Weekly Transformation: Kristina

January 14, 2016

This week our Healthy Living Transformation is brought to us by our ambassador Kristina!

Looking back several years ago, I never would have thought I would be blessed with all the opportunities in my life that I have right now. Becoming an ambassador for Nuts-n-More is like a dream come true!  Just thinking that I can and do inspire others to live a healthy well balanced life is incredible. Reflecting on my past and my history with exercise addiction, I have come a long way both physically and mentally.

Growing up as one of the biggest kids in my class, I was self-conscious and was always picked on. When I had reached 170 plus pounds in 7^th grade, I knew it was time for a change. I began walking and eventually when the pounds began to come off, I started to run. When I entered high school I developed a passion for long distance running and joined our Cross Country Team. I was a normal weight, eating treats in moderation and exercising because I loved to. Then it hit me, I still don’t know exactly what started it; maybe I was scared of becoming over weight again. But my addiction took over. Starting to see myself get smaller and smaller was controlling me. I restricted myself to all the things I enjoyed. I took away the food that brought me joy, I socially withdrew myself from my family and friends, and I slowly withered away to skin and bones. It’s amazing how everyone around you can see what you are doing to yourself, but you.

An addiction controls your every thought, it tells you what to do, it tells you what to value, and it strips your own identity and self-worth from you. I still struggle to this day with regaining my confidence and actually feeling like myself again. I try to focus less on my idea of always striving for perfection and learning to relax, realizing that I am only human and my body can only be pushed so much. I also am aware of the fact I have a major sweet tooth and I now make healthy versions of my cravings. Incorporating things like nuts ‘n more which contain a healthy dose of protein, carbs and fats and satisfy my sweet tooth has been a huge win! It truly helps me because I never feel deprived of the sweet snacks I enjoy.

I now listen to my body cues, do exercises that make me feel good and bring me happiness. I believe everyone is different and handles both food and exercise differently. That is why I just focus on doing what is best for me. Finding inner happiness and being at peace with your choices creates both a healthy mind and body. I remind myself each day that I am thankful for the opportunities I have, a family that loves and supports me and even my ability to exercise because there are so many people who can’t. As I am getting older my values are less on my physical appearance and more about the happiness in the present moment and creating lifelong memories

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