Hey girls looking to Get Smart! My name is Kate Elman and I have joined the Get Smart team to help inspire and encourage young women to live a healthier lifestyle!  I have to admit, I’ve joined the team for a bit of a selfish reason as well… to keep myself on track and motivated to reach my own goals!  I don’t have any credentials as a fitness coach/trainer nor am I any sort of nutritionist or dietitian; however, I do have a reputation of inspiring others around me to work hard to achieve their goals in life, whether they are academic, career related, or personal ambitions.  Inspiring others, conversely, helps me keep myself motivated… and the feeling is just wonderful 😉

Why is she writing for Get Smart?

The reason why my articles will focus on healthy eating and exercise tips is because I am currently on a long journey towards a healthier life.  I have always been a “big girl”, but I have finally decided it is time for me to change- not only to lose weight, but to also give myself more opportunities in life and to feel better in my own skin.  And so far, I feel amazing <3

My “E!” (E for Elman) True Hollywood Story…

I always thought to myself growing up, “Well, I was just made this way because I’m tough and can handle it!  I’ll always be overweight.”  This was what I told myself every day.  And then one day, I woke up.  About 4 years ago I joined Weight Watchers.  It was the first time I had ever even thought about what I was putting into my mouth.  Because I drastically changed my eating habits, I was very successful.  Through WW and “dancing” with my big booty all over the place at Zumba classes, I lost 30 pounds in one summer, alongside my sister.  We both felt great and we had never looked better!  As a result, I had an amazing senior year at college (lookin’ fine I might add!) and life was good!

But then, in September of 2010, I got my first teaching job.  Between the stress of being a first year teacher, and the teacher’s room I slowly gained all of my weight back.  All 30 pounds It is very easy to get off track, and it’s even easier to not realize you’ve gotten off track when you are constantly putting others before you.  Since then, I have been off and on different “diet kicks”, but this new year, I decided I was going to try it again and never look back! (Only, of course, to find a really “good” before pic..)

Look at me now…

To date, I am down 40 pounds from my highest recorded weight, which was at the end of my senior year of high school, going into college in 2006.  With the support of my friends, family, and you guys!… I will continue to work hard to reach my goals.  I am so grateful that Stephanie asked me to join the Get Smart team, and it couldn’t have come at a better time.

As I write future posts, I will be sharing tips and strategies I have used to stay focused on my health & fitness goals.  If at any time you would like me to reflect on a certain area of health or fitness, please let me know by writing to me at kateelman@gmail.com or commenting on my posts!  I am very excited for my journey with Get Smart, and I hope you are as well!

To receive weekly motivational “Monday Boost” emails that will feature some of my work please click here. If you’d like to apply to be a guest blogger for Get Smart, we are always looking for writers! Click here to apply. 

Until next time.. cheers to a healthier you! (and me!)

xoxo,

Kate