054: Declaring Yourself Healthy with Nicole Ruiz

Hi, I'm Natalie Jill, fat loss expert turned high performance coach. When odds are stacked against us, how do we shift and create everything from nothing? How do we level up when we aren't feeling it yet or we've had a big setback? On this podcast, I'll be talking to some of the most inspiring and courageous men and women on this planet who at their worst, learned how to achieve success greater than they ever dreamed possible. Leveling up and creating everything from nothing. Standing just 5ft tall and 177 pounds, Nicole was depressed, overweight, unhealthy, and had lost her confidence and purpose. While viewing a picture of herself on vacation, she had a defining moment. She didn't realize it had gotten that bad and she didn't recognize the person she had become. Looking at that picture triggered all kinds of negative thoughts. Nicole decided that she'd had enough and it was time to change. She declared it. She cleared her past beliefs around weight, visualized who she wanted to step into, and committed to make a change. Today, Nicole is a new person, dropping five sizes and over 40 pounds. She is now confident. She knows she matters. She's owning her power and has a whole new outlook about her life and her future. Join in today and learn exactly how Nicole leveled up and create everything from nothing. Today on Leveling Up, I've got my friend Nicole Ruiz. I am so excited to share her journey with you today. You guys are going to love this. Hey, Nicole, thanks for being here.

Thank you so much for having me.

I'm so excited to talk about this. So this is going to be a little bit different than the themes I have done on leveling up, creating everything from nothing. What we typically focus on is on how people overcame massive setbacks and created enormous results, whether that's with money, business, you know, their relationships, personal development issues. Also, a big theme has been people that really leveled up their whole life and switched careers or became an entrepreneur. But today we're going back to something that I initially built Natalie Jill Fitness on and that is weight loss. And I was dying to bring on Nicole today because Nicole went from a size 12 to a size 4 in a pretty, pretty quick time. Now, a safe time to be that, but a pretty quick time. She to give a little background. She is five feet tall. She was 177 pounds. Now, that may not sound like a lot to some people, but imagine being 5ft tall, 177 pounds, a size 12 for her. She was carrying around a lot and she had to make some big shifts and changes to to become the person that she stepped into now. It is more than just about appearance and weight loss. It is who she has become. So thanks, Nicole, for being here today and sharing your journey and your story.

Absolutely. No, thank you so much for having me. And one thing that got me going today, even just to talk about it, because it's so vulnerable, is everyone out there that is going through this scenario and it can really just eat at your soul and your confidence and your self worth. And like you said, you're carrying so much more than just weight, you know, And I think it's really important that people understand it doesn't have to be like that. Like, there is a way out of it now.

Nicole, take us back. Like, I know it doesn't always feel great and comfortable and it might be a little painful to go back, but take us back to who you were. That girl that I met, you know, a few years ago now, like, who was that girl? Talk to me about that girl that was that size 12, heavy, not feeling great about herself. Who were you then?

Oh, geez. Okay, so, yeah, when you met me at my bus. No, it was honestly the hardest month of my life. So in one month, I had lost a boyfriend of four years. I had to move out of my beautiful apartment I had just picked out in Chicago, furnished. I lost all of my friends and family. So I'm originally from California. I'd moved to Chicago. So here I was, alone in a brand new city and didn't really have a support system. And I got invited to do one of the. Well, someone introduced me about doing a transformational workshop. And I needed something, like, I needed something to just revive my life. And I had saw that it was a business partner actually that had gone through it and did not have a close relationship with him. But he was being just so open and telling me about his life and his energy. And I'm like, I, I don't know what you did, but I want to do what you just did. And I signed up for this class and then that's when obviously we had met. But when I walked in, I mean, my confidence level was zero. I was so aggressive. I was, I was a mean, I think I was a mean person.

So I remember looking at you and I'm sure you heard this a lot because I know we had talked about it at one time and I hope you're okay with me going here. But you know, when you, if you could see Nicole right now, she's beautiful, like physically beautiful. And I think we had talked about, you Were always known as the pretty girl that was overweight. Like the pretty girl that was overweight. Really? That became like a definition about you?

Yeah, for like the last four. Four years. It was really weird because I hadn't been overweight before in my life. Like I was a college cheerleader. And then after that I lost myself. Well, when I got into a relationship, really what it was is I lost myself. I didn't learn how to balance. I have a massive career and having a boyfriend that was a serious relationship, you know, live in boyfriend. I sacrificed my entire life for those two things. And I think a lot of women do that, you know, whether it's you're giving to your kids or your family or, you know, your husband. And I did not. I realized at that point I didn't have a desire. Like zero. Like, I wouldn't even pick a restaurant I wanted to eat at.

