I don't normally see you eat like this, Jasmine, my mom said over lunch. And right about then I wanted to grab my napkin and cover my plate. It's what I did as a kid. Like, if I hid my plate, you might not be able to see the amount I just consumed. The massive amount. Yesterday I ate more than usual. A lot more if I was being honest, but me and holiday binging? We're total BFFs.

I was the overweight kid who binged every few days. Everything from complete pizzas to endless slices of cake. I was the girl who'd quickly drink a root beer float in the kitchen before reappearing later to drink floats with my friends in the living room. And then I'd hide everything with a napkin.

I peaked at 11 years old when I weighed 171 pounds (when boys called me Fat Knees and referred to be as a beast) and continued to battle my weight until college. Heck, who am kidding? I battle my weight today. Which is why I decided to write this post. I get emails and questions on Facebook about my workout routine and most of the time it makes me cringe. These are the times I wish I could hide myself under a napkin.

I'm writing this post in case there are people–like me–who struggle with binge eating, self-control, and weight loss. Because, yes, I still struggle. Daily. Every day I make the decision to control my portions and eat healthy (a normal breakfast is oatmeal or fruit and yogurt), and workout.

I work out five days a week:
Monday: Cycle/Spin class -75 minutes
Tuesday: Light Weights class (using only 3 or 5-pound weights) – 60 minutes
Wednesday: Yoga – 60 minutes
Thursday: Kickboxing – 60 minutes
Friday : Kickboxing – 60 minutes

My weekly schedule is set around my gym classes and I keep the workouts a top priority. After a morning workout, I feel energized, balanced, and ready to plant myself in front of a computer…or lug camera gear around for an entire wedding day.

So. That's it. Sure I'm feeling a little exposed, but my past makes up so much of who I am and I'm proud of the decisions I've made to be here today.

Happy Tuesday!