So, I’ve been holding onto this Shed & Share story for a few months now. I wanted to share it with you when I felt like you could really use the inspiration, so here it is–the last week of our “Living and Active” challenge! Regina is a real-life friend. We attend the same church and I actually was her personal trainer about 5-6 years ago.

One thing you must know about Regina is that the girl can cook. And not just boxed stuff. Like fresh, from scratch, finger-lickin’ good food! She is known for her pantry filled with canned applesauce, pizza sauce, peaches, green beans, pickles (My fav) and yes–JAM! (I have 2 jars of hers in my fridge as we speak!) I used to leave her house with a handful of goodies and fresh baked breads and rolls. I always thought it was ironic that the personal trainer was leaving with food but hey, who was I to complain?! 🙂

I visited her again this summer and while she still has many of the items above, I have to say, I was really impressed with all the healthy foods she now makes….from granola, to cereal, to mint green tea (she grows the leaves)…Yes–this girl has talent! She also really, really inspires me. I love her new fire and passion for a healthy life and for sharing it with others. I assure you, this is just the BEGINNING of how God is going to use her story to minister to women. So let’s get to it–Meet Regina C!

Here we are at church last Sunday!

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{The Basics}

Age: 37

Profession: Stay at home wife and  home-schooling mom of 3

How long have you been on this weight loss journey? 6 1/2 years

Weight Loss:  100 lbs

{Your Story}

What was your “low point”?

While I was pregnant with my daughter (child 2) I knew I needed to make a change. During this pregnancy I was just tired of the extra weight and how tired it made me feel all the time. I was tired of always being uncomfortable in my clothes. I was always tugging at them. And I didn’t even look pregnant. After my daughter was born, somebody told me they didn’t even know that we were having a baby. (I didn’t think it was mean of this person to say that because I knew I was big. It was the truth and I was willing to face it)

How did you get started?

I told myself that I would start 6 weeks after my daughter was born. (I knew that people may bring meals so I wanted to wait until after that so I would not be tempted and feel defeated) I started using weight watchers plan.  I did not attend the meetings at that time but just did the program at home. I then jumped from one thing to the next when the weight would not budge. I lost 60 lbs the first year and then got stuck. Around 2 years into my journey I was expecting with child # 3. I knew I needed to keep on eating healthy and exercising.I was concerned about gaining my weight back. So I kept exercising and eating healthy the best I could.  When I was 9 weeks  pregnant with him I ran a 10k. I was up 40 lbs by my last trimester.

After my son was born the first 20 lbs fell off and I decided to train for a half marathon and the last 20 lbs I ran off. While training for the half I did not do my research on injuries and I ended up with Achilles tendinitis in my right foot. I never heard of that before until then. It was so bad that I could not continue to run. I felt defeated! The doctor said no more running/walking for a while.I ended up gaining 15 lbs back and I  was very frustrated. At this point I was a cardio junky!! I loved cardio and Clare kept telling me I need to strength train. At this point I was frustrated and I joined weight watchers and went to the meetings. I joined in Feb of last year (2012) and lost the rest. I do not currently attend now because of finances but I still do the program at home

Running right past that pizza place—I love it, Regina! 🙂

What is your workout routine and eating plan?

I workout 5-6 days a week. I change it up all the time. Just in the last few months I workout with my neighbors doing strength training and cardio. I have a workout room setup in my basement and 4 of us get together to encourage each other and keep each other accountable. I now love strength training and I notice a big difference since I incorporated that more in my exercise. I also ran a 5k this past summer (I’m able to run some but my heel still hurts a little but not bad). Through these past 6-1/2 years I have realized that the Lord has to help me through it all. I have bad days and good days. I believe that God has opened my eyes since I started this journey. I need him!!  I’m still learning and working on leaning towards him for my strength to make the right choices every day.

{Help us!}

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

1.) Weight watchers  (It is not a diet. It is a tool you use to help you make better choices. And it helped open my eyes at how unbalanced my diet is)

2.) Being accountable to someone

3.) Skinnytaste.com is a wonderful blog with awesome recipes and she tell you the ww points. (I discovered this blog after reading one of Clare’s shed and share stories)

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

Do not “diet.”  Do not use the word “cheat.” The more you tell yourself “no” that is “bad” food then the more you feel deprived and you eventually give in.I have learned that I need to eat food that will help my body and not ruin it. There may be times that I have the “higher” calorie food but that does not mean that I blew it. I even it out by making the next meal lean and healthy. Read a lot about health and the benefits of eating healthy.  The more knowledge and understanding I have about my body, the more I want to eat healthy/exercise.

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

Being healthy is all in your thinking.Think positive! If you tell yourself you can’t, then no, you can’t. If you tell yourself you can, then yes, you can!

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

I do not like to workout early in the morning. So I use to work out in the evenings or at nap time when my kids were all toddlers. Now, I’m able to work out while they are awake and I can schedule it in about any time of my day.

Regina and her beautiful family!

Anything else you would like to share?

♥♥♥

I love her story and her determination! She has such wise advice and I admire that she has kept at it for so long!

Be sure to check out all of our other “Shed & Share” stories! And if you have a shed story that you would like to share, please contact me at clare@claresmith.me! I would love to have you!!