Like, just no desire in life. You mean? So, like not, not ambitious about anything?

Exactly, yeah. No, no desires. Like for. I think, well, more for myself. Like I. I can be very goal driven. And the problem with being so goal driven, let's say money wise, I want to hit this point in my career. You lose all the heart. And I lost who I really was at the heart and soul of myself. And I forgot about my body. I mean, and really, if you forget about your body, that's the most important thing, I think, to get to the next level and to see yourself being successful. If you don't have your health, you're nothing.

So did you know. So obviously you have things going on in your life at the time you're feeling somewhat. Really, you're describing a lot that would be depressed, depression. You're going through that. When did it hit you that like, you had let your body go? Because I know that with some people there's like a defining moment that maybe you don't even realize how bad it's gotten. Do you remember a moment or when did you start realizing, okay, this is a problem?

Yeah. Oh, such a good question. I was in Hawaii in May, and so I think we met in like July. I was in Hawaii in May and I had someone else take pictures of me standing on a rock and I'll send them to you afterwards. Then, like, my hands are up in the air and I remember looking at the picture being like, who's that? And it was just like, boom. Oh my God, that's me. Like, it hit me so hard and I just started bawling like, who is that person? Like, she's so. It Was. It was. I don't want to say it. You know, ugly isn't the good word, but I was just so disgusted that I didn't even know who myself was anymore. Like, I could look at a picture and not recognize myself. And to be honest, it kind of scared me and I didn't know what to do. So, you know, I would try to eat healthy one day and then I would binge. And then I would get so mad at myself because I ate a piece of cake. And then from that moment, it was now this internal hatred towards myself because I couldn't get my shit together.

Yeah.

Why can't I do this? Why can't I lose weight?

Which I imagine just makes it even worse. It's like. And I've heard this story over and over again where somebody, there's like a defining moment where they. They know that they're kind of getting out of control, but they see a picture, they see reflection, something happens and they're like, oh my gosh, now it's really bad. And then it's that. That self beat up that starts which can't make it feel any better.

Oh, that was the worst. That was the worst. And that was something that I've never before, you know, meeting you and going through. Through some of the processes with you on loving your weight, which I think is the best thing that you do. I never looked in the mirror and saw myself. I always saw what was wrong with myself. You know, I always saw my thighs or my stomach was hanging over. And to the freedom that's given when you can look in the mirror and literally see yourself and like what you're wearing or you know, like, I'm gonna wear this bright red jacket for five. You know, it was. It. It's honestly been the best change I think that I could have ever had.

Now did you. Would you say that you implemented that change early on? Because I want to. I'm gonna ask you some questions about the whole process, like how you got to where you is incredible. But I am wondering about the self love part. Like, did that have to come first or did that come after the weight loss?

It had to come first. It absolutely had to come first. So the word that kept coming up for me today was the word grace. You have grace for other people, for your friends, but you don't have grace for yourself. And through my weight loss journey, I learned grace for myself.

What does that mean? Explain what that means to have grace for yourself.

Sure. So I think that grace is by definition like honoring. Right, you honor Someone with your presence or you mess up, I eat a cookie instead of going, oh, my whole day is gone. I'm gonna have a massive, you know, breakdown and eat everything. I can see just saying, okay, you ate a cookie, so what? Move on, have a better meal the next time. And it's not this self beat up. It's realizing, hey, I'm human. If I want a cookie, I'm going to eat a cookie. And it's not going to be the defining moment of my weight loss journey. I'm going to be just fine and still lose two pounds this week.

Wow, I love that. That's really that kindness to yourself because it's so true. I think people do go in that self beat up and just like you said, they have the cookie, then they feel like a failure and it just keeps spiraling down.

Yeah.

Okay, so take us through the process. So you have a defining moment. You realize this is bad, you've got to get ahold of it. So I'm assuming you make a decision at this point. Like this is happening. I'm going to change. When did that happen?

Absolutely. So I would say midway through July. I decided that's it. So after I went through that few personal transformation workshop just the first week, I was like, I have to do this, I get to do this. I decided at that moment I'm done. I'm done looking in the mirror and not knowing who that person is. And once I decided that I got crystal clear on what my goal would be.

And what was that goal?

I wanted to lose £40, which. OK, here's the funny thing. I should have said I wanted to lose £50 because then I want to have those last kind of like 5, 10 pounds lingering. But it is really crazy. I lost almost exactly 40 pounds.

