Because there are a few of you who come here to remind themselves of their own journeys to the healthiest versions of themselves, I'm going to start posting tips that have either,
A. Worked for me
B.  I've read about and seem awesome

Disclaimers:
1.  I'm still not a size 2...nor will I EVER wear a size 2 but I'm a WAY healthier version of me than I was last year.

2.  I'm not an expert.
3.  I'm not a doctor.  Although if we're being completely honest I actually think I'm smarter than most doctors and I think my aunt who's a nurse is WAY smarter than all doctors.
4.  I am not a published advice giver from Good Housekeeping Magazine. 
5.   I don't claim to know all...although if you know me in real life you know that I pretty much do know everything. ;) 
6.  These are just things I believe.  If you disagree, no prob.  I love a good rousing debate anyway.  

So...
Tip #1-Take Pictures 

I think that sometimes when progress is slow, it's hard to remember just how far you've come...in anything.  I am speaking in terms of body and self image today but I think it can be that way with anything in your life.  

Obiviously, you know that somedays for me are so much slower, progression wise than others.  I feel like I haven't lost any weight, the positive comments have slowed way down and I'm just going through the motions.

So, today I will share a conversation that reminded me that I have done good things and I'm not just writing this blog without a purpose.

I am in this Secret Group online with 2 of my friends...you can't see it right?  If you can I am going to keel over and DIE of embarrassment.  My friend said and I quote, "Post your Before/After pictures of yourself up here so we can see."

If you've been following my blog, you know that you have never see them.  I'm sure that most of you remember seeing me at some point a few years ago and thinking (or saying behind my back...it's ok I probably talk about you too ;)  ), "Ummm, WTF happened to Katie?  Did she EAT another human?  That's one hell of a belly," but even you, dear friends did not and will not see the full pics.

Anyway, I posted the pictures in the secret group and posted this along with it,

Katie Cartier

I swear to God if anyone sees these I will cut you. Not your boyfriends. Not your husbands. NOBODY.

I'm not positive about whether I would actually cut two of my best friends or not but you have to be very stern with these 2 girls because they're kind-of blabber mouths ;)

and this was our conversation,

• Jamie Duncan Wooooow. You've been working girl! Good job! You look great!
  

  14 hours ago via mobile · Like
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  Jamie Duncan Your stomach, back and even your legs have changed so much! You have a lot to be proud of!
  

  13 hours ago via mobile · Like
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  Katie Cartier Awe thanks Dunk. Some days I just still feel so fat but hearing things like that makes me want to keep worki g and reminds me that I have made progress
  

  13 hours ago via mobile · Like
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  Jamie Duncan Oh my gosh, Katie!!! Are you kidding???!!! Your stomach is sooooooo much smaller! Keep going! We can do it together. :-)
  

  13 hours ago via mobile · Like · 1

  
  

  
  

  
  

So, here's my best advice to you...I actually have A LOT of advice.  You know that already?  You call me Bossy Pants and Know it All when I'm not around?  Ok, Ok.  

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So, whether you're just trying to tone up your arms, get a six-pack, or lose 150 lbs, take pictures of yourself (in the same outfit/bathing suit) every single week.  Then keep them hidden unless you want to pull a Kim Kardashian, Pamela Anderson, or Paris Hilton  (<----What some people will do.  What would your mothers say?!  I know Kris Jenner congratulated her daughter and was probably the one who leaked the tape in the first place...Get a life Kris Jenner!).