Weight loss. Eating healthy. Being fit. Everyone has a different definition of these goals and how to achieve them. But what if you’re still figuring that out and don’t feel like you’re making any progress? That used to be me. Until July 18, 2011.

Since then, I’ve lost 30 pounds with the help of a few key changes to my diet and workouts. What worked and what didn’t? I’ll share my experiences with you.

Overhauling my diet was key. Until July, I rarely ate meat simply because I didn’t like it much and focused on whole grains and low-fat dairy as alternatives. Healthy, right? I thought so, too, until I learned how much better I felt when I minimized them in my diet and emphasized lean meats, fish, eggs and lots of veggies instead. I felt energized instead of sluggish and hungry all the time. Had I stuck to my old “I don’t like meat” mindset, I’d have overlooked the critical success factor that finally kick-started my weight loss. Oh, and pass the meat, please. It’s grown on me!

As my weight loss progressed, I also focused on challenging myself during my workouts. Before
July, I viewed exercise as a way to cancel out any bad eating habits and assumed I simply wasn’t
working hard enough when I wasn’t losing weight. My trainer’s mantra is “You can’t out-exercise
a bad diet,” and I can’t stress enough how true this is. I began focusing on my performance and
how strong and fit I could get instead of how much weight I could lose from one workout. The
result? I can do far more than I ever dreamed. I ran my first 5K this fall and just signed up for an
8K after discovering one morning that I could easily run the distance without stopping. Yikes, I
guess I need to pick a new challenge now!

Finally, I can’t go without crediting Protein Bar in my efforts! Obviously, the food is delicious,
but the people are also amazing. I received so much support throughout my transformation,
and some of you even ran in cold, rainy weather with me back when I was the slowest runner
around! And reading everyone’s weight loss and healthy living stories on this blog has been a
huge inspiration. Thank you!

I hope my story inspires you, too, in case you’re feeling stuck. Sometimes that’s all it takes. Now
excuse me while I go fill up my next 2012 punch card!

Are you a Protein Bar superfan? Email analisa@proteinbarchicago.com and share your SWEAT stories!