So, todays post is an interview I did of my best friend, Kayla.
She is my biggest inspiration for healthy living, and whenever I need someone to talk to, or am feeling even the least bit down on myself, she is the first person I go to. Two reasons she inspires me are because she has been so successful in her weight loss, and she has the most positive attitude, and is so incredibly nice to herself! She always remembers that she is on a life long journey, and that things don’t happen over night. She is proud of herself every step of the way. Not only has losing weight made Kayla more confident in herself, but she also grew in all other aspects of her life. She got her Bachelors degree in communications, is more social than ever, pushes herself to try new things, is nice to every person she comes in contact with, and has become the best friend to me, that I’ve ever had! She is AMAZING! I love you K! Thank you for doing this interview. I know it’s going to inspire so many women, because it inspires me everyday! 
ALSO, as you are reading the interview, if there is ANYTHING else you would like to ask Kayla, write it down. E-mail me any further questions (NO question is silly). E-mail me at healthyhitsthespot@gmail.com
Before
After
How much weight did you lose?
-I lost 30 pounds (give or take because I have gained muscle).
How long did it take you?
-I started in 2009. It took me about 2 years to lose the 30 lbs. and I have not gained any of it back.
How did you do it?
-I was watching a video of Sidney Crosby (from the Pittsburgh Penguins) talk about his workouts and nutrition (I’m very inspired by athletes). After watching that, I started my weight loss journey by eating sweets only once a week and cutting out fast food. Over the next 2 years I started making small changes in my diet. I switched to whole wheat, whole grains and brown rice. I stopped eating candy and junk food and started eating more fruit and veggies. There were a lot of changes I made but it wasn’t all at once so I didn’t feel overwhelmed. I also made sure not to deprive myself because I made a LIFESTYLE change and it’s something that I knew I was going to have to do until I am no longer here. I also started running. I was slow at first and didn’t go too far but I just kept working at it and eventually, I was able to do a half marathon.
Are you where you want to be? Or are you still trying to lose weight?
-I’m not exactly where I want to be. I would like to tone up (Tone it Up 
). But, while I’m not exactly where I want to be, I’m happy with myself and accept myself the way I am at the moment. These things take time and I’m OK with that. “Nature does not hurry yet everything is accomplished.” – Lao Tzu
Do you ever get cravings for the things that you used to eat?
-I really don’t and it’s because I love the way I feel when I eat healthy and I don’t like the way my body feels when I eat the bad foods I used to eat.
What kind of cravings do you get now?
-Well, I usually only get cravings when it’s around that time of the month for me. I will crave something sweet and then something salty. There is nothing in particular that I crave except for chocolate!
I will eat what I’m craving though. I just try to find the healthiest alternative for it. For example, when I crave chocolate, I will eat dark chocolate because it satisfies my craving and it’s more nutritious that milk chocolate. I don’t want it to sound like I don’t eat bad though because sometimes I do. I don’t deprive myself if I go where there is bad food. I just limit the amount that I eat.
Do you ever mindlessly eat now? Or binge eat, as some may call it?
-Yes I do. When I’m PMSing. It’s something that I have the hardest time controlling. I do really good and am pretty disciplined until it is that time for me. Then I will binge and not be totally happy with myself but, the next day, I just start fresh. What’s done is done and you can’t beat yourself up over it. It happens and it’s okay to mess up sometimes. : ) We’re only human.
In your experience, is it true that your body bloats and gains weight around your period, and then goes away once you start?
-YES!! I typically gain about 5 lbs. during that time. I used to freak out about it but once I figured out that it went away, I found peace and acceptance.
How often do you workout now?
-I like to try and get at least 5 days a week in. Sometimes it’s less and sometimes it’s more just depending on what’s happening in my life at the time.
Do you just do Cardio? Or do you weight train too?
-I do both. I have been doing a lot more strength training lately that I ever have before. I really enjoy it. I don’t do as much cardio as I used to but I’m trying to get myself back on track. I like to do cross training in the gym (i.e. Stairclimber, elliptical, rower, bike) as well as HIIT. HIIT is one of my favorite things to do. I also LOVE the Tone it Up workouts! I do them at home when I don’t feel like going to the gym. They kick my butt every time.
How often do you weight yourself?
-I’ll weight myself from time to time but not very often; maybe once a month, if that. I just go by the way my cloths fit.
How many dress sizes did you lose?
-I went from a size 16 to an 8
What advice do you have for us girls who are trying to lose weight?
-Just try your best and accept the fact that it doesn’t happen overnight. You have to be okay with that and not stress out if you don’t see instant results. Also, try to find as much motivation as you can. Look for it anywhere and everywhere (look, I started by watching a hockey player talk about fitness and nutrition). It really does make it easier when you are motivated. : ) Also, something that my dad has always told me, that has especially helped me in my weight loss journey is, “failure is not falling, failure is not getting back up.” Don’t get discouraged if you fall off track, just get back up and start again.