Baby, Get Your SHINE On

I figured that is was probably time for me to share where I have been lately (other than here, because we all know that I have been majorly MIA).  Get comfy, cause this may be a long one.  Also you have been warned...you may learn way more about me than you ever cared to know.  For more of my life than not, I have been a "fat girl".  For those of you in my shoes, please don't take offense at my choice of terms.  There have been times when I have more than embraced my curves...and to hell with anyone that didn't like them.  But if I can be truly honest here, there is always that little voice in the back of mind reminding me that my weight isn't healthy and there is better and stronger version of me dying to "SHINE" through (we will talk more about SHINE later).
If I am going to tell the whole story then I should also include that in 2005 shortly before I separated from my now ex-husband, I lost a whopping 70 pounds in just over 5 months.  I did it right - I was in the gym 5-6 days a week and I was eating like a champ.  I was also working out with a trainer 3 days a week.  When I hit the 70 lb mark, I was on top of the world.  I felt stronger than I had in years and I had confidence again.  Fast forward about 6 months and my life pretty much blew up....things were turned upside down and the pounds slowly started to creep back.  In short I ended up gaining back all but about 10 pounds of what I had worked so hard to lose.
I have an unhealthy relationship with food....bottom line.  And sadly there is very seldom gray area for me.  I am either totally in beast mode or totally out of control.  I am an emotional eater...I eat when I am upset, I eat when I think I am bored (which in my crazy life should be never) I eat to celebrate...in short, I love to eat and frequently, it has been all the wrong things.
Sometime around the beginning of the year some of the ladies at my office started a 90 day weight loss challenge and I jumped on the wagon.  One thing I do know about myself 100%....I can't jump start myself to tackle something as huge as my weight loss based on someone else's time frame no matter how much I try to convince myself otherwise.  I did not get my mind right until about a week before the final weigh in.....welcome to the party sister....yes, I am talking to myself.  In my defense, I joined a gym in February.  Of course it wasn't scheduled to open until the first week of March...which actually became the middle of March....grrrrr!!!  As I was not so patiently waiting for the gym to be completed, I reached out to be dear friend Megan and asked her about her SIL's fitness program and how I might get in touch with her.  
Being the horrible procrastinator that I am, I didn't contact her right away...I let things simmer.  I finally spoke with her, got signed up and have been going strong ever since...going on 10 weeks now. Heather Martinez is the master mind behind Camp Miss Fit....a women only fitness camp.  I can honestly say that Heather is helping me change my life...she is truly amazing.  One of the many things that I love about her is that she knows first hand what it is like to be overweight.  At her heaviest she was 326 lbs.  She has lost 175 lbs and kept it off for 8+ years.  In my mind that makes her totally relatable.  She has been there, she knows what I, and the rest of the ladies are going through and obstacles we face on a daily basis.  And we talk about it all...the good, the bad, the ugly.  She addresses it all and helps us with solutions every step of the way.  She only asks that we come to class and give it our all.  She is always positive and motivating...each and every class.  She makes me want to be a better version of myself and most importantly she believes in all of us and what each one of us is capable of...not just today but in the future.  In my eyes, the support and motivation is priceless.  If you happen to be in the Arlington/Mansfield area and are interested in giving Camp Miss Fit a try contact me or Heather on her Facebook page here for more information. She has both morning and evening classes during the week as well as Saturday morning.
I guess I got a little carried away...sorry!  In addition to Camp Miss Fit  three days a week, I am also at the gym 2-3 days a week for strength training and cardio.  I want to be totally honest, my progress has been slow and it has been beyond frustrating....I still have a really long way to go and I still struggle with food on a pretty much daily basis.  But it IS getting easier.  I have not had a Diet Coke or any other soft drink for that matter for 10 weeks now.  It is getting easier to make better = healthier choices.  I still slip, but instead of letting it completely derail me I get back up, dust myself off and get right back on the wagon.  I am human after all.  As of last Saturday I have lost just over 15 lbs and 10.5".  

