If I were to write a book about my journey to healthy living, I would probably call it “Transforming Tricia in 21 Days”. Or something along those lines. You see, on day one of my journey I felt like I was standing at the bottom of a tall mountain. I was looking up, and no matter how far I craned my neck, I just couldn’t see the top. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t fathom losing 120+ pounds.
Don’t get me wrong, I knew I NEEDED too. And somewhere, deep inside I must have believed I COULD do it. But I was daunted by the numbers. I simply couldn’t wrap my head around it. That’s a whole (small) person. I needed to lose a PERSON. How do you do that?!
Well, according to the media and my peers and hello even most doctors, you do that by taking diet pills. Or you order food off an infomercial and see how long you can be happy living on processed cardboard. Or you have surgery. Or maybe you just accept that you’re a large person and instead of fighting obesity you just shoulder the burden and move on.
Well guess what? I can pretty much claim to have tried it all. If there was a “get skinny quick” claim out there, I bought into it. Over the years I spent THOUSANDS of dollars and abused my body in countless ways, desperate for a change. But you know what I hadn’t tried? Lifestyle changes. Oh sure, occasionally I’d try to eat healthy, but it would only last a day or two and then I was right back to my old ways.
This time had to be different. I knew that in order for me to lose the weight, and more importantly, be HEALTHY, I needed to form new habits. I had heard somewhere that it takes 21 days to make a habit. I decided to apply that principal to healthy living. Forget figuring out how to lose 120 pounds, I just committed to 21 days of eating well and working out.
photo credit
I’ll be honest and tell you: I gave myself an “out”. I said, if after that 21 day time period I hated the way I was living, or wasn’t seeing the results I wanted then I could quit. So I ate right, and moved my body every day for 21 days. Imagine my surprise when after 21 days I had lost TWENTY pounds, and more importantly I was feeling better and loving the way I was living. There was no turning back, the new habits were formed.
In a little under 9 months I hit the 100 pounds lost mark, faster than I ever thought possible. A few more months and an additional 28 pounds came off. Along the way I picked up a passion for healthy living. It all started with a 21 day challenge to myself.
So, why am I rehashing my story? Most of you probably already knew all that. I sat down and wrote this to remind MYSELF of the power of 21 days. The last couple of months I’ve been grumbling to my husband about my pants being tight and just feeling a little unhappy with where I am. I run and workout consistently,but have let all those miles I run be an excuse for eating far too many indulgences. I’ve picked up on this before, focused on it for a few days, and then forgotten about it. Silly cycle that’s left me gaining and losing the same 10 pounds. It seemed like an endless vicious cycle until last week I had a light bulb moment.
I LOST 128 POUNDS. I changed my life from one of excess to one centered about being healthy. I am 100% in control of my body. Instead of complaining about feeling squishy I need to do something about it. It’s time to break what has become a habit.
Last Monday I pulled out my calendar and marked off 21 days. For those days I promised myself I could be aware of how I am treating my body. I would be kind to it with what I fuel it with. Today marks one week. This past week I have been reminded how much better I feel when I eat healthy. I’ve lost 5 of those silly pounds in the past week, but more importantly, my body is HAPPY with me.
Once again I am reminded that small steps add up to great things.
I may only be talking to myself here, and that’s ok. But I have a suspicion that there are those of you out there that can relate. It may not involve weight for you, it may be something else entirely. The principal is the same. You CAN achieve those goals. They may seem daunting, but if you break it down into small, attainable steps you will get there.
"The journey of a thousand miles begins with one single step."
Tricia, what a neat “mantra” to follow – 21 days. I like it because it's a goal. Way to go – as always you are amazing! :0)
Great post! I am teaching a 8 week fitness class for women that challenges all their preconceived notions of themselves. I am going to send them a link to this blog post. Very inspiring.
Oh I can relate so so well. Thank you. Whenever I need to reality check, your blog always seems to shine a light. xx
Your weight loss is incredible. Congratulations on not only losing it, but keeping it off through the change in lifestyle. I, too, have used running as an excuse to eat the same crap that once made me fat. But like you said after your first week back to being nice to your body- you just feel better! Thanks for the motivation to get back to what I need to do for my body, too. Have a great day!
