Whole 30 Recap

In July I decided to challenge myself and do the Whole 30 challenge.  What is it?  Well for 30 days you cut out certain foods from your diet and focus on eating clean and whole foods and rid your body of chemicals, processed foods, ailments, etc.  For 30 days you avoid: alcohol, diary, processed foods, added sugars, carbs from grains and such.  I learned a lot about myself, my body, food, and what is better for you.

I did lose 17 pounds which was great but it was more than just the weight loss.  It was learning about new foods, trying new recipes,balancing my macros.  All fresh foods of course.  After the first week - which was the toughest - I started to feel amazing.  I had energy.  My skin felt great.  My bloat was gone.  Throughout the month it got a lot easier.

After day 30 - I of course celebrated!  Best glass of wine EVER!  I worked really hard to make sure I followed the program exactly and I did.  However, the re introduction didn't go as well.  SO.....here I go again.  Round 2 coming up and I will read the re introduction chapter towards the end of the month and make sure THIS time......I do it right!

 

The Summer of '13

What a summer!  SO much has happened and it has all happened so FAST!

Boys are back in school and I can smell routine and structure!  Ahhhhhh.....sweet, sweet smell!

I can't believe that the last time I blogged was in the beginning of July.  That just shows how crazy busy I have been.  Since my last blog I have taught my first SPINNING class.  I bought my study materials to become certified in Group Exercise .  AND....just this past weekend I attended an INSANITY certification training.  WHOA! 

What is going on?  What is happening?  Where did this all come from?  Well......

I fell in love with fitness.  I'm motivated.  I'm interested.  I overcame my fear.  I jumped in!  Boom!!

Teaching my very first class...What an experience!!  I was on a healthy happy high all day!  Wish I could bottle that up!  Some people have asked me if I was nervous.  Honestly, I can't even remember.  I was excited as soon as I woke up!  I got to the gym early.  Set up early and was ready to go! 

Lights off, music on, mic on and GO! 

Just thinking about it now I'm getting excited!  That's all I needed...juices are flowing!

The INSANITY training this past Sunday was also a great experience.  My second training!  Seriously....still blows my mind.  I loved that I was able to share this experience with co-workers and friends.  In the training we had to break out into groups and teach to the others in our group.  I died...BUT after the shock wore off.....I got right into and loved it! 

If I was excited before HELLOOOOO now I'm more excited.  I literally want to grab everyone in my office and teach class now!!  Calm down Cindy CALM DOWN!  :)

Deep breaths....deeeeep breeeaaath

On another note:

I keep changing my workout routine and it's working.  I'm getting stronger and I'm seeing small changes (muscle tone baby!).  Progress is progress no matter how small.  I really have enjoyed lifting weights and have taught myself a lot as well as learned from watching and talking to others that have been doing it for a long time. 

Funny thing popped into my head.  When I first started working out someone told me "running is the only thing you need to do".  WRONG!  Running is great....I'm not dissing it.  BUT the only thing?  No way!  Two key words:  Change and Moderation.

So, summer is almost gone but its one that I won't be forgetting.  Life is starting to become somewhat more "normal".  Still lots going on and still a lot to look forward to.  I'm ready to learn more, do more, and share with you all.

Is there something that you have been wanting to do?  Ever thought "damn I wanna do that"....Well  no one can stop you.  Remember:

The only person holding you back is YOU!   

Let's catch up

Dear fans/followers/fitness lovers:

It's been a while since I have had some time to sit and write.  There has been a lot going on in my life lately. The last two weeks especially.   I'm so grateful that it is all good.  I would like to take this time to share with you.

I will start with my family.  My boys are out of school and the summer has started.  My oldest son has graduated 8th grade and will be moving on to HIGH SCHOOL!!!   AND my baby boy is going into 5th grade!   Time is flying by!!  Glad I'm able to keep up with them now!


Now on to my jobs.  Still loving my shift at the gym.  Learning something new every shift.  Every shift!  I'm so glad I started and it's definitely help me become more comfortable and get some good ideas and gotten my brain thinking.  I also got an amazing opportunity and promotion at my office job.  One thing about me is that I am a hard worker.  I take my jobs and responsibilities very serious.  In doing this, I proved that I can take on this promotion and now I am an ASSISTANT DIRECTOR!  ME!!!  Yahooooo!!!!! 



