Lifestyle Changes

Hellooo blog world! Let me start off by apologizing for my lack of presence on my fitness social media lately. Between the stress of college applications and the holidays, this girl has been chuggin' away. For example, as of right now at 9:42 PM on Sunday night, I sound like a 70 year old smoker due to a lovely sinus infection, as I am setting my alarm for 5:00 AM to start off my lovely day filled with school, internship, work, and a workout. On top of that, I am anxiously awaiting the dozen of college decisions that are to come in the next few weeks *insert panic attack here*.

current obsession to keep me sane

Sigh...

Besides my insanely busy life, I have (for the most part) kept up with my fitness goals. However, I am human, and I did unfortunately take a week off of cardio due to busyness, which then led to treachery when I forced myself to get back at it a week later. And, 2 weeks after that, I injured my right IT band, which prevented me from partaking in some of my favorite leg day exercises. Because why? Sh** happens. Now it is March, and I am pushing myself to jump-start my summer body (more lean) after my hibernation/food-coma months of winter. I have set huge goals for my graduation date and beginning of college, and no body is going to get in my way.

Now...why are we here today?

Grace Miller, one of my childhood best friends, recently reminded me of why I do what I do. This young lady has made what I love to call the all-famous "lifestyle change", and I couldn't be more proud. In the past few weeks, I've been asked a lot about what diet I am on or why I lift 6 days a week. Many people think this is just a phase in my life, and that once I am in college, this will all just fly out the window. Let me just warn you right now that this is NOT the case, nor will it ever be the case. I am not working my butt off, spending hundreds on food and supplements for it to all go down the drain in college. Even my parents call me crazy for the things I do, but I know that fitness and health has become such an integrated part of my life; so much so, that I plan to minor in exercise science or health along with my pre-law major so that I can be a personal trainer someday in the near future. Okay, angry rant over. Continuing...

Back to the point: many of my days come down to me being surrounded with all of these men and women that have the whole "New Years Resolutions" mentality, or the whole "I'll workout until I'm skinny" crap. No. You don't stop working out when you're "skinny". The fact that SO many people actually believe this is depressing. In the past few months, even though I'm only 17, I have talked to numerous adults and teens that have asked me about my journey (mainly since I work at the gym) and they all seem very inspired by what I have to say. & this is exactly what I want to do with my life - inspire people. So if I can start now as a high schooler, why not continue?

Lifestyle changes. Make them happen. Super antioxidant teas and "30 days to abs" will not get you the results you want. Yeah, it requires a whole lot of work, time, and dedication. But I can promise you that you will have zero regrets. Do I miss those fudge rounds and Lucky Charms? Of course. But do I miss the feeling that they gave me as I shoved 4 serving sizes down my throat? Absolutely not. Which is exactly why I could not be any happier with how I have turned my life around. The more people I can convince to do this, the better. And yes -- I know that healthy food and a gym are deterred by money; trust me, I know because I am responsible for buying all of my own food and gym stuff. But then I remind myself of how much money would be wasted on the junk and health problems in the future, along with the major lack of self confidence, which is where the justification for a healthy lifestyle kicks in.

latest meal prep includes chicken, rice, greek yogurt, soymilk, veggies, and a hint of dark choco

So next time you are listening to one of your friends rave about this new slim pill or TV diet, stop and think twice about trying it. Instead, consider revamping your entire way of living. Trust me, you will be more successful in the end.

*I am in no way shaming the fad-diets or diet programs; I do truly believe that a select few work and contribute to a healthy lifestyle; however, I much too often see many that promote a "21 day diet" which brings people down the wrong path. I know, because I've tried for myself.

That's all for now.

current goal swimsuit for the summer 

what would a blog post be without a current selfie? courtesy of a friend's house of course ;)

Ta ta. 

Lyndsey