Clean Eating Goals

So, I'm going to become one of those people.

A clean eater.

When I first heard about clean eating, I thought of it as the latest hippie fad.

Honestly, the more research I do, the more I get on board.

Our country is plagued with crap disguised as food and nutrition.  While these things may be food, they contain little to no nutrition.
What they do contain is chemicals, fake colors and flavors, and a whole lot of mystery about what these things really do to our bodies.
I'm guilty of eating packaged foods that claim being health foods for years.  I was proud of myself for bringing "diet" foods for lunch and heating them up in the microwave!  What was in them?  I'm not really sure.

When I first joined Pinterest, I created a board called Mmmmm where I pinned all of the recipes that interested me.  I tried a few of them for dinner and they were tasty!  But, I had no idea what I was actually putting in my body or feeding my family.

Lots of pasta and bread on this board!

Once I got myself in the right frame of mind, I created a new food board called Healthy Yum.  This is where I started pinning low-carb recipes, then low fat recipes, then recipes that included mostly lean protein and veggies.  Sometimes I pinned recipes here just because it said they were healthy - even though I didn't really know what was in it.  It's time for me to weed through this board and get rid of the "crap" recipes.

Some healthy recipes, some not so healthy!

Now that I've done my homework, I understand more about clean eating.  I am in NO way an expert, but I know where my focus needs to be now.  I've created a board called Clean Recipes where I've started pinning not only recipes, but resources on clean cooking.

Anything looking yummy yet?

Here are some resources if you are interested in clean eating yourself (and you should be):
The Gracious Pantry - Most of my pins are her recipes.
Hungry For Change - I watched this documentary on Netflix.  This is where I was convinced!

New Year, New Challenge

Sugar Detox - who doesn't need that after the Holidays?
I ate cookies, cakes, pies, and candies like my life depended on it.  I know I can eat a healthy diet and be satisfied, but now my body is craving sugar on a daily basis.  Every night I feel like I can't survive without ice cream, M&Ms, or bread.
I know this is a result of my eating habits lately.  Time to do something!  My sister-in-law asked me if I wanted to be her buddy on her sugar detox.
First answer - no thank you!
But, I knew it was just what I need to get myself re-started.

Here's how it works:

Most fruits are ok - nothing like bananas, mangoes, or pineapples though - too high in sugar.  Most veggies are ok - no beets - not a problem for me!

After 2 weeks, I will add back sweet potatoes, whole grains, and low carb tortillas.  And I'll have a banana too!  Hopefully, the cravings will be gone and I can enjoy a treat every once in a while without binging for days!

I tried this in September, but didn't take it as seriously as I am this time.

Pizzadilla

Yummy!  Who doesn't love pizza and quesadillas?
Who would love to eat them and not have to run 500 miles to burn all of the calories?
Who would like to eat both of these low-calorie dishes at the same time?
 ME!!!
This one is so fast and easy - and the Hubby LO-HU-VED it!  Kids will love this too!

Ingredients:
2 low carb tortillas
2/3 cup shredded skim mozzarella
12 pieces of turkey pepperoni
sliced veggies such as mushrooms, red onion, and bell pepper
1Tbsp butter
Jar of pizza sauce for dipping

Directions:
Spread 1/6 cup of cheese on half of the tortilla. Pile on half of the turkey pepperoni and veggies and sprinkle another 1/6 cup of cheese on top.  Fold tortilla in half.
Melt 1/2 Tbsp of the butter in a skillet over medium heat.  Place the filled tortilla in the pan and cook until the underside begins to brown and cheese starts to melt - about 3-5 minutes.  Flip it over and cook another few minutes until the other side is brown.
Warm 1/3 cup of the pizza sauce for each pizzadilla.

So quick and easy and tasty!  Seriously takes less than 20 minutes start to finish and each quesadilla with the dipping sauce is less than 275 calories!

Week 1: Drink Up!

I've mentioned before that I have a group of ladies who I share my victories and struggles with in my quest to be fit.  We have decided to start weekly challenges.  We will check in daily to share how it's going.
Week 1 Challenge: WATER!
Every day we will drink half our weight in ounces of water.  For example, if you weigh 100 pounds (like me - HA!) then you would drink 50 ounces of water per day.

I've found some pins on Pinterest that may help us with this challenge.

Mark mini-goals on water bottles to get it all in.

Make it pretty and flavorful - plain water can get boring.

Don't want to write on your water bottles?  Keep track this way instead!

How do you make sure you get your water in?  Share your ideas with us!

