Checkin' in with Kait M.

About a month ago, you may recall my feature on clean eating newbie, Kait M.  Since then, some of you have reached out and asked if she's still trucking along on this whole clean eating bit...What's the latest on her success? How much has she lost? - etc.  I believe this is all in an effort to validate that clean eating works and answer the ultimate question that YES, it could work for you, too! 

Well friends, I was also curious on what this past month had in store for Kait ...  I wondered what challenges did she face? What lessons did she have for us?  Over the weekend, I reached out to Kait with all of our questions in-hand, and this is what she had to say...

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Hey Mrs. Skinny Fat & Friends!

It’s been about six weeks now on my clean eating journey!  Life is just as crazy as ever, but I’ve learned I can have great success as long as I am planning ahead.  It’s the mornings I wake up and haven’t prepared or thought about what I will eat that day in advance that I find myself falling into old habits. Unfortunately there have been plenty of those meals… or whole days… but I just start right back over.  And I’m famous for the mentality, “Well, I messed up already, the whole day is pretty much shot."  However, I’ve gotten WAY better at this.  Just because I may not have had the cleanest meal available at lunch, doesn’t mean I shouldn’t still do my best at dinner.   

Kait with her two little ones. Photo taken
earlier this month by Eric Miron Photography.
I don't know about you, but I think
this photo screams success...

My biggest struggles still are dining out, I’m nowhere near “That Girl” yet.  I also struggle with sticking to my guns if we are invited to a friend’s house for dinner.  I don’t want to be rude or unsocial, so I end up eating what is served; another obstacle for me to overcome.

I’ve also been really struggling to find time in my day to exercise.  I work full time, and have two little kids to spend time with in the evenings.  We belong to a gym, so I’ve started going at lunch time 3 days a week.  I’m not working out hardcore, but I’ll pack a bag and change quick in the locker room and then jump on the elliptical for 30 mins, freshen up quick and change and head back to work.  I can usually do this in a little over an hour and I figure it’s still better than no exercise at all.

However, even the small strides I’m making have made a tremendous impact on my energy levels, and have made me feel amazing.  The scale hasn’t moved much, but my clothes are fitting better than they have in years!  And I’ve noticed some extra looks in my direction. ;-) I’m excited to keep chugging along, and tighten up the reigns a bit, and watch as my body continues to transform.

-Kait

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I SO appreciate that Kait brings nothing but honesty to the table with this update. As much as I love to applaud success, I also applaud a truthful reflection...one that brings you to a greater understanding of your weakest links and most importantly lays the foundation for how you are going to overcome it.  I have no doubts that many of your can relate to Kait and these struggles on multiple levels...this is what this blog is all about.

I think there is a key lesson in this post.  Planning is everything.  Right away, Kait acknowledged that if she planned...success would follow.   Let's all make a point this week to plan out our meals, have clean eating in the forefront of our minds...in other words, invest in our bodies, and try to do a little bit better than last week. Whether it's two steps forward, or just a little baby step...progress IS progress.  You don't need to start a journey at the perfect opportunity, a journey - or small change for that matter - can start right this very moment. Go on now, make it happen!
Keep it Clean & Enjoy the Ride,
Mrs. Skinny Fat
P.S.  Thank you Kait for keeping us up-to-date.  We're cheering for you!  Already looking forward to checking in on your progress a month from today. That's a whole lot of time to do a lot of good! 

High Five to Me - Healthy, Happy & FIT!

It gives me great pleasure to give myself a "High Five" for finally gaining control of maintaining a challenging, and constantly changing, fitness regimen. This is, after all, a big portion of what this blog is about.  As I had noted in my posts early on, staying committed to my workouts has always been a struggle for me.  While I was four years into the clean eating lifestyle, I could not seem to get a handle on getting fit...leaving me to be as I describe skinny fat. 

During this time running was in the mix, but as I learned over the years just running doesn't mold the body to perfection (defined by me of course).  Yes, I ran several half marathons but it's not like I was speed training, or breaking new records...and I was surely not consistent.  I'd go two weeks on, one month off; one week on, one week off; one month on, three months off...so as you can imagine - gains in my quest to be fit was nearly impossible. 