Heather and I after a Saturday morning class

I feel like I am working really hard and my natural instinct is to beat myself up that things are not progressing as quickly as they were when I did this eight years ago, but let's face it - I am no Spring chicken...I am well into in my 40's.  My metabolism is different.....it is going to take extra effort to get where I want to be.  Where is that exactly, you may ask....well I am not sure.  I am taking this whole thing in baby steps....trying to celebrate each little hurdle I conquer.  But honestly at this point I am not sure what the ultimate goal is....I just know that I am striving to get there - to that better, healthier version of me.
Finally, since I learned a couple years ago about the One Little Word craze I have been intrigued,  In 2013 I chose Document.  This was directly related to my scrapbooking and getting more pictures out of storage and into completed albums.  I did not do as well as I wanted, but I did make a small dent.  I digress...for 2014, I silently chose my word.  I didn't shout it from the rooftops or even announce it anywhere.  My One Little Word for 2014 is SHINE and I know that announcing it 4+ months into the year is pretty chicken sh#t, but let's be honest.  I was scared to put it out there and risk publicly letting myself down once again, announcing that I wanted/needed time to take care of myself which in turn I hope is going to not only make me a better me, but a better and stronger mom to my amazing son.  I deserve that and Heaven knows he deserves it.  So yes, 2014 is my year to SHINE...I am taking the time to invest in me (and yes, that means being away from my son more than I would like), but the end result promises to be worth each and every precious minute I spend on my quest to SHINE.
I warned you this was going to take awhile.  If you made it to the end, thank you so much for sticking with it.  I wanted to let everyone know what was taking up so much of my time recently.  Although my little slice of the blog world is not going to be primarily focused on my weight loss journey, I do hope to check in every few weeks with an update on how things are going.  Thank you so much for stopping by!

Third Time Is A Charm

I make goals...and when I make them I don't intend to drop the ball.  I don't intend to fail.  However sometimes it happens .  Such is the case with the Couch Potato to 5K training program.  I have attempted it two times previously and both times derailed at Week 3.  I am choosing to believe that third time is a charm.  Tonight, I will complete the third and FINAL workout for....wait for it.....WEEK 4!!!!  My goal is not to become a runner.  My goal is to complete a 5K....jogging the ENTIRE way.  I don't really have a bucket list, but if I did...the 5K would definitely be included.  Why?  I can't really put my finger on it, but I think until I do it, it is going to eat at me and drive me totally crazy. 

 

So, why is this time going to be any different?  I am not sure, but I am trying to cut myself some slack and truly listen to my body this time.  To be honest, about half way through Week 3 I thought to myself..."here we go again".  I felt so frustrated and wasn't sure what to do to get over that hump.  I got some good advice from a friend who told me to slow down...slow and steady is still running (even if it is at a snail's pace). 

 

 

 

After following that one small (but huge) bit of advice, I am doing much better.  Do I still sweat like a whore in church (oops, was that my outside voice?), you bet I do.  And my butt is worn the heck out, but I am recovering more quickly and not TOTALLY dreading the next workout.  Huge progress in my book.  Oh, and I forgot to mention....there is an APP for that!    The app has made it so much easier to progress through my workout without having to keep track of my intervals.  A peppy little lady on the app tells me when to walk and when to run, all the while my favorite playlist is jammin' in the background.  It sounds crazy, but it is making all the difference!  I am also wearing a heart rate monitor to keep track that I am not pushing myself over the edge.  This time I AM GOING TO MAKE IT.....NO EXCUSES.....NO GIVING UP!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Have a wonderful weekend and be on the lookout Sunday for Week 4 of Sunday Snaps!

 

 

 

 



 

My New Mantra...

Source: Uploaded by user via Julie on Pinterest

Weight Watchers Journey Begins

Sooo…..I took the plunge Monday night and officially joined Weight Watchers.  Half way through day two and I am holding my own.  I did WW a very long time ago but it is so different now.  No points for fruits and veggies and I have a lot of points to use during the course of a day….not to mention those 49 extra for the week.  My group leader is very nice, her name is Kim and five years ago she lost 104 pounds….she must be doing something right.  The meeting was good, but I have to say that most of the things that I heard were kind of like no brainers.  I wish that more time had been spent explaining the program and how to get started.  I truly felt like I was flying blind yesterday morning.  Over lunch I spent some time on-line getting a feel for how things worked as well as familiarizing myself with the e-tools.  WW has made it very easy to incorporate your smart phone into your weight loss success….so convenient!  For those of you that hate to track (like me), the app makes it so much less like a chore than when you had to write everything down by hand….easy peasy!  I am also in awe of the barcode scanner (free app).

 You just scan the barcode and the app tells you how many points are in a serving.  It does not have all products, but it did have a really random item that I tried just for fun.  There is also another app: Points Plus Calculator that helps you if the scanner doesn’t work, but you do have nutritional info. 

Excellent tools in my opinion to help keep you on track!  Reading back over this it sounds like I am already doing some serious complaining….so didn’t mean to come off that way, was just making some observations in my outside voice.   I am excited for the journey and can’t wait to share my progress.  I am going to do my best to post regular pics so there will also be a visual record of my weight loss.  I am also going to continue my Advocare MNS3 and Spark. 