My 65

My friend L posted her list of 65 reasons she wanted to get fit on her blog The Fit Girl I Wanna Be back in April.  I've also been seeing a lot of memes (is that the correct use of the word?) on Pinterest from a tumblr called Reason to Be Fit.
These have inspired to me re-evaluate my latest reasons to work as hard as I have been.  I started out with a goal of "being fit" six months ago.  My goal was and still is a good one, but it was very vague at the time.  I knew I wanted to be able to move around easily without snapping, cracking, and popping.  I knew I wanted to weigh much less.  I knew I wanted to be confident enough in my body to try new things.  And I knew I wanted to be healthy.
As I've worked hard for these things, I've found new and more specific goals.  So, after finishing Couch-to-5k, losing 16.7 pounds, and learning to cook and enjoy healthier meals and snacks, I've decided to re-evaluate my goals and share them with you.

My 65:
1. To avoid ever having diabetes
2. To never be "obese" again
3. To feel my body, not just fat, when I put my hands on my hips
4. 
5. To run faster and further every time
6. To realize I can do that yoga pose I couldn't do last week
7. To buy clothes off the rack
8. To wear a size that is a single digit
9. To know I have self-control
10.
11. To prove that it can be done
12. To feel muscles in my arms when I cross them
13. To look down when I'm wearing shorts and see new muscle tone
14. To run a half marathon
15. To never think about sucking in again
16.
17. To be asked "What do you do to look like that?"
18. To avoid heart disease
19. To have more energy for my family
20. To teach others how it can be done
21. To wear gym shorts when I run without them riding up
22. To lose the extra chins
23.
24. Because I didn't know what I could do until I tried
25. Because I am sure I'll be able to do it each time I try
26. Because my Daddy can't anymore
27. Because my Mama can't anymore
28. Because I want the rest of my family to do it
29.
30. To finally do a pull-up
31. To want to spend my money on new equipment
32. To know what endorphins feel like
33. To leave a legacy of health
34. To be known as strong - physically and menally
35. To participate in any activity that my friends can
36.
37. To do real push-ups
38. To think of sitting on the couch watching TV as a waste of time
39. To be petite
40. 
41. To treat my body as a temple
42. To respect myself
43. To look good for the hubby
44. To like what I see in the mirror
45. To run faster than a 12 minute mile every time
46.
47. To crave that early morning run
48. To have a job that helps others do this
49. To have a healthy body to carry a baby
50.
51. Because it has become a habit
52. Because every goal is a huge wall I've knocked down
53. Because other people call me an inspiration
54. Because I can't let myself down
55. Because it honors God by respecting his creation
56. Because I was born for this
57. 
58. Because being out of shape sucks
59. Because I can't go back to not doing it
60. Because I miss running/yoga/HIIT when I can't do it
61. Because my head is in this game
62.
63. To be in control of myself
64. To appreciate my capabilities
65. To look back at the last 64 reasons and say I DID THAT!

Can you think of your 65?  Link back to me if you do!

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!

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!

Losing Steam

I'm having a hard time sticking to my plan. I need some serious motivation.  I'm still working out 6 days a week and I'm still eating low-carb, but I really don't want to.  And I've had some serious moments of weakness.  Saturday night I had chicken nuggets, french fries, and a strawberry cream pie at McDonald's. Not so much low carb or lean protein and leafy greens.  I thoroughly enjoyed it.  And I thoroughly un-did a lot of hard work.
My scale is showing my weakness too.  I've re-gained a couple of pounds.  Not cool.  I know the scale isn't the only barometer.  I had lunch with two of my closest friends yesterday.  They had not seen me in a couple of weeks and they both commented that I look like I've lost weight.  I know I'm firmer, the work-outs have done that, but my nutrition plan isn't working for me, I don't think.  I need to do some serious tweaking, but I know it's going to be hard.  That makes me want to give up.  I keep thinking I'll just keep working out, but eat whatever I want.  At least I'll be strong if I'm big.  Not healthy thinking.
So, I'm in need of some serious motivation and a better program.  I don't want a"diet".  I want a way of eating that I can realistically stick to for life.  I want a healthy way of eating forever that I know I can stick to without having to obsess over it.  That's the only thing that works for me.
Since I need to get my excitement back, I decided to re-visit the book that first inspired me to start this journey.  I blogged about Candace Cameron Bure's book, Reshaping it All, before.  Here are some more of my thoughts after reading.

As I was flipping through the pages in the book, I found something I had underlined in the first few chapters:

"It can seem so alluring at times as we embark on new projects, but once we're involved in the process, we discover that reaching the finish line might take some tears and some sweat."

My initial excitement has lasted longer that it usually does.  I've just run out of enthusiasm and I've got to think about the reasons I am doing this.  

I want to be healthy.  I want to avoid things like diabetes, joint problems, and high blood pressure that run in my family.

I want to have energy.  I want to feel good while I'm working in Honduras.  I want the energy to play with the kids in my life - including running!

