No Loss, No Gain....

So I just finished another 2 day cleanse.
6:30 am...I weighed myself.

I didn't loose anything.
I didn't gain anything.

SIGH.

I started to cry when I went to lay back down in bed. My whole last week ran through my mind. What did I eat that I shouldn't have? Too much sweets? Not enough exercise?
Why can't I loose like these other girls on FB & Instagram who are posting flat belly pics and before/after pics in there bathing suits??
I have ALMOST changed my eating habits and I try to do at least 30 min workout a day. Even if it's just walking in place in my living room (because some days are just hard...).
Why do I have to struggle? Why can't my progress show the same?

I want To scream WHY?!?!

I really don't want the before/after pics. I just want this weight off.  I want my life back. I want to be able to move, have more energy, feel comfortable when someone wants to take my picture...

Today is a new day. I will not let last week worry me. I'm going to try harder... I got this.

Almost 2 months....

It's been almost 2 months since I started my health challenge.
I don't like to call it a "diet" because I'm not really on one. I'm making a lifestyle change. It's TOTALLY different.

To me, I starve when I diet and then I mess up & quit. I try really hard and get NO WHERE.

My health challenge has taught me SOOOO much. I have learned A LOT about myself.

Yes I've been made fun of and you all think I'm crazy when I tell you what I've been doing. BUT I've gotta go through the hard stuff to get where it CAN be easy for me.
And I'm getting there.

One thing I will say.... I have NOT starved myself. Just because I don't eat a meal one day and have a shake or I don't eat on my "cleanse days" .... I've never been hungry. I've never starved myself. I eat snacks.
I'm on an eating schedule.
It works for me.
It COULD work for you too, if you want to try/give it a chance.  But you have to WANT it.

I haven't weighed myself in over a week but I've lost 28 pounds. It may not seem like much to you but for me, since April 24...

I've had maybe 2 headaches*
No lower back pain**
More energy than before
I actually rode my bike for the 1st time in years!
I count calories and totally enjoy/appreciate my chocolate snacks lol
I've met a new friend who supports me and I can text/call her anytime
Some of my clothes are not "so tight" anymore :)
I'm gaining confidence in myself.

*I usually get a headache or migraine at least 1-2x a week...
**I almost ALWAYS wake up with low back pain. No matter how I sleep, it was always an Aleve/Ice my back every morning.

So more on my back pain... I started having more pain the past 2 days. I have been using my "stepper" in the living room and I found a step routine on YouTube I enjoy doing. So with doing that, I am using my muscles more and they aren't used to being used this much so now I'm going through process of building them back up and getting them used to being used...

It sucks trying to loose weight.
And honestly, it totally sucks trying to be healthy lol
Why can't this be easy?

Day 2

10, 596 steps!

WOWZA!!

it's so easy getting my steps in when I work at setting up the rummage sale in the HOT gym. I'm hoping that I'm sweating off some pounds too while I'm in there lol
Tomorrow I'm taking a day off from setting things up so we'll see how I do...I plan on being lazy because my whole body hurts. Bending and picking things up have taken their toll on my back and legs. Not to mention my ankle has been swollen every day too...ugh.
Being fat and getting older sucks....

It's been a YEAR?!

Wow.
It's already August 1. School is about to start again. Along with all the stress of morning routines, where uniforms & shoes are each morning, and juggling my ME time and time spent volunteering(mostly)/working at the school. And yes, I tend to put others/the schools needs b4 my own.

I'm hoping to get better with this. I need to find myself again. I have become a person I'm not so familiar with...emotionally & physically. There's going to be A LOT of changes coming and I'm hoping that I can keep them up.

Today, August 1, I walked 9,856. It was pretty easy because I'm setting up the school rummage sale this week.
So my goal is to walk 248,000 steps this month. Or 117 miles ;)
That's 8,000 steps a day if you break it down.

