Two years ago I started my fitness journey. I was 175 pounds, and in a size 16 pants. The above before photo is after I lost about 5 pounds and was down to a size 14. 35 pounds later and 4 pant sizes smaller, I am healthier and more fit than I’ve ever been in my life.
To me, fitness is about being healthy and living a better life. It’s not about being super skinny or model-worthy. In fact, I’d venture to say that many of today’s models aren’t any healthier than a lot of obese people.
Fitness and health are not just something you focus on as a New Year’s Resolution. They aren’t even something that you make a few months commitment to. Fitness and health need to be a lifestyle.
Did I do anything extreme like go on a fad diet to lose the weight? No. I started exercising and just eating real, whole foods. And you know what? You can do it, too!
So this month I’m starting a 30 Day Fitness Challenge, and I’m setting it up so that you can go through this challenge any time of the year. I don’t just want you do it because it’s a New Year. I want you to do it for yourself and for your family, because you deserve it! Change your life, one day at a time.
What you’ll get in this challenge:
- 2 weekly emails of exclusive content to keep you motivated and thriving for 30 days. This includes free bonus recipes as well.
- Daily reminders to workout along with reminders of which days to take a rest.
After your four weeks are up, the emails end. At this point you can start over or just be done. Those who join the challenge will also get my ebook, What Does Organic Mean? absolutely free as a bonus. It’s meant to get you started on the right track of eating healthy during the 30 Day Fitness Challenge.
So are you ready to join me? Let’s go! Sign-up below to start receiving the Challenge right in your inbox:
{ 47 comments… read them below or add one }
Just wanted to say you look FAB!
Just wanted to say you look FAB!
Wow!!!! What an inspiration. I had thought you were always fit and and lead a super healthy lifestyle. I signed up. I want to be healthier this year too!
Take me, I’m yours!
Take me, I’m yours!
Thanks for this post! Your before and after are so inspiring! I am currently around 180 and in a 12-14 pant. This is actually some of an improvement as I’ve been about 10 pounds heavier for the past few years. I work out four-five times a week (and have for about 10 months now), but haven’t seen great results. I’ve tried to do better with our family’s food, but kinda got burned out with it all. We’re not back on a bunch of junk, but probably more than we should (as in using white flour again, white sugar, and frozen pizzas). I’d love to know what you did and how…definitely up for a real, noticeable change!
Wow, Crystal!!! I’m so impressed!!! I’m on a fitness journey as well. And you are so right – it’s not about being skinny. I’ve been technically skinny all my life but FAR from healthy. I’ve started eating healthier the past few years and I have actually GAINED weight. So now I’m having to work out too, lol! It’s definitely been a learning process!
Good for you! You look great! I have been leading a fit and healthy lifestyle that has kept me pretty much the same size since high school, give or take 5 pounds in either direction. Love the challenge!
You look fantastic!
Wow great job! Good for you.
That’s basically the same approach I take – I eat healthy, whole foods and exercise. Its more fulfilling and I don’t pack on pounds. I signed up for the challenge just to keep me motivated and get new ideas.
How did you start exercising? I am a mom of three boys, we homeschool and my husband is working 7 days a week, 10 hr days. I am struggling to find the time. My youngest is 11 months so I can’t really leave him too long.
How did you start exercising? I am a mom of three boys, we homeschool and my husband is working 7 days a week, 10 hr days. I am struggling to find the time. My youngest is 11 months so I can’t really leave him too long.
I started with Wii Fit, and then moved onto Jillian Michael’s 30 Day Shred (20 minute workouts). My challenge recommends that you do 20 minutes a day and 5 days a week. Hopefully everyone can find 20 minutes.
I started with Wii Fit, and then moved onto Jillian Michael’s 30 Day Shred (20 minute workouts). My challenge recommends that you do 20 minutes a day and 5 days a week. Hopefully everyone can find 20 minutes.
I found that facing the treadmill toward the tv and watching something ‘light’ helps. I watch AVF on netflix with the sound off, since it would be too loud over the noise of the machine-don’t want to wake the kiddos too early! I do 1.5 miles easy compared to facing my filthy kitchen and struggling to do .5!
I found that facing the treadmill toward the tv and watching something ‘light’ helps. I watch AVF on netflix with the sound off, since it would be too loud over the noise of the machine-don’t want to wake the kiddos too early! I do 1.5 miles easy compared to facing my filthy kitchen and struggling to do .5!
I am signing up too! Honestly, I need to lose weight, but right now, my main focus is being healthy for my two active boys (age 5 and 6). I don’t want to be the mom sitting on the sidelines…I want to be the mom participating in all aspects of their lives. Thanks for helping with the motivation!
Oh, this is my resolution! I am a proud mom of 7 of which the last 2 are 8 month old twins. I am busy, but I need to learn to cook more whole foods to satisfy all these mouths so they are not hungry all the time, around the clock! I also need to find balance with myself and I believe it starts with portion control. I love food and love to cook, but we are so lacking some things, this will be great as I need to lose at least 50 pounds. Thanks so much for sharing.
you look great, and healthy – love your message about having it be a healthy, fit lifestyle vs. just about being super skinny. Most women can’t ever be a size 2, or look like a Victoria’s Secret model, but they can be healthy and do what feels right for their body. Cheers to you and congrats!
i just subscribed!
You look awesome, Crystal!!!
I just joined!!! I’m so excited about getting back on track.
You look AWESOME!!! Congrats!
You look amazing! Waaayyy to go!!
Wow you look great and I love the post. Just signed up.
I signed up. Thank you!!! I did the 30 day shred today. Phew! I forgot how challenging it is. ( trying to muster up the courage to take the before pic lol)
I signed up. Thank you!!! I did the 30 day shred today. Phew! I forgot how challenging it is. ( trying to muster up the courage to take the before pic lol)
You look great!!
Do it Ruth!
You are such an inspiration, thank you for sharing your story. I am going to try your 30 day challenge, can’t wait! Also love your hair
You look great. Thanks for all your inspiration, I just signed up.
You look fabulous! Glowing.
I haven’t worked out, not one time.
Way to go!
Do good until after supper/before bed snacking, but spot on for exercising
Crystal, you look great, and I know you feel so much better, too! I’m proud of you!
LOL! Well you can start exercising at any time
I just signed up and can’t get into the challenge link
Thats awesome, good for you!!!
I have walked every day with my 2 yr old on the stroller and the 20lb 11 month old strapped to my chest. A hour each day!
I have exercised as suggested and did rest yesterday. I’m mixing cardio at the gym and 30 day shred. As of today, MTW shred.. Today treadmill/ elliptical 30 mins each. I feel really energized
Doing great. Trying to do M W F Sat Sun for exercise (to exclude the late work nights) homemade yogurt for breakfast with fruit on my way out the door helps me avoid the vending machine breakfast. Not even missing the soda either:) I am in love with zumba for xbox when my toddler finally sleeps lol
Thanks to your reminder emails, I’ve actually stayed on top of my workout schedule, and feel great! Drinking more water, eating fresh foods, and I’m going to try some of the smoothie recipes you sent out in the free recipe link. Thanks so much for the motivation!
You look great Crystal!! Thank you for your inspiration!
I downloaded the myfitnesspal.com app. It keeps track of my caloric intake and output (exercise). I lost 2 pounds yesterday just by upping my water intake. SUCH a great feeling! Thanks for keeping us all motivated!
I have worked out/or done stretching and yoga EVERY day for 10 days. Down 3 pounds, and 12 left to go! Good bye baby weight (4 kids!!)
Oh my goodness… those before and after pics are INCREDIBLE! You look absolutely amazing. Great job!!