Wow. Okay. So you decide it and then what's really cool is I. And I'm honest. I love. Because everybody I've interviewed on leveling up and even if it's nothing to do with weight loss, you will find this common thread of making a decision first and then declaring. And I witnessed your actual declaration. Can you share what that was? Because I remember standing there with you, you describing that bikini. Can you talk about what that was that you declared? Yes. Okay.

So at breakthrough weekend, I declared I was going to be in a yellow bikini tan, you know, af and just have this ass that was like lifted. Like I really wanted like a really nice butt in this yellow bikini and I did end up buying that yellow bikini, which I love. It's like a high cut you know.

Brazilian bottom, yellow bikini.

But that was my declaration is I just wanted to be in a yellow bikini and be very tan.

Yes. And for those of you listening to this, that wanted to dive into that. So what she's talking about is in order for someone's vision to come to fruition, those two steps, deciding and then making a declaration, are so incredibly critical. And when she declared it, we were at one of my breakthrough weekends, and we were standing in a place. I'm big on finding places that you're going to remember. I remember exactly where we were standing, Nicole. We had a great. A beautiful view of California, and it was sunny out. I remember. And so if you all can imagine this, we've got a bunch of women standing around all ready to shed the weight and change their lives. And she's standing there and she's embodying this person that if it was a year later, who she would be. So she sat. She stood in front of us and said, so good to see you guys again. It's a year later, and I feel great. And so she acted as if she was already there and declared it publicly.

Yes. Yes, I absolutely did.

And it felt so good.

There was something before that that I do want to bring up that was really. Because that was, like, my visual. And once I got that visual, I think that really gave me the commitment to keep just going nonstop every single day. And looking at that vision board, I had a girl in a yellow bikini I looked at, too. But there was something that happened before that that was really important. When I decided I wanted to lose weight. The first two weeks, I couldn't lose weight. And I am like, what is going on? I kept just messing up, messing up. I had to look back into my past and see if there was something that was holding me back or something that someone had said or some story I had made up about weight. And someone had asked me, they go, okay, so let's think about it. If I bring up weight, what comes up? And I'm like, well, you know what? I remember this one conversation with my boyfriend, and I had said, oh, I'm getting fat. I'm gaining weight. And he was like, no, you look perfect. Don't worry about it. But if you gain any more weight. And he kind of stopped. And I know he was joking, but at that moment, I was like, but why? You know, what if I gain more weight? Why? He is like, nothing. Whatever. You are perfect. Don't worry about it. I am like, what? You are not going to love me? And so I Associated weight with love.

Wow.

Yeah. Which was really crazy. And just like, acknowledging that I had made up this story about myself and. And I had to break that. I had to break that story in my head. That. That is not true. That's a lie. I made up my love, or a man's love is not determined by what I weigh.

So explain that a little bit more because. Okay, so if that is the story you made up, which I think that's really critical and awesome that you went and looked back in your past. How did you then translate that to like, I can't lose weight versus where somebody else might listen to that and get stuck on losing too much weight because they're trying to get that love?

I think for me it was. I was testing his love. Like, well, if I keep gaining weight, do you still love me? Like, do you love me now? Like, I was just constantly trying to test it. And so that's the way I had taken it. And it was from that moment too, I started to gain a lot of weight. That's really where the pounds came on. And then it wasn't until I broke that thread that the pounds started to come off.

That's so powerful. How did you break that thread? Just acknowledging it. What did you. How did you have to do it? Did you have to go clear back with him?

No, it was. I. It was honestly a journal. I just journaled out why this is a lie, why this is not true. You know, in my mind, I had to journal it out and just say, just discard, like, that story. Just be like, nope, this is not true. What is true is I get to be the best version of myself. And the best version of myself is weighing this amount or losing the weight. For me, it doesn't matter if a man's gonna love me or not.

Got it. Okay. So you decided you cleared your past. You came out where that came from. So you figured out those self imposed stops, like whatever, those false assumed truths, those beliefs that you created, cleared it. You declared it publicly. So not just to us at Breakthrough, but you told people, I'm gonna lose the weight, I'm gonna get healthy. And then you got extremely committed and became consistent. And then what was your process? Because obviously nutrition and workouts play a role. So what was your process? What made you decide, like, you were gonna versus somebody else's? Like, how did that all happen?

Okay, huge. So, yeah, absolutely. Shifting my mind and choosing then, like, the action plan. So in the past, let me just lay it out there, what I have done. I hired a Personal trainer and did protein shakes that cost like $1,200. Didn't lose a pound. Seriously. I'd done keto but it's impossible to do because I travel for work extremely hard. I didn't want to count calories.

And.

