Catch Up and Next Week

Sunday night. The moment you realize the weekend is officially over and a new week starts. I spent most of the weekend relaxing and doing nothing. I didn't sleep that great last week so it was nice to just do a quick cleaning, some errands, and then sit down, watch tv, and take naps.

Abby was very happy about the relaxing and taking naps portion of the weekend
I love snuggling with her

I did go to my friends' house Saturday night for dinner and a movie. It's so nice having friends who respect my lifestyle choices and have even started their own health journey!! Although we all had a good laugh when I busted out my food scale. What not everyone travels with their food scale?? Ha. I love my friends who get me! They made chicken breast, veggies, and salad.  I did also bring my own dressing for the salad.They have both recently started following a low carb diet lifestyle. I am so proud of them and the healthy changes they are learning to incorporate into their daily lives.Jerry, was told he was pre-diabetic a couple of months ago and decided then it was time to change. We talked about different meals and things he could do and now his wife is also following the plan. It's really fun watching them do it as a couple and they are both losing weight and feeling healthier and better about themselves!!

Scale and dressing packed and ready to go.
Good thing my parents got me a beautiful big bag for my birthday.

Last week at my Weight Watchers meeting I was so excited because I lost the .8 I gained the week before and I took off an additional 1.2lbs! Woohoo! Although I admit at one point I went, ugh so much more to go and can I do it. Well yes I can I reminded myself! I'm following weight watchers, I am working out, and the support I have received from my friends makes me feel like the impossible can be accomplished. This time I am losing the weight the healthy way. I am making peace with eating and food choices. It may take longer to lose it but at least I know this time it will stay lost!!

Feeling good.
Beachbody workout at 5 am is how I start my day.

So as the weekend comes to an end I sit here and think what can I improve or do better next week...

Set the goals, write them down, and achieve them!

1) less nighttime snacking. Even though I may have points I believe nighttime snacking isn't great for my body's digestion

2) try and add in 1 or 2 days extra of cardio. Hoping the weather improves so I can get out walking again. I'm even hoping my dad will teach me how to bike ride! 

3) drink more water! 

4) speak kindly to myself and know that on days when maybe getting dressed because nothing fits right is a challenge I remind myself I am on the right path and to stay strong! Soon those clothes will fit better than ever. 

What are your healthy, either mentally or physically, for the upcoming week? 

Inside Outside Health

Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend!

Have fun this weekend!
Enjoy the fun not the food

I am leaving soon to go hang out with my big man and little man, can't wait. I think today is going to be a relax and hang out type of day. As long as I am with them we always have fun. 

I wanted to just stop in here for a quick update. Thank you to everyone who left me such nice comments and emails. It meant a lot to me!!!  

Abby says hi. 

I'm still working on healing up my insides, but I've notice some very interesting changes the last few days. Since cutting out processed foods (okay almost all foods), eating low carb, basically no sugar, and smaller portions I feel cleaner. I feel like my insides are starting to breathe again. I also noticed little changes, sure they could be coincidence but....I don't think so.  I noticed my eyelashes are suddenly thicker and longer, my nails have been growing again so much so that I have to actually cut them. My hair is shiny not dull and not as dry as it had become the last few months. Some days my energy level is so high I can go all day at work, run errands after work, cook when I get home, clean when I get home, and still be wide awake; other days I come home from work and must put my head down. 

I can't believe how they are growing.
I've been complaining the last few months they wouldn't stop breaking

I am not really working since I am not eating meals that would fuel me through big workouts, but I am wearing my FitBit Charge every single day. I still have to hit my calorie goal loss of 1,600 a day. I try and add in little movement and especially dancing around while cooking or cleaning. I find dancing to be not only exercise but good for the soul. To help mentally, I am remembering to stop and breathe. Enjoy the little things that make me smile. I try and work through the times I just want to cry because I am not better, if I get in my head too much I will be living with constant stress and fear and that's not how I want to live, so I have to learn to channel those feelings and work through them. It's a process. 

