Kids, Bikes, and Pepperoni Oh My!

Once again I failed to keep up with my posting. I promise I will get better. Some highlights from  last weekend...

I was off Friday so I got a nice long weekend. I will try and do that more often. It was nice to be away from the office for a little. Back to the fun...my weekend was truly a mix of relaxing and fun. Friday afternoon I had my nieces, all to myself. This was a first and won't be the last! I love spending time with those girls so much. They even put together a list of goodies I should keep at my place for the next time they come over. I'm really looking forward to more opportunities over the summer to have them and spend time with them. I did sleep good that night! 

My nieces, Ashley and Kaitlyn! 

Saturday morning I went bicycle riding with my dad. Now that may not seem like much to some, but this was my first time on a bike since I was 12! My very brave dad let me borrow his spare bike, he got it all set for me, and took me out around town. I was so very nervous. He was very patient! At first I was wobbly and couldn't go straight, but towards the end of the ride I was mostly stable and enjoying. I could still use some work on my turns and stopping quickly. The only reason we stopped was because my butt was killing me! It's now 2 days later and my butt is still sore lol! I had a blast, might invest in a better seat so I can ride with him more. It was also really fun switching up my workout.  

Thankfully my coworker lent me a helmet

My dad! He was so patient and calm with me

Saturday afternoon was spent relaxing at the pool and then my mom, sister, and nieces came for fun in the pool. I was glad I brought a packet of almonds because I was hungry! Saturday night was spent at a friend's house just chatting around the table with goodies and having fun. The rest of the weekend was mostly relaxing and some errands.

I can't believe it's already coming to an end and back to work tomorrow, but I'm glad I enjoyed every minute I could. As for eating...well did you know Weight Watcher's weekly points can go into the negative? They can. I didn't drink or eat enough during the day and at night it usually backfired. I ate my pantry and at my friend's house I overate pepperoni and kielbasi. Sure it was better than chips and pretzels and was at least low carb, but calories are calories. And I ate lots and lots of very portable almonds this weekend. 

I will find my summer rhythm with food and getting hydrated, since I can't undo the weekend goofiest just said oh well and moved on. I'm tired of beating myself up all the time if I am not perfect. 

Finally, last but not least, today I started my new Beachbody workout called Insanity Max 30. Let me tell you this workout is no joke!! None stop for 30 minutes. When you take a break that's when you "max out". My first cardio challenge workout and I maxed out at 12 minutes. That is now my time to beat. My goal is 5 lbs gone by July 4! There it is in writing. 

No joke this workout is crazy intense and so good!

 

I was a sweaty mess after my first Insanity Max 90 workout

 

 

 

Can you feel my determination!!! 

App Find and Weight Watchers Update

Last night was my weekly weigh-in and the scale and I are still speaking; I am down .2. Now I know some people think oh that's it, but when you are someone who has struggled so much with weight loss you see down .2 as a successful week. To me any week the scale doesn't go up is a successful week! Also, add in that I haven't been sleeping thanks to stress, allergies and sinus issues and add in not working out because I was afraid of my balance and the .2 loss means even more. Yay me!

A small loss is better than a small gain
I will take .2

Now more fun finds...

As an executive assistant/office manager I don't have a very active work life, meaning most of the time I'm behind my desk. I was watching my FitBit numbers one day and thought wow that's all I do in a day..I could do better. I realized once I get involved in my work I lose all track of time, so I found an app for my phone that actually reminds me to get up and move! It's free and called "Stand Up".

This is what the app looks like on an Iphone

You can program it to which days you want reminders and the length of time between reminders. I started with just weekdays, but then last week when I was lazy I turned it on to get me moving a little. I have it set to go off every 35 minutes. You can customize the reminder message that pops up, mine says "Get Moving!!!!!".

My settings
Very easy to set up!

This is what the message looks like
when it pops up on my lock screen

I have seen my FitBit numbers increase so much. I've also noticed I'm more productive at work from taking those quick breaks and moving my body. 

If you are like me and struggle to get your steps in I highly recommend checking out this app. Also, if you don't already have a FitBit or some form of tracker I recommend one of those too. Want to know more about FitBit, check out my previous post "Keep Moving The FitBit Way" It has made me so much more aware of my activity or lack of during the day. 

