Musings and Introspection

Own It

BW5568For those of you who have followed my blog since the beginning (it’s been over 5 years, but who’s counting!!), you know that this blog hasn’t ever really been a whole lot about me but in fact, it’s been a whole lot more about YOU! When I first started my own journey to health, a resource like Everyday Paleo simply did not exist, and holy guacamole, I needed a resource like this one. Therefore, when I started this blog,  I wanted to offer you a resource you could trust. A resource that had information and not drama. A resource that offered the how to’s and why’s, and offered real life examples of how to make this “get healthy thing” work. Well guess what – it DOES work. However, like Jason Seib and I have preached for years. The “paleo diet” does not work. Any “diet” out there does not work. It’s not sustainable, it’s not feasible, it’s not real life. My life however is real. Sarah Fragoso, the woman, is real. I am a mom, a wife, a fighter, a lover, a real darn person and I make this paleo thing work because, well, it simply does when you really live it.

You won’t see a lot of pictures of me on this site. In fact, my before and after pictures from almost six years ago live over at Norcal Strength & Conditioning, and not here at Everyday Paleo. Why? Because this is a crazy space, this internet land that I am deeply embedded in and it can be scary as hell to put yourself out there. However, the paleo community at large is filled with joy, support, love, and kindness but also lurking in the shadows is judgement, disdain, and most of all – that one yucky word that I mentioned earlier – drama… The latter is not a fun place to be so I try very hard to leave the controversial stuff alone, and simply offer you the best information that I can.

However, I need to face my fears. Partly because this is also a healing process for me. I need to own who I am. I need to own my hard work, my dedication, my love for life, my joy of health, my happiness in my success, my strength as a woman, mother and wife. So that’s what this post is. I’m owning it.  You might have read a post I put up recently, What You Don’t See, and that post was the beginning of my realization that I need to own what I’ve accomplished and share it. I need to share it because I want to give hope. I want to show you that this can work. This is what this lifestyle has done for me and so here goes.  Let’s do this. I’m jumping in with both feet…

My goal has never been about aesthetics and it shouldn’t be for you either. After hitting rock bottom almost 6 years ago, I no longer cared. I just wanted to live.  Thanks to figuring out this lifestyle, not just “dieting”, I am doing just that. I am not just surviving this life – I’m thriving in it. I’ve had some ups and downs over the last 6 years but now my health is my first priority and thanks to that, I can keep up with my kids, I can keep up with this blog, and I’ve learned to ask for help. My sleep is precious to me. I guard it. I rarely drink. I eat super clean. I lift heavy and I’m stronger than I ever have been. I do a couple of met-cons a week (metabolic conditioning) but never do I push myself past the point of no return with my intensity and never do I push hard longer than 10 minutes. The rest of my fitness program is just me really living…

The real secret? I love deeply. I try to forgive and not wallow around in the craziness of this world – especially in internet land. I play with my kids every single day. I mean really play. I laugh. I hug my husband and I hold his hand and we treat each other like boyfriend and girlfriend not “holy cow we are bored and have been married for 12 years.” I cry when I need to but I stay strong when it counts. I say what’s on my mind but with compassion for who I am speaking to. I am me. I am owning it. I look in the mirror everyday and rejoice in what I have which is my life, my real life, my precious life that could be ripped out from under me tomorrow so I’m going to relish in this joy that I have today. I get angry, I mess up, I get too stressed, and then I put on the brakes because I’m never going back. Ever. I learn from my mistakes. I try to admit when I am wrong. I let my temper flare and my loved ones will see my rage and then I pull it all back in and go outside – put it in perspective – and honor that I’m human. I’m still healing. I still miss my mom. I still want to go back and fix her but I never will so I will honor her by living my best life possible. I want my boys to remember their mom as saying, “Yes I can!” and “Let’s play longer!” not, “I’m too tired” or, “I can’t do that.”

