My New BFF & What I Have Learned

This was a very very very busy weekend.  I didn't work out Saturday or Sunday, I had french fries for breakfast on Saturday, and I ate dessert 3 nights in a row.

Oopsies.

But, it was a GREAT weekend!

I went to the Extraordinary Women's Conference at the BJCC with several other ladies from church.  Friday night, we enjoyed a couple of speakers, a Tony and Grammy award winning singer/broadway actress Heather Headley, precious 19 year old Moriah Peters and her sweet music and a fabulous concert from Mercy Me.

On Saturday, we heard from several more fabulous speakers, including my current favorite person that I don't actually know, Candace Cameron Bure (aka, my BFF)!  Her testimony was so moving, as were the others that we heard through out the day.

After Candace spoke, my sweet friend, Blondie, stood in line with me to get out books signed.

I had brought my copy of Reshaping It All and bought another one because I knew somebody else would need it.  Iw as a little sad that she didn't have time for posed pictures and that I didn't get to share with her what a difference her book has made in my life - and not just in my weight!  But, I was excited to hear her and see her and I did get to thank her for sharing herself through her writing.

This is an unfortunate picture - I really have lost weight!  I just shouldn't have my picture taken from the side in a shirt that hangs straight down!

That extra book that I bought came in handy when we got to church for our Honduras fundraiser Saturday night.  As I was getting out of my car, I decided to put it in the silent auction and see how it did. It sold for $75!  I was very excited.  Plus, I know the person who got the book and I know she will love the book too.  God just makes things work out even when we don't know He is doing it!

At the auction!

The fundraiser was so much fun and we raised around $7,000 for our mission trip!  We need a lot more...anyone???

What I took away from this weekend:

• Every single person has their struggles and none of us are ever alone.
• While there is no single person in this world who can be God for us, God puts people in our lives to minister his love to us.  Friends matter a lot.
• There is no struggle you've been through that is new.  Somebody else can relate.  Seek out their wisdom.
• Who I am is not defined by the number on the scale, somebody else's opinion, or my the sum total of my flaws.  I am defined by Jesus who died on the cross for me because I am worthy and beautiful and adored.
• I want to be the best I can be - physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, not to please myself or anyone else, but because I need to live a life that is worthy of the grace and mercy that is so freely given to me.
• 
  

There's no such thing as a calorie credit card.

"I'll have to work this off later" is something I have said several times.  More often than not, I forget about the ice cream or the pizza and let the day go as an "off day."

NO MORE OF THAT!
That's how a credit card works.  You don't have the cash, so you put it on the card and end up paying more after the interest builds up.
I don't use credit cards.  I won't use my food that way either.

DO NOT SPEND WHAT YOU DO NOT HAVE!!!


I've got an event to go to this weekend that I'm really excited about.  Tonight I'm meeting a friend of mine before the conference for dinner at a nice place I've never been to and probably won't go too often.  I don't want to have to order a salad. I'd like to try whatever looks good on the menu (within reason).  I know that I've got to be back downtown early tomorrow morning and won't be home until late tomorrow night.  Sunday will also be busy.  It isn't likely that I will get a workout in over the next two days.
I did my typical workout today, but I decided I needed to add a little extra so that I can eat tonight!  I will be served a box lunch tomorrow, probably a sandwich, and another yummy dinner tomorrow night.  This will not be a great weight loss weekend, but I don't want to have a weight gaining weekend either.
I've pinned a few ">zumba videos to my Strong board on Pinterest.  I do a few of these on days when I need a little extra burn.  It's so much fun that it doesn't feel like a chore.  I do work up a sweat, but I smile too!  BONUS: It's great for my mood : )
Here's my favorite:

Day 30

The day has finally come.  This day has been long awaited and anticipated.  And I've made it!

Today is DAY 30 of the Shred!!!  I've made it through 30 days of Jillian Michaels and her "two best girls" putting me through torture.  And I've got the missing pounds and inches to prove it.

