Here's My Official Update!

Here is what my awesome Healthy Edge Editor Shallin Squires wrote about me, for me, for the updates for our healthy edge section in The Edge Magazine!    

    Michelle's biggest, unexpected hurdle was breaking her right (dominant!) arm and suffering head trauma after being thrown from her horse in July of 2009. Michelle endured weeks of pain and vomiting and months of agonizing physical therapy. During this time, Michelle still had to fulfill her responsibilities as a busy mother of 3 at home children and the publisher and managing editor of The Edge, with only one, somewhat useful, arm! Needless to say, Michelle lacked the time, energy, and stamina to work out for a short time, but she was back working out at home by November 2009 and at the gym in January 2010, proving her strength to Shilo (her personal trainer) and herself.

    Throughout the year, Michelle lost 50 pounds! Her favorite improvements aren't her new wardrobe items, though; Michelle loves feeling fit and being able to ride her horse again, and she feels that she is more energetic and accomplishes more on the average day than she did with her heavier body.

    Michelle readily admits that she still detests working out, but the results—such as improved mental health and focus—are desirable enough that Michelle forces herself to go to the gym 3-4 days a week. She prefers working out with Shilo because she gets "more bang for [her] hour of misery."

    Michelle spends a lot of time in her car—working and chauffeuring her children to their various activities, so she has tried to replace her old fast-food habits with quick, healthful meals. Her favorite is chicken salad, with grilled chicken, salad greens, dried cranberries, and a homemade strawberry vinaigrette dressing. Having her kids with her on busy evenings has also proved helpful: Michelle stated, "My kids have helped me the most by constantly reminding me what I can or cannot eat!"

    Michelle's goals for 2010 are to keep working out 3-4 times per week and to continue losing weight (she needs to lose 50 more pounds to reach her goal weight!).

    I asked Michelle for advice for those beginning their own journey to better health, and these are her tips: "KEEP GOING," even when it's tough, and "find a partner who will not let you slack but won't be cruel to you, either."