And now let's discuss what's new with me and health and fitness.  So Much!  Where to start......
How about starting with me becoming a Spinning(R) Instructor!!  Yup....that's right.  Saturday, June 22, I took the certification course.  ME!!!!   Who wouldathunkit!?!  The chubby turned overweight girl that wasn't allowed to ride a bike by her parents!  A Spinning(R) instructor....HA!  So I'm reading my materials and working hard on putting some profiles together!  More to come on that.

Lastly, still working out!  Last week was craaaaazy!  My gym held 3 fitness specialty classes as a fundraiser.  I participated in 2 out of 3 ON TOP of my usual workouts.  On Wednesday I took part in a 90 minute Spinning(R) class and Friday I took part in a 90 minute Zumba(R) Class.  They were great!  Great time and a great cause!

So with settling into my new promotion and working hard with regards to my certification it has caused to me blog/post less and I am sorry for that. Things will ease up soon and I will be back at full force.  

The support of my family, friends, and YOU has gotten me to where I am right now!  I thank you so much!

Hope everyone is doing well!  As always reach out with any questions or concerns! 
-Cindy

If you can't beat 'em

As you know I fell madly, deeply, truly in love with health and fitness!  I was unhappy and uncomfortable with my lifestyle and the condition of my health.  After many tries and many fails, I finally found what worked for me.  I was ready and determined.  I am now committed. 

I go to my gym a lot!  Not even try to cover that up.  I am there 6 out of 7 days and on most days - morning AND night.  The gym and my work outs keep me happy, sane, and keep me functioning.  Lately, I had been thinking...."hmmm what else can I do with my love for health and fitness??"  "is there more for me?"  "Should I....?" 

I had been having thoughts of a career in health and fitness and with that came an entire roller coaster of emotions!  Such as: excitement, fear, excitement, doubt, excitement,  desire, excitement, thirst for knowledge, excitement.  Also thoughts such as: "do it", "are you crazy?", "you will learn", "gotta start somewhere".

Knock Knock.  Who's there?  Opportunity!

Today was my first shift at the gym where I work out.  The gym where I fell in love with health and fitness.  Can you believe it?! 

I will be working a few hours a week and working the floor.  I will be there for people that also share my desire for a healthier lifestyle.   I cannot wait to learn new and exciting things.  I was so nervous going in but I did it!  It's a small step I know and it may not mean much to some BUT I am where I am because of the small steps that I took.  I lost over 100 pounds, became stronger, and became fit all with small steps. 

I'm happy for me and what's to come.  I'm proud of myself to taking the FIRST step into a career in health and fitness!!

Challenges

We all have challenges.  My challenge right now is that I'm not making progress (or just very slow progress).  Don't get me wrong I know what I need to do.  It's doing it that's the problem.

Losing 100 pounds was the EASIER part.  Crazy I know.  The pounds came off easier.  At first just by moving I was losing.  Don't get me wrong...as I made progress I worked HARD.  I put in the time, the effort, the hours.  I shed the tears, I wiped the sweat.  BUT Now.....UGH....it's not as easy.   I still have goals to reach and I really need to kick my own a** and get there.  

I know I can do it.  I got to where I am because I wanted to.  I want to reach my goals and so I will.  

How?  

• My calories burned
• I've been working on creating some circuit workouts to add to my routine.  Switching it up definitely works.  I'm looking forward to trying these out.  Also, changing my weekly workout routine.
• My food intake
• Huge battle BUT its something I need to work on.  I want to try to eat most of my carbs in the earlier part of the day.  Sounds easy right?  NOPE!  Lord do I love carbs.  I'm also ADDICTED avocado and tomato now.  Sooooo out with the old and in with the new.  Food is huge challenge for me.  I know I will have tough days I just need to push through and get to where I want and need to be.   
• "Suck it up NOW so you don't SUCK it in later"

This is just a new change to my lifestyle that I have to make.  

We all have challenges in life.  Challenges at home.  Challenges at work.  Physical Challenges.  Mental Challenges.  It's what we learn from them and how overcome them that's important. 