I had found of course, your full body reset program and I started to go through your meal plans. That's where I started. And I'm like, ok, I believe in everything that you were saying because it's all whole foods, it's all natural foods. And then I thought, can I do this when I travel? So I'm in an airport three times, three or four times a week. You know, is there availability? And it was very simple. It was like, yeah, you could just have a piece of chicken and a salad or I could have nuts on my way or Starbucks has those little egg white bites. I mean like there's just so many options through it. So I also just said, you know what, what's the worst thing that can happen? Like I'm going to try this for a week and see if it works.

Okay, so talk to us about cravings and all that because I know especially somebody that is was struggling with weight before and there's an emotional response with that that goes with food. A lot of people talk about they're scared to change their eating, whether that's my plan or something else because of they're worried they're going to crave or that's going to take over. How did that shift with you? Did your like, did your decision and your declaration overweight? Was it willpower? Did you have a like what Talk us through what that looked like okay.

For me it was, yeah, it was my mindset. So I, after deciding to clearing. Clearing out all the crap, shifting my mindset and just being like committed. No shit. Like I had my vision board which I think really does help. Looking at something every single day, seeing what you want and then your subconscious aligns your actions so you subconsciously are fighting for something. I had it on my phone and there was just no other option at that point. I just said this is what's happening and it's going to get done. And I wouldn't let cravings any other self sabotage conversation control that. But the only way I think to stay really consistent is to have those visuals and that goal and be able to. Oh, affirmations. That's the other thing I would do.

Well, tell us about that. What did that look like?

Yeah, so affirmations I think are huge. Just telling yourself like I am. I weigh 130 pounds. Like, my stomach is flat, my boobs are lifted, my ass is those little things. Like, I love what I wear when I look at myself. Like, I love my body. I. And at first when you say it, you're like, I don't believe this. I do not believe this. Right? But slowly, over time, it's like, well, why? Why don't I believe it? I believe that my body's a good body. It functions every day. Like, my feet move, my fingers move. Like, you know, embracing yourself and loving yourself I think also helps stay in the path.

Oh, I love this. So what I'm hearing is not just affirmations, it's gratitude.

Yeah. Oh, yes, girl, yes. Adding gratitude was huge. I did. And every day still, even if it's just one or two things, I do have gratitude in my daily practice. And it did start from weight loss. I didn't really realize it, but it did. It started when I wanted to have a magical morning. And what that looks like something that is also really interesting is I didn't add working out until maybe like, I lost about 35 pounds. A lot of work. I would do walks. I would just get out there because I remember you would say, just move. Right? Just move your body. I didn't try to do everything at once.

Like, go to the gym four times.

A week, eat perfectly. No, it was like, okay, I'm gonna go walk the dog after work or I'm in magical morning, I'm gonna wake up, I'm going to go walk on the treadmill just for 20 minutes. I'm going to do five push ups. Now I can do 30 push ups in a row. Yeah.

That's awesome. Nice progression. I love it. So, yeah, that's. So I was going to ask you that next and that's actually interesting that you just walked right into that. But it's not about to me. Sometimes people get so stuck with massive action. Like, I have to do everything. I have to work out for hours and I have to do this and I have to do that. And I think it's just moving in the right direction. And that's what I'm hearing from you. Like making those choices and steps forward. It's not about doing everything at one time. It's just making those decisions one step at a time. Forward.

Yes, exactly. And little goals. So I would. I gave myself a 5K. Okay, I'm going to run a 5K. So when did you set that goal, by the way?

After you were losing the weight or.

Before that one was. It was Kind of. It was in the process. So I said it was November, I think was the 5K. And I really started probably beginning of September. So it was. It was through the process and I ended up just. That's how I would get myself on the treadmill in the morning. Right. Okay, well, I'm going to do that 5K. I want to be able to walk three miles consistently. And that helped. That did help. Having that baby milestone.

Yeah. Okay. I have a question about support system and friends. How were people to you during this process? Did you have people in saying, why are you doing this? Were they negative? Did you have people encouraging, like, talk us through that? Because I know a lot of people listening, they struggle with. They go to self improve and they have people not supporting it.

Okay, here's my secret to that. Right? I only told people who had the same exact goal as me. Oh, I was in. We had a workout tech or not workout, sorry, weight loss, text message going on through GroupMe. Right. Was a few of our friends together or some sort of support group. So, like your full body reset, where you have a group of people all going for the common goal. That to me, was the best. I did not tell, like, my family or my friends, oh, I'm trying to lose weight because sometimes I feel like people will be like, oh, who cares? Just skip it. Eat this, eat that. But if you don't really, like, as long as you have a support system, I think support is number one. You have to be able to. To send photos and videos of what you're eating. You know, ask those questions. But at least for me, I didn't want the outside noise. I knew what I wanted. I wanted people who wanted to support me to get there.