In my desperation to tone my body, I joined several group fitness classes, the gym, a yoga studio, etc.  While all taught me new things about myself - especially yoga - it just wasn't a sustainable lifestyle of me.  In other words, I failed - at every single one of them.  First I missed one class here and there, then a whole week, and then I was too embarrassed to even come back.  I know that I shouldn't have felt ashamed for letting my life take over and not sticking to the commitment as I had promised myself I would...but I did. It was easier to not face the crowd and be out the money - in each instance - so I was left to start over time and time again. 

In June of 2011, in other words just four short months ago, I made what I can easily call now the best decision ever as it relates to reaching my fitness goals. Via a Google search, I discovered Cari's OneonOne Fitness Training.  I immediately clicked "How to Get Started" and after reading through the content, I was sold.  In addition to her words, Cari's overall fitness appearance had me rest assured that she didn't just talk the talk.  I knew without even speaking to her that she was capable of molding me - that is of course if I was ready to commit to the challenge. 

Picture above - Fit Girl Cari Draft, Personal Fitness Trainer,
& Owner of EcoTrek Fitness (outdoor group workouts)

Pulled from Cari's website she so eloquently says it just right...

"As a personal trainer who designs custom-made workouts for clients, I always get fired up when the peeps seem motivated to get in shape... but three months later, several of them have just “run out of time”, “run out of money” or simply lost their desire to get fit and healthy for whatever reason.  There are several stages a person goes through when they come to me for help. Stage one would be thinking about making a change; then there’s deciding to change, making preparations to change, and finally, initiating actual changes! Sometimes when clients contact me too early in their process, they are doomed to fail.  The most successful fitness clients I have are the ones who have linked regular physical activity to the things that are important to them. Everyone needs to see, at some point, that regular exercise is essential and has to be a priority; once you find yourself in the stage where you are ready to initiate actual changes, THAT is the time to contact me!"
 

It was as if her words were meant for my eyes only.  I was ready. I quickly filled out the required questionnaire, submitted it via email, and Cari reached out to me within hours. We chatted shortly about my goals and set up our first meeting at local park.  During that first workout together, I was quickly aware just how out of shape I was. As I told Cari, looks are deceiving - I may be "small" but darn it all I huffed and puffed my way through it.  She was encouraging and made it known that resilience and discipline was going to be key in my success. 

One of the first things I told Cari was,
"I need you to help me get arms like yours!"

I have since met with Cari a total of four more times.  Each time, I get a brand new strength training workout that I commit to doing twice a week at home (I do them right in my backyard), along with running four times a week.  I've gone from the girl who hated ab work to loving it, to dreading pushups to thinking I'm pretty fantastic at them.  While we only meet once a month, Cari keeps a pulse on my progress. I love bragging to her - she was the first person I told when I bought my size 2 shorts, and the first person I told when I bought my first size 0 dress.  Each and every time with every mini goal under my belt I asked her, "Is this for real?"  My waist has went from a 30.75'' (across the belly) to 27.75''.  I haven't quite reached all of my fitness goals, but I LOVE that I am finally on the right track.  I'm closer now than ever before to being truly skinny and FIT.  Skipping workouts is not an option.  I'm as committed to them as I am to clean eating and that right there is worth a whole lot of high fives!  

This is the Before Clean Eating ME...

This is the After Embracing Clean Eating & 3 Months of
Personal Training with Cari Draft ME

Calls for a High Five or two, right?

Keep it Clean & Enjoy the Ride,
Mrs. Skinny Fat

"I have stumbled upon something truly life changing..." - Kait M.

Want to feel motivated to start your journey down the path to clean eating?  Or maybe you just need a inspiration to get back in the game ... For all newbies to amazing lifestyle - this is a MUST read!  

Let me start by saying that my absolute favorite thing about this blog is the emails, text messages, Facebook posts, and phone calls that I have received from so many people right here in my own network.   In essentially every corner of my life, I am learning of someone new who's decided to adapt the clean eating principles. It's truly heart warming to know that each and every day, people of all ages - for all reasons - are kicking their old habits and making the decision to INVEST in their health! 

The world of Clean Eating welcomes Kait M.

Recently, I was truly inspired by a full-time business professional, part entrepreneur, and highly involved Mom of two who decided to take her poor eating habits head on.  She - like many moms - is the definition of BUSY.   As with everything she does, when it came to adapting the clean eating principles, it was either go big or go home.  As you probably guessed, she went all in! 

This story isn't about tip toeing around the idea of clean eating...or thinking about maybe getting to that...someday - it's about saying hello to feeling fabulous right now - for good!