I completely relate to this. While I haven't said this on my blog, I'm taking part in this 21 day habit-changing lifestyle. I'm on day 15 and feel so much better. It is hard to stick to it sometimes or if you're like me, I get burnt out from calorie counting and that's when I need it most! Thank you for being such an inspiration to me and so many other people out there! Keep up the awesome work!
That is so true! Congrats on your weight loss and your commitment to be healthier!
I need to print this post out. I tell myself ALL.THE.TIME it only takes 21 days. And 21 days is nothing in the grand scheme of things. Everyday I go back and forth with myself and with my friend on how unhappy I am with my image.
Just today I said we probably waste more time complaining about the way we look and feel than it would take to actually DO something about it.
Great post!!
You are my hero.
This is an AWESOME post! I really enjoyed reading it and it totally rings true for how I'm feeling right now. I've been using my mileage as an excuse to indulge too. I want to try your 21 days!
Thanks for this!
Thank you so much for this!
You are SUCH an amazing, strong inspiration.
I know I needed this (you)
Thanks
YOU ARE AMAZING!
That was very inspirational. I am sure there are many things I could apply this too in my life so I could actually accomplish something.
Thank you for this. I needed to read that this morning. 21 days to form a habit….
That is amazing! You look awesome! I find I use running as an excuse to overindulge in cupcakes! Thanks for reminding me to be healthy!
I could listen to your weight loss story any day! It is so inspiring!!! Thank you for this 21 day mantra! I have been needing a reset. I lost 70lbs but have been letting myself slide the past 2 weeks. I need to cut the complaining and do something! Looks like there are 21 days in my future!!
I am always in awe of your story! So amazing what the power of will can do! You rock!
Love this post! Great reminder of what you can accomplish and 21 days is the perfect framework.
Your weight loss is truly inspiring. I'm going to keep that 21 days in mind the next time I feel like I'm falling off the wagon.
I would like to thank you for this post. I lost 65lbs last year and I too have gotten in this vicious cycle of indulging/complaining, and I dont like it. Getting injured really made me because I couldnt run, and food has always been my way to be happy. Starting today is my 21 days, thank you for inspiring me (one of the few guys I see, but man or woman, we all can relate!).
Great post! And wow at what you can accomplish in 21 days!
Very inspiring. I think we could all benefit from 21 days of healthier choices and self reflection. Thanks for sharing.
very inspirational. i got goosebumps reading that.
u should write that book! id read it!
Great reminder. I had a similar aha moment last week.
Thanks for this reminder. I am struggling with diet/exercise/healthy choices/addiction to caffeine and know that I SHOULD do it, but actually committing to health is something else entirely. Seems overwhelming.
Incredible Tricia! Sometimes after we've worked so hard for a goal we want to just relax and relish the moment without realizing we can undo some of the hard work we did. I am starting a 30 day challenge tomorrow with some friends and it's just what I need to refocus. Thank you for sharing your story, your dedication is very inspiring!
Incredible Tricia! Sometimes after we've worked so hard for a goal we want to just relax and relish the moment without realizing we can undo some of the hard work we did. I am starting a 30 day challenge tomorrow with some friends and it's just what I need to refocus. Thank you for sharing your story, your dedication is very inspiring!
Just totally cool! No if, ands or buts about it!
I feel so lucky and blessed to know you…you encourage me in so many ways that you don't even realize! Thanks for simply being amazing and for being you!
YOU ROCK!
AND…we need to get together SOON!
” I run and workout consistently,but have let all those miles I run be an excuse for eating far too many indulgences”
YES YES YES. I needed to read this post – i've been grumbling lately too and need to devote myself to 21 days as well – thank you so much for this!
Such an inspiring story! Great job!!
This was a great post, thanks for sharing! I have struggled all my life with my weight and even at 50, it is NOT easy. I love your 21 days idea, still not easy, but something tangible. Your journey is inspiring, thanks again!
What an ispiration you are!
And everything you said is so true…one step at a time and you will get there!!
Thanks for this post. I think most of us out there can relate.
OK! NOW! First of all… YOU JUST CAME UP WITH THE TITLE TO YOUR BOOK! YES! YOU! DID! You HAVE to write this book and help millions of us that need it!
I am not YELLING at you, I am yelling with excitement TO you!
21 days! I am going to get up – grab the calender and start my 21 days TODAY! THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I woke up this morning with self loathing about this weight… I needed this so badly.
Have a pretty day! p.s. I want a signed copy.