Okay. So, like, that's actually really good advice. So the people that you like, if you were out with a bunch of friends and they're eating cake and wine or wherever else they're doing. So you didn't even tell them, I'm working on changing my body. You would just say, no, I don't want any. So that way you didn't even have that conversation? Is that what I'm hearing?

Exactly. Yep.

Okay. And did you have to start saying no to other plans? Did you just. Did you have to get like. Like, for. I know, for me, like, if I'm trying to avoid cheese, I can't go out with anybody because you put cheese in front of me, I'll eat the whole thing. Did you have to go into avoidance or what did you do?

No, you know what? I just decided I just would say, no, I have this. It's this crazy willpower. It was something I'd never really experienced before. And I think it's because that vision was so, so strong. Desire and the drive was there. It just was easy. And that is another thing, too. I said to myself, this is easy. This is what I want. I am doing this. That was the conversation. It wasn't, this is hard. I have to give this up. And that was something also you taught, think about the foods that you can have. So I knew what I could and couldn't eat. So when I went out, I would just order accordingly. If I had friends over, I would cook accordingly. You know, sorry, guys, for eating. I wouldn't even apologize. This is what we're eating.

Okay. I hope people hear how gold that was, what you just said right there, because that is that mindset shift. That is everything. If you enter into any goal, any goal, even weight loss, anything with this is hard, nothing works. I'm going to fail. That's what happens. But when you enter with that energy and that vision of, this is easy. This is what I want. This is happening. It's amazing how that carries you through.

Yes, yes. It really was. It was the key. And celebrating those tiny little wins for myself. Like, I would buy a pair of jeans that were a size small, and maybe every other week I'd try them on, and then all of a sudden they fit. And I'd be like, yes, the moment they fit, I would clean out my closet. That's another thing. So I was constantly clearing out. For me, it was very therapeutic. It was like clearing out the past, throwing out all this stuff that that person is not me. That sad, lonely girl was not me, and it never will be me. And I'm getting rid of.

Yes, I love that, Nicole, because I think so many people would hold on to it, saying, well, I might need it again. And you did the opposite, which is incredible. Yes.

It was like, hell, no. I am never going to wear that ugly outfit. Like, get that out.

Oh, my gosh. I love it. I love that. Gosh, so many great tips right here. Okay, so then, okay, talk to us about, like, how much weight per week? How long did it take you? Like, what was. What did you. Because you did this very healthy. And I want people to hear from you, like, what that looked like, because people want to. They expect this massive weight loss quick, and that's not always how it works. So talk about that.

Okay, so I did, like, your full body reset, like the jumpstart in the Very beginning. And I was very good on it. I'm not going to lie. I did well. I did five days perfect. I just drinking nothing. And I lost five pounds that first week.

Okay. And I want people listening to know too, that typically the reason people lose five pounds a first week on a healthy eating plan and more than just a 2 pounds of fat loss is not only are you losing fat, you're losing bloat as well. So you're losing excess bloat water that you're holding on to in addition to fat. So that is actually normal. So before somebody chimes in, five pounds is too hard. It is very. Especially if you're going from an unhealthy diet to a healthy, unprocessed diet.

Yes. Yeah, totally. And you know what I loved about the jumpstart is you got all this energy and it was like, oh, I feel great. I'm going to keep going. That helps boost you into those two, the two pound weeks. So then after that, so let's say that was September, then I did two pounds per week. I did have a little bit of a plateau, which, you know, I, I was talking to the support group. Is this normal? Of course it's normal. Your body does start to plateau. And I just kept with it. I will say this, and this is why I freaking love your plan. I drank wine the entire time. I really did, but I didn't eat then the carbs. So like I wouldn't have a glass of wine and rice. Right, right. If I was a glass of wine, I had meat and vegetables or, you know, a protein and vegetables. And my fat a little bit.

Yes.

And then the wine was my carb. So like, I did learn that from your plan, your plate. Like that really helped me balance because I. This is a lifestyle. This is not going back. And if drinking is a part of my lifestyle, I wanted to make it fit and it worked. I mean, I 100% can say I.

Did not give up. By the way, those of you listening, £2 a week, if that sounds not enough to you, imagine what that is in a year. I mean, that's a whole, that could be a whole person in a year. So it is enormous. And what I love about that is it's safe, it's healthy to lose 2 pounds of fat per week. And it does add up over time and you don't gain that back when you do it that way. But a lot of these, you know, these marketing plans we see out there of like lose 15 pounds in a week, I mean, that's not something that works long term or effective.