Kait's Journey Starts Here.
MSF:  What made you decide to embrace clean eating?
Kait:  I’ve heard lots of chatter from friends over recent months about “eating clean” but I really had no idea what that meant.  Then someone explained to me that it was just eating natural, whole, real foods from the Earth.  Not all of that overly processed crap that I had sadly learned to live on.  Clean eating meant quite simply eating each meal with purpose, to supply my body with nutrients and fuel that it demands.  Among other things, clean eating also meant eating several small meals throughout the day.  Hmm..interesting I thought.  Then a friend challenged me to just one week of eating clean, just to see how I felt.  It didn't take more than a day to know that I had stumbled upon something truly life changing.

MSF:  What are your goals?
Kait:  Ideally, I just really want to get healthier and along the way teach my kids by example the importance of selecting healthy foods.  I'll gladly accept a leaner - more energized me as part of the package! 

MSF:  What have been the biggest challenges so far?
Kait:  By far the biggest challenge was my breaking my number one bad habit.  Drum roll please...diet coke.  Yep, I was terrified to kick my diet coke habit.  I quickly realized that my biggest opportunity to order a diet coke was when I ate out, and since I now packed and planned each meal I actually did even notice it was missing from my life!  I also had to learn to prepare things a little different, not drenched in oil and butter, but surprisingly with just a little seasoning, my food is still delicious without it. I'm learning that small changes lead to BIG results!

MSF:  Since clean eating, how many days did it take for you to "feel" differently? 
Kait:  Honestly, immediately.  I’ve also recently started drinking Shakeology each morning, and I really think that’s given me a great boost of energy through the day as well.

MSF:  Have you cheated?  If so, what made you cave? 
Kait:  Yes, once… on day 6.  Found myself low on groceries at home, and every Sunday my family and I eat at the buffet at church after service.  I was hungry, kids were hungry, it was easy and routine.  It was here that I had my first diet coke of the week.  I will say to my credit that I actually thought about each thing I was putting on my plate for the first time, and made some much healthier selections.  But with this slip - I chose to look forward and  got right back on the wagon that night.  Best of all, I had no desire to quit after my one week challenge.  I'm rounding the corner to my second week and loving it! 

MSF:  What's a typical eating plan look like for you in a day?
Kait:  I have to PLAN and PACK ahead in order to be successful.  I love that I get to eat all day long!  I start the day with my Shakeology, then around 10:00am I have some Greek yogurt and hard boiled egg whites. Then for lunch I’ve been packing a chicken breast, or a mini turkey meatloaf with LOADS of veggies. In the afternoon I usually bring lots of different fruit to snack on, and more hard boiled egg whites.  Then dinner has been broiled fish, or another lean piece of meat and more veggies.  I’ve felt completely satisfied all day, and get this...no more sweet cravings!  I constantly find myself thinking, is this for real? 

MSF:  How's your mood been over this past week?
Kait:  One word: Amazing!

MSF:  What has been the biggest reward so far?
Kait:  Feeling great about myself, a little extra pep in my step, my hair and skin are already starting to look better!  I am so thrilled about how I feel after almost two weeks. I can't wait to find out what the results are going to be a month from now! 

MSF:  Any weight loss?
Kait:  Yes, Ma’am… 3 LBS in a week!! And that’s 100% from food, not combined with exercise.  That's next on my list! 

MSF:  Any lastly, what's your biggest motivator?
Kait:  Reading about all the tremendous health benefits from the nutrient rich foods I am feeding my body makes me excited about the long-term payoff.  I also want to get my kids to start eating healthier, so eating by example is a must! Slowly I will start to introduce them to healthier alternatives to their favorite foods.  I know without a doubt that I am taking the right steps in the right direction.  While eating clean is a whole lot easier than I thought, I am nervous about sticking with it while dining out, and not letting my “old favorites” tempt me...so for me it's necessary to avoid restaurants - where temptations are lurking - until I’m a little more skilled at this new lifestyle.  I also remind myself that even if I do have a “dirty meal” every once in awhile, the clean eating I’m doing 90% of the time is paying off tremendously.  I know I can't learn it all at once - but I am confident I'll get there soon enough!

Congratulations Kait on this already super successful start to clean eating! We look forward to continuing with you on this exciting journey!  You've got this!!

Intrigued? I promise you that Clean Eating is the only way to eat.  It's not a diet - it's a lifestyle...one that guarantees results. What are you waiting for?  Join the movement TODAY. 

