06/20/2026
In the era of … let me offer some perspective:
Ten years. Same person. Very different approach.
The first side by side photo was me at 32.
I was running 6 days a week or doing some ridiculous rounds of HIIT, eating around 900 calories a day, constantly trying to be smaller, and honestly thought I was doing everything “right.”
The others are me, right now at 42.
I lift 4–5 days a week, run because I enjoy it or for my heart health, prioritize recovery, and focus on eating enough protein (usually 140g+ per day). I don’t count every calorie anymore, and I spend a lot less time trying to shrink myself.
For years, I believed more cardio and less food was the answer.
Turns out building muscle, fueling my body, and focusing on strength changed far more than another hour on the “deathmill”ever did.
Aging isn’t the problem.
Under fueling, over exercising, and chasing smaller at all costs might be.
Just some food for thought from a 42 year old who is stronger, healthier, and happier than she was at 32. 💪🏼🤍
