Loving Your Body & Gaining Confidence The FASTer Way - Fitness Program

Photography by Madi Flournoy Henderson

SWIMSUITS C/O RED CARTER SWIMWEAR

To say that I've always loved my body and my curves would be a lie.  Just like most women, there have been many times where I have felt great about my body and many times where I haven't.  I've always been somewhat self conscious of my curves...feeling as if my hips were too wide, my butt too big, my waist not small enough, my legs not long enough...you get the picture.  I sense that I'm not alone.

People may call you crazy...tell you that you are beautiful no matter your shape or size but that doesn't matter if you don't believe those things yourself.  After all...true beauty comes within, right?!  The number on the scale, the size of your waist, the inches from head to toe, the size of jeans that you wear...these aren't the things that make you beautiful.  BUT, they are some of the things that can play a significant role in how confident you feel.

As I look back on the highs and lows of my personal body confidence I can easily remember the highs but the lows are those moments that give you a good ole punch in the gut.  I've always considered myself to be a active person but I haven't always been a healthy person.  I've never really struggled with my weight (well at least not until the last couple of years).  My biggest struggle over the years has been allowing myself to get into brief ruts where I eat whatever I want and don't work out or do any physical exercise.  A lot of times, these ruts are caused my stress or significant life changes.  My mental game gets off so of course that impacts everything else and most times, that means that I start to put on a little bit of weight...my clothes fit tighter and I'm not thrilled with what I see in the mirror.

I've had to come to the realization that my "shape" is what God has given me and that is what I have to work with.  Over time, I've grown to love my body and truly appreciate the curves that I have.  I keep telling myself...why not work with these amazing curves and make them the most beautiful curves possible. This year has especially helped me turn the corner...to find a place of contentment.

What I'm most proud of is that I am a Mom of two.  My body has carried and delivered two beautiful children...one of the biggest blessings and gifts I could have ever received.  I've gained the weight and I've worked hard to get it off.  At times I have been complacent and not cared but I'm more motivated than ever to maintain my current place of contentment and continue setting an example of health and fitness for our children.

If you have been following my journey since the beginning of January, you know that I've been participating in the FASTer Way to Fatloss bootcamp program.  This is my "how" behind how I have reached my current goals and how I have truly found contentment.  My body is transforming, my curves are more beautiful, and my mind and soul are in the right place.  My confidence has shifted and I feel like a much more well rounded ME!

I'm wrapping up my 3rd full round in with the FASTer Way bootcamp and I'm joining my 4th round on June 12th.  I shared my 12 week results in a prior post...you can read about and see that HERE.

This bootcamp program has really played an important role in helping me turn the corner and learn to love my body.  I'm happier now with my body and level of physical fitness than I ever have been.  Hence why I continue to join round after round.  Yes, I could do this all on my own but I love the camaraderie of joining the FASTer Way army of women who are all like-minded and who are there to cheer each other on!

Tell me about a time that you struggled with body self confidence?  I'm certain that many of you reading this post can relate.

Is it time for you to make a shift in the way you think about and feel about your body?  Maybe the FASTer Way to Fatloss bootcamp is for you.  I encourage you to read more and email me at kbstyled@gmail.com with any questions.  I've had several personal friends join this program who have all thanked me time and time again for introducing them to the FASTer Way.  Would be happy to have you join me on June 12th!

As always, thanks so much for taking the time to read today's post.  Hope you have been having a wonderful weekend!

Bootcamp - 12 Weeks In - Before & Afters + A Juice Cleanse

Photography by Madi Flournoy Henderson

It's time for us to meet up again and talk about the FASTer Way bootcamp program that has me on the fast train to fit town.  First off, I hope all who celebrated had a wonderful Easter yesterday!  We had a wonderful day...Easter bunny surprises, church, lunch, egg hunts, egg dying, and a full day outside playing.  

Not only was it Easter but it was also my last day of round 2 of the FASTer Way to Fatloss bootcamp!  And you know how I celebrated (after taking my before & after photos of course)...I devoured some PEEPS!!!  Don't know what it is about those surgery marshmallow little chicks but I've loved them from day 1 and now I am passing that love down to our kiddos! p.s if you have never tried them microwaved for a few seconds, you MUST...YUM!

Okay, so let's get to it...for those of you who may have missed my first post about why I started with the FASTer Way to Fatloss bootcamp no problem, I've linked if for you HERE! And if you did not see my 1st round before and after images, you can visit my post and see those images HERE!

Signing up for a 2nd round was a no brainer for me...after seeing the results I achieved after my 1st six weeks, I was eager to continue on my fitness journey and see what I could achieve in another six weeks.  There was also some new things that we would be trying in the 2nd round like a juice cleanse from The Weekly Juicery and a 24 hour fast in weeks 4-6.  AND a brand new cookbook is now being offered too...which is amazing by the way!

I've done juice cleanses before but I never really coupled it with fasting and working out.  This particular cleanse from The Weekly Juicery is offered through the FASTer Way to Fatloss bootcamp program and it was such a nice add option.  The juice cleanse arrived in a packed cooler with some additional information on how to properly cleanse.  It also came with a black small cooler & ice packs so you can pack up your juices and take them on the go if you need to.

