Health and Money Saving Tips From a Former Fat Girl: My Introduction

I'm sure you're all wondering who I am and why on earth would I even attempt to start another blog related to saving money, couponing, and healthy living when there are so many already out there. Let's start with a little backstory about myself:

My name is Amanda, I'm 29 years old, and I've been fat most of my life. I started gaining weight when I was about 7 years old. My diet consisted of mainly pizza, macaroni and cheese, and cookies. I've never felt like I necessarily ate more than other kids my age, but I seemed to gain weight much faster and easier, which I blame partly on genetics but also on my food choices and lack of exercise.

After progressively gaining weight throughout my lifetime, in 2011 I finally gave in and joined Weight Watchers with a friend of mine who had already been following the program and doing really well. In one year, I lost 85 pounds and completely changed my outlook on food and my food lifestyle. I did not switch my diet to clean eating or eliminate any certain foods from my life. I learned the make healthier choices while still being able to enjoy the foods I love the most, just in moderation! I began exercising as well, but didn't find my true exercise passion until a few years later when I discovered group exercise classes like kickboxing and Insanity. It's the only way I will work out now because I love it so much and I get bored doing regular cardio.

It was during this same year that I lost weight that I discovered couponing and how much money I could actually save by using coupons and shopping the weekly ads. Being able to get the best deal really gives me a sense of accomplishment and an adrenaline rush; it's become a really fun hobby for me! After sharing couponing and money saving tips with so many inquiring friends and family members, I've decided why not share with everyone else too.

So by now you're saying, so what? Isn't this what all the blogs are about? The answer is yes, you can get all this information on other blogs and websites. The one thing I throw into the mix is how to nourish and create a healthy mind too! I have my Masters in Clinical Psychology and have done a lot of research on eating disorders and healthy lifestyle changes and how it affects your mind.  Plus, I have some firsthand experience in the subject having gone through a lifestyle change myself. I plan to post articles, tips, and research on how to connect a healthy lifestyle to create a healthy mind as well.

So now you know my story, who I am, and what I bring to the table. Join me in continuing my weight loss journey and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Hoping you all can take away something that you can apply to your own life to make you happier and healthier, without leaving you broke.