Growing up my self esteem was always low. I moved around a lot, changed schools a lot, and played the role of the "fat friend" all to often. I met my now husband when I was in high school and we began dating my sophomore year of college. We moved in together and I began to "try" to cook, which means we lived on hamburger helper and frozen pizzas. I ate horribly, I snacked all the time, and my portions were out of control. By the time we got married in 2008, I had gained 20 pounds.
 
We quickly moved into married life and the kids began to arrive. My first child was born in 2009 and a month after his arrival we landed in the hospital when he stopped breathing. About a month later he was diagnosed with DiGeorge Syndrome. This was a very trying and stressful time and I really started to eat my emotions- and on hospital food. When Carter was 1 we got pregnant again- with twins. This was a  LONG HARD pregnancy and I was put on bed rest early on. After my identical twin boys were born the fun began. Trying to feed, change, love and take care of two infants, along with a toddler was so hard. My husband was working a lot  to take care of our family financially and I was losing myself in new motherhood.

Every time I expressed this to friends and family I'd hear "get used to it" or "Your life has changed and will never be the same" or my favorite "This is your new body- love it for what it has done and get used to it. It'll never change." WHAT?!?! That was just unacceptable to me. I felt like a bad mother because I wanted MORE.

When the twins turned 1 I went back to work outside of the home, which presented a whole other set of challenges and mom-guilt, so I tried to give my every waken second to them to make up for the time lost between us. 
 
When they started walking though- is when I knew things had to change. I was so overweight I couldn't keep up with them, and as other moms of twins know when they start walking its always running in opposite directions.

In 2014, after starting my journey and losing 13 inches in 21 days and becoming healthier, I became a lifestyle coach, a zumba instructor and a POUND pro and decided to pay it forward and help other mothers who were also wanting to begin this journey. I am now living a life I am passionate about, serving others, teaching 5 fitness formats, a certified personal trainer AND a certified Nutrition and Wellness Coach through AFPA. 

Today my life is completely different. I love myself and therefore I am able to love my family more. I give to myself and therefore I am able to give more to those around me. I am confident, happy, less tired, have more energy, have an amazing morning routine, and have overall stronger relationships.