And now, after not even trying to achieve it, this is what my health looks like.  Not just on the inside but on the outside. I didn’t “try” to do what I see in this picture; what you see in this picture. It just happened while I was busy getting as freaking healthy as possible.  Now, guess what’s crazy?  I have regular periods, I eat tons of calories, I sleep at least 8 hours a night, I rarely feel the anxiety and depression from the “good ol’ pre-paleo days”, my skin is clear, I no longer battle the headaches that used to plague me, I haven’t had candida issues in almost 6 years, my legs are no longer painful and ugly with edema, I haven’t had kidney pain or infection in almost 6 years, the chronic bursitis in my right hip is almost non-existent; and I’m happy. I wouldn’t give any of that up for anything, ever. I used to be scared to hang from a bar, unable to barely raise my knees above parallel, I couldn’t climb a rope, in fact I thought I would never be able to. Now I can climb like a monkey. I used to barely be able to pick up 65 lbs off the ground, now 235 comes up easy. I used to get out of breath carrying my laundry, now I can play tag for hours with my kids without even noticing the need to breath. I used to be embarrassed to even be seen by my own husband in a bathing suit. Now I don’t even think twice and I’m proud of my scars, my skin that will never be quite the same, and every single inch of me is alive with well being so the bathing suit goes on and I just live rather than dread. I used to be scared of being incapable, and now I am able to do what I want to without any doubts. That’s what matters. This is my healthy.

I am proud to share this with you. Scared? Yes. But proud. It’s time. I’m owning it. Now I want you to go out and own it too!  Own who you are, no matter what that looks like. Own your health. Own your happiness. Own your body, your strength, your capability, your love, your life!  I want you to own each day as if it’s your last and be that person who you want to be. Don’t try and then fail, never to try again. Instead, get back up and do it! Be happy right now and hold on tight to those who support you through those days that make you want to give up. Ask for help. Don’t take on the entire world. It’s impossible and it really does take a village, so find your village and take advantage of it. You are needed also, and your help in return will only spread this message of support. Love fiercely, and most importantly, don’t just survive this life – thrive in it.

You can achieve your goals, you can reach for the stars, you can get healthy by choice and hot by accident but only when you are living this life and not simply “doing a diet”. It takes patience, persistence, courage, and the ability to question all the information and wrong information that is out there. It takes the ability to choose to work hard and know what to let go of and what to hold on to. It takes the mental fortitude to work through the bull crap that we all have to wade through in order to find our own truth. It takes the know how to stand up for yourself in the face of adversity and to ignore those friends, neighbors and loved ones who think you are just a wee bit crazy. It takes strength beyond compare to plow through the daily temptations, the awkward social situations and the moments when you just want to quit. But when you come out on the other side it’s always worth it because good health is ALWAYS worth it – no matter what – this is the only life you get, so you have to grasp the tools and resources that you have and OWN IT!

I must end this post by thanking you for always supporting me and please, help me own this moment, share this post, share your story, tell me in comments about your struggles your triumphs your moments and let’s take this to the next level. No more excuses, no more denying that this lifestyle can work; but only if you let it. STOP the dieting, stop the wishing, and let’s help each other find the answers to what works for you. Your “healthy” might look different than mine but you’ll know when you are there and you’ll also be in a place to find the bravery to share it with the world.

You got this, and you will always have me to support you.

Own it!

Sarah Fragoso

Sarah Fragoso is an international best selling author of 6 books, co-owner of the Chico, CA based gym JS Strength and Conditioning, and founder of the Everyday Paleo franchise. Sarah is the co-host of the popular Sarah and Dr. Brooke Show podcast and she also conducts workshops and retreats on the subjects of nutrition, lifestyle and fitness.

Her message is from the heart and she carries a genuine desire to help other families looking for guidance. These attributes have contributed to her successes and provide the drive to keep the discoveries coming.

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66 Comments

  1. I love this post! You are an inspiration and you definitely should be proud of your accomplishments! Thanks for sharing 🙂

    1. Thank you Katie! xo

  2. Rachael says:

    Loved it! I feel like I’ve found my village & compete every day to reclaim my life that had gotten so far away from me! The Paleo lifestyle is engrained in me because it makes me feel so damn good & I never want to be that 300lb+ couch potato who did not care about herself enough to do the work necessary until walking became difficult. Now I’m lifting, flipping, pressing & so on making me fearless. People use to ask what are your goals…I would say to lose weight now I say to be strong & able to support myself as a
    I approach 60 this month & for the next 30, 40 years. I own it every damn day & proud of my journey! Thanks Sarah for stirring up some raw emotion & sharing your story.