I saw this solar light while I was picking up a prescription. I immediately liked it.
When I was almost done shopping and was still thinking about it,
I knew I should treat myself and I got it
Some times it's the little things that can make you smile.
I still smile every time I pass it on my balcony 

Of course I wish I would be all better by now, I wish my leaky gut would stop leaking, but at least I am learning a lot along the way and my nails look great, haha. I will post my caulimash (mashed cauliflower) and soup recipes soon. I love sharing with all of you!

Time to Heal

I am not even sure where to start to catch you up on my last few months. It's been sort of a whirlwind. I'm sorry I didn't post at all while going through things.

My craziness really started the beginning of May. After joining Weight Watchers, and loving the program, I knew it was time to start working out again. I was not in the mood for the gym one morning so I went for a walk. I decided to head to a field/park near my home and follow that path. It was a beautiful day.

Pictures from my walk
It was such a beautiful day to go out for a feel good walk

I was enjoying the sun, the breeze, and my music. I was on my way back when I came around the corner and a giant, horse sized Great Dane and it's owner appeared.  I usually love dogs and have never been afraid but something about this dog threw me a little. I decided to walk very far off the path and out the dogs way. Well he had a different idea in mind. Within seconds he broke away from his owner (a very small women who could barely hold him any way) and came at me. Next thing I know he is latched onto my arm. I wish I could tell you what I did next to get away, but I don't remember. The next thing I remember is being halfway down the path looking at my arm bleeding and trying to get even further away from the beast. The owner's daughter came over to help. I called my parents to come and get me from the park, luckily they live nearby. I had to walk all the way across a big field holding my arm. The owner's daughter, while very nice, told me this isn't the first time they have had problems with the dog and think it might be inbred. I couldn't believe it. Why would they bring him to a park, why?!?!  My parent's arrived and helped me clean up the area the best they could. I gave a report to the police officer and off I went to the emergency room with my parents. They cleaned me up, gave me massive dose antibiotics and said yup that will probably scar.

My mom took this picture of me in the emergency room
Somehow she had me laughing and smiling

I spent the rest of the day being cheered up by my truly amazing, wonderful, and loving family. My nieces checking on me and doing my hair. My mom and sister helping me with my bandages. My dad making me smile being silly. I love them so much. I spent the rest of the weekend trying to change my bandage with one arm and taking it easy. In addition, to my family, the wonderful man in my life checked on me constantly and sent me cute photos of him and his son to cheer me up.

To help me not be afraid of walking outdoors, they somehow talked me into going for a walk.
We had a blast playing in the fields behind my parent's house

Kaitlyn always knows how to cheer me up

As the month went on I started to heal a little more, still a little cautious of the outdoor walks I stuck with the treadmill. I was losing weight on Weight Watchers and enjoying, but then I started really changing the way I had eaten for the last year. Instead of healthy non-processed foods, I found myself eating more processed foods. Instead of gluten free I ate lots of products with gluten. I didn't notice not feeling well so I thought it was okay. But then life happened, I started going to more summer parties, I started eating more desserts, I ate doritos like it was my job, I went on vacation with my man and his family and ate lots and lots of fried food. Somehow I had spiraled into a whirlwind of processed food, sugar, carbs, and fried yuck! But hey I felt fine, so it must be okay...until it wasn't!

Just a few of my many indulgences...
don't be fooled by the s'more picture, I had many more than just one

One day I woke up and my tongue was swollen and painful, the side of my stomach hurt a little, and the pain in my mouth made me cry. I couldn't eat or drink, and was barely able to speak without pain. At my mom's suggestion I found a wonderful ENT Dr. who diagnosed my mouth infection.  It appears the very high dose of antibiotics I was on for the dog bite, combined with all the bad food, set my body into a tailspin of bad. While on the outside it appeared the different bad food wasn't bothering me, on the inside was an entirely different situation.

So where does that leave me....well I have spent the last 2 weeks living off bone broth, chicken soup, organic greek yogurt, and caulimash (mashed cauliflower). I am resetting my poor screwed up digestive system and healing the mouth infection at the same time. It's amazing that the less you eat the less you need. I do miss solid foods and flavors, but if this is what my body needs right now to get back on track, then that's what I am going to do.

Bone broth. I must admit it tastes really good
and even better, I made it, talk about feeling proud

All natural! It doesn't sound as exciting as other flavors but I actually really enjoy it
Even when I can eat other things I will continue with this yogurt.

I know it will take time before I am 100%, but I will get there. I will learn along the way and remember the horrible pain of what I went through and never repeat my mistakes again. I am so thankful for the support system I have. My family and the wonderful man in my life helped me through it all. My poor mom, getting text msgs from me about feeling miserable and encouraging me nonstop to push through it, and helping me come up with a plan of attack every step of the way. My man, who loves to cook, wanted to make me something I could eat. He made the most delicious batch of caulimash I have ever tasted!!! Instead of being cranky that I can't enjoy his foods, he told me to just keep finding recipes that I can eat and enjoy and be healthy and he will make them for me. My coworkers checked on me constantly while I was out and sent me funny emails and texts to keep me smiling. My wonderful boss let me pick up work and work from home so I wouldn't fall behind.

Caulimash!!  He made it so delicious I now crave it.
I keep trying, but so far it doesn't comes out the same when I make it

I've been given the chance to help myself, to move forward and be a healthier better version of me and I will not take this opportunity for granted! This is no longer just about weight loss, it's about my future and my health.

After a rough month it was time for some much needed fun!
Mini golf last weekend

Support and Love Yourself

The other night I met up with one of my best friends. She and I have known each other since we were kids. I'm pretty sure we have tried every diet, gym, and cookie together. She is currently pregnant with baby #2, yes I am very excited to start baby shopping, and she started talking to me about losing weight after she has the baby especially since she didn't lose the weight from baby #1. I told her she had a partner in me. We could meet up after work and go for walks, come up with fun healthy food ideas, and be each other's biggest weight loss cheerleaders. There was no way I was letting her leave that night feeling bad about herself or doubting her ability to take off the weight and I meant every word of it.

I've got your back and will crop your muffin top too
http://hundredsofhilariouspics.com/

I've been thinking a lot since that night...how come I can be there for everyone cheering them on and encouraging them, not letting them feel bad about themselves for one second, but when it comes to myself I constantly beat myself up and put myself down for not having the body I want right now, for not working out longer and harder, for not eating every meal perfect. What type of friend am I to myself? Not a very good one. I'm actually very hard on myself and instead of encouraging I put myself further down. The truth is, sure I would love to have more tone and muscle and be able to wear a bikini, but I'm also not so bad the way I am now, there is a lot I do like about myself. Even more important, I never give up. I constantly pick myself up and try harder. I think that makes me pretty badass actually.

Love yourself!

So, from now on, I'm going to be my friend. When I feel bad about something, I will remind myself I will do better next time. I will remind myself of how far I have come and all of the other really great things about me. I will talk to myself like I would talk to anyone I care about, honest and with kind words. Turns out, I like me, what the scale says doesn't change that.

Your soul hears you, so speak with love

Having a great support system really does make a huge difference in all areas of life, but without your own support and self love can you really ever become the best version of you? I don't think so.

To my online friends reading this, you have a friend in me and I am reminding you to love yourself and never give up on you.  HUGS!

My nieces don't care what size my pants are or what the scale says,
they love me for me and I love them!

Keep Moving...The FitBit Way

Once again I have slacked with my blog posts, but I am back! I think winter is leaving me a little uninspired. I am ready for summer and sunshine. The only downside to summer and sunshine is less clothing, so of course my mission to better health and weight loss is never far from my mind even in winter.

Winter is pretty, but I am ready for warm spring and summer weather

I've been maintaining for the most part, but it really is time to push forward. I recently started getting up early again to fit in a morning workout, I have to admit I missed those workouts, so I am glad to start that habit back up. I haven't been able to hit the gym as much with a busy and weird schedule, but I always try and do some sort of workout and of course I track my food intake with MyFitnessPal.

Do not listen to your sweat pants, they can not help you in the summer!

The biggest push to keep moving, even when all I want is my couch, actually is coming from around my wrist. Huh? You say.  Let me explain. A few months back my mom got a FitBit Charge and loved it!! My dad went out and picked up 3 more the next day; one for me, one for my sister, and one for himself. The family that FitBit together stays healthy together!

If you are looking for a little motivation and a fun way to track yourself, I highly recommend a FitBit. I have the Charge model, It has a neat display that will show me calories burned, steps, stairs, miles, and yes even the time. There is an option to wear it at night to track your sleep, but I was so busy thinking about sleeping that I didn't, whoops.  It has a neat app for my phone that tracks everything and I can sync it with MyFitnessPal to see how I am doing with my food intake.

FitBit Charge
It's lightweight and very comfortable to wear
Website: www.fitbit.com for details and other models

We all have different goals set, but keep each other motivated. Now instead of being lazy some Saturdays I find myself walking around with my mom and sister in the backyard. I can't even imagine what the neighbors think watching us walking, high stepping and twirling. Doing it together makes it way more fun.

Ha it's like my mom when I don't reach my FitBit goal for the day
Love you mom!

I recently upped my goal from 1600 calories burned a day to 1800 calories burned a day. Now this may seem easy, but when you have a full time desk job and a couch to go home too, it's actually more of a challenge than I thought. It really does have me moving around more. I get up from desk and walk around, I started using the printer on the other side of the building, I take the stairs and sometimes I just march in my office. Luckily my boss has a FitBit as well and knows I am not losing my mind, he even joins me some days.

FitBit Charge showing my calorie burn from yesterday.
Way better now that I remind myself to move more!

I see a shopping spree in the next few months for some cute summer clothes, because mine from last year are going to be too big on me this year!! Thank you FitBit for keeping me motivated and moving and thank you to my mom, dad and sister for their constant support and encouragement.  I love you guys!

Family = Best support team!
 I also want to be a good role model for my nieces

**I am not affiliated with the FitBit company in any way. 

I just love the product and wanted to share! **

Holiday Weight Loss Determination

I know it's been a while since my last post, I'm sorry about that, the month flew and I got swept along with it. Unfortunately, that meant I didn't workout as much and some days I slacked in watching what I ate. The end result....no weight loss and hardly any inches lost. On the positive side, seeing the numbers not change has snapped me back into gear. With the holidays approaching I know it can be a scary time for those of us trying to get in shape and be healthy; parties, food, drinking, and crazy schedules.

True, so true!
http://www.shoestoshiraz.com/2014/11/fitness-and-me-through-ecards.html

I am not afraid this time around, I am determined! I will not let the winter blues sideline me, the parties are meant to be social and have fun not to eat all the food. Most important, my workouts!! I have my amazing trainer Mark, who keeps me constantly challenging myself and trying harder. The entire staff at the gym I go to is really fun to be around, I look forward to going and seeing every one. Tomorrow Mark and I are meeting to go over a plan and my goals for the next 6 months. I'm looking forward to it. I may have slacked last month, but this is a brand new month and the best present I can give myself, is taking care of me and not losing sight of that!!

You can't change the past, but you can use the knowledge you gained and grow from it!

How are you planning on staying healthy this holiday season?

More Than Weight Loss

A few months back when I starting eating healthier, working out, and reading labels, my plan was to mostly lose weight and feel less sluggish. I had no idea how many twists and turns this journey would lead me on and how much I would discover about myself along the way. 

Look inside yourself for the strength you need to keep moving forward

Now, my hard work means way more to me than just losing some weight. This journey has made me look deep within myself and wonder, what am I made? Who am I? What do I want for myself? While I don't have all the answers yet, I am way more aware of my thoughts and feelings. I realized I am a lot tougher than I even knew, both physically and mentally. 

Excuses are easy...being true to yourself takes commitment to yourself

I look back at how I have treated my body over the years and wonder why I disrespected myself so much. I ate terrible foods, didn't work out, was miserable in my own skin and never took solid action to change that. I would say I can't do it, I will never be a gym person, but I just want to eat what I want. Now I am learning to treat my mind, body and soul with respect. In some ways I feel like I am experiencing things for the first time with clear eyes. I don't want to eat the food that makes me feel sluggish inside, it might taste good, but I love myself enough to fight the urge. Now when I miss a day or two of working out I feel it and I miss it. I even decided to step out of my comfort zone to attend a conference to learn more about my job. In addition, I discovered I love to dress nicer, do my hair every day (unless it's raining), and take pride in who I am. It feels amazing!!

I love playing with different styles these days
I wore this dress to a wedding a few weekends ago

I don't let anyone else disrespect me why would I do that to myself. I'm sorry it took me so long to get here, but glad I finally have!  I'm sure I will have many more ups and downs along the way, but I believe if I stay strong and believe in myself I can achieve anything my heart desires.  

Self love is the biggest lesson I had learn and
never knew I was lacking

Mind Over Body For Success

Last week was my first full week back to the gym since the beginning of summer. I started with my new trainer Mark and made some new gym buddies. I loved being back in the gym atmosphere. I switched up my cardio a little to break away from my safe treadmill, have you ever heard of a seated elliptical? I definitely didn't until that day and now I love it. The guy next to me had to show me where all of the adjustments were, but once I got going I was hooked. The biggest change was the new trainer.  My first trainer when I joined the gym started off great and then went down hill, I wasn't sad when he was no longer at the gym, the next trainer was okay but definitely didn't keep me coming back for more (hello summer off). I spoke to the assistant manager before setting my appointment and after talking to her a few minutes she said she knew exactly who I should train with. I went with her gut and set the appointment. I am so happy I did.

I want working out to be a part of my every day life.
If I enjoy the process, I will come back for more

Mark is amazing!! I now workout with him two times a week. The first time we met it was mostly to go over food, my goals and expectations, took all of my measurements and even did my weight and body fat % (yikes). Next was our workout, it was tough, but I enjoyed it. For the first time I was sweating and feeling like I was really working towards my goal of not just weight loss, but overall tone and health. The next workout was arms...um ouch. What I really like about the workouts he teaches, is that I feel confident enough to go in and do it by myself on days I am not training with him. One the biggest reasons I had for getting a trainer was to learn how to do it on my own, without being afraid.

Knowledge is power...
When I am done with my training sessions,
I will know how to continue my workout success and not be afraid

I also love that he not only pushes me, but he encourages as well. He is such a positive influence and has this amazing energy to be around, he somehow even manages to keep me laughing throughout my workout. Last night's workout was legs. Mark pushed me to the point where my legs felt like jello and shaking all over. I was dripping with sweat and at one point was ready to give up. He wouldn't let me, he kept telling me to push myself, to do it for myself, I had it in me and not to give up. At that point, instead of thinking about my jello legs I concentrated on his words. I thought about my body and how I want it to look. I thought about all my hard work and how good it was feeling. I thought about not letting myself down and not letting him down. I could do and I did do it. I finished all my reps and went through the entire workout routine. I was exhausted, sweaty, and shaking, and couldn't have been more proud of myself. I also can not wait to workout with him again next week.

This is exactly how I felt walking this morning!!
At least I was laughing while trying to walk

I realized sometimes it's your mind letting you down, telling you to give up or you can't do something. I believe for the most part if we tell our mind to be quiet for a second, be positive instead of negative, and believe in ourselves you can accomplish anything!!

I'm not done until Mark says I am done,
 and then he tells me to do more

And yes my legs are hurting big time today, but I will still be in the gym this afternoon for my cardio routine telling my head to be quiet I can do it.

Support from all Over the Globe

Life is crazy, complicated, wonderful, full of joy and lots of surprises, and so many ups and downs. Every day is a new adventure (thank you Debbie for that line). What matters most is how you get through those times, the good and the bad. Some days I wake up and feel like I can conquer the world, other days not so much. But I have the most amazing support team and a lot of them I have never met before...Confused? Let me explain...

Thank you Jack Sparrow for your words of wisdom!

