was able to stick to my promise visit her and be there for her and her new baby no matter how complicated it may have been to do so!
You seem to have found yourself a GREAT group of people to surround yourself with. Where did you find them?? Where I am now I only really know my husbands coworkers, and seem to meet more people my grandmothers age rather than my own! ha! (while they are great, sometime I just want to be able to say ‘omg did you see the bachelor last night’ haha)
Great post Taralynn, thanks for being so brave and sharing your struggles – which are so real for so many of us. You basically put into words exactly how I feel about food nowadays too! I changed my diet a few years ago trying to find a solution to my headaches and general exhaustion. Eating intuitively is the way to go. Love your blog x
Great post Taralynn! Thanks for being so brave and sharing your struggles – as so many of us seem to go through something similar! You basically put into words how I feel about food now too. I changed my diet a few years ago trying to find a solution to my headaches and general exhaustion…Eating intuitively is the way to go. Love your blog x
Hi Taralynn!
I’ve been struggling with an eating disorder for about 5 years. I have tried fad diets and have gone from starving myself to having fits where I eat everything. Throughout high school, I was on the track team and cross country team. I was a pretty healthy weight for a while until I started to starve myself to lose weight–I actually went to the hospital for this. I have pretty much reached rock bottom at the moment because I have gone to college and gotten up to a whopping 175lbs. I used to count calories–but now it has just been super difficult with cafeteria food and with not always preparing everything myself. Also, I just hate counting calories. I really want to lose weight the healthy way but am scared that if I begin to intuitively eat, I may just end up starving myself again…or that it won’t work and I will stay overweight (I was around 140 lbs in high shcool, so I have gained quite a bit of weight since then). And, with the extra pounds, running has become hard and I have become very depressed. As someone who has gone through something similar, do you have any words of wisdom?
P.S. I love your blog and read it every week!
Taralynn, you rock! This seriously helped/motivated me so much! In 2016, I was really bad about working out/going hard for a month and then falling into a slump for a while. I struggled with the same thing of hating that I had to start over again. I used to be able to run 6 to 7 miles and to have to start over with my running process really bummed me out.
Overall, I just really loved this post and I’m ready to crush some goals in 2017! 🙂
I can completely relate to your story and went through a similar change this past year. Unfortunately, my husband was the toxic person in my life, was completely resistant to bettering himself and was dragging me down with him. I was diagnosed with PCOS last year and really needed to get healthier, my life depended on it. After multiple attempts to get him (and me) to a healthier lifestyle with no success, I had to make the very difficult decision to leave him. His unhealthy habits were part of my lifestyle and that was not a road that I wanted to go down….I was trying to go in the opposite direction and he simply refused to get on board. I decided that my life was too important to ignore and let down, so I made this very difficult change. I have since met someone else that is motivated to workout and eat healthy and generally live a healthy lifestyle. I’m still struggling everyday, but am now able (and enjoy) to go to the gym 5-7 days per week, I’ve been able to join an adult dance class that meets once per week and I’ve been able to enjoy many outdoor hikes that I would not have been able to do otherwise, or would have been alone to do them. I know that with PCOS, my weight loss will be incredibly slow and I’ve accepted that. Each day I just have to put one foot in front of the other and go to the gym and make good decisions with food and know that success will eventually come.
This is my favorite post you’ve ever written!! And I’ve been following you since day 1! It seriously could not have came at a more perfect time… I Literally just picked up the book Intuitive Eating and started reading it last night! I’ve been struggling with ED for over a decade now, been in recovery for a year, and just recently had a small relapse. It’s exhausting and frustrating and overall, makes me sad and I feel defeated. BUT I’ve never tried intuitive eating because I’m terrified of it, but last night I’ve decided (like oyu said) counting calories and controlling my intake/ dieting is NOT the answer. It’s just a hard cycle / mentality to break when it’s all you know.
Your post helps inspire me to just give it A TRY. One day at a time, like you said, Baby steps 🙂 Thank you!!
Exactly what Nicole said! Been following you for years and just started reading the book as well. I had a wake up call over the holidays and didn’t want anything to hold me back anymore! Thank you for always being so inspiring
I love your blog so much! I don’t know if you remember, but we met in D.C. about a year ago!
I love reading your blog! I am at my worst weight/health than I have ever been and reading your blog motivates me to get myself back on track! And I always laugh because I like to eat the same things all the time like you do ?! Do you have some go to things to eat for before and after workouts?
Thanks for sharing all your awesome workout, food, and life stories! You are an inspiration!
Perfect timing for a motivational post! I’ve been getting “back to myself” too and it’s almost been 2 months and I don’t really see any changes and only feel slightly different…it’s honestly discouraging, but I’ll keep at it. 🙂
Thanks!
Thank you so much for this post. I recently gained a lot due to some wrong medication and unhealthy eating habits. I just recently decided to start a healthy and fit life, especially as I’m starting at university in a few weeks. Your post made me realize that it is possible and it is worth it! I am now motivated to do my best to be healthy and happy ? Thank you!!
I was in a slump for most of last year!
I can totally relate to your story! I was so obsessed with what I was eating and looking at sugar and fat! I would go though bad cycles do restricting then binge eat whatever I told myself I couldn’t have and I felt awful. Sometime in the fall last year on of my and I started talking and she help change my mind set. I turned to food for comfort as well and it was for me a first to stop eating when I was full and it took a lot of practice but I am much better at it now. I have lost 20 pounds so far and I have about 15-20 more to lose and that is one of my goals this year. But I want to do it from a place of loving my body and wanting to care for it not from hating my body and wanting to look at certain way! I would say my biggest accomplishments in 2016 was finishing my third semester of nursing school! You are such an inspiration Tara! Thank you so much for sharing your story with us!