Yeah, and that's so true. Like, I lost all the weight in about four and a half months. OK. And that was in probably December 2017. And I have now kept it up and I just chone. I'm learning, okay, now that I have this weight loss, how do I want my body to look? And learning the different workouts and bringing that in and I have maybe about five more pounds. I think I really do want to release then. And. Yeah.

Okay, so talk to us now. Okay, so aside from the weight loss, because that was this big underlying thing that you were dealing with, what happened in your life as a result of you shifting your mindset, losing the weight, like, talk to us about all of that. I want to hear about your confidence, about what's happening in your job, your personal life, all of, like, what has.

Shifted because of that so much. You know, I think the biggest thing, of course, is, yes, my confidence came back absolutely learning that I am in control of my life. I am the creator of my life, and what I want can happen if I choose it to happen. So I was really, I empowered myself. I was able to get a goal accomplished, a massive goal accomplished. And being able to do that, it really made me trust myself again. Right. When you're so overweight, you lose trust in yourself, you hate yourself. Right. And then once you've realizing, okay, I'm putting myself first, I matter and I'm in control of my body, my emotions, my eating, then you're in control of everything else in your life too. And so instead of feeling like you're running around like a chicken with your head cut off, it's okay, well, what else do I want to get clear on, you know, what else do I want to create? And being able to really decide, okay, I wanted this weight loss, well, what else do I want? I next leveled in my job. Absolutely. Being able to not be so sensitive was another thing I've learned. You know, I would dwell on if someone said something negative to me forever and ever and ever now. I was like, okay, thanks for the feedback. Like, if it didn't land, it didn't land. And I would move on to the next thing now. And I think all of those things came from gaining that confidence in my. It's a journey, right? Losing weight is a journey. And throughout your journey, you're constantly learning new things about yourself.

I love that.

Yeah. And the more you learn about yourself, the more you know how to grow.

So what would you tell that girl now, that past girl, the One that you said was sad and depressed and just wasn't motivated in anything and was carrying all that extra weight. If you could go back and give her a hug now and tell her, what would you want her to know?

I would want her to know that it will pass. Right. This too will pass. That heartbreak that you're feeling, those emotions that you're going through will pass. It always will. I found a lot of comfort in knowing that, you know, God takes care of the birds in the sky, he's gonna take care of you. Like, you're gonna be just fine. Just knowing that comfort feeling. I would also tell her to use her mind more. Right. Really the power of just deciding, declaring, and it starts in your mind and allowing yourself. Tell myself allow yourself to dream.

I like that. Allow yourself to dream.

Yeah. If you dream, then you can get clear on something and then you could create that action plan. But it starts with dreaming. And I think when you're so depressed or you've lost everything, or you feel like you can't move, you, you forget to dream. You forget what it's like to be like a little girl who's painting a picture of what they want and being able to even create a vision board. I never created one before. That's what you're doing. You're painting this vision, this dream of your life, and then from that spurs that decision and the action, and then you achieve it.

I love that all my programs start with creating of a vision board. Whether it's Jumpstart or Full Body Reset or my retreats, we always do that. Even if we're making them three times a year. I think it's so critical to help people visualize and dream to what they want. You still have that original vision board that you made?

I do. It's right next to me.

I'm staring at it now. What's come to fruition on it?

Ok, so the yellow bikini. And I noticed there is a girl I had in a blue bikini that had these little gold accents. And probably like two months ago, I realized I actually own that bikini.

That's crazy.

Yes. I have no idea. I bought it in San Diego. I was out there for a weekend and it was a ridiculous amount too. That's another. Oh, there's another thing that changed. I wouldn't really spend money on myself.

You wouldn't invest in yourself?

Not invest in myself? No. Not even on my clothes. I mean, here and there I had handbags. Most of them were gifts. Right. And I decided no. Like, if I have this body that I've been working for and really wanted to accomplish this goal. Right. I get to also buy myself things I'm worthy of wearing that bikini.

Yeah. Oh, my gosh.

The other thing is I didn't have a lot of friends, like I said when I first came here. So I had pictures of girlfriend cheersing their little martinis and it says life. The party definitely has come true in Chicago. You know, if you follow me, I'm always out with friends. And so that was a huge one there too.

Okay. And I want to, I want to ask you a few things about. Objection. Because somebody, there's definitely someone listening right now who has their self imposed stops in their mind that it's their genetics. They've tried everything. Nothing works for, for them, it's too late, they're too old, whatever, you name it, self and post ops. So I just want to run through some of those objections with you. Like if you were talking to a friend, that's the old you and they said these things. I'm just curious what you from your perspective would tell them now. Being the new person that you've stepped into, like being your new authentic self versus who you were. So, like someone says to you, I've tried everything, nothing works. What advice would you give them? What would you say?

