I am an Aussie gal who loves all things healthy living, food and fitness.
My journey
I was always an active child. I played tennis for 8 years, and tried my hand at athletics, gymnastics and dancing. I also have fond memories of camping and hiking with my dad, anything outdoors really. I was young, active and healthy, and body image was not something I ever worried about.
I moved interstate when I was 17, to start university. Suddenly I was in a new city, with no family, yet with a freedom I had never had when living at home. I was working to pay my way through uni, making poor food choices, and 'fitness' had all but disappeared from my life. Sure I played social sport (netball, touch etc) but I had no regular routine. I was tired, unhappy and unhealthy. Deep down I knew that something had to change.
After I finished uni and started a full time job, I met Mr BBB. Suddenly my life was not just about me, but about this wonderful man I had been lucky enough to meet.
Around this time I realised I had a choice to make. I could stay an unhappy party girl, or I could grow up. Simple as that. And guess what? I decided to change.
I chose a happy and healthy lifestyle. No longer was I spending the weekends (and some weeknights) at the pub. Rather, I was enjoying my new relationship, cooking meals and generally living life. I loved cooking healthy meals. I joined a gym, developed a regular fitness regime, and was generally happier with who I was becoming. I could feel the "young" active Lisa coming back and I loved it. Basically, I started to love me again.
In 2007 I decided to compete in a short triathlon. This was definitely another turning point . I bought a bike, developed a training program, and loved the variety of training for a triathlon.
My first race was, well, rather unimpressive, but I finished the race and it only made me hungry for more. I returned to that same race in 2008 and shaved nearly 20 minutes off my previous time. To say that I was elated is an understatement.
Since that time I have made health and fitness a big part of my life. Sure I have days / weeks where I don't spend any time running or hitting the gym. But, these moments are generally fleeting, and I no longer equate such moments with failure or inadequacy.
I have also now completed 2 half marathons, and various other bike races and triathlons. I also completed a Half Ironman in December 2010.
Competing in races has shown just how strong my body and mind can be, and allowed me to feel a sense of achievement. They also give me motivation to train, and to keep training regularly.
I also made a conscious decision to learn to be happy in my own skin. And to be honest, I have never been happier. Are there days where I overindulge? Of course. But do I let these days result in self-loathing ? No. Was this an easy transition to make? No. Is it still a work in progress? I think so.
So what would my advice be to the "old" me? Simple. Don't waste time focusing on the bad, but celebrate the good. Every day can represent a new beginning. Be excited about what the future holds, and know that you have a CHOICE as to what sort of future you want to have.
The future
But it's not just about races and fitness.
I have also developed a wonderful passion for food and healthy cooking, and love spending time in the kitchen creating new dishes to share with my family and friends. I particularly love taking "old classic" dishes, and making them healthy.
I also started the Mystery Box Challenge to encourage me to try new ingredients and get creative in the kitchen. You can follow the progress of the challenge under the 'Mystery Box' tab.
Also - check out these posts for more:
Here's to a future filled with lots of adventures in food, in fitness and in life!
Happy Baking :)
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