I've Gained So Much

By Deanna

I’m in the middle of week five of The Gunnar Peterson Challenge, and with only three more weeks left, I am extremely happy about The Gunnar Challenge in general – the website, the support, the workouts, meal plans and Gunnar* himself!

I have lost a total of 4.8 pounds (7.8 pounds since the beginning of #PSMAD), and 12 inches across my entire body (chest, arms, waists and thighs) I was actually FLOORED that I lost that many inches in just four weeks, was it possible I asked myself? I re-measured, checked my initial measurements, and yep, it sure is possible!

When I went through this a few years back, I thought I had this nailed, but obviously I didn’t, I gained some weight back;  with this challenge I am learning once again the power of good nutrition, the importance to love yourself,  treat yourself with kindness and I so needed that.  I’m not going to sit here and tell you I’m never going to have a chip or McDonald’s again cause that would be a lie, but I will tell you that I believe I can honestly live in moderation and not just tell myself that when I feel guilty because I had those chips or fries, but seriously get that balance that I have been striving for.

Aside from the obvious results, what I am most happy about is my determination, that I’m learning to love myself for the person I am, and who I am becoming; I’m happy that I am following-through and making it happen! I've been in this "spot" before, I know what it feels like, I know how it's "clicking", I know I am "getting it" as I am conscious about having my vegetables, about not eating processed food that understanding my emotions behind the chips I’m downing when I’m not even hungry.  This time around, I do feel stronger, my weekends are getting better - I get back on-track faster and I do feel focused - not just about losing weight I feel focused about my continued growth – as person, as a runner, as a wife and a mom.  

As the challenge comes to an end, I might not lose the last 14 pounds over the next three weeks and that’s alright, I can’t be upset, no, I won’t be upset because I am truly gaining so much more and not in my ass and stomach, I’m gaining love, self-respect, balance and these will positively impact every aspect of my life. How can I possibly be upset about that?


*Gunnar records the "Daily Vitamin" videos that I watch daily, and they are informative, deep and hilarious!!