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? 

21 Day Fix and Weight Watchers

Today I officially started my second round of 21 Day Fix, and I also restarted with Weight Watchers. I was originally planning on starting my second round of 21 2 weeks ago, but decided to take a week off and then one week turned into two. No good. I was starting to miss the baby muscles I had begun to see after the first round.

21 Day Fix Calendar..Bring it on!

The new program focuses on more than just the number on the scale

I got up a 5:00 a.m. this morning with determination and by 5:30 a.m. I was sweating and feeling really proud of myself. It amazing how much of a difference 2 weeks makes; exercises that I was actually upping weights on were now causing me to get out of breath quicker. Good thing I didn't let it go past 2 weeks.

This was after round 1 of 21 Day Fix...
Can't wait to see 2nd round results!

My decision to start Weight Watchers was a pretty easy one as well. I had success in the past, when I actually followed the program and my bestie Debbie is a lifer. I hear her stories and see her success and know it works. I love that Weight Watchers allows me a little freedom to eat regular food, have some fun, and more than anything it will keep me accountable for my eating actions. I am mentally in a great place right now which helps, I know life will have stressful moments but if I start to incorporate good habits now, I am hoping they will stick during the difficult times.

This week I have 2 eating out events, ugh, eating my own food is always easier because I can pick it and know it and control it, eating out brings a whole other set of challenges and that does even include is the food gluten free, rice free, potato free and lactose free....

Caution..Food I didn't make ahead!  Beware of unknown ingredients!

Tomorrow is the first event, a golf outing for work. No I don't play, but I do get to ride around in the golf course and take pictures. My day will start with my 21 Day Fix workout, "Upper Fix". Then off to the country club. I will eat my own breakfast before going, most likely a paleo shake with almond butter. Yum! Then later in the afternoon we stop for lunch at the halfway house, last year I got a turkey wrap with cheese...that will not work this year. No to wrap and no to cheese...hmmm. I could take the turkey off the wrap but how filing is that. Anyway...after golf there is a dinner reception, this is the hard one because there is sooo much delicious food. So my plan....try my best to make the best choices I can and most importantly TRACK everything I eat. That is the best I can do, maybe I will be hungry if I have small portions of good but not low point foods, but that is a chance I have to take. I am committed to making this program work for my life.

Yeah not happening this year... And that's not a lot of turkey to take off the wrap

The second eating out event is dinner with Debbie. The good news is, it's with Debbie, my lifetime WW bestie. We are going to Applebees so I will just check the menu before dinner and see the points. The WW app is super easy to use and look up points.

My bestie!!  And WW lifetimer

I am so excited to start seeing results from using both programs. I want my baby muscles back! I like them a lot and I wouldn't mind my size smaller pants fitting again :)

Stay tunes for more updates!

21 Day Fix...Week 1 Done

I am very excited to announce I finished my first week of 21 Day Fix. What is 21 Day Fix you ask... It is a Beachbody home workout program.  Over the last few months I have been trying to get back into working out. As you know from past posts I used to go to the gym and also loved walking outside. I didn't really go to the gym at all last year. I tried to go back to it, I really did, but when I started driving there one day after work I got halfway there and made a turn and went home instead. As for walking outside, well since being bit by a dog in the park (Time to Heal), walking outside doesn't really appeal to me. I needed to find a routine that would work.

Yup that sounds about right for me

I love naps...maybe I should start scheduling them too

I also discovered that unless I get up at 5:00 a.m. to workout it most likely isn't going to happen. I tried a couple of home DVDs that were good, but just not giving me the results I wanted. I had purchased and started...well barely started...21 Day Fix last year and decided to give it another shot.

Every day is a new workout and new muscles get called into action

Last Monday was my first workout (Total Body Cardio), I hated it and loved it at the same time! My muscles were screaming, sweat was dripping off me, and I knew come Tuesday I was going to be sore. I was not wrong, I was so sore but in a good way.

After my first workout, do you see the sweat!
I don't usually sweat, especially working out at home.
Such a good workout!

