Want to share your journey with us? Send an email to jennys@macaronikid.com answering the seven questions below, include an image, and you could be our next featured parent!
What is your name and what town are you from?
Lauren Webb from Port Saint Lucie, FL
Who makes up your family?
Myself (31), my husband Glenn (32), our son Cameron (10) and daughter Ashlyn (21 months)
Briefly, tell us your struggles.
I have always struggled with weight. I have been so busy working, going to school, being a wife and mother that I never took any time for myself. I have smoked cigarettes most of my adult life (minus quitting when pregnant). I am the person who ate McDonald's 4 times a day just to try to win the monopoly game. I am the mom who said, "I have no time to work out!" or "We cannot afford to eat healthy!". When my daughter was born I was at my highest weight of 226lbs. After she was born, I dropped roughly 30lbs, but was still so out of shape and unhealthy. My bosses even created a "no eating at desk" policy because I would sit all day and eat at my desk.
What was the turning point that made you change the way you care for yourself?
I became a stay-at-home mom when my daughter was born but continued to do odd jobs from home to make a living. My turning point was when I could not keep up with my daily activities. My husband has always been healthy. When I noticed us eating out all the time because I wanted junk and he wanted healthier options, I started to see a problem. I became very tired and slept most of my days away. After my daughter was born I started smoking again and would smoke a pack a day. All I was doing was eating, sleeping and smoking. I was depressed and overwhelmed. One day I noticed my son was overweight and becoming lazy as well. I decided I needed to change. After a couple of unsuccessful fad diets and quick loss pills, I realized that I needed to start a workout program along with a healthy diet. I knew it was time to change.
What actions did you take to become healthier?
The very first thing I did was lose my excuses.
- I don't have time
- I cannot afford to eat right
- Diet pills work best
- Exercising doesn't work
How have you implemented (or plan to) your new habits with your family?
I attend Crossfit every day except Sundays. (This coming from the mom with no time.) My husband works out 4 days a week at a local gym. My son goes with me to Crossfit twice a week. We eat healthy meals, prepared at home. We no longer eat fast food.
Overall, this step in the right direction for me has been a life CHANGING experience.