What I loved about this cleanse is that it is cold pressed and is USDA certified.  The Weekly Juicery sources their produce locally and makes their juice fresh, using only organic produce.  This cleanse was such a nice compliment to the bootcamp and it allowed me to step things up a notch with regards to my fitness goals.

Since week 4 of my second round of the FASTer Way bootcamp, I have been juicing once a week.  Although my first cleanse was from The Weekly Juicery, I am also supporting our local juice bar, Franklin Juice Co., and have been getting my cleanses from them.

What I can share with you after a second 6 week round is that I feel much stronger and even more lean!  Cleansing and fasting for 24 hours once a week has accelerated my results as well.

Now onto the results...the first photo pairing is from before I started the FASTer Way to Fatloss bootcamp to yesterday, 12 full weeks of participating in the bootcamp.  The second photo pairing is from the end of my first six weeks to yesterday, the end of my second bootcamp.  Change continues to happen physically, mentally, and emotionally and I am beyond pleased with my progress!  It certainly has not been easy at times but I am committed and I'm moving onward!

I'm personally starting my 3rd round on Monday, 4/24 and can't wait!  There will be some new workouts this round and even more tips.  Over 300 women have signed up to start their own journey on 4/24...will you join in?!  If you want to join us and invest in yourself...head HERE to read more info and sign up.

p.s registration will end soon as there is a max to how many women are allowed to sign up per round.  Email me with any questions: kbstyled@gmail.com.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read today's post.  I look forward to hearing from you!

Have a great start to your week!

Bootcamp - 6 Weeks In - Before & After

Photography by Madi Flournoy Henderson

DENIM || WORKOUT LEGGINGS || SNEAKERS

The last time we met here to talk about health and fitness, I shared more with you all about the program that is changing my life...the FASTerWaytoFatloss Bootcamp!  If you missed my first post, don't worry, I've linked it HERE in the case you wish to catch up on why I decided to start this particular program in the first place.  Simply put...enough was ENOUGH for me and I HAD to make a change...and FAST!

Yesterday I wrapped up my first 6 weeks of this bootcamp and today, I'm excited to share my results!  I first must say that not only has my body transformed but my mental and emotional health has greatly improved as well.  The FASTerWaytoFatloss Bootcamp has taught me more about food than I have ever known...what to eat, when to eat, how much to eat, and how to properly fuel my body.  I learned a lot about food when doing Whole 30 but I've learned soooooo much more since starting this bootcamp.  I feel so much more educated and well equipped to make much smarter food choices!

In a short 6 weeks, I have realized that I have way more willpower than I have ever given myself credit for.  In the past, I struggled with my food choices and this program has given me food freedom.  I have so much more control over my choices and I no longer spend so much time thinking about my next meal.

In a short 6 weeks, I have grown stronger and have become leaner.  I am fueling my body with the right foods and I am working hard to burn fat & build lean muscle.  I feel stronger than I have in a really long time.  I'm sleeping better at night and both my mental and emotional well being has improved so much as well. I'm a happier and much healthier me.

It's hard to describe exactly how I feel (there's just so much I want to tell you all)...BUT simply put, starting the FASTerWaytoFatLoss Bootcamp is THE BEST decision I have EVER made for my health and overall well being.  Hands down.  This has now become a lifestyle...one that I can actually maintain and one that I am

So to now share a bit about my results from my first FASTerWaytoFatloss Bootcamp...

I've got to say, it was NEVER about the scale...we actually did not weigh ourselves until our last day of the 6 week program (I lost 7lbs this first round).  It was about understanding how to fuel our bodies & working out hard to burn fat and build lean muscle.  Of course, as you do those two things, the number on the scale will drop and so will the inches.

My personal success can be seen in the before and after pictures posted below!!!  Yes I lost weight & yes I lost inches BUT what I am most proud of is the way my body is starting to transform into a strong fit body that is capable of doing so much!  It was tough for me to share these images because the before image reminds me of a place that I never want to return to.  I place of dissatisfaction, a place of embarrassment, a place of sadness, a place where I couldn't find my inner strength, a place where I was unmotivated and had zero desire to do anything to better myself.  We have all been in that "place' at some point in our lives and you may be in that "place" right now.

I share all of this because I am beyond passionate about the FASTerWaytoFatloss bootcamp...I am personally experiencing something life changing and you can too!  I loved my first 6 weeks so much that I have already signed up for my second bootcamp that kicks off on 2/27/17!  I can't wait to get started again and join so many other amazing women who have walked in the same shoes.

If any of this resonates with you and if you are looking to make a change in your health and fitness lifestyle, I highly encourage you to consider joining me on 2/27!  It would be so great to have you on board with me!  You will be a part of a supportive group of women who share many of the same goals and who offer lots of support and encouragement too!

There are only a handful of spots left for the 2/27 bootcamp so grab your spot while you can.  You can join this amazing bootcamp HERE!

If you are considering joining me in this next round yet you have questions, please email me at kbstyled@gmail.com and I'd be happy to answer them!

Thank you for being so kind and taking the time to read today's post.  I hope you will decide to join me on a personal journey to change your life too!  Have a great start to your week!