If I didn't have a meeting Tuesday,
I would have put my hair in a bun and called it a day.

21 Day Fix is a set of workouts that are 30 minutes long. Each day is a different workout and each workout brings new muscles into play. I love that every workout offers modifications, this allows me to go at my own pace and grow. It also allows me to not jump and hop around too much. I live on the second floor of a condo building. I don't think my downstairs neighbors would appreciate me doing jumping jacks at 5 am. Speaking of condo living, I don't have a lot of space to workout, these workouts don't need a lot of space, it's perfect!

Condo living doesn't offer a lot of workout space, but ...

 when I move the coffee table I have just enough for a good workout!

I am so excited to keep you all updated of my progress during the next 21 Days. There is a link on the side my blog if you want to check it out. If I have to wake up at 5 am to workout I might as well enjoy it and know I am going to get results.

Beginning Stats:

Chest: 33"
R. Arm: 12"
L. Arm: 11"
Waist: 28"
Hips: 36"
R. Thigh: 21"
L. Thigh: 22"
R. Calf: 13"
L. Calf: 13"

Weight: 128"
Total Inches: 18

Next measurement update in 21 Days!

I Can If I Want

My last post "My Relationship with Food" was about my freedom from food. My plan is to stop eliminating almost all food groups and to start incorporating foods back into my eating habits that I haven't eaten in YEARS to see how my body reacts.

No more diets, just me eating healthy food choices 
and enjoying occasional treats without guilt
http://freedombeautyhappiness.com/222/

Since it has only been a few days since my mind shift and eating habits happened I know it will take longer to really see how things are progressing for me, but a lot has already changed and I wanted to update everyone.  After that blog post, I gave myself permission to eat. To live my life and enjoy. To not stress over every single food option. To not panic at the thought of eating out. To not freak out if I ate too much. To not listen to everyone else tell me what I should or should not be eating. I went to bed that night with those last thoughts. I woke up Saturday morning and the only word I could use to describe my feeling in that moment is FREEDOM. I was free; from myself, judgment, criticism, fear of failure, stress of eating, and the feeling of lacking.

For a brief moment this is exactly how I felt,
but then I remembered it's not just weight loss, but my health

I also decided that to keep myself still in check a little, I would start tracking again on myfitnesspal. So I made my goal any where between 1200-1300 calories and I added carbs back into my calculations. I had a delicious breakfast and then went off shopping. I felt giddy almost at this fresh start. Later that day at my parent's house I enjoyed some yummy food...nope I didn't everything in site but I did enjoy every piece that went into my mouth and enjoyed having energy to run around outside and play with my nieces, it was finally a nice spring day outside.

I had energy!
First time in a long time I wasn't being Aunt Cin, the lump on the couch taking a nap
I can't wait for more days like this

Sunday was brunch in the morning with a girlfriend of mine, we try to meet once a month to always keep updated and just laugh like school girls. There I was with the menu in my hands, thinking well I gave myself permission, I can eat anything on this menu I want. Drum roll....what did I get......2 eggs overeasy with a side of veggies and some bacon. I didn't feel deprived at all. It was so yummy and I picked it because that is what I wanted and I knew I would feel good after eating it.

Sunday afternoon I ended up spending the day with the man in my life and his 9 year old son. The time flew!! I didn't even realize how long it had been since I last ate anything because we were running around having a blast. Then, it happened, as I was running around with the 9 year old, his dad said I ordered a pizza for dinner should be here in 45 minutes.  Ummm, ut oh. I haven't had pizza in over 2 years. It was a forbidden food. Should I ask him to call back and order me a salad with dressing on the side by only oil and vinegar because who knows what is in the other dressings? Should I just say I am not hungry and starve? Those thoughts quickly went through my mind as if I was programmed to think like that. Then they went away, I felt an instant calm and thought just enjoy it. Have a slice of pizza, not the entire pie, but a slice. Not every day, but tonight is okay. The pizza arrived. I may have actually been drooling at the smell of it. He ordered a Hawaiian pizza (his son's favorite). There I was pizza to lips, I could hear my mom saying, don't do it. I could hear years of my own training saying are you CRAZY women it's PIZZA!  I did it, I took a bite of the pizza and smiled. I looked over to the 9 year old who said isn't it delicious with a huge smile on his face and I couldn't have agreed more. I had 2 slices of pizza and appreciated and loved every bite of it. I was stuffed for the rest of the night and slept better than I have in ages. I know the pizza didn't cause me to sleep better, but I didn't feel bad or stressed or deprived at all. I felt good, I had an amazing wonderful day that included pizza.