I've got to get moving. It's been really HOT this summer and I think I've gained weight from not doing much. It's embarrassing when people think you're pregnant and you have to embarrass them too by saying, OH NO! I've just gained a lot of belly weight recently. No chance of that happening. Sorry!!!
And I'm done not being able to fit in some of my clothes.

Sigh

So I'm getting back on my Plexus also. I tried to start it a few months ago but haven't been doing it daily. Well, it's back to it now. Starting my day with my PINK drink, Slim, and ending with my Pro Bio.
AND lots and lots of WATER!!

So let's do this!

Outside today...

It's Spring Break so my alone time is being taken by my kiddos. Luckily it's a beautiful day! It feels best when the sun is out from behind the clouds :)

I did some Pilates in the back yard this afternoon while the kids played. It was a nice break from the mountain of laundry I need to do! 

Hopefully it'll help my motivation to go through ALL the stacked up junk mail & bills on my counter....oh & finish the laundry.

What's one way you are being productive today?

35/300

For real.....

Like for real.

NOTHING was goin my way this morning. Too much to type out but my day just didn't start out good at all. I feel exhausted from all of it but as we all know... Monday's SUCK.

I DID make it to Aqua Zumba! I went a little early & swam some laps so I was in the pool for an hour this morning. 

34/300

Beautiful

Took a nice walk with Ted, the kids & Rufus today. It's so beautiful outside! 

I can't wait for more warm days in our future :) 

Only bad part...my hip is bothering me. I have pain shooting down my left leg & it hurts soo bad. 

Thankful I made it home & got some ice on it! 

25.5/300

The Struggle is REAL y'all ....

Not gonna lie. I totally want to go back home & sleep the day away...getting motivation is SOO stinking hard anymore. 

But I'm here. I'm sitting in my car, in the YMCA parking lot. I have about 40 minutes till Pilates & I can't seem to get out of the car. Seriously. 

I mean, I don't even have the heat on...so I'm COLD. 

I can do this, right?!? 

RIGHT.

------------

Well I did it. I walked slowly in, sat & text my Cub Scout parents in the locker room (lol) then slowly walked to the room for Pilates. 

And OH MY GOODNESS. I'm gonna be hurtin later. But I totally missed being there. Honestly, I didn't want it to be over. I wanted more bc I know when I leave the struggle begins again. 

It should get easier, right? Bc something has got to give...I don't remember it being so hard before....

11/300

20 min a day...

NBC Nightly News just had a story about walking 20 minutes a day can help keep you healthy. 

I can't run bc of my ankle & knees. I constantly feel like I'm "boring"  or not good enough for not being a runner bc it's what all my FB friends are doing. SOO I feel like I turned on the tv at the right moment & that news story was for me. It's what I needed to hear! 

I did go WALK a mile this morning & we did Pilates again. My muscles were already sore from Tuesday..I just hope I can walk tomorrow. Honestly, I love the sore feeling. Esp in my stomach! I just hope we keep the motivation up & keep going. It can only get better & easier!

7/300

The struggle...

It's real. Totally real this morning. 

WHY?!?!

And yes, this is my first time at the Y THIS YEAR...I could tell you all my excuses about being cold, tired, not enough sleep..blah blah blah....

I'm just honestly lacking motivation. PERIOD. 

Not a good way to start my New Year BUT! On positive side, I have room for improvement! :p

------------

Just finished up my first Pilates class! It was a little hard at moments but if I keep at it, it'll get easier. Thankful for Tish who helped decide what we were getting into this morning. We are def going back Thursday morning!! 

Oh & I even got a mile in before class on the track! 

4/300 

(Slow start....but at least I started!)

Let's get it started!

Day 1

It was COLD this morning. Plus it's MONDAY...first day back to school after 2 weeks of sleeping in till 8:30-9am. Those extra few hours are PRECIOUS to me. I'll miss them...

So to get my goal going, I've decided to do things differently this time. I do love to walk, but I'm giving myself more options. 

For every 20 minutes of constant activity I'm giving myself a mile. 

So like this morning, (reread first paragraph lol)....

BUT!!! 

