Guest Post: Kara Glass // Behind Green Eyes

Drinking: Water
Listening: Cat Power

Hello all! Today I have asked my friend Kara from Behind Green Eyes to share something that is very near and dear to her heart. That works out perfectly because Kara is very near and dear to my heart and I love her very much. Once you're finished reading her weight loss story, head over to her blog and check it out. She's super talented and lovely.

When I was in high school, I kept a relatively normal weight.  I danced in high school and played tennis so I kept quite active.  Then college hit.  I hated working out, I hated school, and was just kind of unhappy with my life.  I started working at a coffee shop where I drank a large white chocolate and hazelnut latte and ate an asiago cheese bagel with TONS of cream cheese every day…every single day!  So, therefore I gained 40lbs.  YIKES!  I remember feeling tired and bogged down all the time.  I remember climbing 4 flights of stairs and school and being completely out of breath and running to the bathroom so no one noticed.  It was sad.  I hadn’t even paid attention to how much weight I was gaining.  
Then my last semester of school, I had the hardest class ever with the worst professor ever.  I was extremely stressed out.  I barely ate.  I lost 20 pounds in two months.  Even though that’s a bad way to lose weight, this kick-started my diet.

A few months after I finished school I met some new friends who had lost a TON of weight on weight watchers.  I was inspired.  She taught me how to count points and how to really watch what I ate. So, I lost 30 more pounds!  It took a lot of hard work and dedication.  
Once I had reached my goal weight, I got lazy.  I nearly gained all the weight back and felt awful.  Over the next few years I would lose weight and then gained it all back.  
Then I came to a conclusion that I just needed to make a lifestyle change.  I needed to be content with the fact that I can’t eat whatever I want whenever I want.  So I did just that.  I am currently 10 pounds higher than my goal weight, but I feel healthier than ever.  I, of course, splurge every now and again, but the important thing is that I’ve changed my eating habits and that will be the healthiest and most important thing for me.

I thought I could leave a few tips I’ve learned along the way about losing weight.

Have a support system
It is so important to have people encouraging you and keeping you accountable all the time.  The best support you can have is by someone coming along on the journey with you.  Lift each other up.  Encourage them and make a point to changing your lives together.

Drink lots and lots of water
This seems so simple but people don’t usually realize that they’re not drinking enough water during the day.  Have a set amount of water that you plan on drinking each day and stick to it.

Work out
I know, I know, working out sucks.  I hated it (and sometimes still hate it).  Not only does it make you look better, it makes you feel better.  Especially after a workout, you have this natural high and feels like nothing else.  Even something simple like taking a walk can be effective.

Thanks for sharing, Kara! I love great motivating stories! Doesn't that make you want to be healthier?

I hope you all have a lovely evening!

Shalom