  3. PappaSky says:

    Fabulous post Sarah! When one speaks from the heart the listeners can’t help but feel the passion, intensity and love inside. It can be hard to talk about ourselves and what we have accomplished. The larger American culture tells us this sort of “pat on the back” is bragging and overly self focused. From where I sit I call it support, inspiration and damn important! You make this lifestyle and these choices real for many of us and we share in your joys of having come so far. Thank you dear one for being exactly who you are.

  4. Cindy From Oklahoma says:

    Own it girl you look great! Thanks for sharing this post!

  5. jdfaucett says:

    Thanks Sarah… This was very inspirational for me as I begin my journey!

  6. First off Sarah thank you SO much for sharing so much of yourself with us… I can appreciate that it’s not easy especially in internet land! When I first saw this image of you on FB I thought WOW and then I thought holy cow she looks so vibrant and HEALTHY and HAPPY! And I’ve come to that realization myself over time, over having started ‘The paleo diet’ but now working towards living the life. I’m not all the way there but I’m conscious of where and what I need to work on. Thanks to you and Jason I now know how I should exercise, sleep and manage stress. I used to be very OCD but I’ve learnt to let things go… I’ve learnt to just breathe and let things go.

    You are a true asset to this community and reaching people all over the world including me (in England). I for one truly appreciate all that you do for us and wish you and your family a lifetime of health and happiness. 🙂

  7. Wow, how much I needed this post right at this moment. Thanks for your openness and for being so inspirational. I am at the beginning of my journey and was feeling a bit down and defeated today. You’ve just picked me up and kicked my butt in the nicest way possible. Loving the podcast, books and of course this site; keep up the awesome work.

  8. Jess says:

    You are amazing Sarah and have been such an inspiration to me over the last 2.5 years! I love your blog and perspective on life. Congratulations! You go girl!

  9. Geeralda says:

    Love this post. Thanks for sharing this and beeing my inspiration. I have been living this way for almost 4 months and i ame feeling like a different person. Your site and podcast gives me the courage to go on even when everybody things I am an idiot! Thanx so much, for helping me on my yourney.

  10. April says:

    You are amazing!

  11. Donna says:

    Rock on, Sarah! LOVED this post! Owning one’s health, and getting rid of the wishing, wanting, failing and starting over, is so freeing! Thank you for being part of my village!

  12. Shelly says:

    Hasn’t quiet been all six years,but it has certainly been a long time for me. Back to the Sarah and Chrissy podcast days! I feel like you are a friend who is always there, encouraging me on a journey to health. Helping me figure out how to manage this, and not go over the top. Keeping me continually motivated through honest information. Encouraging me to keep life sane, even when it gets insane. Thanks for being there!

  13. Shannah says:

    Thank you for being brave and sharing so much of yourself, Sarah. I can understand your reticence to do so.

    Reading this has given me the little push I need to get back to prioritizing myself. I was doing really well with my eating and EPLifefit workouts 3 times a week and doing “walking workouts” another 2 times a week. Then we decided to homeschool my 2nd grade son this year and things went out the window. We are absolutely relishing homeschooling and I wouldn’t give it up for the world. But this being our first year, we haven’t really figured the schedule out and my workouts and menu planning were the first thing that went out the window. We have been eating well, but I have not worked out in a few weeks and I can FEEL it.

    This weekend I sat down with my husband and discussed the fact that I MUST get back to my regular workouts. I KNOW that I would have more energy and clarity if I were still working out and that the added energy and clarity would make up for that hour and half out of my schedule to work out and travel to/from the gym on MWF. This post gave me the kick in the ass to make the priority numero uno.

    My mission is very much about health. My mother has MS, as did her sister. Their father and their uncle had ALS. My dad’s side of the family literally has generations of Type 1 diabetes and colon cancer. I embarked on this journey of good health IMMEDIATELY when I began experiencing scary changes in my health and I wasn’t willing to just lay down and accept my “genetic fate”.

    I need to remember why I adopted this lifestyle and keep my perspective…which is to be healthy and active with my children and enjoy life to the fullest with them, so that I can be a healthy and active grandma with my grand kids and enjoy life to the fullest with them as well.

    Thank you for this post and helping me realign my priorities.