I had some phenomonal blood work results last week and I have a sneaky suspicion it had somehting to do with my supplements.  Don't see any reason why I shouldn't be able to do them both.  For any of you that are already well into your Weight Watchers journey, I welcome all suggestions and advice.  It takes a village, Peeps!

Soccer Guilt and I Gotta Get My Groove Back

Happy Hump Day….we are on the downhill slide!

Zachary’s soccer team is on fire….that is the only way to describe it.  They are not just winning, they are winning BIG! There have been 10+ goals scored in all three games.  Before you gasp and think how obnoxious is that, most of these kids have seen their share of really rough seasons where trust me, we couldn’t have paid for a goal.  It is good for them to finally be on the other side….a huge confidence boost. 

I think I put an Instagram whammy on this pic....he is so not this pale!

I have to admit though, I really feel bad for the other teams!!!  We know firsthand how it feels to not just lose, but lose in a big way.  Am I wrong to feel like the coach should call the boys off once it becomes obvious that they are going to really win?  Let’s just take out of the equation the fact that I used to be married to the coach….any thoughts?

Moving on to the next dilemma:  I am having a really hard time getting back in to the swing of exercising.  Before my trip in March, I was doing so well.  I had dropped about 8 pounds and was moving right along on the Couch Potato – 5K running program.   When I got back from Chicago, I was sporting the most insane blisters that I have ever experienced (great trip, but those blisters were just plain CRAZY).  Anyway, I have just had a horrible time reengaging since then.  And no, I do not need to be reminded how long it has been since I got back.  I am not feeling very good about the situation and for lack of better words…..I seriously need my groove back.  The last week or so I have been seriously considering joining Weight Watchers.  My mom joined back a couple of months ago – even though she only had about 12 pounds or so to lose, but she is loving it and says that it is much easier than it ever was before.  Not to mentioned Cyn – the Weight Watchers Rockstar who I religiously follow at The Chunky Goddess…..ummmm… girlfriend seriously needs to change the name, cause trust me she ain’t chunky!!!!  I have tried it before, but it was literally YEARS ago so yes, I am a little apprehensive….should I do it online….should I find a meeting close by?  What to do….what to do?  I would greatly appreciate any comments or suggestions on WW or how in the world to get my exercise groove back.  HELP!!!!!!

Challenge and Exercise Updates

Just dropping in for some updates.  Tomorrow is the end of my Advocare 24-Day Challenge.  I started out really slow.  During the 10-day cleanse phase, I only lost 3 pounds and 4 inches.  As of this past Sunday I had lost 7 pounds and not sure about the inches, but people, I can FEEL it!!!!!   I have a lot more energy and I am comfortably in a smaller size jeans.  I can also tell in the dreaded place that ladies don't like to talk about, but always seems to be the first place the weight comes off!  You may act like you have no idea what I am talking about, but if you have ever lost anything more than a couple of pounds YOU KNOW EXACTLY WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT.    The supplements that I have been taking during the Burn phase are making a huge impact on hunger control, which has made it much easier to stick with portion control and avoid unnecessary snacking.  Considering I didn't really start exercising until last week, I am going to call my first challenge a success and bask in the glory of 7 less pounds!  If you are interested in learning more about Advocare products, includng the 24 Day Challenge, please feel free to contact me here.   

The Couch Potato to 5K training program is going really well....actually much better than I had thought.  I completed the third workout this morning and am now ready to move on to the next stage.  I still have a long way to go, but I am feeling really great and very optimistic.  I may have two additional friends on board for my first 5K, which will hopefully take place sometime in late Spring.  I am very excited for the race, but even more so for the support of my friends......I am so very fortunate!

Here is a pic (sorry, pic quality is atrocious) after first Couch Potato workout.  Not to mention my face is blotchy and my hair is drenched!  Just keepin' it real!  Notice......I am rockin' my Advocare gear!

The weekend flew by.....exercising, soccer, church, socializing and a little project.  As I mentioned in this post, I am participating in my first ever blog swap.  I had so much fun getting the gift together and I would LOVE to share it, but that would spoil the surprise since Ashley hasn't received it yet.  Not to mention, we are not supposed to reveal our gifts until February 13th....oh, the anticipation!

Have a wonderful evening and a great week!

