Why Do You Workout?

I am always asked,"why do you workout?"

Well, the truth is I grew up in a home where brownies, cookies, and cupcakes were always available. Which is why I find it important to feed your body right while indulging every once in a while. Hence, my sweet tooth.

Throughout middle school is when I really started my weight gain. Come the summer of 7th grade I was expanding like no other. I will never forget going into American Eagle and buying my first pair of capri's in a size 14. Mind you, I was only 13-years-old. I was also very active growing up doing softball, cheerleading, (I won't get into how awful I was) basketball, and girl scouts. The problem was--I just loved to eat.

When I realized my weight gain was going to do nothing more than just increase I did something about it. I got on the treadmill and I ran. I started running five days a week for a mile. Over the course of three years, I increased my workout from 1 mile five days a week to 3-4 miles five days a week.

I did change my eating habits--as I realized toaster strudels were not the healthiest choice. The problem is, when you're 13-years-old, you don't know what's healthy and what isn't healthy.

To me, I thought "healthy" was only green, gross, or made me gag--wrong!

I quickly learned how many calories to consume to loose 1-2 lbs a week and what to feed myself to keep my metabolism up. The secret is, eating every two hours is very important. Even if you're not hungry, eat a handful of almonds or a spoonful of peanut butter.

So when it comes to, "why do I work out?" The truth is--I do it for myself. So when you have you're moment when you realize it's time to get fit, remember one thing--you're doing it for yourself and no one else.

And always remember to indulge every once in a while.

I would love for you to share your story with me--why do you workout?