  14. Maria Uppal says:

    Thank you Sarah, for everything. I got up this morning and read your post. Tears came to my eyes for you, for the glory you have found in your life and for your generosity in sharing your journey with us. This post was exactly what I needed to hear, that it’s “ok to go after and own my life, my health, my happiness”. Thank you!!!! you are just truly an inspiration and a gift.
    I don’t have any excuses and when you find the information it’s hard to rationalize eating foods that will not just set me back but actually do damage to myself in places that I might not see such as my brain, moods, depression, not to mention my thighs.

    You go girl!!!! you are just freaking awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  15. Shannah says:

    And is that new ink? Looks AWESOME!

  16. Amy Fox says:

    Wow! That’s fantastic! I’m only just beginning my version of the journey you described here but I’m committed and hope to be able to say the same thing some day in the not too distant future.

  17. Lauren says:

    Hi Sarah,
    I’ve never done this before, responded to a blog post, but I had to thank you for your post. I’ve had certain moments in life where I strongly believe that I was meant to be in a certain place at a certain time in order to read, hear experience something that I needed in my life at that exact moment and reading your blog today is one of those moments. I’ll be honest, I don’t normally read through your complete blog, but today happened to be the day that I decided I would glance at it. And so, I found myself reading all of it and nodding my head in agreement as I read it. What you wrote is what I needed to hear and what I needed reaffirmed. I have thought the same way about everything that you have just written about, but right now, at this particular moment, I have lost sight of some things, I have let too many unnecessary worries come into my head, lost too much sleep and definitely stressed too much with too much pressure on myself. Thank you for reminding me of everything that I believe and stand for. I have forgotten some of those things.

  18. Pam Foesch says:

    Thank you for your blog and sharing your life and experiences. You have helped me to see that even when the world is full of drama how to rise above it.
    I became depressed and full of anxiety when the credit crisis started. I had just finished my training and earned my qualifications to become a saddler. I had and still have a colleague who spreads terrible rumors to discourage customers from trying my services.
    I truly love my trade and helping people and their horses. But my health was terrible.
    I made a conscious decision to change myself because I couldn’t change anything else. Earning back my physical health has changed my mental health. And sticking to my beliefs and morals has built a growing business.
    Thank you for owning your success. It shows me that I can own my success.

  19. This is a powerful post. You look amazing! I’ve gone through a similar journey recently. The Paleo lifestyle is so much more than just a diet. Slowly but surely it changed every single aspect of my life – I will never ever look at things around me in the same away again. Falling in love with my body has given me such a powerful sense of freedom. You’re truly an inspiration!

  20. Mindy says:

    You are such an inspiration Sarah! Thanks for being vulnerable and Owning It cause getting really healthy looks amazing on you!!!!

  21. Cortney says:

    Great post. The absolute best thing I ever did for myself was start owning my food choices. It is insane how many people (esp. women) say they’re “cheating” or “being naughty” when they eat certain food, and then feel guilty after. I NEVER do that now. I eat clean 95% of the time and the other 5% it’s because I weighed my options and made a choice, and decided the non-paleo experience was the way to go. I ate ramen and sushi in Japan because it was worth it to me suffer some minor digestive discomfort to have that experience. If someone takes me to a three Michelin star restaurant to do the tasting menu, I’m going to do it and savor every moment and then go back to eating clean. I look and feel great and all my goals are about capacity and not wearing smaller pants.

    I love your podcast and blog. Thanks for all you do.

  22. Jessica says:

    I have been saying for years that you need an AFTER after photo!

  23. Stephanie says:

    Nice post Sarah! I’ve been following you for about a year now. I love your positive attitude and it is very inspiring. I just got back in to lifting with a friend (we decided to partner up so as not to feel intimidated by the weight room) after taking about a year off to recover from adrenal fatigue among other things and that has been great fun for the two workouts we have done together so far. My support system is so very limited that having posts like this to read are great in some ways but on the other hand I find myself feeling a bit sorry for myself for having a less than loving husband and really no friends close by to speak of. It’s tough. I try to shake it off most days and move on and upwards. Thanks for what you do. I look forward to your podcasts each and every week.

  24. What a fantastic post! You are an inspiration!

  25. Sarah,

    Thank you so much for your post. You are such an inspiration, the way you live your life to the fullest. I have your three cookbooks (which I absolutely love and share with everyone!) and your kids’ book Paleo Pals (which inspired my 5-year old to eat Paleo like the rest of our family!). I decided to share my own story, as you have, and it is called, “My Journey to Healthy,” which I published as a Kindle book. I have found my health through food, but now I want to find my physical strength, so that is my next challenge! I’m approaching 40, but I want to feel young forever! Thank you again for your contributions – I appreciate you!