A Commitment Made - A Goal Set

I have been wanting to start running for years....on and off.  With that being said, I am also the type of person that does best when I have a buddy....somebody who I am not necessarily accountable to, but knows what I am doing and might give me a little encouragement now and then or just check up on me to see how things are going.  Today, as I was once again daydreaming  about crossing the finish line of that ever elusive 5K....I put out a small SOS via Facebook to my dear friend Megan.  Yes, I blogged about her yesterday and she is one of my "Chicago Bound" GFs.  I asked her if she was doing any running.  Megan is the Wonder Woman in the healthy eating world in my book.  She is the one that recommended I read Eating Animals that overnight turned me into a vegetarian.  She also went vegan pretty much cold turkey - but rest assured that no turkeys were harmed!  If you would like to look her up in the blog world, you can find her here at Two Parts Sunshine.  She blogs about sustainability, eco friendly and cruelty free products - all very near and dear to her heart! Anyway coincidently, or not, she recently started running and said that she would love to have a running buddy.  I am now officially pumped!  I am going to start the Couch Potato to 5K training program tomorrow and hopefully we will be hitting the trails together before we leave for Chi-Town.  Megan also said that she would be willing to do my first 5K with me - which ideally would take place before the blistering heat of the TX  summer sets in.....bleh!!!!!  I am now officially committed.....I have a "buddy", I  have put it in writing on the www for everybody to read, and I have set a goal.  This is the year that I am going to do it......NO EXCUSES.   Please check back to follow my progress.....I am shooting for weekly updates.  If you don't see those updates, for Heaven's sake, call my rear out!  I saw this post on FB today and thought that it was so appropriate:

"No matter how slow u go, u are lapping everybody on the couch.”

I think that will be my new mantra!  Can't wait to see how this goes and big thanks go out to Megan for giving me that little boost - whether she knew it or not.  Have  a great evening.....tomorrow is FRIDAY!!!

Megan and I celebrating my 40th.....uugghh!

On a sidenote....I hope that it did not go unnoticed that I, the sporadic poster, have posted two days in a row.  Somebody stop the presses!!!

Plant Strong, Back to Blogging and Where Has the Summer Gone?

Things have changed in my world since my last post - yes, I know, literally months ago.  I have adopted a vegetarian lifestyle and am striving for vegan.  If only I hated cheese!!!  Much to my surprise, the abscence of meat has not been difficult at all for me so far.  In all honestly, I have never been a huge meat eater, but I did eat quite a bit of chicken and oh, how I loved my burgers.  After reading Jonathan Safran Foer's Eating Animals, I decided that I could not continue, in good conscience, to consume animals.   I think in the back of my mind I thought I knew how meat, fish and poultry ended up in our grocery stores but it was easier to simply not think about it.  After reading and viewing the reality  of what more than 90% of the animals that we are consuming are going through, the choice was not at all difficult to make.  In fact, for me it was a complete no-brainer.  When I would talk to people about what I was learning they would say...."I don't want to know....I love meat way too much".  This is proof positive that ignorance truly is bliss.  Ignorance of the facts does not make the atrocities any less real! 

Although this lifestyle definitely started out as a result of my compassion for animals, I am learning so much more.  Back in May, my mom and I went to a screening of "Forks Over Knives".  It is film documenting the overwhelming health benefits of adopting a "plant strong" diet.  I have for years been told that my cholesterol and high blood pressure are a result of my family tree.  Just for the record, my parents have neither of the problems, but my grandfather's on both sides did.  I now firmly believe that it is within my power to reverse these problems with food as opposed to medication.  We have been made to believe that when something ails us we should "just take a pill".  How about taking responsibilty for our own health instead of letting the drug companies have all the control???   Time will tell what I can accomplish.....so stay tuned for more updates.  If you would like to learn more about adopting a plant strong diet click here for more info.

In other news around my world, Summer is flying by!  In less than a month it will be back to school - how can it be possible that I have a 5th grader??  Zachary is enjoying his time off.  He started out going to the skate park pretty regulary, but with the consecutive weeks of 100 degree plus weather, that has tapered off quite a bit.  He played indoor soccer and that wrapped up last night.  He and my dad went on a rafting trip to the Salmon River in Idaho for a week and I think it was a great trip.  Zach is not much into giving me the details, but I do get snippets every now and then that lead me to believe it was a success.  I will post some pics soon - this one was taken the morning that they were leaving at DFW airport.

July 6, 2011 - Early morning flight to Salt lake City, UT then on to Boise, ID

To round out the summer break he will be going to Allaso Ranch for the fourth consecutive year.  He always has a great time!

It feels good to have blogged again and I will do my best to be more consistent.  I have completed another scrapbook that I would love to share as well so stay tuned.  Hope you had a great weekend!

One more photo....just for fun.  I just realized that I still haven't told the story about how we came to be the owners of this guy.....don't give up on me!

My boys....Zach and Jack