Results are in...

For the month of March I challenged myself to lose 20 pounds.  I knew this was going to be difficult but I was determined.

So let me explain what I did:

• Did all my regular scheduled workouts
• Tracked all my meals, except on my rest day
• Ate less carbs especially at night
• Tried new veggies

And my results:

LOST 4.8 pounds

LOST 1 inch from left thigh

LOST 1 inch from right thigh

LOST 1/2 inch from waist

LOST 1/2 inch from hips

 Not close to 20 BUT not bad results.   I can see and feel a difference!  That means a lot to me.  I am on the right path and will stay on it.  

For April

Keep working HARD,  Keep getting STRONGER.  Keep SHARING!

I've been thinking

Changes need to be made! 

This may not true but I am pretty sure that I haven't been taking full advantage of the work I put into the gym.  Yes, I've lost weight and I'm stronger than I have ever been and I can do a lot more than I've ever done.  However, I'm still not were I want to be.  I have some pounds to lose and muscle to gain!  I've said it before, my eating...well...it needs work.  I am definitely eating better.  Still finding what I like to eat and what works for me.  Still won't eat mushrooms!  Just can't do it..

I'm into this.  It will take time, but so did getting to where I am now.

So here's what I'm thinking and I'm blogging about it because I'm serious about it and want to be held responsible.  For the month of March:
- weigh in and take measurements and beginning and end of the month ONLY
- take before pic
- track everything I eat and drink, EVERYTHING
- try new light and fresh meals with veggies
- eat less carbs
- eat more protein
- track my workouts and calories burned
- track my mood and satisfaction and hunger levels
- take a rest day   

What do I plan to accomplish with this?  I want to get out of this slump that I've been.  I want to restart my weight loss and lose another 20ish pounds.  I will be using an app (My Fitness Pal) since I'm adding a new class, I will need to eat a little more.  I'm looking forward to experiment with food.  I'm not sad or bummed out cause I haven't budged but I'm excited for this.  My workouts and way of eating worked for me to reach my prior goal.  They say, if you keep doing what you're doing you will continue to get the same the results.  Well....changes are coming.

My partner in crime is going to hold me accountable for this and I extend this to you as well.  Feel free to check in as well.

Start date March 1, 2013
End date March 31, 2013 

Changes will be made!

Last Night

I ran.

I'm not really a runner....but the thought of running always intrigued me.  Why?  I was never ABLE to run.  A quick jog to around the block would have me wheezing.

At the beginning of my journey I wanted to run and I did, for a bit.  It took me a long time to build up endurance.  I was pleased with what I was able to do and felt so good.  Me....running!!!!!  Whodathunkit!
I started doing more than the treadmill so the running took a back seat.  I would run every once in a while but when the knee acts up, I freak and STOP!  Though it's not funny it does tickle me that the pain in knee according to my doctor is " runner's knee" .  Honestly, ME with RUNNER'S KNEE.  That's a riot!  Does that mean I'm runner?  I will take it.  LOL

Lately I have been going the motions and working out.  Just lots going on with life.  Physically I am there but mentally elsewhere.  Remaining active but not putting in what I should therefore not getting out of it what I could!  Honestly, the only one I'm wronging is me.  So last I ran.

Back to basics.  I used an app when I wanted to start to run.  I did very well on it.  So I thought it would be great to use again.  Like I said back to basics.  I started the app, I hit play on my new ipod playlist, and I started warm up.  Then I started to walk, run, walk, run, walk, run, wa.....no...I need to RUN.  I ran.  Sorry lady on app....I need to GO!  I was at 6.0 speed, then 6.5...I needed more went to 6.6...6.7......7!  IT FELT SO GOOD!

Time is up.  Time to cool down.  Smile on my face.  Fog is lifting.  Head is clear.

Off to Kickboxing I went!

" There are plenty of difficult obstacles in your path. Don't allow yourself to become one of them" - Ralph Marston

I gained!

I weighed myself this morning....though I try not to focus much on that number anymore....every once in awhile I get on and fulfill my curiosity.  Today, I was pleased.  So I thought back....

Since 2010 when I decided to make changes I have gained:

Strength

Confidence

Muscle

Years to my life

Fitness Relationships

Knowledge of healthy vs unhealthy

Great Energy

Good habits

Determination

Happiness

Appreciation and more

I have also lost:

Bad habits

Weight

Discomfort and more

Though I have more goals to reach and this year is about eating right and building muscle I REFUSE to forget just how far I have come.  It's easier for to look in the mirror and say " look at at that jiggle in the middle".  I have to remember and say " hey I can see my toes and look how cute they look!

Be good to yourselves!

Your Public Service Annoucement

I have been in and out of gyms and on and off diets for YEARS!  I believe that wanting to be healthy and liking to workout makes it easier.  I also believe that finding an exercise format you like and an instructor/trainer (if it's a class) that you feel motivated by is important as well.

I like my gym for several reasons; one being that I am extremely comfortable there.  I don't feel there is judging.  It's not a "meat-market".  It's full of people of all shapes and sizes wanting to workout and be healthy.  I also like the classes offered, the equipment, and the staff there.

I prefer group fitness exercise classes.  I also prefer trained and knowledgeable instructors.  There are several different styles out there.  Slow, fast, simple, complex, brand new, veteran, good, not so good, knowledgeable and some NOT so knowledgeable.  I feel like I've taken all.  If it's too slow or too fast for me,  I don't continue to take.  That doesn't really bother me.  If it's not a good match doesn't mean that the instructor isn't good...just means that it's not for me.  Someone else may really like.  BUT.. instructors that are NOT knowledgeable and/or NOT trained AND teach...well...that bugs me.  Dangerous exercises and bad form will only lead to injury.  Trust me...I know injury.  I just was just recently made aware of new trainer in my area.  I did some research and cannot believe all the people that are going to this trainer.  There will be demand for physical therapists in my area real soon! 

To me...form is everything.  I like taking a class and have my form corrected.  That means that I'm being looked after and that I'm doing the exercise safely and effectively.  When I question the benefit of an exercise and the trainer can't answer the question...well I can tell you that doesn't impress me. 

I'm glad that I'm knowledgeable enough now to know what is safe for me and what can really hurt me.  If you ever have a question about something that you are doing in a class or a piece of equipment you are using, make sure you ask.  If it doesn't 'feel right', ask.  You might be doing something.  It's better to ask and be corrected or reassured, then not to ask at all.

This has been your PSA from Keeping Fit and Curvy

Happy New Year

I'm not much for making resolutions.  I haven't really for several years.  The ones I made in the past were extreme and apparently somewhat unrealistic and only let up to disappointment.  The last one I made (probably about 4 or 5 years ago) was the best and I still practice. 

So..........If I was to make one.............. it would be " to continue on the path I'm on".

In 2011 a giant step was made into making changes in my life.

In 2012....many MANY wonderful things happened.  I lost weight, become more health conscious, took more risks, became more active and more involved with fitness.  I started to take care of me which made me happier.  It's true what they say a happy mom makes a happy home!

Though I am currently STILL sick and battling a huge mental and physical slump, I sit here and can acknowledge that I have come a long way.  I put a little collage together.  I hope you like.

I'm not upset that I still have a ways to go, but it's something I can look forward too.  I can only get healthier and stronger right?!

It will be 2013 in a few hours and though I won't be working out anytime soon, there are 365 days in a year.  I will make 2013 a year to learn and grow more, a year to try new things, a year to focus on those that are important me and me to them.  Life is short but damn it is good!

For this coming year...may all your dreams come dreams, your goals be met, or resolutions be kept.

Happy New Year!

Cindy

Ending 2012

So I have been sick for a week now.  Just over a week.  Last week at this time I wasn't feeling to hot but decided that a workout would be a good idea.  Looking back I was probably too sick to do.  Sitting here now thinking.....I can't even fathom putting on clothes and heading to the gym. 

I haven't worked out since then.  Due to being sick and the holidays.  I have also lost my motivation to workout...possibly due to lack of energy.  Though not sure.