When I first started trying to lose weight my mom told me about this app called Myfitnesspal. It is a free site that lets me track my weight, exercise, calories and other nutritional information that I choose. It even let me customize my goals since I follow more of a low carb diet. I can use it on my computer or on my phone so no matter where I am I can keep track of my daily intake and goals. I was really enjoying the site, and then I discovered the chat boards. People write questions and talk about their experiences, many sounded similar to my feelings. I started becoming "friends" with more and more people. It was neat keeping up with their success and them with mine. 

This app is more than just counting calories
It's a community to help you succeed with your weight loss
and get healthy dreams

Not too long ago one of those not so easy days happened and I was completely frustrated, my usual support team of people I turn to were busy and I didn't even want to bother them with my frustration, so I turned to the site and posted my thoughts and struggle. I didn't expect any replies or answers, but it felt good to vent my frustrations. So imagine my surprise when within minutes I had comments from all over the globe, people who had never met me before or even talk to me on the phone sending me support and encouragement, reminding me why I started my journey for better health and not to give up. It really helped! I was able to take a step back and work through my thoughts and realized I didn't really want the chocolate bar. That was just one time, other times I have asked for suggestions on a fitness tracker, food ideas, and even workout plans. I get just as excited for their success stories and try hard to support and encourage them when they have down days too. It is this really supportive group of people, who come together and have one goal in mind...success! My kind of people! 

Nothing better than going through the
good and the bad with people who believe and never give up!

If you are looking for a good (did I mention free) app/website to track your information I recommend myfitnesspal and I highly recommend you take advantage of the community boards and make friends. These people have nothing to gain by helping you, they just really want to, and you never know who you may help with your story and experiences. 

Thank you to all my friends on myfitnesspal!

Food Food...Everywhere!

Coming up is my big work convention. We spend so much time preparing and getting ready. Making sure everything runs smoothly, how the Events Director pulls everything together is really amazing. It's a really wonderful event to be part of, but also really exhausting!!

Silly girls...it's not time to pack yet!

We get up early and go to bed late. We, the staff, are pretty much all over the place making sure things run smoothly and every one of our guests are happy. In addition, this year I am really excited, because I was asked to take photos for my company. The convention not only has really wonderful education sessions, speakers, and classed, but it also has amazing delicious food! We start with a big lunch that includes sandwiches, soups, and lots of pastries. That's nothing compared to the dessert reception where you will find a chocolate fountain, cupcakes, pastries, cookies, you name it!! The following night our big dinner banquet includes Caesar salad, pasta dish, entree, and of course dessert. I'm stuffed thinking about it. 

Anyone want dessert? 

With the convention dates creeping closer I was really starting to worry. What would I eat? Last year was when I started noticing I was getting sick eating high carb and sugary meals/dessert. So it's not even that I don't WANT to eat all of that, but I really CAN'T! I know if I eat any of that I will be so sick and being sick is not fun any time, but especially at a huge work event...yikes! Turns out my amazing coworker had my back. She ordered me a Cobb salad for my lunch full of everything that I can eat and enjoy. For dinner I will have a house salad with oil and vinegar, steak and shrimp, and by then I will be so stuffed I won't need dessert. I am also planning on stashing some snacks in my purse just in case. Thanks to my coworkers taking care of me I can spend more time focused on work and enjoying the convention and less time on what my next meal might me.

Saw this on Pinterest and had to agree
Being healthy is hard work and more than just weight loss

Healthy Feel Good Vibes

In the past whenever I went on a diet and tried to lose weight I would make deals with myself, like if I lost 5 lbs by a certain date I would treat myself to a manicure or buy some new clothes. I have to admit most of the time I didn't make my goal and then usually felt way worsen and usually buried my disappointment in a package of oreos. This time has been totally different.

About a week after joining the gym and really getting into fitness I started noticing how cute some of the women looked. Sure they were sweaty hot messes, but they looked darn good. I looked down at my normal outfit of baggy pants and a plain shirt and felt frumpy. For those of you who can relate, do we agree that is not the best feeling and definitely not motivating? I decided it was time to change that. Since I was on a pretty tight budget I headed to Walmart and hit the jackpot!!  I found pants that came in different lengths, I am short so that is a big deal. I found some really nice and great quality tank tops and shirts. I had so much fun trying them on and picturing myself working out in them. I still get excited when I put on a cute outfit to go workout. After another few paychecks I got myself a new pair of sneakers. I loved putting them on and knowing I was going to break them in with every step I took. The purchases were not for not for anyone to compliment me or comment, they were for me to smile every time I used them, too look forward to using them, and to feel good while doing something good for myself.

