I want to start off by saying what worked for me won't work for every other person. We are all different, our bodies are all different and we all work in different ways. Weight loss is a challenging thing that causes immense dedication.

In the beginning, I did not want to believe everyone who said the key to losing weight was "80/20"; which is 80% diet and 20% exercise. But in all reality that is the truth.

As an athlete, I've always found myself able to push my body to the limit. Cardio, weightlifting, yoga, the list goes on. The exercise wasn't the issue or the part that scared me. The part that scared me was that I didn't want to give up eating whatever way I wanted, whenever I wanted.

I used to consume almost anything without thinking twice about it. Pop-Tarts, Mac & Cheese, Fries, Pizza… anything. I'm in college for goodness sake, I thought eating unhealthy was the only way I could afford to eat.

But wow was I wrong.

Shopping for a single girl in her 20's… it doesn't take much food to buy each week, especially when you're on a strict diet and trying to drop weight.

"So, how'd you do it, Kayla?"

I set a goal, and I did not stop until I achieved it.

I ate the same food every single day for four months. It sucked. Hardcore. I worked out HARD every single day for five months. Also sucked. But the workouts didn't suck every day, I actually looked forward to my workouts most days… but that still doesn't mean they didn't suck. I pushed my body to its limit day in and day out. I never forgot to give myself a little break here and there and always allow myself to eat some ice cream once my goals were reached.

It's important to set different, smaller goals that will help you reach your main goal.

I set goals for myself every day. If I didn't reach my goals daily, how could I expect myself to reach my end goal?

My daily goals would consist of things such as: making sure I actually get to the gym (then… separate goals in the gym), making sure I'm sticking to my meal plan and not straying away to junk food, getting a decent amount of sleep each night, attending class, getting my demanding homework done, and still spending time each day with God. All while attending work (two jobs), church and being in a club on campus.

The time that I lost 33 pounds was the busiest time of my life, every day was scheduled full. From the second I woke up until the second I fell asleep I was busy. Looking back, it was a very stressful time of my life but only to see my blessings grow greater and greater. I rarely had free time and I rarely hung out with my friends. I was focusing on myself and God only. And giving myself and God the love and attention we deserve, nothing but positive things happened.

The Workouts

I worked out at least 6 days a week, but for about two months straight I didn't take more than one or two days off. I was dedicated and addicted to seeing results.

Each day I would start off on the elliptical for 30 minutes. A goal I set every time I stepped on the machine is that I had to burn 400 calories before I stepped off. 400 calories in 30 minutes. 200 calories in 15 minutes. 100 calories in 8 minutes. 50 calories in 4 minutes. The key was to set smaller goals to make it easier to reach my large goal.

After the elliptical, I would find myself hitting the weights. At the student gym I have access to, I'm lucky with all the equipment there is available to me. I would lift weights for about 30 minutes each day as well. I would hit about four or five leg machines as well as four or five arm machines each day. I would only do three sets, 12 reps, 10 reps, 8 reps, for a total of 30 reps for each machine.

After weights, I would grab my yoga mat and head to the floor with my phone in hand ready to listen to this exercise app on my phone. I would do 10 minutes of abs and 10 minutes of a butt workout.

Then, on the days I had a little extra time to spare I would run a mile at the end of the workout to loosen up my muscles and calm down.

Never, ever forget to stretch at the end of the workout. Especially in the beginning. I was soOoOOoOoo sore for a couple of the first weeks.

The Diet

I basically ate the same thing every single day, mixing it up every other day.

Breakfast: Always a cup of coffee. Option One- A fruit smoothie (frozen fruit with yogurt and milk). Option Two- A bagel (blueberry with strawberry cream cheese). Option Three- Avocado toast with a banana.

Lunch: Always a cup of yogurt with granola. Always a serving of carrots or celery. Option One- A spinach salad (avocado, cheese and a little light Italian dressing). Option Two- A can of chicken noodle soup.

Post-Class/Pre-Work Snack: Option One: Grapes. Option Two: Apple with peanut butter, cinnamon and honey. Option Three: Granola bar.

Dinner: Always chicken and veggies (green/red peppers, tomato, celery, broccoli, carrot and cauliflower rice). Sometimes I would mix it up and use long grain brown rice instead, but it was always sautéed chicken (in olive oil) with the veggies and rice. This meal is what energized my body and fueled me for the next busy/crazy day.

Night Snack: I always found myself eating a snack at the end of the day. Option One: Banana. Option Two: Apple with peanut butter, cinnamon and honey. Option Three: Granola bar.

All-in-all

I seemed to eat around 1,000-1,200 calories a day. As I was simultaneously burning 600-800 calories. I was dedicated, and I was determined. I had goals, and I loved the feeling of reaching my goals and seeing my own results. I did all of this with no help from any trainers or coaches!! The only thing I did was get my butt to the gym with a desire of change.

I wanted a change not only in my appearance but in my confidence, self-love, and respect. When I started this journey, I did not realize I would turn into that girl who is as confident as I am now. I am so proud of myself. I wanted something to happen and I made it happen.

It'd be a lie if I said I don't look in the mirror and see the girl in the left picture. I think that is because I am the same person in that picture as I am in the right. It's the same girl in both pictures. The only difference is: the girl on the right is a girl who learned her own self-worth, respect, love, and the effect she has on not only herself but everyone around her too. The girl on the right side of the collage turned into a strong, independent woman (who really does not need a man) who loves herself and all she can do.

I suggest to everyone, love yourself enough to take care of yourself. Make yourself happy. Spend time with God every day and pray throughout your day. Be thankful and count your blessings. Eat healthy and exercise. Be a good person. It really is not that hard. You have to want the best for yourself and what God has planned for your life.

With all that being said…

XOXO

Peace and Blessings,

Kayla Jean Brady