I really relate to this as I just went through something similar. I just graduated from college May 2016 and was at my unhealthiest point mentally and physically. I had been drinking a lot, eating out a ton, and staying out way too late. I had the mentality of “Oh, I’ll fix it this summer.” Well when you feel like shit, it’s easy to continue to feel like shit. I continued eating poorly and had trouble revamping my exercise routine the whole entire summer…talk about frustrating! This fall was a new beginning for me as I began law school. I took the new beginnings as a chance to start fresh with my habits. I took advantage of the fitness classes the rec center offers and ran on my own a few days a week. I also started tracking my calories. By the end of the semester I had lost 12 pounds (!!!). I feel better than ever (mentally and physically) and like you am not restrictive with my diet and exercising routine. I’ll eat a cookie if I feel like it and skip my workout if I feel like it.
Tips for anyone stuck in a rut (based on my experience):
1. Variety, variety, variety in your exercise routine, (don’t run 7 days a week–you’ll get bored and frustrated.)
2. Be kind to yourself–eat poorly at one meal? Remember it’s only one meal. Every. day. is. a. new. day. Start fresh tomorrow!
3. JUST DO IT.
4. After a while of sticking to a plan, you’ll want to follow it, I promise!
Your blog continues to inspire me. I was a college volleyball player but find it hard to push myself in workouts since graduating. I am starting to figure out what kind of workouts I enjoy and even though I have always hated running, reading your posts always makes me want to incorporate running into my workouts. So congratulations on being the only person to ever inspire me to want to run haha. It’s a pretty big deal!
How do you deal with running alone? I don’t live in a neighborhood where I would feel comfortable running by myself, but I don’t want to have to drive somewhere else to run. I also don’t think I could ever convince my sister to run regularly with me. Do you have any advice?
Thanks xx
Taralynn, I can’t tell you how much I needed this! I can’t thank you enough for posting this, to me it’s the perfect view of how to lead a healthy and happy lifestyle. I’ve been reading your blog for years and your entire story has always inspired me, and this just happened to be the advice I needed today as I am looking to lead a healthier day-to-day routine.
Two questions for you: Could you possibly list some examples of what you eat before/after your workouts? Also, when you began exercising and eating healthier, did you notice a big increase in your energy levels? My energy is always so low and I’m hoping that by leading a healthier routine that it will pick up a bit. Thanks so much!
Also what book/program did you use for intuitive eating?
2016 was my year of a running change also! I completed three half marathons and other countless runs throughout the year. After I had my daughter Emily I was determined to get healthy and stay fit for me and her! Some of my friends were running for a wonderful charity last March and ask me to join their half marathon. I laughed thinking I couldn’t. But then one of my closest friends helped me develope a training plan that worked for my crazy mom schedule. I completed the half and was instantly hooked! I made a lifestyle change which has helped in more directions in my life then I can count. Oh and runner endorphins! I am a bear when I can run or work out and my overall outlook has been so positive. Congrats on joining the runners bandwagon! I hope you try a half marathon someday!
I love this post! Climbing out of ruts is daunting and feels never ending, it’s always good inspiration to read about someone who turned it all around, so thanks!
I also love your thoughts on intuitive eating, I can honestly say that over the years that is what changed my view on my body. My biggest slump I think has to have been 2015 into 2016, I’d finally started to gain weight, I was happy and active and felt so much better that I finally got settled in at my husband’s duty station (Marines). Then for whatever reason I lost all the weight I’d gained and then some. I kinda gave up there for a while, I got so focused on the scale and eating super healthy that I got more and more depressed when I didn’t have energy and didn’t even have an appetite. It took me a while to take a step back and remind myself that I should focus more on feeling better and less on the scale and how healthy my meals were because that isn’t going to magically make everything better. Its still a struggle not to get stuck in that mindset but I think that’s my biggest accomplishment in 2016.
My question for you is what are some tips you have for keeping yourself in a postive mindset?
1. I hit a SERIOUSLY rough patch in 2013. I quit my job because it was toxic – negative people & a negative, verbally abusive environment. My confidence in myself was totally shot, which is NOT like me. I went down a dark road. I just stayed in the house all day eating frozen pizzas and drinking wine. I didn’t want to hang out with my friends because they were all having exciting and good things going on and I didn’t have any of that. My BF at the time totally sucked & wasn’t helping anything. It took a few months to even get STARTED back on the right track, but I did, and now I feel like I’m in a really good place. Still working on listening to my body & eating intuitively – but it’s a work in progress. I still struggle with moderation. I don’t always stop when I’m full, but I’m trying.
2. I feel like I really went after life in 2016. I made things happen. I took initiative & asked questions & shot for the moon. At work and in my personal life. It landed me a promotion, a vacation to Europe all by myself & a few other awesome opportunities!
3. No questions – just to say again how excited I am you’re running a half marathon! I feel like you’re going to ROCK IT! And that it sucks that haterz kept you from feeling like you could talk about this sooner. I think the comments on this post will prove to you how many of us care & have had similar experiences.
Have you ever hit a bad slump in your life?
What is your biggest 2016 accomplishment?
Questions for me?
Have you ever hit a bad slump in your life? I feel like I’m in my slump now. A few years ago I moved from NYC to the middle of nowhere when I married my husband. I’m happy but I still feel a little off. My husband is a bad eater and I let his habits run off on me. I lack serious motivation. I used to be a three sport athlete in college and now I don’t do anything. And I used to take classes but living where I live, it takes forever to get to and from and then you include the class time.
