Try hard, it’ll probably feel good!

Lacy davis’s story 

HC : what made you decide you needed to change your life?

I have changed my life in three really significant ways worth noting. 

1) At age 14, I decided to go vegan for the first time. 

2) In my mid twenties I got into recovery for an eating disorder, and 

3) At age 28, I got into lifting weights.

I will tell you about all of the above!

I went vegan at 14 for 100% ethical reasons. Although high school was rough for me (I dropped out after Sophomore year, due to general friendlessness) I did grow up in kind of an amazing time of life when veganism (and straight edge) were SUPER popular at my school. There were so many vegans, in fact, that there was a vegan window in the cafeteria that served pasta with marinara, salads, veggie soups, bagels, and vegan cookies. I was given a “why vegan?” pamphlet from my school’s animal rights club and long story short, those carnage shots were kind of it for me and eating animal products. I was depressed by the cruelty the meat, dairy, and egg industries take part in and also just disgusted. Who wants to eat something bred in such horrible conditions?!

In my early 20’s I went through a rough break up that prompted me to swiftly develop an eating disorder. (Not saying that my ED was this dude’s FAULT, of course it wasn’t, but it was just kind of the match that was lit under the disorder’s gas soaked paper pile.) I lost a lot of weight very quickly, and really struggled with the idea of needing to gain weight back to maintain health. I hating looking like a “sickly” vegan, and knowing that people likely equated my eating disorder with my veganism despite the fact that i was vegan for nearly a decade before I began to restrict my food. At age 24, I got into recovery because I felt that I needed to be a good representative for veganism, feminism, etc. I knew that restricting, purging, and compulsively exercising was the antithesis of everything I thought women deserved and the best way to fight the good fight would be to treat myself well.

Lifting weights was basically the thing I completely credit the success of my recovery to. I *tried* to recover for years, and even with all of my politics around veganism and feminism, nothing I did seemed to stick. Finally, in 2012, I joined a Crossfit gym, and picked up a barbell for the first time. From that day forward, I never purged again (which had grown to be the most active part of my ED). It was like suddenly there was a motivator to not puke. My body needed fuel, and I knew that if I threw up I wouldn’t be able to lift as heavy. Things started clicking into place as my muscles grew. I will forever love weight lifting, not only for what it has done for my body- but what it has done for my mind.

HC: what steps did you take to improve your life?

Lifting was number one of course! Eating to fuel came shortly thereafter. Regularly writing an affirmation and gratitude list completely changed my life, as well, because it got me to not only finally accept myself and my body, but to actually love, appreciate, and deeply respect what I had going on. 

HC: what motivates you keep on this path?

I am extremely motivated by my podcast listeners, blog readers, and clients. I am motivated by the sheer volume of people who say they want to lift but are scared. I am motivated by the fact that millions of animals are needlessly murdered each day, and that by living as an example of a positive, healthy, HAPPY, nourished woman I am offering a perspective to non-vegans anywhere. I am motivated by gains in the gym and feeling at peace with my appearance. I am motivated by little kids, and wishing to give them an adult example of someone who is empowered and embodied.

HC: what are you most proud of going thru this journey?

I am proud when I get messages and people in person telling me that I have helped them to recover from their eating disorders. I am proud that I like myself! Not just accept, but like. That was a pretty rough journey, really.

HC: what future goals do you have ?

I plan to snatch 100 lbs! Not a power snatch, but a SQUAT SNATCH, baby! (My mobility is behind my strength so its the squat that is the real challenge) I know that’s not a huge amount  of weight to some, but to me I know it would feel incredible. I also have a big goal of writing a book, which is very much in process. If all goes according to plan, my publisher should have it on the shelves in the fall of 2017. My last big goal is to open a body positive gym, but that one’s down the road 🙂

HC: if you could share any advice or words of encouragement what would they be?

You are just as worthy as love and respect as anyone else. There is strength in asking for assistance. Try hard, it’ll probably feel good.

HC: where can people get in touch with you?(contact info,social media sites)

Super Strength Health

Rise and Resist Podcast

Instagram

Twitter

Facebook

lacyisripped@gmail.com

 

BEFORE :

 

AFTER :

thank you for sharing your story lacy.if you know of anyone that has a story to share.have them email me at bigtymer32@gmail.com or contact me on my facebook page http://www.facebook.com/hotchocolatefitness

let’s connect

instagram : @bigtymer32

twitter:   @bigtymer32

youtube : http://www.youtube.com/user/bigtymer32

Impact change the way crystal did!

crystal collins story’s

HC: what made you decide you needed to change your life?

CC: Several years ago I was unhealthy and unhappy at a size 16. I felt like I couldn’t function well, lacked energy, and was dealing with depression on a regular basis. I’d deal with getting sick frequently, and I simply wasn’t happy with what I saw when I looked in the mirror.

HC : what steps did you take to improve your life?

CC: Initially I began getting more active, and started eating healthy/whole foods. I eliminated almost all processed foods, and reduced my meat consumption. I quickly dropped down to about a size 8, and began juicing pretty regularly. I’d do 2 juice cleanses a year, and drink juice a couple times a week. Through this, I dropped down to a size 4. I was still fairly active, but I noticed that I still wasn’t feeling like I was operating at peak efficiency. I felt sluggish at times, and the only time I ever felt amazing was when I did juice cleansing. 