Kristin
What a lovely post. And a great reminder- next change I need to make, I'm marking 21 days out on the calendar
Great post. So true!
Such a GREAT post. 21 days…I think I need a 21 day stretch of healthy days. It's been far too long for me.
Oh, yeah…the food part is what gets me. We eat pretty healthy, but portion size and bad snacking undo a lot of the effort I put into running. I have my 20 year hs reunion this summer (really? 20 years??), and I almost feel like I need to put a disclaimer on facebook that despite all my posting about running I'm not thin. I have this thought that people are going to look at me and be surprised that I look pretty much the same as ever.
Orrrr….I could just get back to eating right-er and do strength training. Maybe that would be better.
Awesome, awesome post. Thank you for sharing!
Hi, Bringing Pretty Back pointed me your way for some inspiration! What an inspiration you are! That 21 day self challenge is a great idea! I think I will start with 2 days I haven't done 2 consecutive days in a long time!
Thanks for the great post. Sometimes I overlook how important those small steps really are!
I just did a post very similar to this. A Blogger friend left a comment telling me to read yours, then my aunt emailed me with the link to your blog that someone else had posted on Facebook today. I needed to read this today. Thank you sooo much! I'm starting my 21 days today!
I love your story. Thanks for sharing again!
I'm so with you. Losing my 110 lbs? Easy. Once I got the momentum going it was almost effortless (at least on recollect, I'm sure not every moment was, but it was about establishing habits and then using inertia). Losing this 15 that's crept back on? SO HARD.
Great job sticking to it. Mine's coming off slow, but it's getting there…
I can totally relate! I had a significant weight loss 2 yrs ago, and just like you, have, over the last few months, used the amount of running I am doing to add foods back into my diet that I had stopped eating. Over the last several weeks I got to the point, where I just had to start over again! No more eating foods that I know I should not.
I really needed to hear this one today. I have been praparing for baby sister in law's wedding and today I was beginning again to watch it all and choose more carefully- few slip ups last week but still lost a pound..and waking up tired after wedding weekend….I didn't make best breakfast or lunch choice..but the bike and TM are in my future when I get home to counteract that plus smart dinner and tomorrow will be day 1 of 21! thanks for helping a tired momma out!
FANTASTIC post Tricia. Your journey makes you sooooo much stronger. You are a new person and look at the lives you are touching!!
21 days is a great way to begin your life long journey.
I can so relate to using “miles” to eat more. I totally felt it during training and know I can do better!
That is a fantastic thing to do! I'm so amazed by your transformation, congratulations! It just shows that it can be done with changing your diet and doing some form of exercise. You are an inspiration to others and don't you forget that!
Thank you for sharing!! I so need this reminder! I think I need to start my 21 days….now to just pick a good day to start! LOL the I will start tomorrow theory. I will make a change and I will make that effort.
When you decide to do something you really get it done. I'm so impressed with the way that you've thought this through and then put it into action.
I know exactly how you feel, from beginning to where I am now. I have 27lbs left to lose until goal of 112 lbs loss and I just have to recommit. I know my overall habits are healthy, I just need to tighten it up to make this goal. 21 days sounds good to me.
Tricia, great reminder that the little steps really add up to big results. I love that even after all you have accomplished you still go back to this basic approach.
You wrote this at the right time for me. I didn't lose as much weight as you, but after having my two kids I changed from a chubby girl, to a fit personal trainer. However, because of life stresses I've been eating whatever I want lately, and have been feeling unhappy about the way I am feeling. Thank you! Back to the veggies!
I can so relate to this post. I have been going through the same thing lately and have found myself needing to get back to the basics and get this weight off!
This is great. This is not the way my personal journey has gone, but I like this for when I talk to others… I like it because 21 seems like a number anyone can conquer. It's a small goal so the whole thing doesn't seem overwhelming… absolutely love it.
That is great, and so very powerful. Thank you!
You are so amazing. Totally inspiring! Thanks so much for sharing your story…in a day where most people just opt for the surgery, you did the work yourself!! Congrats and keep it up.
runnningtobeskinny.com
WOW! Truly inspirational! Thank you for sharing your story.
So inspirational! I lost 70 pounds this last year by telling myself I only had to commit to 30 days at a time. I'm at a plateau with 9 pounds to lose. Starting right now I'm going to treat my body well for 21 days and get back on track. Thank you so very much.
