The last few years have been nothing short of transformative for me. My health journey hasn’t been a straight path—it’s been full of ups and downs, learning, unlearning, and most importantly, healing. And while the road hasn’t always been easy, every challenge has led me to a place of growth and self-acceptance that I never imagined possible.
The Truth About My Health Journey
For most of my life, I thought I was the epitome of health. I was active, ate well, prioritized sleep, and worked hard to maintain a low body fat percentage. But after retiring from competition, I started to realize that I wasn’t as healthy as I thought. It became clear that something was off when I had never had a regular menstrual cycle, despite being told by doctors it was just due to my high activity level.
When I started working with Jenn Ryan, RN and nutritionist, and did a comprehensive blood panel, I found out that my hormones were completely out of balance. My biggest shock came when I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism—a slow thyroid, which can significantly impact fertility. That diagnosis was devastating, but it gave me a place to start.
Rebuilding My Health & Mindset
Balancing my hormones wasn’t easy, and it took me completely rethinking my approach to fitness and health. After years of focusing on body image and athletic performance, I had to learn to slow down. That meant reducing the intensity and volume of my workouts, gaining body fat (which my fertility doctor referred to as “padding”), and committing to real self-care.
It wasn’t just about physical changes; it was also about shifting my mindset. I had spent 18 years as a gymnast, which had deeply ingrained struggles with food and body image. I had to unlearn the idea that I needed to earn food through exercise, and instead, I began focusing on nourishing my body with the nutrients it needed.
It wasn’t easy, but with each step, I began to embrace my body in ways I never thought possible. Even on the difficult days when I felt “fluffy” or struggled with changes, I reminded myself that my body was doing exactly what it needed to do—for my hormones, my health, and my future family.
A Milestone Worth Celebrating
One of the most exciting milestones in my journey came on October 16, 2023, when at 34 years old, I had my first regular period! 🎉 After decades of non-existent cycles, this felt like a huge win! My husband, Mitch, and I even celebrated with ice cream. Having that first regular period was a symbol of how far I’ve come in terms of restoring balance in my body. This was then confirmed in the following months when I continued to have a menstrual cycle.
I’ve also discovered a new love for movement. I now train in a way that supports my health and hormones, not just for performance. There are still days when I miss the body I had and what I was able to physically do when I competed, but I’m learning to accept and love the changes. Creating a healthy, balanced body for the future I want—one that supports me as I build a family—has been worth every bit of the struggle.
New Workout Partner Coming Soon!
And speaking of the future I’ve been working toward... I am beyond excited to share that Mitch and I are expecting our little miracle in June! 💕 We are so thrilled to begin this new chapter of our lives, and while it feels surreal, I am over the moon to train for my newest (and tiniest) workout partner! 😅👶
Through it all, Mitch has been my rock. His support, love, and belief in me have made all the difference. From wiping away my tears to offering chocolate and hugs when I needed them most, he’s been there every step of the way. I truly believe that having the right people in your corner makes all the difference when you’re healing your body and mind.
The Takeaway: Healing Takes Time, But It’s Worth It
To anyone who’s going through a similar journey—whether you’re dealing with hormonal imbalances, body changes, or just trying to find balance in your life—keep going. Healing takes time, and it’s often not a linear path. But every step you take, no matter how small, is worth celebrating.
Surround yourself with people who lift you up, love you at every stage, and remind you of your worth. Progress might feel slow sometimes, but trust me, it’s happening. And as I’m learning, this journey is not just about health; it’s about growth, self-compassion, and embracing the changes that come with each chapter of life.
Thank you for being part of this journey with me. Stay tuned for more updates, and keep believing in your own ability to heal and grow. 💛
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