  26. Sarah,

    Thank you so much for writing such a beautiful, inspiring post. Listening to you and Jason this past year has taken me from doing “a paleo diet” to try and loste ten pounds to fully embracing the idea that I want to live a life in which I am strong, happy and healthy. Your writing today summed up exactly what I needed to hear. Thank you for being so honest and genuine!

    You answered my question a few shows back about feeding three hungry boys on a paleo diet. I felt like you really understood, and your ideas helped this struggling mama quite a bit. Thank you for inspiring me and helping me become the person that I know I am capable of being! I am glad you are owning it! 🙂

  27. Wow this is super motivating. Thanks for sharing this Sarah!

  28. Faun says:

    HUMBLE BRAG!

  29. Aimee says:

    You are an inspiration! Thank you so much for sharing yourself with us.

  30. Denise Marotta Lopes says:

    Sarah, this is beautiful! Thank you for being raw, real, and perfectly YOU! Bless you!

  31. Congratulations! This is a great post and one that should be shared with everyone. I hope you don’t mind if I do share it, as it is a message similar to one that I try to convey but have not done it so eloquently.

  32. Good for you! Your hard work has paid off in so many ways and you deserve to enjoy payouts…all of them!!

  33. Yvette W. says:

    Wow, Sarah. You look amazingly hot! As a woman, this post gives me the courage to go out and accomplish so much more than I already have in eating Paleo for the past few years and seeking health first in dealing with my Hashi’s. I can’t wait to see where I’ll be in a year.

  34. Pure awesomeness inside and out. When I lost my 72 pounds, my health coach encouraged me to be in as many photos as I could for the rest of my life. No more hiding. You are doing great things and helping lots of people- keep up the good work, and thank you! 🙂 Karen P

  35. J.V. says:

    Thank YOU!!!! Thank YOU!!!!
    You have no idea what an insanely-amazingly-positive impact you have had on my life!!!
    All the hard work you have put into your cook books, blogs, EP episodes, & recipes, keep me inspired & motivated to continue this journey! This post made me cry. Thank you so much for sharing something so personal & real. You look happy, healthy, strong, & beautiful.

    Cheers to good health, strength, movement, & a new day, everyday 😉

  36. running2LIFE says:

    Thank you for sharing your heart in your post. You touched mine. The Lord has blessed me with a very muscular physique and I am healthy and strong. Yet, I struggle with always looking at myself in the mirror with a critical eye, looking at the ‘imperfections’. I want to live life to the fullest, investing in relationships and other people. Your post is an encouragement, an inspiration to look at my life through the proper lens.

  37. Rebecca says:

    Sarah, I have been a faithful follower of your blog for years and I have to thank you for being so vigilant and encouraging to thousands of strangers, including myself, when your own personal life is so busy! I struggle every time I’m out of the house in regards to protecting my paleo lifestyle. It is SO HARD to tell the nice bank teller not to give my toddler poisonous suckers or tell my friends over dinner that I don’t want a bun with my burger or explain to my mother that I’m not very interested in trying that new recipe because of all the crud in it. It’s hard to receive disdain from loved ones who don’t understand what I am doing and yet admire my success in overcoming my deteriorating health. It shouldn’t be so hard because I am just trying to do what is best for myself and my family but it is CONSTANT and sometimes I just get tired, ya know? I don’t have any family members or friends where I live that share this paleo lifestyle with me and it is SO HARD to blaze my own trail. Though you have no idea who I am, I have looked to you often for encouragement to keep this up because it has really blessed my life. Thanks for another kick in the butt tonight to keep myself in gear. If you’re ever in northern Idaho hit me up and we’ll have steak. 😉

  38. Valerie says:

    You just made a fan for life! You have reignited my interest in Paleo and living my best life ever for me and my family. Hugely inspirational post. Thank you for the kick in the @$$!

  39. Marge Rowan says:

    Dear Sarah,
    Thank you SO much for living for yourself first, so you can then live SO well that you can give of yourself to others, your family and friends and fans, and share SO much with us all! You are TRULY an inspiration and a fantastic MODEL for living a Paleo lifestyle and savoring the slightest moments of life.
    Now it’s MY turn to dig in and stay true to myself, to my family, to my others! I want to and I am scared to and I know that facing the fear is the ONLY way to live and live well! It’s ALWAYS feels better after facing the fear.
    Thanks, again!
    Here I GO!!!

