I am so excited about this new series, “Shed & Share Wednesdays“! You will be so motivated while reading these stories of these unbelievable women!! Let’s get to it. Meet Nikki T!

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{The Basics}

Name: Nikki T

Age: 33

Profession: I am a minister’s wife and have awesome opportunities to minister to women and their families, and I educate my children at home. I am also enrolled through the University of Missouri’s online degree completion program and will have my undergraduate degree completed by the end of this year (prayerfully).

How long have you been on this weight loss journey?

I have had weight issues my entire life. I was probably even the chubbiest baby in the hospital nursery. Seriously though, on January 23, 2011 I saw a number on the scale that shocked and scared me. I decided I had to stop flirting with dieting and ditch it completely and make a committed lifestyle change.

Weight Loss/Inches Lost:

I have lost a little more than 30 pounds so far and have gone down two pant sizes (almost three).

Medical stats:

One year ago my blood pressure was 140/90 (which is considered stage 1 high blood pressure). I went into the doctor on October 5^th to have a blood pressure check and it was 122/72 and my resting heard rate was 53 beats per minute. This is proof all that exercise and healthy eating is paying off.

Blog/Facebook Page:

Joy in the Journey: http://nikkit3.blogspot.com/

Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Joy-in-the-Journey/156180934459273

(Nikki, before and after!)

{Your Story}

What was your “low point”?

My low point was seeing the scale read 216 pounds. I want you to know how hard this is for me to type those numbers out. I am actually typing through tears. A girl who only stands 64 inches tall should not weigh that much. I began to see pictures of me pop up on Facebook that friends took of me at different social events and I would say to myself, “Do I really look like that?” The pictures and the numbers on the scale were my wake up call. This was my low point, but it was my opportunity to crawl out. I had put myself in this low place and I knew I could climb myself out! I kept clinging to 1 Corinthians 6:19-20: Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body. I desire to honor God with my body and that means I make wise food choices and exercise to be strong and fit.

How did you get started?

I checked out the South Beach Diet book from my library and decided to give it a try due to a high fasting glucose test I had one year ago, my family history of diabetes, and my love (addiction) to bad carbohydrates. My doctor approves of this diet as long as her patients do not stay on Phase 1 long-term. I also started using an intense workout DVD that combines both strength and cardio for maximum calorie burning.

What is your workout routine and eating plan?

Today my motto is: “If it’s white, don’t bite.” I wish I knew who said that cute little saying so I could give them credit. Basically, if it’s made with white sugar or flour I don’t eat it on a daily basis. I also stay away from white potatoes and eat sweet potatoes and yams instead. We eat healthy 100% whole grain and whole wheat products. This does not mean that I do not enjoy an occasional dessert, but sugar is no longer a part of my daily life like it used to be. Preparation is crucial to success also. I make sure I have grilled chicken to throw on a salad for my lunch or a soup prepared to eat throughout the week, and of course I keep plenty of vegetables washed and ready to eat when needed. I have a couple of workout DVDs that work well for me, and I have started running. I actually feel silly calling it running because I am slow and sometimes I have to stop and walk for 30-60 seconds, but my track coach friend tells me it’s okay to say “I’m a runner!”

{Help Us!}

What are your top 3 favorite resources that helped you along the way?

1. My husband – He has been a huge blessing of support and encouragement along the way. He has recently lost more than 50 pounds and is a running machine! I’m so proud of him! It is awesome to have a healthy buddy along this journey.

2. Good running shoes. I truly believe you have to have good shoes when you work out and they are worth the investment.

3. Clare’s blog and especially her “New Move Mondays” have been a great resource. It has been really cool to have some moves I could barely do a few months ago, but now I can do more reps because I am losing weight and getting stronger.

4. I have to share this last one and it is the most important – Christ. Without Christ I am nothing and have nothing. During one of my workouts, the instructor says, “Why are you doing this workout?” I always say, “Because I want to represent Christ well and to serve Him better!”

If you are a parent, how have you balanced everything?

You have to schedule time to work out. I started with three days each week and now I work out six days a week. You also have to take time to shop and prepare healthy food. I cannot stress enough how preparation has played a huge part in my success. I have made healthy living a lifestyle. Taking the time to exercise and prepare healthy meals is not selfish or self-centered. You are not neglecting your children when you go to the gym, go on a run, or turn on a workout DVD. God has called us to the abundant life and when we carry around extra pounds we are not living up to His fullest potential for our lives. I also think we need to be teaching our children to be good stewards of the bodies God has given us. We must be a healthy example to our children. I am very careful with how I talk about my weight loss journey. I always say I’m working on getting healthier, not skinnier around my children.

What one piece of advice would you give to someone who is sitting on the sidelines and waiting?

Start today, take one day at a time and trust God to meet you where you are and be your strength!

What one piece of advice would you give to someone who is in the process but is feeling discouraged?

Sometimes at the end of the day I will feel like I could have worked out harder or I could have made a wiser choice at a party and my husband will say, “Nikki, tomorrow is a new day.” This is statement is so true. Sometimes we can beat ourselves up so much that we are left feeling discouraged and no longer focused on Christ and His plan for our lives. So, I would encourage the discouraged to remember that the Lord’s mercies are new every morning and He is faithful (Lamentations 3:22-23). Stays focused on your healthy living goals and remember to “finish what you start.”

Anything else you would like to share?

I am praying for each person who reads this. I pray that you will be encouraged to make a lifestyle change if you need to. I am also praying that you will grow closer to Christ as you journey with Him as you strive to be a strong and healthy servant for Him and His glory!

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Nikki, thank you so much for opening your life to us! You have such great words of wisdom and encouragement!

Do you have a shed story that you want to share? We want to hear it! Please contact me below or clare@peak313.com to be a part of the series! Stay tuned because I have many more women with more inspiring stories to come!