Meet Ali
Meet Ali
My name is Ali, I’m 26 years old, living in Boston, MA with my amazing fiance and my adorable fur baby dachshund, Oscar. I currently work full time at a local University, part time as a function coordinator and am also working towards my M.Ed in School Counseling part-time. Talk about busy!!! I’m currently maintaining a 30 lb. weight loss. I am beginning this blog as a way to document my food, fashion and fitness choices and to give back to the blogging community that has helped me so much through my weight loss and fitness journey. I love running, yoga weight training and nutritious, whole foods.
My Change of Pace (Pun Intended)
Up until entering college, I was always really happy with my weight. I was active, always running around; I was a gymnast, dancer and volleyball player. Once I entered college, a combination of a pretty sedentary lifestyle and the fatty cafeteria food caused me to gain the dreaded freshman 15. The extra 15 pounds was noticeable on my smaller frame, I immediately became uncomfortable with my body. All through college, I “worked” at loosing the weight, but never made enough changes diet and exercise wise to make any difference. One thing that held me back immensely was my smoking. I smoked throughout high school, but it worsened in college and the years after because I had gained so many college friends that smoked.
After college, I took a job that I was really unhappy with and as a result lost all motivation to eat healthfully and work out, I gained another 5-10 pounds. When I left that job, I accepted a position at the College I got my undergrad degree at and since I was comfortable there, I went right back to my old habits of eating the fatty foods in the cafeteria. In February of 2007, I realized that I was 24 year old and uncomfortable with my body and treated it really badly with too much alcohol, fatty foods, cigarettes and a sedentary lifestyle. I quit smoking cold turkey as a way to improve my overall health. It was hard; I realized how bad it was for me and the damage it had done to my respiratory system. I used that damage as an excuse and a crutch to not get healthy, “Hey, I quit smoking; I have to give my body time to heal.”
Continuing with my bad eating and here and there working out had resulted in me getting up to a little over 150 pound. When I started feeling so bad about my weight and body to the point of depression I knew it was time for a change! I had so much going for me: I was engaged to the love of my life, I had a great job, was perusing my Master’s degree, this should be one of the best times of my life and here I was miserable! Honestly, between the weight gain and the depression I barely recognized myself.
(this picture is from our trip to FL in October of 2008 – 142 lbs.)
(this picture is from New Year’s 2009 150 lbs)
While doing some research, I came across some healthy living blogs. I started reading them and realized that I could be healthy and happy, I just had to change the way I looked at food an exercise! I started eating better and working out more, and I noticed that when I treated my body well, it treated me well!
I fell in LOVE with running, shocking, I know! It was a struggle at first because my lungs were so damaged. But I pushed through. The more I ran, the easier it got and the more I was able to challenge myself. I ran my first 5k in April of 2009 and felt so accomplished. Since then I have ran an 8k and a 10k and am now training for my very first half marathon with my fiancée. Some days I cannot believe that this smoker will run a half marathon. I enjoy yoga and weight training as well, I guess you could say I just like to be moving! Now after a complete diet and fitness overhaul I have lost 30 lbs. and am the happiest and healthiest I have ever been in my entire life. Thanks for following my blog!
(this picture is from my first 5k in April 2009 – 136 lbs please ingore my tired/drunk face)
(this picture is from my first 8k in June 2009- 129 lbs)
(Florida trip June 2009, 128 lbs)
(August 2009, 120 lbs. excuse the sweaty face, this is after a run during a heatwave)
GRAB IT, IT’S YOURS!!!!
Random Fun Facts about Ali:
- I have lived in the same neighborhood of Boston my whole life and will most likely NEVER leave (and I am ok with that).
- My two favorite foods are dill pickles and whole wheat pasta with my mom’s spaghetti sauce (and yes, I like them together!).
- I have been with my fiance since we were both 15, and I was his first kiss.
- I co-directed a benefit production of the Vagina Monologues.
- I really love beer! I like trying all different kinds!
- I love running in the heat, even though it is not good for me, I just love to sweat. (Is that gross?)
- I have had the same best friend since as far back as I can remember and talk to her almost every day. I have no idea what I would ever do without May (that is her name).
- My favorite part of my body are my quads and I totally flex them and check them out at least once a day, and am not ashamed to tell you guys
. - I think I am the only person I know that actually wishes they were a few inches SHORTER, for some reason I think shorter women are adorable.
- I truly believe that nut butter (of any kind) makes the world a better place!
June 17, 2009 at 8:03 pm |
You look absolutely amazing. Keep it up!!!!!
June 17, 2009 at 8:05 pm |
Awesome job Ali!! You changed your life and are an inspiration ^___^ Good luck girl.
June 17, 2009 at 8:19 pm |
Look at you!!! Good work – you always looked amazing, but now you are a buff beauty!!!
June 19, 2009 at 3:09 pm |
Thanks, ladies! I hope you enjoy reading the blog. Any continued feedback is appreciated!
June 21, 2009 at 10:39 pm |
I liked reading your blog,I’m a new fan!
June 22, 2009 at 1:35 am |
AW thanks, Jill! I am so glad you like it! I hope you will keep reading! Thanks for your support…as always!
