Monica - June 2008
Biography: I am 35 years old and have been married to Kirk for 9 years this November. We have 3 wonderful children 2 daughters and a son.
I have been blessed to be a stay at home mother since Selby was born. I know that is when my weight issues started. I gained about 60+ pounds with each child and never really lost it before I was pregnant again. I smoked between pregnancies and never really watched what I ate.
I stopped smoking in January of 2005 on Abigail's 3rd birthday. I knew it would be the best present to her. I started running and taking Ephedra pills. I lost over 30 pounds.I loved it.Then Kirk went to Bahrain and the Ephedra stopped working and I started to eat again to deal with being lonely.The weight krept up.
Monica - November, 2007
I lost weight again with PnP and then towards the end of 2007 I gained about 20 pounds again. I was so upset and knew it was all my fault and I needed to wake up and get with it. I may have stopped smoking but I was still killing myself with food and no exercise.
Why and When you got involved with PnP: I joined PnP back in April of 2007. Cindy P gave me the website and I was hooked. I knew this was where I wanted and needed to be.
What types of workouts you do? Before PnP I was running/walking and doing Denise Austin personal workout with weights. I am doing the 4-5 split routine.I have done 4 days consitently and then average about 35-45 minutes of cardio.
What keeps you motivated? I must say the teams has made the difference. I have started every challenge Corinne has put out there but I did not finish one.I did finish the Fast N Furious challenge. I have never felt so motivated and happy. I pushed hard and saw results and it was because I did not want to let my team down.
Monica - showing off those size 12's!
Eating plan: I tried WW 3 times and never was able to stick with it.Then I started counting calories on Sparkpeople.I stopped counting cals because I was focusing on the foods I could not have and then would binge. I am in a place with my exercise now that I feel comfortable tracking on Sparkpeople again. I try to eat as clean as possible but food is my issue.My husband is gone so much and I still have not mastered the emotional eating. I am trying and everyday I eat on plan and do not binge is a huge victory.
Favorite exercise: My favorite exercise............... Right now I must say it is leg day. I am lifting heavy and I love adding those plates to the leg press and the Smith Machine.I get such a rush. I must say I have to stack the 45's because my upper body is not as strong as my lower and I am afraid I will drop the plate on my foot!!!!
Something you never thought you'd be able to do and either can do or have tried doing:
ummmmmm........I was never sure I was strong enough to tackle spinning. I tried years ago and it was sooo hard. I have now done 3 spinning classes. I love the feeling of accomplishment I have after the class.
Monica - check out the shoulder definition!
How has PnP affected your life? I love PnP.I have never been one to make close friends since we move every 2years. I feel I could call any of my fellow PnPer's and they would be there for me. I have found a place full of women who understand the struggle I have with being a woman,mother,and a lover and still need to be me.At PnP,I can be honest with my struggles and have others to celebrate my accomplishments. I have found a place that makes me want to become a better woman and my family thanks you for that.
What do you think of the PnP Site and what suggestions would you have for us? I love the site.I can not think of anything to add because we just added the videos and I am now a happy camper!!!
Any other Comments: I love all of you guys. This site has gotten me through some very tough times.My only regret is I have not been able to meet Corinne or any other moderators.But I know my time will come I just need to be patient.