Let's Talk About Diets!

Here's one thing that has been a big part of my life the past 6 months: diet and fitness!  When I began my magical journey into health, I weighed, at my biggest, 180lbs.  I'm 5'9", so I was never "fat" by any means.  My BMI calculated in the 'normal weight' category.  I may have been considered "normal," but I was not happy with the way I looked.  

I cannot remember a time in my life when I've ever felt good about my appearance (until now, of course!).  In elementary school, I was really tall so all the kids would take that as "Ewwww, you're fat!"  In junior high, I felt frumpy and awkward.  In high school, I tried my best to blend in...

Oh, look! Little ol' 16 year old me!

 Those days are gone! I recently found myself in a place where a big change was necessary.  I decided I would take this seriously for the first time ever and get in shape.  It just so happened one of my newest, best, good friends was a certified personal trainer!  He gave me a diet plan and worked with me in the gym everyday.  Since February 2013, I have lost 45lbs! 

Before and After! (Don't mind the sombrero...hehe. I needed to cover my undies somehow!)

I trained in the gym about 1 hour per day - cardio, weights, superset, etc.  I ate approximately every 3 hours.  Protein shakes (kale, unsweet almond milk, Muscle Milk brand protein powder, 1 tbsp ground flax seed, 1/4 cup oats, and whatever fruit or veg additional you want!) for breakfast and dinner, healthy snacks in between, and a protein (meat! Nom!) and a veggie for lunch.  It took a lot of self control but once it became a routine, it was easy!

Now, I don't have the help of a trainer anymore, it's up to me to keep going!  I have continued to lose weight and slim out, but the muscle building has slowed, as I need my trainer back! I am at a loss.... I will continue to push myself!  I've seen too much change to stop now! Take a gander at this....

2010 - 2011 - 2013

I will give my amazing boyfriend, Juan, most of the credit for my progress.  He is the aforementioned personal trainer!  It also helped that he was in amazing shape - lookin' all drop dead sexy - I had to do something!  I needed to look gooooood on his arm! He promised me he'd make me look like Marilyn Monroe, but I think he did better - he made me look like me at my fullest (as of now!) potential.

Juan is working on a little project - L-Icon Mind & Body.  As of now, it is a non-profit organization geared towards helping people.  He plans on giving free personal training and dieting tips to folks in need, who might not be able to afford it otherwise.  He gives advice on getting motivated to better yourself and pushes you to see things more positively and think more openly.  He is one amazing guy, and if you ever have any questions about fitness, health, diet, ANYTHING - get at him! 

Here is his Facebook page: L-Icon Mind & Body

If you have any doubts on if he can help you out or not, take a look at this and go like that dang ol' Facebook page!

Bodies by Licon...haha! Give me some credit, too! :P

 Also, remember, if you have any questions for me about what I do for exercise or how I make my shakes, feel free to ask away! I'd love to help you reach your goals!

Love love, your Sapphire Chanteuse,
Adrian Lea

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