    Marge Rowan
    Raise The Bar WELL LIFE COACH

  40. julie says:

    Let’s be real. Saw your before pics and heard you were pregnant or right after birth when they were taken. Give us a break.

    1. The before pics were taken in February of 2008. I gave birth to my third son in October of 2007, five months earlier. I’m not sure what your comment implies but if you had read the post, you would see that I’m super excited about health; that has always been my focus, and the fact that the way I look has changed is just a bonus. I never have felt or looked as great as I do right now even when I was super “skinny” back in my early twenties. Thank you for your comment, I always appreciate any kind of feedback and am happy to answer all questions. If you have a specific issue I can help you with, please let me know! : )

      1. Morgan says:

        Kindness for the win 🙂

  41. Teri says:

    This is my first blog of yours to read. You look phenomenal. I am halfway through the Whole Life Challenge and am amazed at my results so far. I use your cookbooks on a regular basis and am grateful to you for figuring it out for me. Not sure I would have been so persistent if I had to create all the recipes myself. Dinner would be quite boring without your help. Thanks!

  42. Melanie Pittam says:

    Truly inspirational Sarah!!!!
    Thank you.

    Barefoot Mama

  43. Stacie says:

    I’m impressed, across the board. You are a very cool gal with great priorities and I learn a ton from you here on your blog and from your podcast with Jason. Thank you!

  44. Thanks for putting into words what I am finally starting to feel after almost 2 yrs of this lifestyle. I still have a ways to go on my journey but, you are an inspiration and I will remember this post when the going gets tough on my path a head. Love you for keeping it “real”!!!
    Julie

  45. Hunter Beless says:

    Sarah,

    I applaud your vulnerability. I’m inspired, and as a personal trainer, I’m not only inspired to practice this in my personal life, but to encourage my clients to do so as well. Thanks for your willingness to be a ‘real person’ to the masses! Your impact is potent!

    -Hunter

  46. Morgan says:

    Sarah you are an amazing woman, and I strive to be as passionate about life as you are! Thank you for putting this out there, thank you for being real and honest, and thank you for being such a powerful role model. Not only do you help others directly through coaching and teaching, but you help others like myself by walking the walk and living your own life to its fullest. I needed this reminder to focus on living my own life as if it could end tomorrow. Life’s focus shouldn’t be on food or exercise, but those things should always be in check while we focus on living our lives! Thanks Sarah, keep it up 🙂

  47. Nicole says:

    Wow Sarah, thanks so much for being a fit strong inspirational woman. I started my Paleo journey 3 years ago and while I haven’t achieved al that I had hoped for I have learnt a ton of information. Your was the first Paleo blog I ever found and will always hold a special place in my heart. Between you and Jason I know my goals are attainable and you have both helped me get there.

  48. Sarah DeRango says:

    Awesome! Love this post. Thank you for sharing Sarah!

  49. Marye W. says:

    Thnx Sarah for your open, honest & passionate post. I have been doing this lifestyle for less than a year and still trying to find what works best for me. Reading this has inspired me to “kick it up a notch” in this search. My main goal in alk of this is to be healthy~the healthiest I’ve ever been irregardless of looks, etc. Right now that’s what’s most important to me where I’m at on this journey. You have inspired me to OWN IT! Thnx:)

  50. Hey Sarah, I love your podcast and cookbooks but rarely read the blog…until today. I heard about this post on the podcast and had to check it out. It’s so funny because I just took a picture of myself this morning, sent it to my sister and made her promise not to show anyone. The picture is not bad, quite the opposite, it’s freaking awesome! I’m thrilled beyond belief at the outcome of a body that is well fed and pushed to lift heavy weights. I’m not quite ready to post my picture on FB, but I am ready to own the fact that I should be proud of the by products of this awesome lifestyle. Thank you for reminding me that no matter what anyone says, this is my life and I will OWN IT!

