What happens if you don't follow the program?

I remember back a very short time ago, December 24th 2014. I checked in with my "25 Days of Fitmas" group to post our ending stats. I proudly posted my 208 lbs weight with the associated measurements (I was nursing a shoulder injury and doing mostly cardio based programs like T25), and I was quite happy going into the holidays being that lean. All of the challengers also did a great job that month keeping the weight off during a statistically difficult time to do so.

Santa must have been listening when I asked for 2 programs for Christmas. I received Les Mills Combat an MMA inspired cardio and fat blasting program. I also received Body Beast. I have wanted this program ever since it was made available in 2012. This program is designed to help you gain muscle, serious muscle, IF you follow the program.

Like every month before I shared my goals with my monthly challengers, my goal being that I was starting Body Beast on January 12th AND I have the lofty goal of submitting such amazing results, that I can get into the infomercial casting call in June.

I have given 110% to each and every workout. Muscles I never knew existed are sore every day. I am so lucky to have a gym partner that pushes me daily to be better than I was the day before. I can't stress enough how well the program works to put on muscle.

And then it was time to follow the diet........

I struggled in the first month to hit the calorie goal with the "right" kind of calories. I also seemed to give myself permission to stray from the plan to hit my calorie goal. Stating that I was "bulking" made it OK to eat crap food. When you put garbage in, you get garbage out......

Instead of having jaw dropping results, I now weigh 232 lbs (a weight I have not seen since Jan. 2nd 2012). I wish I could say it is all muscle gain, but it is not. I didn't follow the program, and I have paid the price.

For me this is so much more than just not following a process. This is my life cycle. I started to gain weight around 9 years old, after my parents divorce. This continued roughly until I hit my 20's.

 My 20's I managed to stay somewhat fit by taking all the wrong "supplements" and trying to look like a WWE wrestler.

I turned 30 and hit 305 lbs and yo-yo dieted from 280-300lbs for the next 7 years.

I took my life back after that, if you have followed this blog ya'll know the story, if not check out my first post about my transformation.

And now at 41, I worry that not following the program has set me on a path of self destruction again. The feelings of embarrassment with how I have let myself go are back. The feeling that I am a fraud to all of you that were inspired by my story. The feeling of disappointment in myself......

I write this not to get pity or to hear that "It will be OK". I write this to cleanse the negative vibe from my mind. I write this to vent my frustrations with myself.

Most importantly, I write this for those of you that struggle every day.

I struggle every single day with controlling my weight and my eating habits. I will struggle every day of my life with this. I will have more good days than bad. I will overcome this......

If this story hit home with you, or you know someone that has the same troubles, please share my story. I am always looking to help people in their journey.

Why struggle alone when you can have support along the way?

Reluctant and unsure, now confident and strong: The Succes Story of Danielle T

Fad diets or workouts never really paid off, yet support and motivation did! Danielle is now just one of the many Challenge Group Rock Stars!

Keep in mind Danielle is a busy Mom of 2 that works full time AND is going back to school to further her education. If she can find 30 minutes a day to take care of her self, anyone can.

Here is the beginning of her journey:

"About 6 months ago a friend approached me to join a Facebook challenge group that she was going to be a part of. When she asked me to join I was a little reluctant and unsure, but gave it a try anyways.

Six months and 27 pounds later, I look back and I am so thankful that I made the decision that I did!

Steve's support throughout this process has been invaluable. He fights this weight battle himself as well and has made such progress over the past few years. Every month I look forward to a new beginning, new Team members, new ideas, new recipes and new goals. Steve, without a doubt brings everything he has to the group each month. He is an amazing coach. He keeps us engaged and motivated each and every day.

He also reminds us regularly that being fit is not something that comes naturally to him. He has to continuously work for it. He certainly has done that, but continues his fight each and every day. I do not know where I would be right now if it was not for this challenge group. It has been such an important component of my journey. Everyday it gives me the motivation to push play and workout or make good food choices.

I am so grateful to have crossed paths with Steve as a coach. He has truly changed my mindset and I am forever grateful that I get to work alongside him daily on my journey!"

Danielle T