When I first started the Shred, I took measurements of several parts of me.  I wanted to make sure I took notice of every single part that shrunk.  I've also been taking pictures of myself.  I'm not brave enough to post any of them here, but I am happy to see a difference every time I take new ones.

Here is the difference in the measurements from Day 1 (March 20) to Day 30 (April 26)
Chest: -1.5
Waist (belly button): -2.5
Waist at narrowest: -2.5
Hips: -2.5
Right thigh: -0.75
R Calf: -0.5
L thigh: -0.25
L Calf: -0.75
R Arm: -0.5
L Arm: -0
Weight: -5.7

I'm very happy with my results.  Honestly, in the beginning, I thought I might lose 10 lbs or more in these 30 days.  I've seen other people who say they have.  But, I'm very happy with my results.

• Most of the weight and inches have dropped off in the last 10 days. That tells me that my metabolism is kicking in now.  
• I feel like I can do more.  The warm up for day 30 is as hard as most of day 1 and I can do it pretty easily now!!!
• I'm in a routine now.  Every day (other than Sunday) includes a work out where I challenge myself.  I'm hoping that is a habit that I will keep.
• My pictures show the difference.  I can see where things are tightening up and getting back where they should be.
• My measurements show a lot of loss in inches!  I haven't lost as much in my arms and legs, but I've also built a lot of muscles in those areas.

I think I'll start the Shred over again and do the advanced moves this time.  I can't wait to see how much I can do now.

I'm proud of myself!  Hard work does pay off!!!

I Heart Green Smoothies

So, I think I'm over my fear.  I've even started thinking about using other green and perhaps other veggies!  Look out!
I made myself a smoothie for breakfast that I found on Pinterest.  I didn't really love it.  I mostly tasted banana and that was pretty much it.  I will try it again and maybe add more PB and chocolate.

Later in the day, I was ready for a fruity snack, so I made another smoothie.  I had some kiwis that I needed to use and a cantaloup that I had just cut up.

1.5 kiwis cut into pieces
1/8 of a cantaloup cut into pieces
1 cup spinach leaves
water
6-8 ice cubes

It was a pretty color and pretty tasty!  I do think I'd go with less kiwi and more melon next time.  The kiwi was just a little too tangy and the texture with all those tiny seeds was a bit odd.  The flavor was still good and it satisfied my craving for a fruity snack!

Elvis Smoothie - click here

Lettuce Wrap Recipe x 3

Today has been a BUSY day!  It started at 6am with the youth group yard sale at church.  I was a huge success and a lot of fun.  We just had to help out the youth group and purchase something, so I bought a baker's rack for the kitchen.  It was a lovely shade of green, so I spend the afternoon and early evening painting it Aqua Mist...more on that in another post.
After the yard sale, we went to a birthday party for a brother and sister who are turning 3 and 5.  It was so much fun!  I had a slice of pizza and fruit, but then I had to eat cake.  It would have been rude not to...right?
Then we had to deliver some furniture that was bought at the yard sale.  We stopped at Wal-Mart for some paint so I could get started on that baker's rack.  As soon as we got home, I changed into my workout gear so I could Shred as soon as I was done painting.  Well, an hour of painting turned into four!!!  So, I was starving at 6:30.  I didn't want to cook a big meal after the long day, but I knew I probably wont' be working out today, so I had to do something healthy.

Healthy + Easy usually seems impossible, but I had a stroke of genius! (Honestly, I had a bunch of produce that needed to be eaten very soon).  I had found a pin on Pinterest from Sheer Luxe for Clean and Lean Lettuce Wraps.  I had made them last week for lunch and really like it.  I do love tortillas, but one flour tortilla is 210 calories.  By swapping the tortilla for a big piece of lettuce, you save over 200 calories!

I decided to get creative...here's what I came up with.