I want to be strong.  I don't want to doubt whether I can do something before I even try it.  I know I'm not going to become superman, but I'd like the confidence it takes to attempt just about anything.

I want to be comfortable in my own skin.  My weight and weakness has held me back long enough.  I want to live my life without even thinking about how I look.

Those are the things that need to drive me.  As Candace says in that same chapter:

"There is a place of freedom, when the trying just becomes living."  YES!

It has become even more clear to me that self-discipline is the true struggle for me.  I've proven that I have it and I can be very disciplined when I put my mind to it.  I've also proven that it is so easy to abandon all self-control.

"Struggling for the things we get teaches us the all-important lesson of self-discipline."

What have I struggled for?  Have I seen any results?  The answer is yes!  They just aren't the results that I thought were most important.  I've had to give away some jeans because they are now too big to stay on.  I've had to buy new under garments (woo!).  People have said they can see a difference.  Most of all, I FEEL stronger.  I like that feeling.  I even dug a ditch!!!  So, I've struggled for those things and I've achieved them.  That teaches me that self-discipline does produce results.  If I keep it up, I'm sure there will be more results to enjoy.

Candace sites a verse from scripture that I have been reminded of several times in my life.  It is from Matthew 6:34.

Therefor do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.  Each day is enough trouble of its own.

Candace adds:

"If you can make it through one day, you have the same ability to make it through each day that follows."

I've done this for at least 60 days so far.  I can do it one more...today.  And then I can do it the next.  Today is the only battle I have to fight right now.  I do need to plan ahead as far as my schedule and food planning is concerned so that i can rely on a plan rather than impulse, but I don't have to actually fight those battles until they get here.

I think her lessons on eating, such as stopping half way through a meal to evaluate how much more I really need to eat, are the lessons I need to refresh myself on now.  I've been eating low-carb, but I don't  think I've been paying attention to much other than that.  What kind of nutrition is my body actually getting?

There is so much more from this book that I'd like to share, but for now, this is enough!

Thanks for struggling along with me!  Now, I've got to Shred!

The Pancake Quest

I heart pancakes - all of them: buttermilk, whole grain, blueberry, banana, German, you name it!  Pancakes love me so much that they stick to me when I eat them.  So, I've had to say goodbye to them.  I may have cried a little.
Since our tearful parting, I've been on a quest for a low-carb pancake recipe that doesn't require strange ingredients and might just actually taste pancakey.  Well, I've pinned a few on Pinterest that sounded like they could be contenders.  I've even tried a few.
This one from Delighted Momma was ok.  Mine were not as pretty as hers and neither of us could get over the mealy texture the almond flour gave it.  Several of her readers commented that they loved them.  Maybe it takes time to get used to it?  Maybe I did something wrong?

Her's were so pretty!







Low Carb Pinay shared a recipe from Sugar Free Sheila (who I am learning more from) for a pancake made with cream cheese.  Well, who doesn't love some cream cheese?  I tried it and I'm convinced!  These pancakes remind me of German pancakes...very eggy. Just my style!  I just have to find some egg rings to cook them in.  I haven't tried them on the hubs yet, but I will soon!
I really can't say enough about this recipe - try it yourself!  I wouldn't use syrup on these, but I put a pat of butter and some cinnamon on top - PERFECTION!

Hers:

 I don't have egg rings, but I did have a heart one!

 The finished heart!

Grapefruit...my bathing suit

No, this isn't actually a blog about Jimmy Buffett, but I can't say grapefruit without singing that song!  Anyway, the hubby is a big fan of Saturday morning breakfast and he's had to suffer through my attempts to make them healthier and lower in carbs.  So far, he is not a fan.
So, I decided I'd make him REAL bacon and REAL biscuits with his scrambled eggs today.  Oh, how I love a biscuit, but I didn't want to blow the low-carb streak again this week (had more carbs yesterday, but not too bad).
Instead of having biscuits, I had grapefruit.  I know that sounds like a really unfair trade, but you've got to try this recipe that I found on Pinterest!  While you're checking out the recipe, browse the rest of her blog - it's pretty great!

Yes, there is sugar involved, but it is a fairly trivial amount and far less than the 29 grams in one biscuit.  It probably won't even use that much next time.  It doesn't really need it, in my opinion.  I added a bit of cinnamon to mine too.  What a great flavor!  I will do this often, I'm sure...very simple and satisfying!

 

Reshaping It All

Remember DJ Tanner from Full House?  If you are anywhere near my age, your answer is yes.  She was the adorable and slightly chubby big sister on that great TGIF show!