I also haven't really eaten.  Some soup and tea.  Lots of liquid medication and water.  HOWEVER....this is OK (though not really healthy).  No cookies, cakes, fatty foods, or alcohol.  No coffee!!  Kinda my own little detox.  Minus the whole medication overload!  I ate yesterday....I was NOT ready to eat yet.  I will spare you the details.

This obviously wasn't supposed to happen, but it has.  

My Christmas was very FITmas like.  Some fitness related items I received were Turbo Fire DVD collection, a smoothie maker, and two recipe books.  One on smoothies and one on salads.  Sadly, they are all in a corner of my living room collecting dust at the moment :(

The new year is coming and though I really don't resolutions anymore, I did want to set some goals for 2013.  Though, I can't think of one right now.  Maybe it should be to find a way to get back on track.  I am still hoping for better eating in 2013.  Being sick is a great way to start.  It will make be careful how I introduce foods back into my system and what type of foods. 

I'm sure I will get back into the swing to things - at least I hope.  Just not really in a rush.  I'm really hoping that getting this out and putting out will help me and any others that are feeling unmotivated.

I am feeling better.  The fever is gone.  The body aches and pains are gone.  I have a little more energy and can do things around the house and drive.  I will be out and about for a little bit today.  Hopefully I don't hurt the progress. 

I know that this isn't happy, cheerful, motivational....but it's real.  I said I would be real. 

Hope everyone is doing well, eating well, and feeling well.

A change is coming

I have never been the type of person that can easily relax or take it easy.  I have always kept myself busy with family and friends when younger.  Added work and children to that mix once older.  Now I have added fitness on top of that.  That's just who I am and it's always been my nature. 

For the past 2 + years I have been working towards a goal.  So that's occupied my mind on top of all the other responsibilities I have.  It's kept me busy.  Health and fitness has definitely motivated me and kept me going.  Did I lose another pound?  How many calories did I burn?  It's something that I looked forward to every single time I got on the scale and every single time I was at the gym.

I reached my goal.  So now what?  Maintain?  BORING! 

Honestly, I'm having a hard time with that.  I'm not saying I'm where I want to be...not at all.  I'm just saying that I had a goal to reach, I met it, now I need something else.  But what I don't know.  This is where I am now.  It's really weighing on me

I've thought about:
- getting a personal trainer
- meeting with a nutritionist
- picking up a sport

I would still like to drop one size and build more muscle.  I seem to work off goals.  I even work off of  'to do' lists daily.  The feeling of 'checking' something off keeps me motivated! 

So now I just have to figure out how?  Can't really add more and I like what I do so I don't want to drop.  Maybe it's my eating.  I'm thinking that's where the change needs to happen.  I know what's bad for you and what's good for you.  I don't understand the science of eating.  What's good when?  How much of what to have?  That's the tough part.  I tried weight watchers and counting calories.  These did not work for me when I tried.  Will it work for me now?  I don't know.  I can tell you that I'm not letting all my hard work go down the drain. 

Time for some research....

Old dog...new tricks?

Hmmm...can you teach an old dog new tricks?

The past two weeks have been out of the norm.  Last week was a holiday week so my gym had an irregular schedule.  I missed several classes.  This week there was an unsuspected closing due to water damage in which I also missed several classes.  Not going to lie....it's been rough physically and mentally!  I was able to handle it better last week because I was able to plan ahead and mentally prepare myself for a few days off.  This week, since it was unexpected...was not easy.  After missing class # 2 (I missed 5 total) I was feeling hugely fat, ugly, and weak.  Honestly Cindy.  Get a grip!  I will let you in on something that I did that I didn't want to do.  I weighed myself this morning.  I got on the scale and closed my eyes tight.  I finally opened them and looked down.....nothing.  I was on the scale so long that the #'s disappeared.  I got off and got on again....just look Cindy!  LOOK!  I did....no change :)  Phew! 

A good friend of mine told me something very powerful.  She said, " you're not going to gain 100 pounds over night."  Smart huh?! 

I never would have thought at almost 36 years of age I would be affected this much by exercise.  This is how I know this is NOT a phase it IS a lifestyle.

Soooo I guess you can teach an old dog new tricks.

