My 2014 BIKINI SERIES Story

For the completion of the Tone It Up 2014 BIKINI SERIES, I have chosen to submit my story, in 500 words or less (I really needed about 1,000 words- so this was hard), in order to be considered for the grand prize. I'd like to share my story with all of you, so you know why I am the way I am :)

The past two years have been the hardest years of my life. At the end of 2012, I went into what I called my “quarter life crisis.” I just graduated college and had typical “post-grad depression,” my grandmother suddenly passed away, I began graduate school, and I went through an incredibly rough, unexpected breakup. I felt like my life was falling apart and I could no longer feel happy. A typical night consisted of me driving home from school, crying the entire car ride home. I no longer felt like myself; I felt depressed every single day and anxiety attacks were a nightly occurrence.  I knew I had to be the one to take control of the problem and discover what would make me happier.

I thought to myself, “What am I no longer doing that I used to love?” And I realized I was working out significantly less. In college, they called me “Zumba Queen.” I was the fitness queen! I could be seen in the gym everyday and I taught Zumba class twice a week. But in the mess and stress of everything that was going on, I had gained 20 lbs. and saw in pictures that I looked completely different. I decided it was time to lose the weight and feel like me again.

It was during the 2013 Bikini Series that I discovered Tone It Up, dabbled in the workouts, and made an effort to begin running. I had never been a runner, so I started with interval running. By July, I had officially joined the TIU Nutrition Plan and started seeing, and feeling, results immediately.

A year later, I have lost the 20 lbs. I gained my senior year of college, and then some.  I also consider myself a runner now! I have ran four 5Ks and a 5-mile mud run! My goals are now to keep toning up.

I saw the 2014 Bikini Series as a celebration and the release from my quarter life crisis! The series was starting just as grad school was ending. In the past 8 weeks, I have watched my muscles transform and have found muscles in places I didn’t even know had muscles (right now I can’t stop staring at my shoulder muscles- they’re so cute)! I have run, kick boxed, and cycled my way complete 150 miles by summer! Next month, I am signing up for my first half marathon!!! I have gained so much more than a new body. I have gained back my self-confidence, happiness, and a fresh outlook on life. My skin is also clearer and GLOWING! The anxiety attacks and depression have disappeared and I feel like a different person than I was two years ago. It’s crazy to me that people will compliment how my body looks and tell me I’m an inspiration. When anyone asks me how I do it, I proudly say that I’m a TIU Girl! Being fit has made me a healthier, happier person. J

Graze is your new obsession.

We're all familiar with those fun boxes you get in your mail each month, like Birchbox and Barkbox. Now there's a new box that we, the foodies, can enjoy.

Let me introduce you to Graze. Graze gives you the ability to snack on treats that are both tasty and healthy. In one box, you receive four perfectly portioned snacks, and boxes can be delivered weekly or biweekly. It's only $6 a box as well! I'm trying to spend less money on food, and this is actually helping me save money! When I think about it, I probably spend about $40 a week on snacks, either stocking up on granola bars and kale chips, or buying something when I'm on the go (which is always so expensive). These snacks are tiny and are great on the go. In fact, I've had three of these snacks while driving. Perfect on the go snacks! On average, I think, when I buy an "on the go" snack, I spend about $8-$10. I'm getting four snacks for $6! Cool beans. I'm also signed up for biweekly packages to help save a little extra.

Once you get your snacks, you can go online to rate them. Loved it? Tell Graze.com! They'll make sure you get it again in your future. Didn't really like it? Just "trash it" and they'll never send you the snack again.

Here are the snacks that were in my first box:

I haven't had the Smoky Chipotle Dip yet, but it looks amazing! It comes with rosemary breadsticks :)

I just had the Brooklyn Bites today and it was amazing! Poppyseed pretzels, cheesy cashews, and roasted pumpkin seeds. I loved every single morsel.

The Summer Berry Flapjack was my second favorite snack. These were wonderful little granola bars created with rolled oats and berry-infused cranberries.

Strawberry Shortcake was my favorite (I obviously told Graze I love it and want it again). It contains sponge drops (like little cookie pieces!), pistachios, strawberry drops, and strawberry yogurt drops. It tasted like dessert. Twas amazing.

I'm so excited for my next box to come! You can try Graze too and get your first and fifth box free! Use my code when you sign up so you get those free boxes. In return, I'll save $1 on a box. Help me, help you! (Though I wish I got your deal- first and fifth boxes free?!?!) Then you can refer a friend and start saving $1 on a box! My code is:

HQD3N7HJP


Visit Graze.com to register for your boxes. I know you will enjoy your Graze box! Until next time :)