Well, DJ is all grown up and has a real name - Candace Cameron Bure.  Her brother, Kirk, has become quite the evangelist and she shares the same beliefs and convictions.  She's now a wife, mother, author, and public speaker.  She is also quite fit and GORGEOUS!

Around Christmas, I went to Lifeway Christian Store to buy a few gifts.  I had checked out the sale flyer and saw a book about weight loss that looked interesting to me - and only $5!  Well, I couldn't find that book, but there was Candace Cameron looking beautiful on the cover of another book in the same section.  It looked interesting and I loved Full House, so I bought it - without much expectation.

As we all know, the holidays are busy, so I didn't read much of the book right away.  And let's be honest, I wasn't excited to get into it.  My expectations of Christian authors are usually that their book is going to be really sappy and unrealistic.

She wrote this to me.  Seriously, she's been watching me and she knew exactly what I needed to read to finally "get it."  I couldn't wait to get to each chapter to see what she had to say to me next.  What revelation would I experience with each chapter?  She uses scripture to show how health and fitness are Godly - we aren't made to be gluttonous sloths.  Of course, we know that, but do we act like we know that?

She begins the book telling her own story of her struggle with healthy eating and activity.  Being a teenager is hard enough, but being a teen in front of the camera is even more difficult.  She really struggled with her appearance.  She points out that when it is your appearance, or how others see you, that matters most, you will not be successful.  She went through a lot before she came to that fact.  I enjoyed getting to know her a little in that first part, but what was coming later was what spoke to me.

In the next chapter she talked about things that hold us back and keep up stuck in our unhealthy lifestyles.  She asked a question that really got me thinking - what is your conviction?  Why am I committed to becoming healthier?  What's going to keep me on track?  I was thinking and thinking about how to answer that when I meditated on this verse: Galatians 5:16

"So I say, live by the spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature."

Ooh...I've been so focused on gratifying the desires of my sinful nature.  Food has been my gratification, as well as laziness.  Ouch - ya got me.  So, while I'm mulling that over, I read: stop abusing yourself with food.  Oh my - that's what I've been doing.  I've looked at it as treating myself or indulging myself, but I've really been destroying myself.

So, that is where I started - there is so much more that became ingrained in my thoughts after coming to this realization.  Too much to write here...maybe there will be a few more parts to this blog!  

She's coming to Birmingham as part of the Extraordinary Women's Conference in April.  I can't wait to hear her speak and I'm REALLY hoping to meet her and have her sign my book...and to thank her for writing it just for me!  I think we should be friends now - maybe workout buddies?

I leave you with these two quotes from her book:

"There is a place of freedom, when the trying just becomes living."

"This outer shell is simply an envelope for my spirit."

Part 2 - newest blog about this book.

Inspiration

Anybody else ever make excuses for why you can't exercise?

"My hip/knee/back hurts."

"I'm not athletic."

"I'm too weak."

There are so many reasons NOT to do it, but none of those reason are better than the reasons to GET FIT!

I found this video on Pinterest today.  If this man can get up out of his chair and dance like this, why can't I do more?  This is great inspiration!

Now, GET UP AND MOVE!

Goal!!!!!

 I hit my first goal today!!!  That goofy little voice on the wii fit has been taunting me all month and I FINALLY did it!  I lost my first 5 pounds.  Now I can get a mani/pedi!

I set 5 pound goals for myself.  Every time I lose 5 pounds, I get a reward.  And I can't have anything like that until then.
Next up, 10 total pounds lost and some new Vera Bradley!!!  If you know me, you know I'm a Vera junkie.  I haven't bought any in a while and I'm ready!
What do I need?  Maybe a sarong?

STRONG

I have an entire board on Pinterest called Strong.  It is dedicated not to getting skinny or looking hot but to becoming the best physical me I can be.  And with that, I want to become mentally healthy about my body and health.
I was a skinny little kid until I hit puberty and suddenly curves appeared everywhere.  I had a few somewhat thin moments between middle school and my early twenties, but I've spent the last 10 years wishing I was thinner.  I have tried all kinds of fads for a few weeks at a time and now I'm done!  Did you hear me?  DONE!!!
I've decided that skinny cannot be my goal. Looking hot won't change my life (because my hubby already thinks I am).  But, being healthy can change my life. And so can feeling comfortable.  And if I can get strong and accomplish things I couldn't even do at my thinnest might just encourage somebody else to get healthy too.
Between healthier chooses in my food and exercising 6 days a week, I'm starting to see a difference.  I took picture of myself (that I'm nowhere near ready to share) on February 6 and again today.  In 18 days I can already see a slight difference.  But, the biggest difference I see so far is the look on my face.  I looked so SAD in the first set and hopeful in the second.  I can't wait to see how I'm doing 18 days from now!
Here are some of the inspirational pins I've found so far: