Name: Cassandra Garcia
Instagram Handle: @cassie_lgfit
Age: 27
Location: Harlingen, Texas
Occupation: Independent Insurance Agent
Hobbies: Baking, Crafting, & I’d love to travel more!
Meet Cassie:
When and how did you first begin your health and fitness journey?
I went to the gym on & off throughout college but never made it consistent or paid any attention to my nutrition. Once I graduated from college and moved out on my own I had time for myself so I started regularly going to the gym. I followed a plan from Bodybuilding and absolutely loved the way lifting made me feel and realized I was capable of so much more than I was giving myself credit for. My nutrition started improving as I learned more but I still wasn’t all that confident. I competed in a bikini competition about 2 years ago but I still wasn’t comfortable in my own skin. There’s so much comparison and impossible standards in that “world” that I struggled for a while afterwards. I started to focus on really enjoying my workouts and the feelings that came along with it. I got more comfortable trusting my own workouts, taking things my boyfriend had shown me when we would work out together, and constantly researching new things. I’ve been killing it for 2 years now and I can’t even imagine what I did with all my time before I started working out nearly every day!
What results have you experienced from a healthier lifestyle?
My results have been so much deeper than physical. I was never comfortable with my body and always wished by hips weren’t so wide, my stomach was a little flatter, my arms not so scrawny, and on and on. My focus was always on less cellulite and a flatter lower belly and I made myself miserable stressing about the physical appearances that honestly only I saw so flawed. My self-image is 100 times better because I feel better on the inside. 80% of the time I feed my body food that makes me feel good and therefore makes me enjoy being active. I have truly learned to love myself, the way I am and who I’m becoming inside and out!
What’s a healthy go-to restaurant order of yours?
Honestly, if I spend the money to go out to eat it’s usually for a treat meal! But if I’m trying to stay on track I really just try to remember the meal plan guidelines & portions. I’d opt for lean steak or salmon as I don’t normally have these at home and keep conscious of the sides and oils, butter, etc that they use to cook with. A current favorite is the Prime Rib Fresh Mex Bowl from Chilis…probably not the best but it’s delicious!
Do you have any tips for those days when you don’t feel like working out?
There are days that my alarm goes off and I want so badly to turn over and go back to sleep but I remind myself how much more energy I have to get the day started. My attitude is much more positive and I feel so accomplished once it’s done. Focus on how you feel when you DO workout but never beat yourself up over not feeling it or giving your body needed rest.
How has the LG Community played a role in your journey?
I came across one of Lauren’s posts on Pinterest and wandered to her website. I was a little skeptical as I’m not much of a joiner so I started off with the Meal Plan. I also completed one or two challenges without much involvement and really enjoyed how I felt and the progress I saw. I decided to jump into LGSummerFitcation with a new mindset and offered encouragement and support to girls I didn’t know! It’s a strange feeling to be “connected” to people you’ve never met and that are so far away but the results are amazing! So many girls reached out and offered the same encouragement and support, I was honestly overwhelmed. This community has really pushed me to see the positive and push past limits I set for myself. I’ve only just begun & I can’t wait to see what friendships develop and hopefully get to meet LGSisters in person!
Do you have any advice for a fellow LG Sister looking to make a healthier change?
Everyone starts somewhere! I had to explore what worked for me and what I was comfortable with so don’t be afraid to try new things and fail at some of them. You don’t have to like or enjoy everything and you don’t have to make yourself miserable. Having a healthy lifestyle is about so much more than the physical changes so don’t stress about that, just have fun doing whatever it is that makes you happy! Small steps in the right direction are better than large steps in the wrong direction.
FAVS:
Favorite Quote: God is within her, she will not fail
Favorite Travel Spot: Seems so lame but I haven’t been too many places! I’d really love to just visit NYC, Washington DC, State Capitol in Austin, TX & probably a cruise for a future honeymoon!
Favorite Book: I’m not much of a reader lately but I’d love suggestions ☺
Favorite Movie: P.S. I Love You
Favorite Weekend Activity: Working out with my boyfriend & being lazy
Favorite Healthy Food: Stuffed Salmon & anything breakfast!
Favorite Treat: Ice Cream & Pizza
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