Hey bunnies! Your incredible support on my last post has truly touched my heart. Reading each of your 381 comments left me feeling so grateful and connected. It’s amazing to feel this community with you all.
Over the years, this blog became known for weight loss success stories. Many of you mentioned finding me on Pinterest through my before-and-after photos. As a health food blogger, my body image became intertwined with my online persona and career. When I started to feel like I was reverting to my “before” picture, a wave of insecurity washed over me. During my time away from the blog, I felt ashamed, like I had failed to maintain the “after” image you all knew and admired. I mistakenly placed my self-worth in that old photo.
This insecurity even led me to decline speaking engagements and blogger events. I was worried that if people met me and I wasn’t as “skinny” as my after photo, they would judge me. I feared being seen as a fraud. It took your kind words to make me realize a fundamental truth: I’m human, and like so many of you, I struggle with my weight.
When I began my healthy lifestyle journey, I believed I had mastered healthy eating and would never return to the “old me.” However, my friend Kathy from Healthy Happy Life reminded me of something profound: “there’s never an after photo.” This simple statement resonated deeply. We are constantly evolving. That “after” photo is just a moment in time, a point of progress, not a final destination. By fixating on that image, I missed out on opportunities, burdened by shame over weight gain. That shame, not the weight gain itself, is what I regret. Sharing my vulnerability in my last post felt liberating, like a weight lifted. Thank you for being part of this journey. Thank you for returning to my blog even when my self-belief wavered. Thank you for sharing laughter and tears. Your inspiring comments, especially the Taylor Swift lyrics (huge fan!), and your honest stories truly inspire me! I’m excited for 2016 with you, my bunnies!
This year, I’m excited to refresh things with a slight rebrand, new photos, and more lifestyle content. But first, I want to recommit to our health goals together. I’m serious about getting back on track, just like I mentioned in my last post, and I want to lose weight again with anyone who wants to join me. Currently, I’m enjoying New Year’s in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, but as soon as I’m back, it’s time to shed those metaphorical “fur coats” with you all! I’m thinking of starting with the Skinny Bunny Cleanse (and revisiting it!). It’s a 5-day whole food cleanse – no juices, starvation, or calorie counting nonsense. We get to eat real food! Starting any lifestyle change is tough, but doing it together makes it easier. Support is key! I plan to post my meals daily or weekly, sharing my feelings, hunger levels, and energy. We can do this!
To kick off the New Year, I have a fun and healthy snack recipe inspired by Fashion Lush’s Grape & Chia Poppers. I call these little treats “Cherry Bombs,” and they’re so good they’ll have you singing The Runaways’ “Cherry Bomb”! I’ve also included a DIY for sparkly pom pom toothpicks to make them extra festive.
Ch ch ch ch ch ch Cherry Bombs!
Ingredients:
- Frozen pitted dark sweet cherries
- Greek yogurt (I used Vanilla)
- Chia seeds
- Toothpicks
Instructions:
- Place a toothpick in each frozen cherry.
- Dip each cherry in Greek yogurt.
- Dip the Greek yogurt covered cherries in chia seeds.
- Freeze for a few hours or overnight in a freezer safe container and enjoy as a healthy snack.
Sparkly Pom Pom Toothpick DIY
Supplies:
Instructions:
Place a dot of glue on the top of a toothpick and place the pom pom at the top. Done!