Shout out to my blog friend Gwen who writes The Sunny Coconut . She recently wrote a post called S Foods; it was about how everyone's body reacts different to different foods. I highly recommend checking it out, I enjoyed reading it and completely agree!!  I know I will never be able to eat a couple of chips and put the bag away, but I can eat a piece of chocolate and be satisfied. What are your trigger foods that you avoid?

My Relationship with Food

For as long as I can remember I had a love/hate relationship with food. I have been dieting since I was a teenager. As I mentioned in a previous post I have tried almost every diet in some way or another. The outcome...usually some weight loss followed by a binge event and lots of weight gain and then a struggle to lose it again. Sound familiar? I have a feeling I am not alone.

Starving and deprived is usually how I feel
https://slimdownwithsandee.wordpress.com/

Last Saturday was my birthday, I am now 32 years old. At 32 I still struggle with my weight and food relationship like I did at 13. When I had that realization I came to the conclusion it is time to fix my relationship with food. No more diets. No more beating myself up. Time to grow up and learn.

Time to find a better relationship..
the one where I am in tune and honest with myself

My first step was to think back about all my past successes and failures. I found a common denominator. I told myself over and over again "you can't have that". Sometimes it was about steak, cereal, chips, sweet potatoes, low carb, low fat, high fat, you name it. At one point or another a certain food group was kicked out of my life. Until, I had enough and would binge completely out on that food or just any food from restricting intake too much. It was like I was teaching myself a lesson, you can't tell me I can't have something, ha and wow I am so starving!

Usually I eat the salad...
and then wake up in the middle of the night and eat the cakehttps://slimdownwithsandee.wordpress.com/

Well no more, this is me making peace with food. Food is what fuels my body. I am not saying I plan on eating cake and cookies all the time...yuck, or even that I plan on living on steak. I want to find a happy middle group. I want to not feel starved half the time. I want to finally show myself that at 32 I have found peace and balance in myself. I will probably always watch my sugar intake and eat lower than most carbs, but that's is because I know my body can't handle too much. However, I will have a sweet potato when I feel like it, maybe half not whole. I will have an apple, if I get the urge. I will eat my burgers, off the bun, because to me the bun is a waste not because of some diet I am following. I will teach myself portion control so that I can enjoy food without listing them as off-limits. I will not be afraid to go out with friends and eat at restaurants. I will allow myself to taste a cupcake if I want to, taste...not devour!

I love steak, but there is just so much you can eat
before craving other foods

I know I sound like this is easy, but I know it's not. It's been a battle for so long, I know it will take time, patience, and self-love to conquer this. I want this for myself, my future, my health, my peace of mind.

I will keep everyone updated and hope you support my ups and downs of food choices. I won't hide anything or pretend that I didn't eat cheerios a few moments ago (they tasted absolutely amazing). This is me being real with you and myself!!!

DELICIOUS!!
(Mom if you are reading this, stop shaking your head and I love you)

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! **

Eat What?

Eat carbs, don't eat carbs. Stay very low calorie, eat back your exercise calories. Macros. Keto. Weight lifting. Cardio. Primal. Paleo. Weight watchers. Nutrisystem.

HELP!  I am so confused and just want to get it right

Is anyone else completely confused when it comes to health and weight loss? My weight loss at this moment has stalled. I am frustrated and depending on who you talk to or what you read you get different information.

I was always taught calories in and calories out most important. Recently I was told I need about 1600 calories to lose weight and workout...but that seems like a lot for me. Just to add to the craziness I am now learning about macros (protein, fat, carbs).

See, this explains a lot!