I did do a 20 minute workout I found online. It concentrated on my belly...I'm sore but I like that feeling! I'm ready to fit back into my fav jeans! 

A New Beginning!

SOO I just read through all my past posts. Wow. I need motivation again. I lost it mainly when summer started, when the kids were out of school. I guess that's something I need to figure out. 

But looking back, I didn't have the support I needed. I was also battling A LOT of negativity I didn't talk about. Oh, it's still around, but I've learned how to control it & I know when to walk away from it now. 

I've grown closer to some amazing friends in my life. (They know who they are😊) I'm not totally counting on them to help me but I'm hoping they will help motivate me when I need it the most. 

So YES. I'm starting my 300 miles challenge again. It's been 2years since I started my last one, so it's time! This momma wants to get healthy! 

What are your goals for 2015?

Happy New Year!! 

Before & after...

My friend Mary from school has invited me to water Zumba this morning. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE water Zumba but I DONT WANNA GO!! My body hurts already, I feel a headache coming on, I barely got sleep last night bc Ted coughing & Emma coming over & kicking me most of night....AAHHHHH!!! 

It's been WEEKS since I've been to the Y. It's been that long since I've been motivated to do ANYTHING toward my goal for the year. I've gained all my weight BACK that I lost....I'm just frustrated!!! 

Why is this so stinking hard?!

Why can't I loose weight easier?!

Why do I always feel judged by EVERYONE around me?! 

------------------------------------------

Ok so that is a little embarrassing to read, but it's real. Totally shows I'm not perfect. But it was EXACTLY how I felt this morning. It shows how stinking WHINY I am too lol 

BUT!!!! I went to water Zumba! And I even stayed for the toning class after!! 2 hours of being in the water was...just AWESOME. I love swimming. It reminded me of how young & engerized it makes me feel! And no it wasn't because of all the older (than me) ladies in the class with me ;) 

I am SOO thankful for Mary being my motivator today! I've got some amazingly awesome friends in my life :)

132.08

Day 1

I really started this on Saturday but Ted decided he wanted IHOP after church Sunday morning &...yeah.

So Day 1 w/no artificial food dyes. 

Breakfast - whole wheat toast w/chocolate peanut butter. Cody decided to add raspberries on his toast :)

And of course a glass of milk, vitamins & 1/2 tsp of fish oil.

Lunch - turkey sandwich w/strawberry lemonade. Yogurt for dessert 

Dinner - beef tenderized w/white bean hummus spread on top (looks kinda gross but tastes YUMMY!), corn & potato salad 

For dessert we got creative w/our banana :)

YUMMM!!! 

Snack - We made Strawberry Lemonade popsicles today :)

I'm hoping I can keep all this up this week! I almost learned too late that the kids normal easy-quick breakfast has Red 40 in it..no nutrigrain bars this week. 

Already this new challenge has opened my eyes to WHAT I am feeding my kids. And myself. 

So yeah, I'm going to be "that mom" that I always didn't want to be. lol

Carrageenan.....

Has anyone ever heard of "Carrageenan?" It's used in a lot of milk products.


And you are wondering why I care and I'm sharing, right? Well, my mom brought it to my attention the other day on the back my kids FAVORITE milk boxes. Yes, the Horizon milk that you can now get a Sam's and it has 6, yes SIX, Box Tops on them!!! lol

 

 

And I also found it in Nestle products (milk mixes, Carnation breakfast.....) and in Yoplait & Dannon yogurts. (one or both also has the dyes in them)


Anyway, I didn't think much of it but when I was shopping for food with no dyes in them, I noticed a lot of juice and yogurt I normally buy for my kids has it in them. I came home and did some more research. I found this blog post written by a guy named Jonanthan Bechtel..... http://blog.healthkismet.com/carrageenan-cancer-health-inflammation


If you don't want to read it, that's ok. It pretty much says that Carrageenan is bad for you...
"Because carrageenan has a long and notable history of significant correlations to different types of cancer and acute-inflammatory responses which are not good for you, to say the least."  If you want more info, read the blog. He did his own research and proves it.

That terrifies me about....all of it. And I just bought the 15 pk of the Horizon Milk with the 6 Box Tops on it at Sam's! :/

So what's an alternative? We are drinking Silk Pure Almond. It even comes in DARK CHOCOLATE.....YUM! (Thanks Mom ;)

So yeah, both of these milks are kinda expensive and it's not our choice of drink everyday with every time we are thirsty. We do drink a lot of water around here. My kids love to drink water out of refillable water bottles. They love it because I will allow those to go in their rooms lol 

SO just in case you are thinking, "Really, there's stuff in all our food that's bad for you." Yes, I know this. I'm sure the Pizza Hut pizza we had the other night has all kinds of bad things for us, but we can indulge, right? I know I can't keep my kids from all bad things, but if I can keep my kids eating & drinking mostly healthy now, I will feel better about trying to be that good mom.
 

New Challenge

As if just walking and trying to eat healthier for myself isn't hard enough for me to do, I'm now faced with another challenge. This one involves my kids.

For those that don't know, I took Cody to a doctor this week to start the process of testing him for ADHD. He was super nice and asked lots of questions, Cody even answered some. He was nervous though. I had Emma crawling all over my lap which helped me hide my nervousness. SO when they dr mentioned MEDICATION, that's when I became super nervous. I'm not totally for meds (unless absolutely necessary) and he gave me that classic dr answer "these meds have over 20 years of being FDA approved as apposed to the only a few years of trying natural way to treat ADHD." My mom has done her research with books and online and has helped me find natural ways to treat ADHD. Honestly, it's all been overwhelming. SO much info to learn and read and to add to our lifestyle......

I'm not gonna lie, I was an emotional mess leaving there. Some may ask WHY?! Ummm, this is my BABY.  The dr mentioned tests....an EEG and an EKG.  I know now (after freaking out and calling the office 2 hours later to ask more questions) that the tests are nothing to worry about. The EEG can actually help find brain waves that show ADHD.

Again, not gonna lie, I'm STILL super emotional about this. We all want our kids healthy and have no problems, but that's in a perfect world. HA, I'm definitely not living in one of those. So I'm putting my trust in God and hoping I can get this all figured out.

SO my new challenge.....

Because I don't want to do meds, I'm trying some natural ways to help Cody. I'm starting SIMPLE. (at least I thought simple...lol)

My mom found some orange flavor fish oil. Yes.....orange flavor. My kids actually like it SO THAT is a blessing!! They take that every morning with their multivitamins and their probiotic, which we've already been taking those for the past year or so.

Another change is NO ARTIFICIAL DYES.  Like Red 10, Blue 1, Yellow 5.....and so on. I went to Walmart today to find some snacks for the kids to eat and OH MY....
I don't normally read labels. I look at Calories but that's the extent of it. A lot of their fav snacks....no more. It's amazing how many juices and cereal, and yogurt have those food colorings in them. And I thought it would be simple.....WRONG. It was hard saying NO to GOGURTS! Those are Cody's favorites :(

So now I'm going to be "THAT MOM" that is particular about what her kids eat. I'm not going to let my kids have food at birthday/school parties, the in laws, or anywhere else that I know has those dyes in them. I'm going to be picky. My kids will probably cry and be upset, but I want them HEALTHY!

HONESTLY....should I be so picky? Should I let it slide a couple times or should I put my foot down and say no? I hate the thought of making other people watch what they feed my kid, when I know it's stressful for myself. I know I deal with food allergies with my friend's kids and kids at school so this is no different, right? As long as I just bring my own food for them....so then I'll look like their food is not good enough.......

I'M TOTALLY WORRYING TOO MUCH ABOUT THIS, RIGHT?!
Just put me out of my misery and tell me already....I can take it.

It's been too long...

Wow. It's been 3 WEEKS since I walked last! SOO much has been keeping me from it. I feel like a complete failure in my challenge now because I'm WAY behind on my goal....BUT I did walk today!

2.2 miles on the treadmill 

91.86/300

I wasn't even on the treadmill 10 minutes & I started sweating like a pig!! I had it set to 1 incline & was only walking 3.1! I walked like that for 45 minutes.....I never know how fast I walk. I haven't used a treadmill in YEARS. I love that the Y has cardio room w/WINDOWS. I think I'll be using it a lot more now.

I JUST REGISTERED FOR ANOTHER 5K!!

Want to join me?!
https://www.tristateracer.com/RaceInfo.php?RaceID=1161
 

Pain is weakness leaving the body....

That is what I kept telling myself this morning.
It's been over a week since I've walked. I kept telling myself all week (Spring Break) I was goin to walk but I never did!
I totally felt like a complete failure. Still do. But I walked/jogged today! And I'm totally proud of myself!!

+2.42 miles today...

81.09/300!!

I know this sounds dumb, but I love to sweat lol Makes me feel like I'm actually doin something right.
I did start to jog today. I only did small intervals tho. It was PAINFUL the first 2 but after I could tell it was getting easier.

THANK YOU Lindsay for that suggestion.

I don't have a goal for jogging a mile or anything. I just want to sweat haha

HAVE YOU WALKED TODAY?

5K

76.55/300

I'm a week late writing this post, but better late than never, right?!

I walked my first 5K last weekend! Well, I speed walked lol  I totally walk SLOW. I'm not in as good of shape as all the other people running/walking. It really affected me. I have told myself all week that I need to step it up. But I didn't go walking AT ALL this past week.
Here's my excuses,
My week started off with my ENTIRE body in pain from Saturday. I went to my chiropractor, she helped with my back pain, but everything just kept hurting. Plus my ankle, on the leg where I broke my leg, has (STILL IS) been bothering me. It just throbs if I don't elevate it and if I'm on it for too long. Totally sucks.

I feel like a HUGE slacker this week. I literally feel HUGE too because I haven't been counting my calories either. I'm going backwards, not forward and I feel like everyone who doubted me with my challenge is saying, HAHAHA told ya she couldn't do it!! Maybe its me saying it to myself too..........

I'm not perfect. I knew that this would be a hard journey for me. I just never believed that I would feel this low about getting off track. I started blogging because I thought it would help me, but I'm still failing.
ENOUGH negative.....

Monday starts a new week. I'm going to enjoy my family this weekend and eat all the good food! I'm not going to worry about my challenge or my calories. I'm going to enjoy myself.
Hopefully I can find my ankle brace and I can go walking Monday. I need to MOVE.

Who wants to get moving with me?!

one mile

73.55/300

So I woke up this morning feeling MUCH better than yesterday. Decided to go walk at the Y. I felt fine till about 3 laps in.....it's 14 for a mile....about halfway I felt like I was going to pass out. Thankfully I remembered to grab a Gatorade this morning. It helped me finish my mile.

Yeah, major lesson learned this morning. Don't jump back into walking/exercising until you feel 100% better. I don't think I sweat so much just walking a mile before!

Last night I watched the Biggest Loser finale. I cried like a baby!! I have watched this season faithfully and Dani was my FAV since the beginning. I am SOO happy for her! She looked AMAZING! (besides her fake tan and hair...not a fan lol)
So this morning when I got up I totally felt like a failure. I thought about how awesome all the contestants did and how awful I look and feel still. That was my motivation this morning. But I should have ignored it because I'm just not over this sickness yet. Or maybe I'm just being a big baby?! idk. lol

I need ideas on some tummy exercises! I feel like my "mom belly" is just sticking out like a sore thumb these days and it's embarrassing. Esp when I walk in the room and that's what everyone looks at first instead of my face. I envy the moms that don't have this problem and can wear a regular bathing suit to the pool and wear cool designer jeans that don't have the Tummy Tuck Technology in them. SIGH

Tomorrow is another day. It will be an awesome day too!