What is your biggest 2016 accomplishment? My biggest accomplishment is I welcomed my first child in June. I have a daughter named Addison. I work full-time and always want to be with her on my free time and I let that be my reason for not working out.
I need to learn to follow through with things such as working out. I just don’t know where to start.
Preach!! I have followed you for such a long time, (when half my recipes contained sugar free jello) and have personally had such a similar evolution. I finally reached a time when I was happy and healthy after an ED, but didn’t keep my foot on the gas and one day I woke up at my “rock bottom”, furious that I let myself get there. I let stress, excuses, and a lot of negative people and negativity control my life. Then about 9 months ago, I coincidentally got a promotion to move to Charlotte that I had been waiting for for a long time. I had honestly fantasized about it so much that I thought it would be the “answer” to my problems. And as happy as I am to be here…. It’s not the answer! It’s hard having no friends, hard being away from loved ones, harder than I ever expected to make a new place feel like home by myself! But I view it as a blessing, because I finally realized that I had nothing else to blame my problems on. I have a new job with a new boss in a new city with a new salary, and I still wasn’t happy. It really made me reflect the past month, and realize that I changed my lifestyle, and I wasn’t focused on self improvement. Like you said, at my peak, I was happy because I was LIVING it, and surrounded by positivity from others and the voice inside my head. I realized how far I’ve come from being “me”. And even the fact that I finally woke up and looked in the mirror and held myself accountable is uplifting! Its like I woke up ready to change my lifestyle to what worked for me in the past, not limiting myself, and allowing myself to live (and actually get to know Charlotte) without the stress of immediate drastic results!
Thanks for the motivation- and thanks for being real, as you always have been. Too often I see people comparing themselves to the highlight reels of others online. It’s refreshing to visit a place of positivity and honesty! Keep being you 🙂
Hi there!
I felt completely identified with your post and you wrote it just in time. Opposite to your year, I fell in a bad relation with my self last year. But now I decided to fit again in my old pants and I finished the year and started a new one exercising and watching more my eating. As you, I used to be very obsessive with food and also with exercise but 2 1/2 years ago when I got married I stoped it and prfff the results were not pleasant. Then I got pregnant and even though I started to have my 3 meals and try to eat healthier, I gain a lot of weight. Last semester I was always making excuses not to exercise (because of the operation) but now I want to be healthy and in shape for my own good and for my baby. So I made my decision and my sister in law is helping me a lot. We made our work out weekly schedule and I’m starting to see results! Ley me tell you that your post really motivates me to work on becoming the best version of myself 🙂
I guess my biggest 2016 accomplishment was having my baby boy and how I dealt with parenting without neglecting my work, my house and my husband.
Does reading books really helped you to change your eating habits? What do you recommend to avoid a relapse?
Lots of love 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing such a personal thing on your blog! I have definitely been there and the feeling of finding the rhythm and love for healthy living is so invigorating. I’m now pregnant and am learning how to modify and change to be my healthiest and safest while pregnant. I have such an appreciation for my body now and now that I’m pregnant, even more so!
I can definitely tell you are at a happier place in life. I’ve been reading this blog a long time…way longer than I’ve been blogging myself! It’s great to see you at such a great place–I wish you nothing but great things this year and the years to come! I can’t wait to keep on reading <3
Did you find that your last relationship had led you to an unhealthy phase where you weren’t feeling happy and healthy? My goal is to work out more too….and more water!!!
I LOVED this article. You have sparked my motivation even more! For about 18 months I stuck to a healthy diet and finally got into the gym. Over this time period I went from 220 pounds to 150 about 6 months ago which was a HUGE accomplishment for me. But over the past 6 months being in a serious relationship has put me in a slump and I gained 25 pounds back. Of course I set goals for 2017 after seeing the number on the scale, but it’s amazing what 6 months of letting your habits go can do, I feel like I’m starting from square one again and it is discouraging. I’ve considered tracking macro’s but it seems so time consuming and doesn’t seem like a lifestyle I could stick to forever! What are your feelings on counting macro’s and what do you typically eat for pre and post workout meals?
Thanks for being so honest. I’ve followed your blog since the early Tumblr days and while I feel I have always been able to relate to you, and I can’t tell you how much I’m able to relate to this post right now. I actually just wrote a post today on my recent struggles, and my journey to overcome being “perfect”.
Two years ago after I got married when I was 25, every day since then have been more than trying. My Dad died just 6 months ago and I haven’t been dealing with it well. He had Alzheimer’s and it was progressing rapidly, but I was shocked that it took him as early as it did. I also have lost myself in an awful 9-5 job that barely pays all my bills, and I just feel lifeless and lost. I’ve been really trying to get myself back into things and be motivated again, but it is hard like you said.
I feel like I might be finding my groove again, and reading your post tonight made me feel not so alone. So thank you again for posting it and be so honest. It’s definitely helped me 🙂
P.S. So glad you are much happier now! It’s been apparent in your recent postings, and I’m so happy for you.
This post was just what I needed as I am currently in a rut. I went from loving to work out, eat healthy and care for my body to eating extremely unhealthily and working out just to stay skinny. I have developed a very unhealthy relationship with food and body image… Your post showed me that it is possible to evolve and get out of the hole.
Honestly, whenever I am feeling down or need a pick me up, I check your blog. I’ve been reading it for a while and it never fails to cheer me up. Most importantly, however, it has given and continues to give me hope at my darkest and lowest points. And for that, I thank you.