Thank you for your post and I am so glad that I stopped by…it was exactly what I needed to read today. You are an inspiration! Rock on!
Wow… you are so inspirational, Tricia! I'll have to do the 21-day challenge myself… my eating habits have been lazier than I want them to be.
wow that is amazing! you lost it so fast! i love the idea of just telling yourself to make to so far and then you can re-evaluate at that point. that way you don't feel trapped or like you HAVE to do it forever. you worked with yourself and played a little bit of a mind game too. sometimes we need trick ourselves a little.
Amazing! Congratulations on all your hard work. It's really inspiring.
This is just the post I needed today! I can totally relate to what you are saying and not only have you reminded yourself about the small steps, but you have reminded me as well.
Thanks a million Tricia, you are a star!!
What an amazing post. I really needed to read this. I'm going to mark 21 days on my calendar!
Thank you x
Im going to follow suit…can do almost anything for 21 days right?
Tricia, I love the 21 Days concept, thanks so much for the motivation!
You are amazing, my friend! I'm so thankful to have met you
Can't wait to do more active things with you in Austin!
i just came here from Nancy's post and I love your post here. i just marked 21 days on my calendar.
This is an awesome post. Sometimes we get so caught up in moving forward, forward, forward, that we forget to reflect on how far we've come. And you've come a long way, girl! The realization that YOU (and only you) are in control of the shape you are in is POWERFUL. Being married, sometimes I like to try and blame my husband (HE insisted we go out for burgers, HE said he wanted to buy ice cream for the house, etc.), but ultimately, I am in control of what I eat and when I exercise.
I had not heard that it takes 21 days for something to become a habit, but I believe it. Mentally, it seems like a “doable” amount of time. I've been really struggling with my dairy-free diet that I've committed to, but I think this is the approach that I am going to take with it. Thanks for the insight!
Great reminder…21 days! Love your blog, as always, you are very inspiring!
good for you! you are in control. i'm doing the same thing right now and documenting it on my foodie blog. i started a 30 day program last friday that's all good-for-me changes/additions to my diet/fitness plan. i am in the maintenance phase of my weight-loss journey too and do the same that you've described; the “if/then” attitude about food and exercise. “i worked out so it's okay to eat _______” … it's a trap! i'm trying to drop 7 pounds right now to be back to my happy-jeans-are-comfortable-weight. you can do it! you have a great support system here! take advantage. i'll be following along.
Holy cow- I've read your blog for months but never commented. But this post speaks to me in a surprising way. I have never battled weight; well, that's not entirely true. I'm one of those runners who needs to gain a little fat in order to have regular cycles, etc. Coming off of my second marathon and wanting to have another baby, this post gave me a really clear, simple way to put my priorities in order and, as you said, be kind to my body. The last month I have been eating utter crap in the hopes of gaining five pounds, but that just isn't the way. I will mark off 21 days on my calendar tonight and hopefully make some new habits. Thank you!
Tricia,
I needed this post as all my clothes are a bit too snug around my middle and I'm using running to over indulge too!!!
You are so inspiring!!!
Thanks!
Great post! You are an amazing inspiration and I am forever grateful that our paths have crossed.
I'm amazed about the before and after pics! You look so good in the after! Good for you!
Love this post. I struggle with the 'far too many indulgences' and the up and down 10 lbs thing. 21 days. I can do that. Thanks.
Wow! That is amazing. What changes did you make exactly in your 21 days? Any way you'd be willing to share? I've hit the biggest I've ever been, and need at least 120 pounds to lose… I'd love any tips… I'm going to start my 21 days too!
I really needed to read this tonight. Thank you.
What an inspiration! 21 days. I think I may follow in your footsteps to make a few changes in my own life.
amazing
check out http://thesafeweightloss.com for a free weight loss guide if anyone is interested
Wow- Great post! I can see why so many follow and so many comment.
I had been in OA and their thing was “Just for today…” which I found helpful, but I really like the 21-day concept to help change habits. I wonder if I can combine it: Just for today I will stick to my 21-day goal.
So inspiring!
You are suchan inspiration! I am new to your blog.. And a fellow Texas Girl..
Great post! I definitely will be using this to help get the dreaded baby weight off!
Best post ever!
21 days, eh? Hm, perhaps I should give myself a 21 day goal. Certainly couldn't hurt!