Hey guys!! I decided to post this today. I asked my best friend, Kate, if she would like to write a guest post for me on her weight loss journey. I’m so glad she agreed! This girl is seriously amazing! She is such an awesome friend/sister, so kind, and beautiful inside and out! She decided to get healthy, and I was so glad when she asked me for advice. I love her, and I hope you guys enjoy this.

Old picture, but this sums us up;)

Hi, guys! I’m Katelyn, but everyone other than my mom just calls me Kate. Jessica is my absolute best friend in the world, you won’t find a friend/person as incredible as her! I was honored enough to have her ask me to write a guest post on her blog, which I’ve never done before… but here we go, bear with me!

I want to just explain a little bit of my own fitness journey: Some things that inspire me, what works for me, what doesn’t work for me; the ups and downs, trial and errors. Trust me, there are a lot of errors! But we learn from our mistakes and become even stronger from them.

I graduated from high school in 2010- and that was honestly the busiest year I’ve had so far in my life! I was constantly on the go, whether I was going to work, sporting events, or working on something for Student Council, it seemed like there was never a moment to take a breath, or eat. I would be super busy in the day- I would have no breakfast, a Nutrigrain bar for lunch, and something little for dinner. I felt like I was eating, but now I look back, and I know I should have known. I’d get home from work, do my homework, then go for a walk every night. I was losing weight fast, which was exciting to me at the time. I had about five different dizzy spells that year and I still kept up my same routine until graduation. Once graduation was over I started to have more time to make real meals. Nutrigrain bars are not a replacement for a whole meal! Plus I was so burnt out on them, I needed a change, I still can’t eat one without wanting to throw up. haha I lost a lot of weight my senior year, but I was also being so unhealthy. Whatever your diet is, it is still just that, a diet. So once I stopped eating like I was- the weight found it’s way back again. I was eating a max of probably 600 calories a day, so of course once I started eating healthy, I’d gain it back. I lost a lot of weight fast, but it just came right back because I did it in such an unhealthy way. If I could go back in time, I would have started being healthy then. Lessons learned, right?

Over the past few years Jessica has been on her journey- and it’s so inspiring! I finally decided I was ready to dedicate my time and effort into joining just at the beginning of this year. It’s so nice to have a best friend that I can go to with all my healthy living questions. Whether it’s workout related, or food related, I literally ask her any question I have! Also, she makes for the best grocery shopping partner! Our Whole Food trips might be pricey, but they’re worth it. If someone is on their own journey to good health and fitness, the best way is with a friend! I could never do it on my own if I didn’t have her supporting me 100% all the way.

I started off by running the trail in our town. I would love to be a true runner, but I’m just not sure if it’s right for me, once I get back home I plan on giving running a try again. I can run for a lot longer now that I could when I started, but I need to still find a way to make running work for me. Trial and error!

I’m spending my summer, which is unfortunately coming to an end, in Pennsylvania interning at The Caron Foundation, which is a drug and alcohol rehab. This internship has been beyond amazing for me! Before 8AM and after 5:30PM, the gym at Caron is open to employees, the other times are reserved for patients. The gym has an amazing view and so I’ve really enjoyed using that gym! I always do 45 minutes to an hour of cardio first, then I made my way to weights. I love weight lifting! It’s important to find things that fit you and you enjoy and I definitely have found mine this summer! I alternate between leg days and arm days when it comes to the weights, but I do cardio pretty much every day.

I write down everything I eat- I know some people suggest you don’t do this and instead suggest you just eat healthy. But for me, writing it down shows progress and makes sure I’m eating enough calories, as well as the right calories. I don’t want to be passing out in a store ever again! haha

I’ve learned that what you eat is so important. I know that when I eat a lot of veggies, I lose weight. When I eat 100 calorie packs as snacks instead, I don’t. I could work just as hard as I do and eat the same amount of calories- but if those calories are empty- they’re not helping me in any way and I stay in the same spot. I enjoy finding new healthy foods and recipes. I know that when I eat healthy, I feel better. It’s a saying, but it’s so true! I’m happier and so is body, inside and out. You can feel it!

I drink water like nobody’s business! haha I have a Camelback water bottle with a filter that I carry everywhere. I don’t drink soda, I never have. I do love my coffee, but I don’t add sugar. Two packets of stevia and a little almond milk if needed. I also am completely obsessed with tea. At home, I drink a cup of tea every night. Tea makes me happy.

I’m flying back home to Oklahoma on Monday- and school starts back up next week (seriously, where did summer go?!) so now I’ve go to try to keep up a new school, work, and healthy living schedule for this year.

I mess up on my eating some days, who doesn’t? But It’s all about progress and making it a lifestyle, not a temporary thing. Anytime I’m feeling discouraged, I look at some of my favorite fit blogs for inspiration- it works every time! Hearing other people’s stories, or finding some new inspiration always makes me ready to throw on my Nikes and go to the gym.

Trying to lose weight and being healthy are completely different things. I’m not in this to lose a few pounds, and go back to my old habits. I’m in this for a healthy lifestyle. It may take a while, but it’s the right way to do it. There is no finish line I’m running to, but rather a never ended journey with a few goals that I’ll reach when I can, however it long it takes. Being healthy is being happy for me.

**Edit: She wrote this at the beginning of August, but I just now got around to posting it.**

If you are wanting to start your weight loss journey, or are continuing it, or just want to get healthy, like Kate said, having a friend really helps. If you need support, someone to check in with, to encourage you, or just a friend, I would love to be there to encourage you, and I’m sure Kate would too. It is so much better knowing that you have at least one person supporting you. It isn’t easy, but it’s definitely worth it.

You can get in touch with Kate on her Tumblr

You can do anything you set your mind to. I really believe that.

Hope everyone has an amazing weekend!