In case you were wondering here are 25 (mostly) interesting facts about me, you know, so you don’t have to wonder anymore!
The Not So Interesting Facts:
- I was born in 1977
- I am married with two baby boys, 21 months apart, one dog and a cat
- I live near Charlotte, North Carolina
- I grew up in Southern California and Arizona
- I am a Certified Personal Trainer and CrossFit Coach
The Far More Interesting Facts:
- I have been overweight my whole life
- I used to weigh 328lbs
- I had gastric bypass surgery in 2011
- I lost 164lbs over the course of two years
- I did not get skinny or cure my fatness with weight loss surgery
- I have a genetic fat disorder called Lipedema
The Facts That Made Me Who I am Today:
- I have moved 54 times (The house I live in now is the longest I’ve stayed anywhere- 9 years!)
- I went to 14 different schools (I went to one school for three whole days!)
- I pursued an acting career in Los Angeles and NYC in my early 20’s
- I didn’t meet my father until I was 28 years old
- I got married and divorced in my mid 20’s
- I have battled infertility
- I have had a miscarriage
- I have had two successful pregnancies
- I was verbally, and sometimes physically bullied and abused by my step-father growing up
- I was the object of someone’s (fat) fetish (mistaken for love) and didn’t realize it until years later
- Between 2013 and 2015 I completed over 30 races including several Spartan Races, Road Races, Trail Races and two Triathlons
- I am the proud mom of 2 boys who were born 21 months apart
- I have had the privilege of helping thousands of women love themselves more, care for their bodies better, and let go of perfection to live their best happy, healthy lifestyle
Who I am Today:
- I have no regrets
- I do not live in fear of failure, success, judgment or harm
- I recognize my strengths and my weaknesses
- I forgive myself for my faults
- I love myself for who I am
Who I want to be Tomorrow:
- A published author
- The host of my own TV show
- Faster, Stronger, Better
- More AWESOME
- Inspiring even more people to live their own I’mperfect Life
PRESS HIGHLIGHTS
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Thanks for sharing about yourself.
You forgot to mention that you’re the coolest lady ever.
Bah! Thanks! 😀 Only next to you! <3
Thanks for this simple, honest post Andrea. I love how real and frank you are in your work. It’s really refreshing. My family is going through the tragic loss of my 27 year old cousin who died at a much larger size than you were at your largest. We believe she had a heart attack, but there was no autopsy. I learned at her funeral that she was afraid of getting bariatric surgery. Many people in my family have a conflicted relationship with food — a big (in every way) Italian family that celebrates every event with food — and this tragedy just really drove home for me the insidious nature of food addiction. I’m hoping and praying that the family she left behind will see the light and gets some help to make the changes they need to make, and that something positive will come out of this horrible event. I’m planning to share your blog with them once the dust settles and it feels appropriate to do so. Thanks for being an inspiration.
Oh Toni! I’m so sorry to hear that. That is very tragic. Not sure if you saw my post last week, but it was basically about my own Italian Family’s relationship with food and how it affect me. I totally get it. Hugs!