Left to right: Greek Lettuce Wrap, Wickle Wrap, Avocado Bacon Ranch Wrap

Greek Lettuce Wrap:

• 1 large lettuce leaf
• 1 Tbsp Edemame hummus
• 2 slices Deli sliced roast turkey
• 1 tsp Greek Seasoning from Pampered Chef
• 2 slices each of green, yellow, and orange bell pepper
• 1 tsp feta cheese

Wickle Wrap:

• 1 large lettuce leaf
• 1 tsp dijon mustard
• 2 slices deli sliced roast turkey
• 3 Wickles

Avocado Bacon Ranch Wrap:

• 1 Large lettuce leaf
• 2 slices deli sliced turkey
• 1/4 avocado sliced length wise
• 1/2 Tbsp light ranch dressing
• sprinkle shredded cheese
• sprinkle bacon bits

What to do:

It isn't rocket science and it doesn't really matter how closely you even follow direction.  I lay my lettuce leaf out lengthwise and then add my ingredients width wise.  That way, you get a little of everything in each bit.  Just roll that baby up bottom to top and enjoy!  I have found it easier to eat them if you cut them in half and start from the middle. 

Seriously, I'm full!  

AND it tasted so good, I felt like I was being bad.

AND it was ALL only 278 calories.  AN ENTIRE QUICK AND TASTY, LOW CARB, NUTRIENT RICH, ORGANIC MEAL UNDER 300 CALORIES, PEOPLE!!!

Pardon me for yelling.  I'm just excited.  This will rotate through my menu OFTEN!

What ideas do YOU have for lettuce wraps?  I'd like to try yours!

Goal 2!!!

I have now lost double digits!  I reached one of my goals - down 10 pounds now.  I was so excited when my little mii told me that I'd lost enough to be in a new second digit that I jumped up and down and screamed.  Now, I still have several more of these mini-goals to go before I reach my big goal.  But, every step I take towards that big goal is worth a victory dance!
My friends also helped me celebrate.  They were so happy for me and are encouraging me in many ways. Becky made me a card:

 

Seriously, how sweet is that?  Not only did I get a handmade card, but she made me a beautiful necklace too!

  Isn't that pretty?  And it has 10 beads - one for each lb I've lost!

Later in the day I got a text from my hubby saying Congratulations and telling me to go get my reward for this goal.  I FINALLY got to go Vera shopping!!!  I have been loving some of the new spring patterns, so I was pretty sure what I wanted.  But, I had to look at every item they had at Wrapsody before I could choose!

I got the Metropolitan!  It is perfect for traveling with a laptop, etc.  I love it!  I also got a new ID holder for my keys and a nail file to match!  

Aside from all of that, the biggest reward has been my new confidence, the surprise I feel when I get dressed in clothes I haven't worn in a while, and the compliments I'm receiving from people who are really noticing a difference.  

My next goal of 15 pounds will be a massage  new workout gear!!!  I changed my mind.  The massage would feel great, but I'm ready for some new motivation.  New clothes to workout in and stuff to work out with will give me just that!

Positive Thinking Thursday - Obnoxious Edition

I'M SUPER EXCITED!!!
I hit my next goal of a total weight loss of 10 pounds was reached today!  I'm am so stinkin' excited that I can't contain myself!  Now, I still have a lot more to lose, but 10 pounds seems like such an accomplishment.

I feel like I can reach my final goal now.  It has taken me 3 months to get here, but in that 3 months I have achieved so much.  

• Exercise has become a daily habit.  
• My refrigerator is overflowing while the pantry is minimally stocked because I do better shopping and eat more fresh foods.
• I can FEEL my muscles working when I am using them in every day activities.
• I catch myself squeezing my arms muscles from time to time :)
• I know I can run around and play whenever I want.
• I know I'll reach my goal.
• I know I CAN DO THIS!  Finally!
• I want to influence others who have felt like I always have - that they are just naturally over weight and out-of-shape.
• I am confident!

All of this to say - if there is anything you want to do, but you don't think you can, try it anyway.  Keep at it until you reach that first small goal that means something to you.  I guarantee you'll keep it up after that.  