I would say, why do you want. Why do you want to listen?

Oh, so get them into their why?

Yeah, why? Well, if you've tried it. Well, why do you even want this? You know, because in my mindset, if that person, or in my, in my mind, if that person doesn't even want to try, they're missing their why.

So would you put the I've tried everything into the same category as I don't want to try again?

Yes. Yeah. Well, if I don't know, actually if I don't want to try again, to me that means that they've tried and they experienced some sort of disappointment or hurt, and therefore they're fearful. To me, that's fear versus a why. Right. And then if you're fearful, well, I would get them into vision. Well, what happens if you did create it? Ooh, what does that look like? If you are afraid of doing this, okay, but why not just give it one more shot? What's the worst that can happen?

I love that. Okay, so someone says to you, it's genetics, I'm too old, any of those things, what would you say to that person?

Well, if it was true in genetics, I mean, I look at a brownie and that thing is on my butt. We are genetically My family always jokes about it, but we are genetically engineered to gain weight. Like I can. I mean, it's just crazy. So I think again, it would go back to, well, what actually, I would say, well, what is it that you really want? You know, why do you want this? And that's not true.

It's just not.

If that was true, we'd all be massively obese.

You know, I do want to share that, which is kind of funny. I can. When I think back to anyone that I've worked with on fat loss, so many stories, but some of the most extreme examples of obesity to healthy and fit, they will tell me some version of the same story of when they were overweight. They would have completely blamed it on genetics and that now it's funny because now that they're fit, healthy people look at them and say, well, that's just genetics. It's like no matter which situation, somebody might say it's genetics.

Yes. Yeah, totally interesting.

Okay.

People always say that, like, who have seen my picture, they're like, oh, you weren't that big before. I'm like, I was 177lbs at 5ft tall. I was a little turkey.

No. Okay, now somebody else listening might say, but why is it all about weight? Why is it all about weight? What would you say to that?

It's so much more than just the weight. Right. If you don't feel good about yourself, it's hard to do anything in life. Like, hard to feel like you could be successful. And for me, you're right. Some people might feel great at that weight. I felt horrible. I felt out of my skin. I was so. It was self hatred. And if you have self hatred, you can't love anyone else because you have to love yourself first and you have to feel, you know, maybe it's for me also God's love. Right? I needed to feel some sort of external love and. And then love myself and then be able to love other people and to show up how I really am. I wouldn't be on this podcast. I mean, it's hard enough for me to be open and vulnerable naturally, but to have the confidence in myself and to know I could do anything, that is what, as small as it sounds, being confident in your own skin gives you. And how you get confident in your own skin, it's feeling good about yourself. Well, how do you feel good about yourself? You have to like what you. You see.

Yes, yes. So then I. So I'm with you on that. So if you are, if you are not, if some if you're somebody's listening and you're overweight, but you feel that confidence and you're healthy and you're strong and you feel good and this is not in your gap, then that's great. So the concern comes in is like what you're saying with the self hate, you're losing your confidence. And then also what I look at is health because I get concerned. Can you be overweight and healthy? Possibly in some cases, no. So I think that comes, that's an important step to look at too is are you healthy in your weight? Whether that's in your mind, with your confidence or physically, are you healthy?

Yes. Being healthy is so important because the sugar addiction I really believe is real. And there were times where I just, I didn't even want to get out of bed. Like I was so depressed. And I think just cutting the process and the sugar can help with depression. Like if people, if you're struggling with depression, you feel like you don't want to get out of bed, it takes you two hours to get dressed. Like that is the worst feeling in the world. Like it's almost like you want, you want your life back and you're not realizing what a toll the weight is, is actually causing you until it's gone.

Yeah, that's really good. Want your life back. I like it. Okay, Nicole, this was super powerful. I have a couple more questions for you. How do you talk to us about you now? Like how do you spend your day? Like I don't want even know now about the old Nicole, because we covered that. Who's new? Nicole, like how do you start your day? What's your routine? Like how do you, do you ever cheat? Do you ever have a cookie? Like talk to us about that? Absolutely. My friends will probably be dying.

Yes. So I wake up at 5:30, 6 o' clock every day and the very first thing I do is I thank God for being alive.

Gratitude. Love it.