June 25, 2009 at 1:46 am |
Ali! You won the free ticket to the Healthy Living Summit!!! Drop me an email when you have a chance! tina@carrotsncake.com
June 26, 2009 at 12:19 pm |
Love your blog!!!!
June 26, 2009 at 1:16 pm |
Hi! I just found your blorg through Tina’s blog and I absolutely leeerrrrrvvvveee it. You are gorg, super fashionable (I think we may have a similar sense of style) and a great writer! I will b e sure to check your blog daily!
http://mealsfromthegirlinthelittleblackdress.wordpress.com
August 14, 2009 at 8:52 pm |
[...] laying out in the sun after we ate. It is the bikini from JCREW you can see it at the bottom of the Meet Ali page on here. After, our friend Neal (who is also May’s roommate) and his friend Jess came to [...]
August 17, 2009 at 1:21 pm |
Hey there Ali!
Just found your site, and LOVE it!
I will be following your posts now, and I look forward to reading more!!!
August 17, 2009 at 2:46 pm |
Hey Jessica! Thanks, your so sweet! I am so glad you enjoy!
August 20, 2009 at 12:23 pm |
I just found your blog, great story! You’ve come a long way and you’re looking fab
You make me want to get out there right now and go for a run!
August 20, 2009 at 1:50 pm |
Aw thanks Kristie, your sweet! I hope you will keep reading. Your blog looks fantastic!
September 12, 2009 at 4:22 pm |
I’ve been reading your blog since you started it and JUST noticed the “meet Ali”. I can’t believe the before pictures…you look so amazing now. Dan sat here and read it with me and is so impressed and wants to start reading your blog now!! Keep it up chicky!!!
November 5, 2009 at 2:56 am |
I just found your blog, I saw your link on the B&C POTM google doc, and naturally I fell in love with the title of your blog. Seriously- you totally stole my niche. food, fitness and fashion are basically my three loves. you look so good, and your weight loss story is truly inspiring! i just ran my first 5k this past sunday, and i really want to LOVE running. i do everything else, and running is the one thing i have always wanted to conquer, but never have been able to. i look forward to your posts!
November 15, 2009 at 2:42 am |
i just found your blog on CNC and i LOVE IT!!! i go to boston college and have grown up outside of boston my whole life too. i love you attitude (esp how you ‘check our your quads’ and aren’t afraid to admit it – we all do this is some way and should be proud of ourselves!). can’t wait to read more of your posts
November 18, 2009 at 6:32 pm |
[...] little History: I was a smoker for 11 years. I touch on this briefly on my Meet Ali page, as quitting smoke is a really important part of my journey to live a healthy lifestyle. So, [...]
November 29, 2009 at 12:49 pm |
Hi Ashley,
I can’t remember if I have ever commented before. But I just read your about page. I am also in Boston and was a school counselor for 6 years. I am back in school now to get my RD so I can be a nutrition counselor. But school counseling is a great way to make a difference. I’ll be continuing to read. Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!
December 4, 2009 at 7:28 pm |
Hi Ali,
I just wanted to introduce myself – I’m a new follower! I am also a foodie and workout queen.
I love reading food blogs (like OSG & HTP) and I’m really drawn to yours because I love how you take us through your day in pictures. I really enjoy all the pictures (even non-food ones) and your daily outfits!! Great blog!!!
Thanks,
Carrie
December 4, 2009 at 7:30 pm |
Thanks, Carrie!
December 7, 2009 at 1:22 am |
Wow great job! You are such an inspiration! Your blog is great, i love it! I love working out and nutritious food as well, and i have gotten so many great ideas from your blog! Thanks!
December 31, 2009 at 4:37 pm |
Hey Ali:
Not sure if you remember me from MSJA (Ms. Ashley). Your site popped up as a suggestion for me on FB and I checked it out. I think it is absolutely fabulous that you are doing the blog and that you have lost 30lbs. You rock! Your writing is really engaging and your blog is so personal and fun to read. It looks like you have a wonderful life and have really found happiness. Kudos to you!
Ms. Ashley
December 31, 2009 at 6:25 pm |
Of course I remember you!!!! I am glad you like my blog. Thanks for reading!
January 5, 2010 at 3:58 pm |
[...] 2009 I made the commitment to begin my journey to self love, you can read more about that in the Meet Ali section of my blog as well as this post. Since many people are currently making New Year’s [...]
January 8, 2010 at 10:25 pm |
I LOVE you blog! I found it through Carrots n Cake today and I’m already addicted!!
Keep up the awesome work
January 15, 2010 at 5:35 pm |
I just found your blog through Carrots n Cake tooo…the title intrigued me and so far, I want to keep reading! I’m gonna go look around some more but consider me a new reader!
-Katie
January 20, 2010 at 2:12 pm |
Hi Ali! nice blog!! i like it.. i grew up in Mass as well (although not Boston..) I would love to live in the city.. i think it would be so cool- although a bit out of my budget! haha..
January 21, 2010 at 11:17 am |
I also found your blog through Carrot’s and Cake. great blog! I’m definitely gonna keep reading.
Amelia
February 4, 2010 at 4:05 pm |
Hey Alli -
I found your blog through cnc as well and have been reading for a few weeks now! You blog is awesome and I love seeing how you are able to balance everything and eat healthy meals! I’m actually a guidance counselor north of boston – your amazing being able to do so much with grad school
Jenny