YOR BEST BODY

My name is Ellen Palmer. I am a teacher in Southern California. What prompted me to join the challenge was a serious knee injury that I sustained back in March.

I wish I had some amazing sports story about how I injured my knee. You know one where I tell you that although I'm 40 years old I'm still playing competitive volleyball. Sadly I can't. I'm embarrassed to say I injured my knee trying to stand up after using the toilet. You know you have hit your lowest when simple things like standing cause major injury!

I have accepted, that although I had been maintaining my pre-baby weight since my two boys where born (ages 6 and 3) I had become what my husband likes to call "skinny fat" (phrase used to describe people who look fit and healthy on the surface yet, due to a lack of exercise or poor diet, have a slew of health problems brewing beneath it).

That is who I had become. On the outside I look pretty decent, weighing at an ideal weight, 165lbs for my height, 6'. However, on the inside I have become extremely unhealthy. I have had the label of PRE-DIABETIC for thee years now and this year my doctor reported that my cholesterol had gone back up!

So for me I am using the YOR Health challenges to become healthy on the inside again. I don't just want to have the appearance of health but to actually have the numbers to match!

I am taking a 3-part approach to work on my health. (1) Supplementation: I am replacing two meals a day: breakfast using the new Great-ful protein and Greens and lunch using the Chocolate MRP. I'm pairing my supplementation with (2) Healthier Whole Food choices: I eat 2 snacks per day (fruit, vegetables, protein/fat) and a planned meal for dinner. My whole food choices are all about balance. I have also added in (3) Working Out: I have invited some neighbors and friends to join me in group workouts that my husband designs for us. Together we work out a minimum of three days per week (Tue/Thur evening and Sat mornings).

There are a few habits that I have formed over this challenge that are now a part of my lifestyle. I no longer will just eat anything that happens to be where I'm at. If it's not on my meal plan for the day I don't eat it. No matter what. If I have working out on my agenda for the day, I do. No matter how I feel. Each time I work out I push myself to lift heavier and heavier weight. My goal in the gym is no longer about dropping weight but about getting stronger.

I am extremely excited about the results I have achieved this challenge. I'm down 11 pounds, I have been maintaining my blood sugar every single day, my knee is almost back to 100% and I continue to get stronger and stronger each day. Now that I have completed this challenge I have decided that this is my new lifestyle. See you in the next challenge!