My One Year Weight Loss Journey: The Ugly Truth

I started my weight loss journey on June 1, 2012 when I went in to My Fit Foods for some information about the 21- Day Challenge. I wanted to lose a few pounds before going out of the country in August on a missions trip. Little did I know it was going to help radically change my life.

When the nutrition coach was explaining what I would need to give up for the next 21 days, I almost freaked out (well, I probably did a little on the inside). I told myself I could do anything for 21 days, so I signed up and took it seriously. I don't particularly like cooking, and often don't make the time to, so the plan seemed like a perfect fit for my busy lifestyle.

Before starting the 21 Day Challenge my daily diet consisted of several diet sodas, 1 or 2 cups of coffee: sweetened with flavored creamer, and an abundance of fast food at every meal. I was always tired and I never had the energy to go to the gym.

The first three days of the challenge were pretty rough. I had caffeine headaches and was pretty irritable, but I didn't give in to the tempting bowl of chocolates that sat on my co-workers desk.

During that time our team hosted a Zumbathon on June 9, 2012 to help raise money. I was one of the volunteers and decided once I was done to give Zumba a try!

I was shocked at how easy I could follow along and what a fun and great workout it was. One of the instructors, Kerry, really stood out to me so I got her class schedule.

I started attending Kerry's classes a few times a week and stood in the back corner away from the door so no one could see me. After a few weeks, I started making my way a little closer to the front. I really enjoyed the music and the energy and started rearranging my work schedule so I could make it to more of her classes.

The weight was literally shaking off of me from week to week. I was averaging a loss of 10 pounds a month- which was just crazy to me!

As of today I have lost celebrated 106 pounds lost (I have a few more to go till my ultimate goal). I have gone down 7 jean sizes! I am the lightest and smallest I have ever been in my life.

Zumba has not only given me a body I would've died to have had earlier, but it has made me a more confident woman. I love seeing all my Zumba friends each and every class. No matter how my day has been, the moment the music starts I am in my own dancing world (in the front row).

1- Alicia Trimble- July 2011 by jazzyali1323, on Flickr


3a- Alicia Trimble- April 2012 by jazzyali1323, on Flickr


9- Alicia Trimble- December 2012 by jazzyali1323, on Flickr


Alicia Trimble- May 17 2013 (1) by jazzyali1323, on Flickr


Alicia Trimble- May 17 2013 (2) by jazzyali1323, on Flickr


Alicia Trimble- May 17 2013 (4) by jazzyali1323, on Flickr