I do need to work on motivating myself to work out at home when I have off days, whether scheduled or not.  I will admit that's a huge struggle for me.  I tend to want to do...then lose the motivation.  I will definitely start working on this.  Doesn't have to be much, does it?  Some squats, crunches, planks and the like.  This will take time but so did getting to where I am.

Glad I will be back on my regular gym schedule tomorrow.  I'm sure my family and coworkers appreciate it just as much (or more) than I do.  :)

Thank You

I'm sitting here reflecting on the day, the week, the year.  There have been some tough days but boy have there been some great ones.  I learn from the bad and enjoy the great.  At almost 36 years of age, I think I'm finally starting to get life.  What works and what doesn't.  Not to stress the small things and focus on the truly important things.  I'm thankful for so much:  some but not all as follows

• my amazing, smart, healthy and handsome boys Sam and Nate, they keep me going and make me so proud. 
•  my husband for being a great provider, father, and supportive friend 
•   my true friends, for understanding and supporting (and putting up with me).  This includes you gym wife! 
• my new friends, for taking a chance in getting to know me
• all of my family, chosen and not chosen
• roof over my head and my wonderful and coworker
• my health and my strength
• for finding and allowing fitness back in my life and the people I have met and share a fitness interest with
• unlimited data plans with unlimited texting
• exceeding my weight loss goal
• all true heroes- medical heroes, veteran heroes, active military, teachers.  Those are able to and help the needy and those less privileged. 
• my awesome Keeping Fit and Curvy followers
• those of you that take the time to read my blog along with your supportive and positive comments
• holidays like this where I can sit and take some time and think how wonderful life is 

May you all have a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving.  May the day be filled and laughter, warmth, family, friends, and great food. 

Thank you!

Choices

After being, living and thinking a certain way for so many years it was nice finally becoming brave enough to make life saving changes.  However, old habits die hard. I know I have said that before.  This time, it doesn't have to do with food or working out, it's more personal than that.

Always being the heavy girl in the classroom at school, or the living room during a family reunion, or the heavy mom at your kids school function it all takes a toll on your confidence.  It's funny, you would think that once you lose the weight your confidence shoots way up!  Sadly, it's not the case, at least not for me.  It's something that I'm working on for sure...but damn it's hard sometimes.  Real hard!

I've been told that I don't see what others see.  That may be true.  Actually, who I am kidding that's completely true!

We all have good days and bad days.  When I have bad day I instantly want to go back to the old me.  It's what I know.  It's easy for me.  But, I don't want to do go back to the old me.  I would be letting loved ones and myself down.  I've worked very hard to get to were I am.  I think it would be a shame to bring back the old me, though it would be easy but I would be hurting and punishing myself.

When I'm feeling sad or down, feeling deflated or beat, feeling alone or lost I have to train myself to STOP and THINK.  Make a good choice.  Make the BEST choice Cindy. 


It's something that I notice and I'm aware that I need to work on.  I know it.  I can do it.  I will do it.   Slowly but surely.