Yes, definitely. Crisply as well. Would always say, thank you God. I'm awake for another day. I cuddle with my doggy because brings me so much joy and I immediately go to the gym. I do either yoga. I love just the mindset of yoga. Some days I am doing some weight, some body weight. I love your body weight exercises. I do those. I spend about 45 minutes to an hour on my body, then the next hour I spend on my mind. And to me this was then the biggest, one of the biggest transformations in my leadership. I do have a really powerful job and so part of getting my Mind straight for my team is making sure I'm in check with myself. You know what's coming up for me. I journal, I read my Bible, I pray. I listen to some sort of podcast or some sort of motivation, something to get my mind right. And I also listen to music that puts my myself in, you know, just like an awake mode, like ready for the day empowering music. Sometimes it's Ariana Grande, sometimes it's worship music. Yeah. Something that just gets my mind straight and then that's it. Like, that's really what my morning looks like. Then I have a team that I lead that I just. They're doing so amazing. They're. They're all on fire and we're all accomplishing a common goal together. Then usually when I come home, I will go out for dinner with my friends. Yes, I totally cheat. I do here and there, but then I also reset my body. So that's another thing. If I have a night out with my friends or going out to a great dinner the next day, I'm going to be very mindful on what I eat because not only because of the weight, but it's more. I like the way I feel when I eat whole foods.

This is awesome. Yeah. This is so good. This is so good. You're like a brand new person. I love it. I always like, just loved your energy, but like, you're just on fire now. It's amazing. I love it. Okay, so, Nicole, final question. I ask every single podcast guest this. Somebody's listening right now, and they're in their own personal rock bottom. Maybe it's weight related, maybe it's financial business, maybe it's a combination of all those things you were going through a few years ago. But they're feeling like what you described. I don't want to get out of bed. It's taking me two hours to get dressed. I'm depressed. I'm just not myself. If you were to give them three things, three things they could do right now, today, to start shifting that and creating everything from nothing, what would you suggest?

Such a good question. So the first thing I would say is your mind, your mind is so, so powerful, right? And if you could change what you're telling yourself, even if you don't fully believe it, right. If you could start changing that, you'll see your life change. So, for example, you know, change, it's never going to get better to. Day by day, I'm closer to my goal. You know, something like that. Just a little bit of self motivation with your mind and Then like I mentioned before, put your subconscious to work to get that goal. That would be the first thing I would say, is control your mind. Secondly, I would say is create some sort of action based on what you want. So ask yourself, you know, what is it that you want? You know, dream, right? I really think when you're at rock bottom, the hardest thing is to dream. But if you could allow yourself to dream even for five minutes, you know what, paint a picture of what you want your life to be like. And then the third thing I would say is to know that if God takes care of the birds in the sky, you are going to be taken care of or your universe, whatever you believe that you will be taken care of. And this is not forever. And it will go away, it will pass. It's just the time in your life. It's a season.

So good. So good. Wow. This was powerful. Nicole. Okay, where can people find you? That's first and foremost.

Yay.

They want to learn more.

So you please follow me on Instagram. It's nicolethel C and then Ruiz R U I Z. And I am launching sort of like a new just business venture. A lot of my friends know I'm really into fashion and I created this like basics list because I cleared my closet out like five times. And I'm like, what is it that you need to just get ready and go and just know you feel confident in this outfit? So I have like a basics list that I have up on my new website. It's just nicolerouiz.com or nicolecruiz.com yes, go there. You can download this basics list and it's a great thing to start redoing your closet when you do lose that weight and you got to go buy new clothes.

I love it. Totally going to check that out. And if you want to follow the process that Nicole did, you can take a look and I'll put this in the show notes at the full body reset.com, the full body reset.com we have a live version of that happening starting soon, soon. And we also, depending on when you're listening to this episode, have a five day free challenge group that is going to be doing some basic levels of what Nicole has covered and what she learned from Full Body reset. And you can find that@thequickbodyreset.com thank you so much, Nicole.

Thank you, Natalie. And you are such an instrumental part in my life. And thank you for doing this weight loss journey with me and being that inspiration. I do want to say having someone to look up to and inspire. And Natalie's you know her story from rock bottom. She has the same job that I currently have now and it really did motivate me to know look she did it.

I love it.

No it really was. It's so key. So thank you so much. What you're doing is awesome. I love you girl.

You're welcome. Thank you. Thanks Nicole thanks for leveling up with us today. Please share this episode if you found it helpful so others can join in. And don't forget to hit that subscribe so you don't miss out on future shows. And if you would leave me a five star review. I appreciate those so much. I read all of them and it's how I know that I'm giving you information that you find valuable and come interact with me over on Instagram @nataliejofit. I read all the direct messages and comments over there. Make it a great day. Creating everything from nothing.