I am working hard to get out of this unhealthy relationship with food and I count on your blog as a major tool.
Thank you for being real. Thank you for giving me hope.
Girlllll >>> love this and love you! I’ve been through so many different cycles with fitness/health. I’ve gone through an ED, then struggled with putting on a little more weight than I wanted, and now I’m finally at a spot where I’m happy AND healthy! Oddly enough, post baby. Haha.
I practice intuitive eating as well and LOVE it. I hate banning foods from my diet now (since I did that for so long.)
My biggest accomplishment of 2016 was having my son and then getting back into even better shape than I was before getting pregnant with him!
I’m excited to accomplish a lot of running goals this next year and run some races. Can’t wait to see you crush your half! You’ll do GREAT!
Xo
Taralynn, I’ve had the privilege of knowing you since high school. You are an amazing woman who has definitely come into your own! Knowing your mom, I see a lot of her in you. With that said, this is one of the most amazing blogs I’ve ever read. I’m 52 (eek) years old and fought my weight since I was 20 years old. But this philosophy is exactly what I have I have found in the last year that works for me. Rock on sister, you are awesome! Much love!
What a great post!
I have followed you for years and I have always adored you, your way of thinking and positive personality because of your blogs help I lost 50 lbs 2 years ago however I lost myself and let myself go again. I have been in a depressed rut due to injuries and illness and I pray things will turn around for me soon.
I am so happy you are in a positive place now you seem like a great genuine person.
Are you doing a gluten free diet..? If so, why? Im just curios about your thoughts! Loved your post! 😉
Thank you so much for sharing! You truly do inspire your readers! It has been great seeing more life and energy in your posts over the last year. You can see your happiness jump off the page.
I have followed your blog since the Tumblr days and I have always appreciated your honesty and transparency. You updating your About Me section awhile ago to include your struggles with ED helped me reach out to somebody and get help for my disordered eating. Posts like this help so many and we are grateful that you share these with us!
I’ve been in a rut for the past year or so. Despite the many wonderful things happening in my life, I could only focus on the negative and what I didn’t have. This caused me to fall back into unhealthy habits that have hurt my body, but my greatest accomplishment of 2016 was realizing that I am worth the effort it takes to be healthy and happy!
Thank you so much for sharing this, Taralynn. I used to be on the fitness bandwagon my freshmen year of college. When I went home for summer break, I fell back into my old ways of bingeing which resulted in me falling into a deep depression. Once I was officially diagnosed, I started using drugs and alcohol to mask what I was feeling. While I was trying to recover I got involved in an extremely unhealthy relationship, pushing me further from the gym and leaning on food as comfort. It’s been so hard to bounce back into my old, run-loving self, but this post has inspired me to make a workout schedule and focus on eating healthy and sticking with it. I just graduated from college and I plan on making 2017 the best year yet.
I just wanted to say though that you’ve always been beautiful to me, no matter how you look! You have such a kind, easy going soul and reading your blog always relaxes and inspires me. Thank you for sharing your life with us <3
This is very inspiring to read. I would have never guessed you were struggling that much last year. It just goes to show we never know what someone else is going through. Like they say Always be Kind for you never know. I am very happy you are in a great place. I want to get the book you suggested. I am bad about checking that scale every day since I have began my healthier life style again. And yes I say again because I have lost and gained way to many times to count. But I Am starting to feel happy with my body even when I am still working on getting stronger, and leaner. I have always just raced to get to that happy weight and then spiral right back out of control. Thank you for sharing your story. It really is making me think about some of my own habits and what I want to set as goals and what I want to not do too.
This post makes me so happy because it makes me realize I’m not alone in this funk. Thank you for sharing it!
1. Oh, yes. I feel like I was in a bad slump for most of 2016. It was such a roller coaster of a year and messed with me SO badly physically and emotionally! I graduated college; started a brand-new, full-time job (and have gotten a couple promotions since then); lost my dog of 16 years; ended a 2-year relationship on incredibly bad terms; and moved across the city into an apartment of my own… and that was just in a span of 3 months. It’s been so many highs and lows and I feel like toward the end of the year, I just started becoming a version of myself I didn’t really like. I’m super looking forward to the fresh start of 2017 and really feeling like myself again.
2. Because 2016 was such a crazy year, I honestly think staying alive was my biggest accomplishment… ha. (But I guess graduating college and getting my very own place are up there, too!)
3. Hmm… I guess one question would be, what are your biggest hopes and dreams for 2017?
As you can see by the comments, you are most definitely NOT alone.
Seems like you have been through so many ups and downs during the past year! I have a feeling 2017 is going to be a really good year for you! Just keep thinking positive and pushing forward.
I have a couple personal hopes and dreams, but for the little ones, I’d really like to run four half marathons and keep pushing forward with a healthy lifestyle.
🙂
This post is amazing and thank you for being so real with us all.. you have given me a kick of motivation… I have just come out of my biggest slump ever for 3 weeks no exercise at all then ten weeks where I wasn’t allowed to do crossfit or run. Last night I had my first run and I got such a buzz out of it, and today I signed back up to crossfit… my biggest accomplishment of 2016 was sorting my life out (out with the old and in with the new) I got rid of all the negative things that were around me including a relationship, it was the best thing I have done, so 2017 is all about me being happy and getting healthy… what do you think are the best style of running shoes?? Standard runners or cross trainers??
Hi Harriet!
Thank you for reading 🙂
Sometimes a long break can do the body good! Just look at the positives.
Sounds like you’re already on track to an amazing and healthy 2017! I bet that run felt so good. It’s freezing today, but I cannot wait to get out there.