So here is what I do know. I like to eat as clean as possible, reading ingredient lists now freaks me out on some processed foods. Sugar makes me feel terrible for days. Eating the wrong carbohydrates also make me feel terrible and I get this awful stomach bloat. My body loves fat (not on me, but eaten). I love lifting weights and working out and I am told I have to increase my carb intake to improve my muscles, but what about my stomach if I do that....

Hmm, maybe I should try this way of eating

I know there isn't a magic pill for weight loss and health, but come on there has to be a better way than this!!

Is that low calorie or a high fat way of eating

I just want to be healthy, have great workouts, get kick ass sexy muscles, and lose some weight.... thanks for letting me rant and if you are going through the same thing, I feel your pain and feel free to write to me.

Gym Training For the Body and Mind

Last week I decided to add in a third weight lifting training day. Time to really push myself. Trainer Mark has been encouraging me to add in the extra weight days.. Well it's time. Last week after my second day of training with Mark I asked him what muscle group I should do on my own the next day. After complete shock from him he gave me the plan and a high five for pushing myself.

I never understood when people said this, until now.
Best feeling when I complete a workout, dripping with sweat,
Amazed at what I just accomplished!

I left work the next day, heading to the gym, and was determined to complete the routine. I got my workout folder, starting looking at it, went blank in the brain, closed the folder, returned it to the cabinet and did cardio. FAIL! High five not earned. I felt defeated. I got home from the gym wondering what happened? Why did I basically turn and run? It's not because I am intimidated, because truth is, we are all their working on ourselves. So if that wasn't it, what is it? Then it hit me, I am not confident in completing the workouts and knowing how to complete them properly. Well that's a problem, since the whole reason I got a trainer was to learn. This means he is showing me, I am repeating, but not retaining...Not good!!

You have to start somewhere and grow

Frustrated. That's how I felt. I'm a smart girl, I work hard, I learn, so why should the gym be any different? It got me thinking about school. Kids and adults learn differently, some need to hear something, some need to see something, some need to do it only once and they remember. Me? I need to write it. I was like in school and I am the same way at work. If I need to remember something I will write it down on a post-in note. I may never see that post-in note again, but I will remember what it said, because I wrote it. Aha!  That's my learning style. 

My workout journal
Yes, leaopard print. Have to have some fun!

Time to incorporate that into my fitness. I found a small notebook and brought it with me to my next training session. I explained my plan to work, who seemed a little confused at first but never complained and was very patient. As I did a workout he helped me write it down including small details for me to remember like my hand placement, the amount of reps and weights, even my stance. 

Be kind to yourself.
You are learning, at least you are trying!

The next morning after I got ready for work I took a second and went through the routine without weights. I wanted to see if my plan of writing helped it click in my memory and here's the best part, it did!!  I was able to repeat the entire routine without looking at my notes, proper hand placement and all. I believe when you can do something without evening thinking about it, it's called muscle memory and I believe I have found a way to connect my brain and muscles!! I can't wait to try it on more routines this week. 

Writing from the Soul

I was recently wandering the aisles of TJ Maxx during one of my many holiday shopping trips. I love stores like that, because you never know what you might find. So there I was wandering around, enjoying the holiday music, luckily it was before the holiday rush so it wasn't too crowded, on my present shopping mission. I was sorting through some piles when I came across this notebook. 

Love what the outside says...I create the inside

When I read the cover it made me feel warm and happy inside. I put the book in the "maybe" part of my shopping cart. I told myself, you don't need another notebook. What will you even use it for? When it was time to pay, I couldn't seem to put the notebook back on the self, so it came home with me. 

I love my notebook.  When I was younger I used to write in a diary, not sure why I stopped, but this reminded me of that. One night I wasn't able to sleep, too much rolling around in my head I guess. I took out my notebook and just started writing. I wrote down things I didn't even know I was worrying about or feeling. My thoughts jumped around from work, dating, health, goals, you name it...It felt great to get them all out. I wasn't worried about spelling or proper grammar, I just wrote what I was feeling. Once I was done I put the book away, shut my light, and went right to sleep. 

I have continued to write in that back almost every night. It's like I am writing my fears and worries away. I am releasing them and can move on. Who knew a simple notebook that caught my eye in TJ Maxx would come to make such a big difference for me.