Keep it Clean & Enjoy the Ride,
Mrs. Skinny Fat

Do you have a clean eating story to tell? Email me at mrsskinnyfat@gmail.com - I would love to hear from you! 

Me. Healthy. Happy. Fit.

My name is Tonya aka Mrs. Skinny Fat. I’m a 28-year-old wife, young marketing/pr professional, and mom to three furry four legged friends (1 kitty, Pinot, and 2 pups, Wyatt & Miles). I’ve been what I consider “Skinny-Fat” all of my life. In other words, look “skinny” with clothes on to the average person but...reality underneath it all was much different. For as long as I can remember I have lacked the self-confidence to peal off the layers…and if I was in a situation that forced me to get in a bikini – well, let's just say I considered it torture. I’ve been on a quest to be healthy, happy, and fit for years now – but it wasn’t until recently that I really connected what that meant. The “stars have aligned” so to speak…and I have discovered that sharing my journey with friends truly feels like I am sharing a gift...inspiration and hard lessons learned for their own quest!

Why the Mrs. in Mrs. Skinny Fat?
My husband is truly my partner in all of this – and with that my role as a wife plays such a big part in my quest to be healthy, happy, and fit. I think of all of the times throughout years that my husband has - unfortunately - had to hear me rant about my gut, or my thunder thighs…or how fat my arms look in photos. Over and over again, he’s watched me start a diet regimen – make a little progress – binge – and fall flat on my face. Lack of confidence is such a turn-off for me and yet I USE to put him through it everyday. While I’m blessed to have a partner who loves me just the way I am…I (all of us for that matter) need to LOVE who we are just as much. It's such a good feeling that I'm finally making great strides up this mountain!!

A Look Back
It's important to note that since my husband and I met in 2004 - I have already put him through quite the ringer in my due diligence to figure out just who I am. It was a constant...diet - binge - fail - diet - binge - fail...over and over again! In 2007, I was actually "saved" by an illness in which I was forced to turn to food (eating the right things) to feel better. My doctor was adamant on cleaning up my diet so my body could process what I was taking in and although I fought this idea for quite some time I finally caved and went fully vegan...(during this time Skinny Bitch was my Bible) Man, did my diet do a 180. This was really hard for my husband to accept but he said he would give me a six month trial to embrace the vegan lifestyle and if it truly made me feel better than he would accept it. Well, as you might expect...my health climbed and I felt amazing.

Today, I still practice many Skinny Bitch habits but more importantly I focus on eating clean (Thank you Tosca Reno and Oxygen Mag). Not only did my husband accept my new way of cooking - and eating - and my new found love for the health food store, he took part in it - eating for the most part as I do and just splurging on his own terms. Due to this major lifestyle change, we both reaped the benefits and physically changed immensely - both losing ~20 lbs since 2007. Disclaimer: we certainly aren't perfect...but it was an extreme change in behavior from the girl he met: a farmer's daughter who shared in his love of steaks and Mcdonalds - neither of which I have touched since July 2007. But here I am, yes certainly healthier and a whole lot smarter in terms of food choices…

Throughout this journey I have become extremely passionate about eating clean – and I seem to discover something new every day. I’m excited to finally have an outlet to share everything I have learned and all the new things that come my way. This blogs for anyone who’s looking to make some small changes in their life – ones that could - no will - lead to huge results – mentally, physically, and emotionally.

I hope that you will find this blog insightful and inspiring. Please join me down this path to being healthy, happy, and fit. In other words, let’s rid the fat and find the fit -for good.

Mr. & Mrs. when we first met in 2004.  I am 5'4 and in this pic weighed 145lbs -
My lifestyle consisted of dieting...binging...failing...repeating! 
I tried everything including South Beach, Atkins, Grapefruit, Cabbage Soup...everything!! 

Mr. & Mrs. in 2007 - about 6 months after adopting "Vegan" lifestyle. 
Weighed 120lbs -  did not work out (just walks here and there)... "Skinny Fat" at its best!

Mr. & Mrs. in May of 2011 - Weigh 125 -  Living a clean eating
lifestyle of the most part - giving into life's indulgences in moderation
slowly getting on a workout regimen... 

Mr. & Mrs. July 2011 - Eating Clean and working hard on the fitness...
Feeling so much stronger and starting to finally build muscle and rid the fat!