Congrats on clearing out the negativity. You’ll find that makes such a big difference! 🙂 Very proud of you!
Here is a link to the shoes I wear! http://www.asics.com/us/en-us/gel-kayano-23/p/0010266036.3807
xo
Thank you
Hi! I don’t usually comment on stuff I read but I just wanted to let you know that this post is exactly what i needed at this time. I recognize myself 100% on your description from last year, but unfortunately I am living it now: really bad relationship with food, no workouts in ages, feels really hard to pick myself up.
I was intuitively thinking to intuitively eat 🙂 it s funny how i came across this just the night before i was also thinking to start going to the gym again.
I was on a diet my whole life and now it feels like everything i try works against me. I am far for being in any shape 🙂 so i might need a lot of time to actually see any difference BUT i wanted to let you know that your article did help someone! It gave me that little push I was searching for! Thank you! I will update you on 6th january 2018 🙂
Hi There!
Thank you for taking the time to comment. Means so much to me!
I know exactly how you feel right now, but just try to turn all of those emotions into positive ones and find the motivation to make make little changes! Picking yourself up is the hardest part, but once you’re up, you’ll kick butt!
Definitely look into intuitively eating and ease yourself back to the gym! Baby steps 🙂
Don’t focus on diets or quick results….so unrealistic. Just focus on being healthy! Mind & Body!
I’m so happy this blog could help and I really hope you update me! xo xo
Taralynn
Taralynn, thank you for this post! I relate so much to what you’re saying. I’m also recovering from an eating disorder and intuitive eating is really what helped me most get through it. I used to obsess on eating ‘healthy’ and on counting every single calorie. I used to restrict myself to the point I was always hungry, always thinking about food, started binge eating, felt guilty and awful, started restricting again… the cycle goes on and on.
Today, I feel like a strong, fit, healthy women! It’s all about balance… I’m at a healthy weight and I have lots of muscles. I can run a half-marathon and lift heavy. I never weight myself, I just sometimes track my measurements and look in the mirror.
My biggest 2016 accomplishment is running my first half marathon… and getting a perfect GPA at univervisity.
Hi Melodie!
Intuitive eating is something I was also taught while recovering. It’s key to breaking those dangerous cycles. I am so proud of you for taking care of yourself and working towards a recovery. I promise you, it gets easier and easier everyday! You will come out stronger and feel great. Stay positive! It sounds like you’re on the right track and doing so well! Congrats on your half (can’t wait to run mine) and nice job on the GPA!
You’re going to rock 2017!
xo
Thanks for this Taralynn! I hate that you feel hesitant to post something like this, because I think many of us are struggling with this kind of thing and it makes you no ounce less awesome than you already are! Good to see that your plan worked. One of my New Year’s Resolutions is ‘adopt a healthier lifestyle’, I specifically chose to avoid words like ‘diet’ or ‘lose weight’, even though that’s what I want right now. I know I’m not gonna get there by just dieting, I need to change my lifestyle! The Intuitive Eating this sounds really good to me, I get the same cravings you describe if I cut something out! Working out is a bit of thing for me, as my body is not doing what I want right now. My knees are really bad, so I need to start training those babies before I can even start thinking about the rest. But I will get there again! Thanks for the inspiration! You’re great!
You can do it. Baby steps.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for this post. I have been struggling with the same, and I feel this post was the extra push I needed to get started on my journey to a happier healthier me. You are truly and inspiration, and a reality check for women in our age group, and the struggles with weight as we get older, and the right ways to deal with it. Love your blog, and don’t ever change yourself for anyone!!!!
I don’t know if you’ll read this but wow, this is exactly what I’m going through right now. You couldn’t have said it better. I’ve never been overweight but rather skinny fat and lately I let myself lose my consistency with working out. I had been really focused and all but last month I lost track. I stopped counting macros and skipped my workouts blaming it on the cold or rainy weather, feeling tired, unmotivated, and without energy. I gave in to sugar so bad and binged. I’m trying to get focused again but it feels so hard and I don’t know why. I used to be really good at sucking up my laziness but lately I find it hard to eat right and get up and go workout. Hopefully I can get over this soon, thank you for sharing! 🙂
Great post, Taralynn! I never post, but had to to say thank you for all the inspiration you give us. You look incredible…mind, body and soul! I started the 21 Day Fix a week ago and it is teaching me what my body needs. I have been choosing healthier options and eating every 3 hours. WHAT A DIFFERENCE already! I have been exercising every day too…mostly 30-45 minute MMA circuits. I feel so good. Energized, happy and motivated. My goal is to get back to the weight I was before I had my daughter (who is 10 years old, by the way)
THANK YOU and GOD BLESS!
My major congratulations Tara! I’ve lost about 30 lbs since last year and I’ve never been more confident in my physique. Sometimes what holds us back is the fear or failure and so thus we procrastinate…I’m glad you pulled yourself out of that rut.
Speaking of surrounding yourself with positive people–i wish I had you in my life! You’re super positive:)
Great post! Very encouraging! I like when you said “you have to be willing to change and willing to dedicate yourself to a new lifestyle”. So many people get in the habit of making up reasons why something can’t be done rather than figuring out how to just do it!
Sometimes I get into slumps and can’t explain why I feel less motivated. I try to give myself a day or two to regroup and then get back into it!
My biggest accomplishment of 2016 was completing a full marathon. I enjoyed the training so much, I already signed up for another one in May.
No questions at this time for you, but keep doing what your doing!