  51. Cheri says:

    Sarah,
    This is Cheri from CPC. I thank you from the deepest part of my heart. I join the countless others that are grateful for your vulnerability and honesty. Putting my pics out there is also scary for me. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your perspective, encouragement and understanding as a woman who is a wife, mother, friend, sister, etc…Your post appeared at an ordained time for me. Although I am only a year into my new lifestyle, I am going to start OWNING my body and it’s accomplishments. I, too, feel strong, healthy and happy! Everyday is a process, but the battles are so worth fighting because there is nothing like the feeling of winning the war against myself, my old perspective and my old body! 🙂
    Grateful beyond words…
    Cheri

  52. Kelly says:

    I’ve been so busy lately, I just read this post. I’ve had it bookmarked. I think this post is just awesome. You really hit the nail on the head. You are such an inspiration. I copied this post when I first saw it and thought I would LOVE to be healthy like that. You look fit and happy. After reading, there’s so much more than the outward appearance of healthy. Thanks for sharing!

  53. Michelle says:

    Hi Sarah,

    Thank you for this post (even though I’m a little late). I’ve been struggling with trying to change my lifestyle to paleo for a few months now. I’ve seen some positive changes, but I KNOW I can see more if only I can get out of my own head and dive in 100%. NYC is not the greatest place to be paleo, but you’ve inspired me with this post and it’s time I follow through with my health goals! I appreciate your honesty and am so grateful to have come across your blog! 🙂

  54. Dr. Mrs. Fragoso —

    I will do whatever you say — whenever you say it.

    Regards,
    Mark Rogers

  55. Dear Sarah,

    This is absolutely beautiful! I never post on line (used to but rather play with my kids these days, it is way more fun:-)) but just had to.

    ROCK ON!

    Julia

  56. Brittany says:

    Nothing beats live-eat-breath paleo approach. I love my life so much more now and because of you I am OWNING IT!!!!

  57. Brooke Osborne says:

    Thank you so much for everything you do. You are so inspiring! I am so glad I got to meet you at the workshop in Lexington yesterday and the stew in my new crockpot was amazing! You do not know how much this post and the workshop yesterday gave me the push to get all the crap out of my diet. I am a newbie to paleo and it was great to hear your story and it was so motivating. I have been on some kind of “diet” for 6 years and yet I have more body fat now then I did when I started. I did weight watchers about 6 years ago and lost a ton of weight and kept it off for about a minute, haha. I was always starving so I quit counting the points and gained back more fat then ever. I didn’t understand why the scale keeps climbing while eating low fat, low cal, and whole wheat everything until I stumbled upon paleo! Where I live no one has adapted the paleo lifestyle, so this was all new to me, but boy am I glad I stumbled. I no longer want to be ashamed for my husband to see my body or beat myself up everything I see myself in the mirror and I hope to have an after and forever picture like you do. I took a picture with you yesterday and I hate the way I looked but you looked amazing; hopefully we can meet again down the road and we can both look amazing in the next picture. Keep up the great work and thanks for being someone I can look up to! Much Love, Brooke.

  58. LeeAnne says:

    Wow! Thank you so much for sharing this.

  59. Sarah, YOU ROCK!!! Thank you!

  60. Petra says:

    Thank you for that lovely post, Sarah. You make me want to be a better person, a better woman. Thank you.

    1. Thank you Petra. : )

  61. Jessica says:

    Sarah – You know what I love about you? You truly BELIEVE that we as women should support each other, love each other, and lift each other up. So much competition, disbelief, and tearing down is out there. It’s SO disappointing to see. I myself, and my husband, are beginning this journey as well as in school to be personal trainers. One of our goals is to focus SOLEY on our own health and fitness before we can do that for others. We get SO worked up over getting there and where we want to be to be happy. We have recently been gaining a LOT of clarity about being happy where we are and focusing on just doing it instead of wanting it. It’s such a trap. I am beyond thrilled to start eating this way, living this way, and finally being healthy, all the way around. We have always been into health and fitness but haven’t ever gotten our heads and hands around it due to the fact that he has coronary artery disease (runs heavy in his family) from his dad and has been misinformed greatly in the past from doctors about eating healthy. Now we have finally found what will do it I believe. The TRUTH. Thank you for what you do, but really, what’s more important is that your kids will thank you, and that you thank YOURSELF. Don’t be afraid to put your testimony out there. God put you here for many reasons and being such a positive impact for so many people to find their truth and health is obviously one of them 😀 <3

    1. Thank you so much Jessica for your kind words! What a great way to start my day… 🙂

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