My next goals: 15 pounds total loss and running!  I can do it :)

My Fear of the Green Smoothie

I have a few good friends who swear by the green smoothie. Ew...drinking a green kinda lumpy liquid, NO WAY!
Well, that was then!  I've been searching for green smoothie recipes lately that don't make me wretch.  I finally found one from Iowa Girl Eats on pinterest that didn't sound too scary.  This one called for greek yogurt, milk, spinach, frozen bananas, and peanut butter.

First Attempt (4/12):  I hadn't frozen any bananas yet, but I had frozen blueberries.  I didn't have greek yogurt, but I had fat free vanilla yogurt.  I gave it a whirl in my new Ninja Pulse (love it!) and voila!  I have a green brown smoothie!  I think the blueberries and PB affected the color.  All I can taste is peanut butter and maybe a little yogurt.  The texture isn't as bad as I feared and it doesn't taste like greens.

        

OK!
I'm convinced - I can do green smoothies.  Let's see what I come up with tomorrow!
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Today's NOT Green Smoothie(4/13):
I slept in and worked out on an empty stomach.  I had salad from last night for lunch, but I was still hungry.  I didn't really want a green smoothie, but I had a hankerin' for something sweet.  I decided a protein smoothie would do the trick!  I bought Jillian Michael's Whey Protein Powder in Vanilla at Target and hadn't tried it yet.  So, that's what I did today.
Ingredients:
6-8 ice cubes
about 1 cup of coffee (leftover so it was cold)
a spoonful of hot coco mix
a scoop of the protein powder

(I drank most of it before I remember to get a picture!)

I blended it for just a few seconds on my new Ninja Pulse (which I heart) and drank it up!  It was very good, but not quite a smoothie.  Maybe more ice next time?  I had also just gotten the cup out of the dishwasher, so it was hot.  It may have melted the ice too much.  I feel full now.  And my sweet tooth is satisfied.  A friend of mine made something very similar to this for me last week.  Thanks, Carrie!

I'm sure I'll be trying more green smoothies very soon.  I've got frozen bananas and strawberries now.  I'll give it another shot tomorrow!  I'll update as I go.
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Today's VERY Green Smoothie (4/16):
It isn't quite dinner time yet, but if I waited until dinner to eat, I would eat way too much.  I needed just a little something to get me to dinner time.  A smoothie must be the answer!  I didn't need a protein packed snack, but I needed a little substance.
I looked in the fruit bin and the freezer and came up with mango, banana, and strawberries.  I grabbed the spinach too.  It was VERY green!

Here's what I used:

1/2 fresh mango cut up

1/2 frozen banana

a handful of frozen strawberries

a handful of spinach

1/4 cup water

I blended it up in my super duper Ninja Pulse.  When I took the blade out, it looked a little thick.  I added some more water and blended it a few more seconds.

It really reminds me of a strawberry banana smoothie from one of the places in the mall that would cost $5 and have 500 calories in it.  Yummy!

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My Sludge-Looking Smoothie (4/17):

I worked out on an empty stomach this morning (I do not recommend it).  I needed something I could make quickly and take with me for breakfast, so a smoothie was the answer!

I wanted to make one with several types of frozen fruit and see what I got.  

Here's what I used:

3 frozen strawberries

a little over half of a frozen banana

almost a cup of frozen blueberries

a generous handful of spinach

water

1 scoop vanilla whey protein

   

(See, it was so on-the-go that I had to take the picture in the car!  And do you love my new bracelet?)

It was very good!  I didn't originally put the protein powder in, but I decided that I would need it to have more staying power than just fruit would have.  It didn't fill me up like most of my smoothies have, but I was unusually hungry today too. I'll do this one more often, with and without the powder.  I think it will actually taste much better without the powder!

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Another NOT Green Smoothie (4/18):
Today I wanted something really fruity and tangy and pretty for breakfast so I made what I named the Tangy Pink Smoothie.  I grabbed some fruit and yogurt and here is what I came up with.