Thank you for this! I love following your blog and am so proud of your progress! I can really relate to your post. I am a mother of two who has struggled with ED. Eating intuitively is probably the hardest thing for me. Also I have been in an exercise slump. I want to model healthy eating and living for my kids. I want to get strong this year and back to running which I LOVE!!!!! I feel so free and alive when I run for the right reasons
I guess a question I have is how did you learn to properly fuel your body for running? Are there particular resources you’ve used?
I plan to get the intuitive eating book!
Thanks for being you!!!
This post couldn’t have come at a better time. So many people needed this right now, including myself!
Yes! There’s been a couple, but who hasn’t had a bad slump? I’ve gotten myself into the mindset that everything will turn out how it’s supposed to. You just have to put your faith in God and He will bring you to where you’re supposed to be!
2016 was seriously a rough year for me, and I’m so happy 2017 is here! Making the decision to find a new apartment is probably the best decision I made. The building was all around not great, and I’m so happy to be out! Your comments about always keeping the happy and cutting out the toxic have stuck with me the last half of the year.
What is your favorite way to relax? Do you have any good book recommendations? (one of my goals this year) 😉
This post was so convicting and inspiring! In 2015 I love about 20 lbs and was doing really well, then life happened. I stepped on a scale two days ago at my highest weight and I feel absolutely awful about myself. When I look in the mirror there are times I just want to sit down and cry. I LOVE the intuitive eating! I’m not someone who is surrounded by people who support healthy lifestyles which is hard, but am definitely changing things this year.
2016 was a difficult year for me – and I know everyone says that. I can easily look back and pick out the bad things. But I can also say that last year brought some good things too! Like my trip to NY to see some old friends. Or, for the first time ever, keeping a daily routine of walking my dogs. (Which is actually a real accomplishment! Haha)
I can’t think of any questions right now, but be sure if I ever think of one I will definitely ask!
I LOVE YOU
Hey Tara! Thanks so much for posting! I love this so much! You’re my biggest inspiration and it really helps to know that you struggle and hit slumps too…I’ve been in a slump for a while. I’m slowly easing myself back into a healthy lifestyle and you’re tight–baby steps will be key for me. My biggest accomplishment in 2016 was starting my own business. I have no questions for you now, but just want to say that you’re my favorite blogger and I check your blog every day-just re-reading your posts for my daily dose of inspiration. Thanks for sharing your life with us. ?
Thank you for your blog! I really enjoy it but have never left a comment.
This post really had made me think. I have been “dieting” my whole life (I am 55). Tracking points, counting calories and having a daily love hate relationship with my bathroom scale.
I really appreciate your way of thinking and you are spot on. I am going to give up the tracking every morsel, follow clean, intuitive eating and see where it leads me. I suspect the stress and self loathing will diminish. I also plan to add strength training to my cardio workout. I only have about 10 pounds to lose.
My biggest accomplishment in 2016 is recovering from a very tough chemo and double mastectomy for breast cancer which is probably also my biggest slump.
2017 will be a better one!
Thanks again for your inspiration! You look terrific but I thought you looked terrific before too.
Hi Taralynn,
I feel like this will echo all of the other comments, but thank you again for opening yourself up to your readers! I’ve been reading your blog for years now and you continue to inspire me with your honesty, optimism, and realistic approach to a healthy lifestyle (can I also say how amazing it is to scroll through reader comments that are so relatable and thoughtful?)
I went from being underweight a couple of years ago, to putting on quite a few pounds in college…it’s been hard to accept the comments my family makes about my weight gain, but I’ve come to a place where I’m grateful for a healthy, working body and I look forward to pursuing a more active lifestyle. Some days I love the way my body looks and feels, some days I scrutinize myself in the mirror, but I think it helps to remember all of things and people in life I am grateful for 🙂
My question for you: when you first started your pursuit of a healthier lifestyle, did you ever feel self-conscious exercising at the gym in front of people? (I feel this way often, and any advice would be appreciated!)
Thank you 🙂
Thank you for sharing! Very inspirational to get back in the swing of being active and eating well with a more positive outlook on it all! Your blog is amazing, I always look forward to your recaps and recipes ?
I absolutely love this post!! Thank you so much for being such a positive influence in my life. This past year has been really crazy for me, a year of incredible growth and change. I left a toxic and abusive relationship, let go of a lot of negative people in my life, started rekindling friendships and the relationships with my parents and siblings, graduated college, backpacked Thailand with one of my best friends to help me let go of all the negative emotions I still had towards my ex and myself, started fresh at the University of Notre Dame to get my MS in global health, and made a whole bunch of new friends who are always helping and encouraging me to be my best self. In the midst of all of that I actually learned how to start intuitively eating and I think that really helped me with my self esteem actually. Once I started learning how to eat like a normal person, I started exercising like a normal person. And by that I mean making my workouts fun and incorporating them into my day in a way that wasn’t stressful and didn’t feel so forced. I lost 10 pounds in the past 6 months and I love the fact that I don’t feel so restricted anymore. I think that’s my biggest accomplishment of 2016, is just being happy with myself and not feeling like I’m forcing myself to do anything anymore. I guess one of my questions for you is what are you most excited for in 2017?
I love reading your recaps! I always end up making a cup of coffee after I do because of your crave-worthy latte and coffee mug pictures hahaha Question for you! Which you may have answered, but how did you meet your current boyfriend? I lost 100 pounds since I graduated college and have had trouble meeting guys – mainly b/c I’ve never had much confidence in that department. Appreciate your advice! Thanks!
Hello!
