Hi! I’m Katie from Austin, Texas. I consider myself an honest, though blunt, girl who tells it like it is. When I started to blog about my struggles with weight loss, I realized I have trouble being so blunt with myself. Though I’m self-reflective, I don’t always know they ‘why’ to my behavior, and my blog has been an exploration of that on my journey to size 8 denim.
I started my weight loss journey at 271 pounds and a size 22. I started my weight gain as a kid. I was consistently one of the largest girls in my class. I’m sure my parents saw my chunkiness, but thankfully decided not to make a fuss about it. In doing so, they instilled a tremendous amount of self confidence in me that persists at any size or weight. Out of love for me, and always intentional with their parenting, they made a decision together at some young, chunky moment in my life, to NOT give me a complex about it. They didn’t harp on my snacks or meals, but instead encouraged activities I showed interest in (dance, tennis) and other healthy habits I’m likely not even aware of.
After what I will sum up as a very rough year attempting a career in teaching, I found myself back in Austin, back in a career in market research, with more time and resources to focus on myself. I took up tennis for the first time since high school, made my way to the gym, and last fall, started Single Digit Denim.
Unexpectedly, my blog has been the one weight loss “tool” that has really stuck. I know it doesn’t burn calories or add protein and fiber to my diet, but there is a certain truth serum to it that keeps ME from obliviously gaining weight. Because of the blog, my goal is always front and center in my mind, and I have a new sense of accountability I’ve never had before. And to date, I have lost nearly 30 pounds!
I am losing weight because I want to become a parent one day soon (not that there are any prospects for a husband at the moment!), and I want to be an inspiration of health and fitness for my kids. I want jog around Austin’s Lady Bird Lake with the stroller, and look good in my yoga pants doing it. I want to stave off diabetes and other weight-related diseases that plague my genetics. Above all, I want to be an inspiration to myself, instead of looking to others for inspiration – and I want to inspire anyone I can in the process.
good for you! i don’t even know you personally but reading this truly shows your passion, i know you are going to accomplish everything you want to!!
Congratulations – this is inspiring and so brave!! I have a book reco I really think will hit home for you – SHADES OF HOPE: A Program to Stop Dieting and Start Living. I’d love to send you an advance copy for review consideration. Please contact me at the email below and I wish you all the best!
I just happened upon your blog and I’m so inspired by you! Good job! Keep it up! I’m sure you are inspiring and helping so many people!!
Thanks Melanie! The blog really keeps me going. I feel like all my readers keep me accountable.
Hi Kate, I just clicked over from PFG. I voted for you and was at least glad to have the link to your blog! I’ll be following you on your journey from here on out! Good luck!
This is how I feel with my blog. I feel like if I succeed, then I’ll be so happy to write in my blog toady. If I don’t do so well … I feel like I have more eyes on me than just me. So it’s kind of nice having the extra support!