Just a couple of the Danskin tanks and pants I got at Walmart.
That's Abby in background helping model

ASICS Women's Gel-Unifire TR Training Shoe
I had a lot of fun breaking them in

One of my best friends is trying to lose weight and when we were talking the other day she seemed so blah and down about herself. I told her to treat herself to something that makes her feel good inside. I noticed that when I take care of me I want to continue to take care of me. When I feel good in my own skin it makes me motivated to continue to work harder. The next day she told me she made a healthy breakfast for herself, first time in a long time and was going to get her nails done, again first time in a while. I was so proud of her, finally stepping up and ready to take care of herself. We even talked about meeting up at one of the parks this week to go walking together.

Hardest lesson I had to learn, but best lesson

I realized it's not about spending money or showing off, it's about what makes you feel good and treating yourself special. Buy some pretty measuring cups or get a hair cut. It's anything that makes you smile, so that every time you go to take care of yourself you remember the feeling. You look forward to your new workout clothes, new measuring cups, or even having your nails done.

Why should we only reward ourselves when we hit a goal. I'm not saying go shopping every day but occasionally treat yourself nice and remember you are important. Everyday that you get up and keep trying and working towards a healthy fit you is a success!!

Lucille Ball put it perfectly!
 Love yourself first!!

Slow Progress is Still Progress

I wish the scale and my body would figure out faster how hard I am working to be healthy and lose weight. Dropping weight quickly has never been in the cards for me, but now that I know certain things like sugar, too many carbs, and not enough good fat were slowing me down, I have been making progress, but oh so slow. I look at some people who can cut back just a little and poof the pounds fade off, I admit I get jealous of them. I think about all of the cookies, Doritos, french fries, pizza I am not eating and how my progress is still slow. I'm pretty sure I am not the only one out there feeling like this. There has to be someone out there thinking I didn't eat the darn chips at the party why can't my pants fit just a little better. In my make believe world  I think you should lose an inch just for NOT eating all of that, wouldn't that be nice!? Too bad it doesn't work like that. 

So there I was getting dressed this morning with the above thoughts in my head and then really looked again in the mirror. Sure I wish it would happen quicker and I would wake up one day with six pack abs and be able to eat cookies, but yeah I don't think that's my reality. Then I switched up my thoughts, I thought about where I was this time last year. Struggling so much. Crying that my shorts from the previous summer no longer fit, all the weight I had lost in the past I put back on and then some. Wearing clothes that didn't make me feel good inside but the got the job done of covering me up, and always tired. This summer, I am still not able to wear the little shorts from previous summers, but I am wearing smaller ones and cute shirts to show off my hard work, I have energy to workout and chase my nieces around the field. I never gave up on myself. I am always adjusting and reevaluating. Trying new things and willing myself to keep trying. It would be so easy to eat the cookies, but the aftermath wouldn't be easy, because for me, it is not just one cookie, it is one BAG of cookies. Instead of spending time pouting about my slow progress this morning, I flipped it and thought about how far I have come and that felt great!  

We all have that one picture that
inspires us to step up and take charge.
This was mine, I felt miserable in my own skin

I wish I could show you more pictures of me before but I can't. I was not only a master at wearing clothes that would hide me, but I was also a master at hiding from the camera. The picture above is after I already lost a little, but really lit a fire under my butt and got me moving and eating better. 

These pics are about 4 months apart

The pictures on the left is me getting ready to start working out for the first time in years!

The picture above is my first progress comparison photo. This time I decided to take pictures along the way so I can SEE the progress. It's a slight difference but enough that makes me remember why I am doing this every day. You know the saying..Every little bit counts, well I say that is so true!

Be proud of your progress no matter how small or slow!!