1/2 frozen banana
handful frozen raspberries
about 5 frozen peach slices
1/2 cup fat free vanilla yogurt
water (enough to make it blend well)

Threw it all in the Ninja Pulse and let 'er rip!  It didn't blend really well at first, so I kept adding water. Too much frozen stuff!  It turned out very pretty and fruity and tangy!  The only thing I didn't like was the little raspberry seeds, but I can get over it.

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I've lost 10 pounds as of today!!!

But, anyway, I made a Strawberry Banana Vanilla Smoothie (4/19):

I weighed myself first thing and I was thrilled to see that I've hit my next goal: a total weight loss of 10 pounds!  The weight seems to really be coming off now.  Nothing is a better motivator than success, in my book.  I was inspired to make a healthy smoothie for breakfast today.

I slept in a little and I was pretty hungry, but I knew I'd be eating an early lunch and I'm eating out.  I don't want to spend too many calories on breakfast, but I don't want to go to a restaurant starving either.

I've been wanting to make a pure strawberry banana smoothie, so I chose today.

Here's what's in it:

1/2 frozen banana

enough strawberries to fill the cup 1/2 way

handful of spinach

1/2 scoop protein powder

enough water to make it smooth

I mixed it all up and it's a lovely shade of greenish-brown.

  Nice.  It tastes ok, but I wish I had added Stevia rather than the protein powder.  Maybe I'll take another stab at it!

More SMOOTHIES here!

Laundry Detergent

I've made this switch from a "natural = tree hugger weirdo" mindset to a "natural is better for me and my family" mindset.  One of the first things I tried was laundry detergent.  I've always been a huge fan of Gain.  I love the smell, it makes my clothes look clean, and it was easy to buy.  It was also very expensive and I had no idea what was in that pretty green liquid.
I found (on Pinterest, of course) a pretty simple recipe on the blog, Sew Like My Mom.  I had seen other recipes that involved a 5 gallon bucket and a drill - too much for me!  This one made a powder and I could make a small amount to try it out before committing to gallons and gallons of this stuff.

I love it!  My clothes are clean - maybe even cleaner than before.  I'm saving a ton of money.  I may have spent $2.00 to make the small amount that has lasted me a couple of months already.  I can even forget about clothes in the washer and they still smell great.  I'm still using the Gain dryer sheets until I run out, but then I plan to try a natural fabric softener - maybe something as simple of cider vinegar on a wash cloth.  I'll let you know how that goes too!

Top 5

I've posted a lot about my journey into weight loss and fitness.  I've had some temptations that were difficult to say no to.  I've had several days when I've wanted to give up.  And I've had times when I ate the wrong thing or didn't make time for my work outs.
But I keep coming back.
I keep working.
I move on.
I keep surprising myself with my determination and self-control; neither of which I've ever had much of when it comes to this.
I can't put my finger on one single thing that has helped me.  I've just made up my mind and put several things in place to give me inspiration when I need it most.

So, here are my top 5 ways to stick with it!
1. Tell everyone you know that you are trying to get healthy.  Ask them to hold you accountable and encourage you.
2. Create your own online tool.  I have found a deep love for Pinterest.  I have a board dedicated to getting stronger.  I pin exercises, workout gear, and inspirational quote.  I even started following Jillian Michaels so I could find her videos easily.  Any time I need a pick-me-up, I refer to my STRONG board.

3. Once I spread the word that I would be getting my booty in gear, I had several friends share the same thing with me.  We all want somebody on this journey with us.  I started a private page on FB to share our tips, tricks, struggles, and victories with each other. I started posting my daily workout updates.  Now I know I have to answer to them if I skip my work out!
4.  I have 5 pound goals.  For every 5 lbs I lose, I reward myself.  For example, after my first 5 pounds, I let myself get a professional manicure.  That means I couldn't get a manicure until I had lost the weight.  My next goal is Vera Bradley.  I have a bit of an addiction and I haven't let myself buy anything since I started.  I can't wait to get my Metropolitan!
5. I blog!  I want to become an inspiration to other people.  I want to honor the inspiration I've received from others by passing it on.  I can't wait to reach my goals and be a success story!

What works for you?  What has been the thing that clicked that helped you stick to something?