I have been reading your blog for years but have never left a comment! I seriously love the Intuitive/Mindful Eating movement. I actually work with patients with EDs and I love seeing them get to the point of trying to eat mindfully. It is not very easy and you definitely deserve many kudos!
1. Sadly, I feel like the whole of 2016 was a “bad slump” for me (is it still a slump if it lasts that long?).
2. The biggest accomplishment of 2016 was making it to the end of the year!
3. Is blogging your full-time career or is it your side job? I always find myself wondering how you’re able to go on so many neat adventures!
Happy New Year Taralynn 🙂
You are a big inspiration for your readers and thank you for your honesty in this post. We are all humans and we all fall down sometimes. I am proud of you for sharing this story on the blog. It means you are not afraid to admit that sometimes we hit the rock button and it is ok to say it at loud. The important thing is to keep going, always try to be the better version of yourself and accept that we all have our moments of weakness. For sure this year will be better! 🙂
1) If Have you ever hit a bad slump in your life?
Well of course I did. There were certain moments when I felt very weak. Last year I was overwhelmed by my job. I was earning good money but I was waking up every day very anxious, without no motivation to go to the office. It was a very stressful job and I had to force myself to go to the office. I remember one day when I ended up crying in front of my desk. It happened three days in the row. So then I decided quit my job. Just like that, from one day to another. I quit and found another jon three weeks later. I am much better now and I think it was one of the bravest decisions I have made. I mean, it was a great experience but I couldn´t stand it any longer in that company. I knew there was one solution only, to risk a little, quit and look for something else.
At the same time it´s my answer for your second question. I think it´s my biggest 2016 accomplishment 🙂
Questions for you – how did you find the way to cut the toxic people of of your life? I am sure it wasn´t easy. I have a similar problem but at the same time I don´t find the courage to leave… 🙁
Taralynn,
Hi! My name is Hannah Kerr and I know you get told this a lot, but you are my inspiration. I found your blog in high school and have a story similar to you. We have a lot in common say the least and this post helped me in so many ways! I immediately shared it. I have started blogging in a similar and different way and love it. I don’t care if only one person reads it because what I always say it’s better to reach out to one person then none at all. I was just wondering how you got started in being such an impact and spreading the word of your blog? I have been in a slump and am in recovery from getting into an ED as well and look up to you in so many ways and it would mean the world to get advice from you! My blog link is below. I love to say I am blogging about life’s beauty because it’s people like you that make it so beautiful!
Hey there sweet beautiful cousin! I don’t comment on your posts, but I read them, and it makes me feel so warm that you are living so authentically. Seeing you beaming from ear to ear in all of your photos is delightful and inspiring. This life looks amazing on you. I’ve been to that “rock bottom” before. As a fellow ED recoverer, I know how hard that fear of failing yourself pervades your entire life and holds you down. You are a rockstar, and I’m so proud to call you family. I share your blog with everyone I know, so keep on kicking butt! xoxo.
I ordered this book right after I first read this post and it showed up yesterday 🙂 I’m a few chapters in and it’s really hitting home already! I’ve struggled for years with binging and then feeling guilty so then I’d restrict. I’ve tried so many diets but none have worked long term. I really have a feeling this book will help. Along with journaling my feelings, I plan to also really pay attention to WHY I’m eating. Am I really hungry or is there an underlying issue? Thank you so much for the book recommendation! I have been reading your blog for awhile now and you are such an inspiration! XOXO
I’m in a slump right now & this is just what I NEEDED to read today! Love your blog, so motivating!!
Thank you so much, Taralynn! I have been so inspired by you. Thank you for opening up and sharing your struggle! You are so relatable and it makes for an even better read. Keep it up!!
Taralynn, thank you for your continued efforts and growth. Most wouldn’t be so honest even if they are in a good place and I really enjoy reading your journey. I discovered I really like running as well about 2 years ago and I just this week completed my very first half marathon. My timing was not as good as it was during training but I’m ok with that because I’m just so proud I finished! I am trying to incorporate more strength training myself and am currently revisiting hot yoga. Continue to be awesome and I look forward to more of your posts! 🙂
I love this blog. You’re such an inspiration and I’m so happy I found your blog a few years ago. I’m having such a hard time finding motivation and what you said about cutting out toxic people is so true. I’m hoping I can find my motivation and work on not dieting. Thank you so much!
I am so proud of you rn!!! I have been following you since undressedskeleton, through all of your “phases”. Go get it, girl! You are awesome!!!!!!
Wow! I just recently discovered your blog and find all of your posts very relatable, especially this one! I started nursing school last year and my eating and working out habits went downhill incredibly fast. I was so caught up in the business of school, that I really neglecting working out and started eating a lot of fast food and not taking care of my body. The year before nursing school I was in the best shape of my life, and I let it all slip away in a matter of months. I had to buy new jeans and pants because I couldn’t fit into my old ones, and my self-confidence was at an all time low. When the summer came around I didn’t gain anymore weight but I definitely didn’t make any forward progress. In October I decided to finally turn it around: I got a fitness app and started making healthier choices in regards to what I was eating. I’ve now almost completely cut out junk food, although I do enjoy ice cream and french fries every once in a while, and have been regularly working out. Discovering your blog has really encouraged me to continue making healthier choices and to stick with it, no matter how many excuses I may try to make for myself. I love the idea of intuitive eating and am definitely going to try it out, as eating has been the hardest part of it all. Thank you so much for all of your advice and encouragement, and good luck training for your half marathon!
Hi Taralynn, I’ve always had a hard time losing weight and have always struggled with what the scale says. I have the tendency to fluctuate significantly throughout the week and have always wondered if there’s a better quality brand/type of scale to lessen the significant fluctuations from day to day and week to week. What is your scale of choice?
