Goodbye to My Regular Wednesday “Date”–Ben Byrd!

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Maintenance

I am still very vigilant about working out and what I eat, but now it’s just maintenance and honestly, it comes so easy because I feel better having made the changes in the types of foods I eat and enjoy being active. I’ve substituted out many foods easily in my diet like Greek yogurt for sour cream and a base for dips, Stevia for sugar, homemade salad dressings that I can keep on the low calorie side–there are SO many things that you can change that taste even better!!

I also love Zumba–it’s not a chore. There’s a fun camaraderie with classmates. It takes your mind off of everything else–all of the day’s stress, problems, things to do list–because all you can think about is putting moves together and staying alive through a butt kicking class. I’ve followed Ben’s classes as he’s moved to teaching at other places besides Alvin Ailey. I also have a great Tuesday Zumba instructor, Jannelle Cortes of Groovefit, who is amazing as well.

After class with my Tuesday evening Zumba instructor, Jannelle Cortes

What More Can I Do That’s Good?

I am in such a satisfying place personally and professionally right now. I enjoy fashion so much–obviously it’s my job too, but I really enjoy trying out new trends and feel like I have so many more options available to me now. I also feel so much healthier–I have a good endurance for a long day of snowboarding on the mountain.

In the past couple of years, I have added additional activity to my life like yoga and weekend runs. I actually enjoy staying active. It’s rewarding to me. I am also mostly gluten free which has removed most processed/packaged foods out of my diet. For example, things like Smart Ones and Weight Watchers meals and many pre-packaged snacks, although touted for their low calories, are highly processed and loaded with sodium. I try to purchase things that when you look at the back for nutrition information don’t have a million unrecognizable chemicals and ingredients.

I pack my lunches for work which typically are a salad with some protein or a quinoa based veggie dish or a homemade soup. On Sundays, I make about 3 days worth of lunches. And then, mid-week I’ll make the rest. I also pack up about three 100 calorie snacks for the day–greek yogurt with berries, veggies and yogurt based dip or hummus, nut/dried fruit mix, a piece of fruit. Honestly, there are so many great options to keep you filled up between meals.

I just started using a fitbit to check my activity levels each day–even though I’m pretty aware of how active I am, this just motivates me a little bit more and you can challenge your friends to stay fit as well!

1. At my 25th high school class reunion 2. Rockin’ some fun fashion this summer 2014 3. Enjoying Napa Valley 2014

I know that I’ve helped a few other friends to get started on their journey of losing weight as well. My parents are avid Zumba and yoga participants which I love! One of my favorite Zumba stories is when I was waiting at baggage claim in Milwaukee, a lady waiting for her bags for a Zumba convention struck up a conversation with me and we both shared our stories of weight loss. She showed me a picture of her before her transformation and we could both identify how much we loved Zumba and what a life changer it was. I enjoy sharing my story with people because I know how hard it can be to get yourself started on the road to better health and weight loss, but it is possible. It just can’t be done overnight. It’s a process. It’s not a diet–it’s a lifestyle change. And now I need a new date for Wednesday evenings!! I’m sure I’ll find someone but it’s not going to be the same without Ben!