Skinny Genes

I don't have them.... Skinny Genes that is. I wasn't one of the lucky ones born with a metabolism that runs like a race horse. I have to work for mine to wake up and get going.

I've always been intrigued by people's before and after stories. Having been a little chubby girl growing up, I appreciate the before picture because I realize what the person in the before picture felt like. And, of course, I appreciate the after picture because I realize all the struggles and hard work that went into looking good for an after picture.

Well, I thought I'd share a before and after pic and post about my most recent weight loss tricks. I'm going to get real with you and just tell it like it is.

First of all, I'd like to say UP FRONT that it's all a matter of where you come from. Perspective I should say. Do I think I look fantastic now and have a hot bod.. NO.. If you know me well enough, you know that goes without saying.

Someone who was born a little skinny thing and has stayed a little skinny thing, will not be able to relate to this post. You know who you are. You're the girl who is a size 2 on your chubby day, but still only wear full tankinis with a skirt, while those of us who have worked our heine off to be a size 4 with problem areas, wear a two piece. It is all perspective. Where you're coming from. So, this is where I'm coming from!




This is a picture of me when Clayton was 6 months old. That's about the time I realized that any weight that I was going to lose just because of giving birth was gone. The rest was going to be work. I had given birth to four children, did not wish for any more, but was still feeling bad about where I was physically. This is the no exercise Kesleigh and just eating whatever was easy Kesleigh.


I'm so proud to show my picture 20 pounds lighter. I know what you're thinking... and NO, I am NEVER done toning up and trying to lose a few more pounds. It's where I come from and how I think, but I would say all in all at 36, I'm pretty okay with my size.... most of the time.



I sometimes have people ask me what kinds of things I eat and what I did to lose weight. It started with Metabolic Weight Loss. I did not go there. I did not buy the products. I had a copy of the diet and followed it. The first ten pounds came off quickly and I was sold on the program.

As I was doing that program, I realized that exercise was going to have to be a major part of my life, so I go to the YMCA at least 5 times a week. Sometimes I even catch myself doing light weights, push ups, situps and squats while I watch tv at night. I have just realized that anytime you can be moving is much better for your body than being still. I like to do step aerobics and was doing body shaping religiously until my schedule changed. I highly recommend aerobics classes rather than exercising alone only because having people around you doing the routines encourages you to keep going.

I also learned to realize how many unnecessary calories I was taking in. I realized that I was snacking while talking on the phone and not even thinking about it. I was getting up for seconds and never realized I was doing it. Just mindless eating.

I also weigh myself every day, religiously. It keeps me in touch with if I'm gaining or not. I have a digital scale that is always on full battery and always available in my bathroom.

Now, I don't live on Metabolic Weight Loss. It's not a plan meant to live on. But, I do have to maintain somehow. So, I modify. The plan is always on the back of my mind. I know it well. I eat a ton of salad.. only Spinach leaves with different toppings. I love the Kelloggs protein drink mix and HIGHLY recommend it to everyone. And, I also recommend the South Beach Bars. They are high in protein and that helps you stay fuller longer. AND, they're really good. I highly recommend the Light bread at Braum's restaurant. Any time we are going through Hillsboro I pick some up and freeze it. It's delicious and is only 40 calories per slice versus the 90 calorie regular bread. And, I must admit it, I live on Diet Pepsi. It's my treat and one luxury I afford myself.


Again, as a person who spent the better part of my life heavier than most people around me, I will always consider myself bigger and will always be on a mission to take control over my physical self just to prove that it's possible. I'm always "on a program". It's just who I am, but that's not to say that I can't enjoy a good piece of pie every now and then. And, it sure did feel good to go to my annual OB/GYN appt, weigh in and realize I weigh less now than I did 4 kids ago.

Thanks for letting me share...