 

So after my most recent cleanse, I decided that I wanted to go full on vegan. I had toyed with being a vegan/vegetarian for these past several years, and had always told family and friends that I was the “wannabe vegan.” But something changed in me this past January, and I was finally ready to make the plunge. It wasn’t something I feared I would fail anymore, but knew without a doubt that I was ready for it and could succeed. 

HC: what motivates you keep on this path?

CC: Since going on the high carb low fat vegan lifestyle, I’ve dropped from that 4, down to a 2. If that’s not motivation, I don’t know what is. I had previously stayed on a plateau for the longest time, going back and forth between a 4 and a 6. To finally get past that after a month and a half of veganism, is truly motivating. 

 

But this isn’t the only factor. I feel amazing! My energy levels are better than they have ever been. I have clear focus. I can see and sense things I never could before. It’s amazing how feeding yourself living food (fruits & vegetables) actually makes you feel more alive than ever. I don’t want to lose this aliveness. 

 

Another motivator for me now, is the animals. When I started, I was definitely concerned for animal welfare, but not as much as I am now. A couple months in has really made me more aware than ever of our farming system practices, and how cruel it is to other living beings. And frankly, I have no desire to ever put the flesh of a decomposing being in my mouth again. The cruelty of it is appalling to me now. 

HC: what are you most proud of going thru this journey?

CC: I’m most proud that I’m able to impact change, and help other people by sharing my journey with them. Already I’ve had multiple people make healthier choices and begin to see better lives because of the impact of my story. I know no greater purpose in life than to make a difference like this. 

HC: what futures goals do you have ?

CC: My future goals personally for myself are to get more toned/fit, and to soon transition my children into this lifestyle. They currently do mostly vegetarian, but as I gain in knowledge and confidence I want to transition them into veganism. 

 

And my big goal? Change the world. I know it’s probably altruistic of me, but I sincerely believe that I have no other purpose on this planet other than to affect positive change. 

if you could share any advice or words of encouragement what would they be?

Small changes make a difference. Too many people get discouraged and fail at lifestyle changes because they try to take on too much at once. Would I love to see everyone go vegan tomorrow? Absolutely! But I know that they’d probably all fail, because it’s a journey and a process that we will have more success with if we take baby steps. I didn’t become vegan and healthy overnight. It was a process of several years. So start making simple, positive choices on a regular basis and overtime they will add up. 

HC: where can people get in touch with you?(contact info,social media sites)

 

CC: I’d love for everyone to join me on YouTube. I believe everyone deserves to live well, eat well, and thrive, and I hope to encourage them to do so through my daily videos. Also, I share complete and utter ridiculousness over there, too, so don’t drink and watch or you might spray your computer screen. 😉

before/after 

thank you for sharing your story crystal .if you know of anyone that has a story to share.have them email me at bigtymer32@gmail.com or contact me on my facebook page http://www.facebook.com/hotchocolatefitness

let’s connect 

instagram : @bigtymer32

twitter:   @bigtymer32

youtube : http://www.youtube.com/user/bigtymer32 

from tired to lifting powerhouse bonnie did it !you can too!

Bonnie Fritch Douthitt‘s story 

 

 

HC : what made you decide you needed to change your life?

BFD: There was several things that made me want to change my life. I was tired of hiding away & not enjoying life like I should have. Diabetes and heart disease runs in my family and affected two of my siblings at a young age.
But the main reason was because of something my husband said to me. One day when I was being weird about him seeing me nude he said to me, “I don’t care if you weigh 500lbs I just want you to be happy with yourself and I want my best friend & wife back. You know the one that used to do things with me and enjoy life with me, and the one that lets me see her naked?” I decided then that I wanted that person back too for me, him & our kids.

HC :what steps did you take to improve your life?

BFD: I started to improve my life by losing fat, eating in moderation staying away from eating, drinking, & buying high calorie junk food & pop. I paid closer attention to what & how much I was eating. I stopped drinking wine everyday, & drank lots more water. After My weight loss was going well I added cardio. I walked & danced a lot. I used our Wii to be more active and it was fun too, I was just trying to stay active. Little by little I made lifestyle changes that stuck. I eventually added bodyweight exercises then strength training with heavy weights, punching a heavy bag, & hill sprints. That changed my body a lot. I lost a lot of inches from it and weight as well.

HC: what motivates you keep on this path?

BFD: The results and what I have accomplished. How much healthier and happier I am and motivating and inspiring others.

HC: what are you most proud of going thru this journey?

BFD: That once I made the decision I never looked back, never made excuses. My willpower and my perseverance to succeed without help, even with the obstacles I encountered, I was able to do it from home. I am proud that I have inspired others to become healthier too.

HC: what futures goals do you have ?

BFD:  To keep getting stronger and building more muscle. To help others with it if I can. To stay fit and healthy!

HC: if you could share any advice or words of encourgement what would they be?

BFD:  Don’t wait or be afraid to make changes in your lifestyle. You won’t regret it. Enjoy the journey, relish in your improvements and accomplishments no matter how small. It is worth the effort!

HC: where can people get in touch with you?(contact info,social media sites)

BFD: Facebook-you can search me & pm me under Bonnie Fritch Douthitt

 

before/after pics

 

 

thank you for sharing your story bonnie.if you know of anyone that has a story to share.have them email me at bigtymer32@gmail.com or contact me on my facebook page http://www.facebook.com/hotchocolatefitness

instagram : bigtymer32

twitter: bigtymer32

youtube : http://www.youtube.com/bigtymer32

KIK :hotchocolate32