Strong to the Finish Challenge – Week 12

Well, I guess my self-care routine yesterday worked, because today I am back to my usual awesomeness!

I got a really solid sleep last night and I woke up feeling bright and light. I had a feeling it would be a better morning for photos, and thankfully it was!

It’s been 12 weeks of intense workouts, clean eating, and positive self-talk. 12 weeks of good ol’ fashioned hard work!

Here is the final result (drum roll please) ….

I can’t believe that this is it. I have come such a long way, in my mind, my body, and my soul. I feel more positive, optimistic, and grateful each and every day. I feel strong, healthy, and I am also down 20 lbs!

I remember when I started this journey my goal was to lose about 12 or 13 lbs – so finding out I hit the 20 lb mark has really blown me away!

I might not be the most ripped, shredded, muscular beast out there, but I am a much healthier version of me. This is a lifestyle that is sustainable, and I think that’s so important. These days, especially in the warmer months, many of us are so inclined to go on a crash diet to lose weight. Oh, if only it really worked that way! They are called crash diets because guess what: you crash! And you will eventually rebound back to how you were before because it was never the scale that needed to change… only your lifestyle.

Getting to my fittest self is a very long journey. For that I am forever grateful, and very humbled. Every tiny little thing that I’ve done has all come together in some way over time to become something more.

What can I say? I’m really glad that I decided to do this challenge.

The dieting game isn’t over for me although I will say: I can’t wait to start having regular treat meals! But mainly I plan to continue on as I have been. I’ve come so far… I am dying to see those abs start popping more! And I know I can get there!

So what’s next for me? Well, I would love to embark on another challenge, but that’s something I will think about more a few weeks down the road. I will continue to post fitness updates once a month here on the blog, just like I was doing before the challenge.

This has been one wildly fun adventure, thank you to all who came on it with me!

Only better things to come!!