Why and What

I love to sweat!  I really, really do.  I love to work out.  I love to push myself and be pushed.  I love to see and feel progress.  Does that make me a "fitness freak"?  Yes? No? Maybe so?  However you see it....one thing I know for sure....is that it makes me HAPPY!  I do lots of different formats that I don't see myself getting bored.  There are different reasons why I like the different formats that I do!

~~~~~~~~~~Here's the breakdown~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Zumba - Music and dancing is just something that I have loved all my life.  Make that into an hour long, cardio workout and you've got me hooked.  It's how I started.  I'm thankful for this class.  Always will be.

Zumba Toning - see above.  With added bonus...WEIGHTS

Spin - Amazing work out.  The music, the atmosphere, the sweat dripping and forming the huge puddles on the floor (cool but gross).  The fact that you have to push and push and push yourself.  Trust your legs to push through every time you add resistance and that feeling when you take some resistance off!

Kickboxing - You just feel so bad ass kicking and punching.  No way you wouldn't!  This workout is so intense that some nights, afterwards, I just sit there and think....'what the hell just happened!!!!'

TRX - The fact that I even take this class is enough.  This is one exercise that you will never EVER master.  No way.  You can always make it tougher.  To be honest, there are some days that it feels like that it's the first time taking it.  The first ever bicep curl, or chest press, or squat.  Then there are those days when you totally rock it.  Like this past Saturday when I was finally able to do a body saw for an entire minute!  Doesn't sound like a long time or hard?!  Try it!  Go ahead...TRY IT!

Boot Camp - Love it..once it's done :) It challenges you, it makes you sweat, if you have the right instructor you are pushed.  It's what I need, want, and love. 

Step -  It's fast, it's complicated, it makes me want to pull the hair out of my head.  It makes me  scream internally....BUT getting one thing down makes it worth it.  The jello feeling in your legs, makes it worth it.  The calories burned after the intense cardio...so worth it!

Maybe I am a Fitness Freak but I am happy, I am making progress, and I am proud! 

21 Day NO JUNK FOOD Challenge

So I'm joining a few others and started this challenge today.  I think it would be a good idea to write my thoughts down.

The only thing I thought I would find challenging would be ice cream.  I <3 ice cream!  I thought I don't eat often, so this can't be that tough, I thought.  OMG!!!!  I want chocolate and candy and cookies, and cake, and ICE CREAM!  The mind is sooo powerful and plays some mean games.  I know that so I WILL overcome it.  Let's see how I do throughout this challenge.

11-8 Day 1:
 I made it through the day.  It wasn't that bad...but knowing that I can't have something makes me want it.  Its not the end of the world but it's called a challenge for a reason.  I'm looking forward to the other 20 days.
11-9 Day 2:
Today was ok food wise.  The only that that was difficult was dinner.  The boys were looking forward to going out for pizza but I wasn't feeling well and didn't want to go out, let alone cook.  So we did order, but I ordered a salad on a wheat wrap.

11-10 Day 3:
No food issues today.  I didn't eat much due to some errands and some other things I had to do.  I do find myself thinking of what I'm eating before I eat it.  I was going to grab a few  blue corn chips, stopped, remember I couldn't have them and had half a Luna bar instead :)
11-11 Day 4:
Today was GREAT!  I made very healthy good choices today.  Breakfast was special K serial then had an early lunch, egg white omelet.  I had some wheat pita chips and hummus for a snack.  Hubby is making a meatloaf roast and salad.  Feeling strong today!

Some Days

There are days when it's hard....

• to eat breakfast when you're not hungry
• to not get that seasonal donut at the coffee shop
• to choose that yogurt or almonds instead of cheez its or chips
• to not reach for the snack basket in the afternoon before you start making dinner
• to make a salad for dinner...all that cutting of the vegetables
• to get out of your warm comfy bed to go to the gym
• to go back out to the gym after you've been home, made and eat dinner, and chatted with the family
• to not grab a cookie out of habit or just because

Changing your lifestyle and eating habits after 20+ years is not easy!  It's a battle.  Some days, even most days are easy now, some are not.  Those seldom tough days can beat you up bad.  Not going to lie.  You have to remember that  it's just a day.   Don't give in!  If you do....only means your normal and you will move on.  Don't give up!  If you do...only means your letting yourself down.  You don't want that.  I don't want that!

Even though I'm warm and comfortable now...I'm craving the feeling of a great workout.

I'm off to get ready for KickBox Bootcamp!

Let's go shopping

Food shopping gets more and more difficult. You want to eat right and feed your family healthy options but worry about paying the bills at the same time.  It's so unbelievable how expensive good food is.   So I decided to compare two food shopping lists to make sure I wasn't being overly dramatic. 

Take a look.......

 Meal  #1

Breakfast
- Cocoa Puffs and Milk
 Lunch
- Frozen Pizza
 Dinner
- Mac n Cheese
- chicken breast
 Dessert
- Cookies
Total spent $22.80

                                                    Meal #2 (healthier options)

Breakfast

- Oatmeal and banana

 Lunch

- Frozen organic pizza with spring mix salad, tomatoes, and cucumbers

Dinner

- Whole grain pasta, grilled chicken, and veggies

Dessert

- Fresh fruit sorbert

Total Spent $ 42.17

 

 I am not being overly dramatic!  Things should be switched.  Fruit should be $1.00 and Ho-Ho's should be $5.99.