breast cancer. Needless to say, I was a "hot mess". Consumed by the quest to be thin and beautiful, I was in my late 20's and making no headway to happiness. I soon began to realize that more than a number on the scale, I wanted to feel good, love my body and spend more time making a difference rather than obsessing about food, exercise and how unhappy I was with my body. What's the point of being thin if you feel like poo? The picture above was taken at the time I was at the height of my obsessive behavior. I was puffy, pudgy and weighed 20 pounds more than what I weigh today. (By the way, I don't weigh myself anymore and only know my weight because I was weighed at my prenatal appointments.) I couldn't believe that even at the beginning of my pregnancy, I had released that much weight since I had stopped obsessing, restricting, excessively exercising, weighing myself and counting calories. Everyday I am thankful that I no longer live in the bondage of my past life, searching for happiness and purpose in a number or size.
My husband, Brian, also struggled with many of the same issues I did including severe gastrointestinal issues he had dealt with his whole life. He has released over 40 pounds since we began this incredible journey we call The Healthy Edge. What we do daily is not rocket science, but the basic health principles we live and teach are lost in the daily mass marketing that leaves people confused and believing there is a "trick" to weight loss and optimal health.
How Brian and I live and look is proof that being healthy and releasing weight can be simple, enjoyable, freeing and produce results. We love enjoying beer at my husband's brewery and enjoy foods you would never find on a diet plan. We have reduced our inflammation, no longer feel bloated or puffy, enjoy sound sleep (except when the baby wakes up) and have energy that rivals what we felt in our childhood. But more importantly, we are confident in who we are and are able to give more to the world because we have the self-esteem, energy and focus to do it. It is my journey to health and my background that drives me to bring you events like Designed to Thrive.