Hi! Can you givee anexamole o what you eat before and after working out?
you are the best
I can definitely relate to this! This was me about a year ago too. I quit working out and eating healthy. I had no motivation and just pretty much gave up. After gaining 20+ pounds and feeling like crap, I had to choice but to pull myself out of the funk I was in. It was so hard but worth it. You really can get and stay back on track after a slump!
NIC
Have you ever considered becoming a licensed dietician? It’d take some time but really build up your blog.
Woah, this post hit home. I’m totally cringing as I type this, but I’ve been in a slump for the last 5ish years. I was so unhappy and had horrible body image issues. I didn’t have the motivation to work out, eat well, or take care of myself at all. In the last few months I’ve finally taken charge and started exercising and eating better. Every day is tough and I’ve never been so sore, but so proud of myself for doing something! I’ve started to care about the direction I’m heading in and found so many healthy outlets. I started a business a few years ago and hadn’t really put much time into it, but 2016 was my year to refocus and towards the end of the year it started to pay off! I just had to cut a toxic friend out of my life this weekend, but the changes have been so worth it so far no matter how hard they’ve been. I love reading your blog and getting inspired!
I’m a long time follower… first time commenter..
I love your blog… you are such an inspiration and the food you make is top notch. I appreciate all of the hard work you put in to your media.
I just found out that I am a type 1 diabetic and need to start watching my carbs / fibre / protein / sugars much more closely and I’m really struggling as I don’t know what to eat anymore…
I was just wondering if you had any resources that I may be able to look into to help me get this under control… or just some recipes you may recommend…
Thank you so much
I’ve been following your blog for years but this post just particularly struck a cord with me and made me want to comment for the first time! Exciting! Lol but really, I have experienced and still do experience a lot of the ups and downs that you have shared in this blog post but after reading this it is really exciting for me to see that I am starting to align with a more healthy thoughts/choices/overall lifestyle. I am also an ED recoverer and so it is a daily goal for me to not worry about calories, the scale, etc. and just do me and do whats best for my body!!
Perfect timing
great post
Taralynn,
I’ve been a silent admirer of your blog for years now without every really writing a comment (I just enjoyed all your workout tips and life stories 🙂 ). I just wanted to say that your posts are SO relatable, and reading this post gave me hope, as well as encouraged me. You are so right– doing the right thing for ourselves is NOT selfish.
Thanks for publishing all your thoughts and wisdoms! It really does make a difference. 🙂
Praying that God continues to bless you! <3
Hey Taralynn,
I haven’t been on your blog in a while, maybe even a year (yikes! i’m sorry) anyways, I just read this story about your rough year and I totally agree with you, everyone has those rough slumps and all you can do is pick yourself back up and get back on the horse!! I’ve been surrounded by negative people too the past couple of years and its really hard to get out of those bad relationships and get a fresh mindset. i’m so proud of you for doing it and getting past it, we all need support and to be there for each other through hard times and not let negativity get us down! So that’s awesome! I’m not sure if you remember me, most likely not, but you actually came into trader joe’s one day in ballantyne and I used to work there and I recognized you and said that I was a fan of your blog, that was a few years ago. but I just wanted to mention that if you are still living in the charlotte area and need more workout friends or anything let me know! I’ve been living here for about 4 years now and don’t have too many friends besides work people and it’s definitely hard as you get older to meet/make new friends. So let me know! 🙂
I feel sad, defeated. I’m down and can’t seem to get up. I am overweight by about 20lbs. Each day I keep telling myself that “today is the day, I am going to watch what I eat, workout” and it never happens.
I love your blogs, all the stories. I am happy for you.
The way I am feeling is affecting my work, family, relationship with friends. I am a good person, just not happy with myself right now.
Can you provide some words of wisdom to help me get started? I just need a nudge from someone. Thanks,
Hi, Diana!
Have you ever thought about talking to a professional or someone that can help you feel better on the inside as well? Sometimes we think that it’s our “weight” that makes us feel unhappy, but it’s a lot of other underlying things causing it. We think weight will just cure whatever is bothering us, but that’s hardly the case.
As for working on your healthy lifestyle, my favorite thing to do is WALK! I walk 3-4 miles every day with my dogs and it’s my time to just relax. Sometimes I’ll play some music or listen to a podcast to make the time fly by. I do this every single day and it doesn’t feel like I’m forcing myself to workout when I don’t want to. You can also find a sport that you like to play! For me, it’s tennis! I could play every day and all day. This keeps me active in a fun way.
Food is the hard part for people. I think it all comes down to moderation and never depriving yourself. That’ll just be an evil cycle in the end. You have to form a healthy relationship with food. If you eat a cupcake, great! Just don’t eat five. If you want a slice of pizza of dinner, NO problem! Just have a slice and some vegetables as a side. You have to find a balance without overdoing it and without putting yourself through restrictive dieting. You’ll be much happier in the end! I’ve always said this “You have to create a healthy lifestyle that BEST fits you!”
Also, stay away from the scale! ❤️
Hi Taralynn,
How are you?. Am Alex from Malaysia.
Gosh i just found your blog. I was searching the net regards to plateau. Yeah .. am having it now.. I lost 13kg and thanks a lot for your tips.
Was reading your journey and yeah…i do feel you. gone through all that phase.
I do have question for you. What will you do when you’re suppose to hit the gym but your family decided to have a bbq party. Will u hit the gym after the party? I have my own schedule and when something come up.. makes me crazy. lol