Thursday, February 28, 2013

Advocare and clean eating!

So, I decided to jump on the Advocare bandwagon, well kinda! Here is what I ordered:

Meal Replacement Shake
I got the Vanilla shake mix, so that I can add fruit in if I want to and just because most chocolate stuff like this tastes gross to me!

I also got:
Herbal Cleanse
I think my body could use this!

So, I am creating my own "challenge" so to speak and we will see how it goes. My plan is to do the cleanse first and then use the meal replacement shakes for the other 14 days, thus adding up to 24 days! I don't really want to spend the money on the 24 day challenge right now and I have some more research to do on the supplements and stuff that come with it, because I am a weirdo about that kinda thing. I will also make every effort to eat clean during this time.

The big question: When will I start? I am not sure yet. I have Spring Break coming up and as much as I want to do it during that time, I do not want to set myself up for failure. I know we are going to the rodeo and have some other things planned. SO, I am trying to come up with the best time that I can start so I can be successful.

ALSO- I have not weighed, measured, counted calories, or used my HRM in 16 days! I have 31 days to go until Easter when Lent is up and I can do those things. So, I may wait until then so I can have accurate measurements to share with you ladies and see if it REALLY works for me.

I am excited to try it. I think it can't hurt. I am one of those people that needs a "reason" to do it. If I spend the money, I am more likely to do something.

How many of you ladies are doing it? Have done it? Advice? What are your plans?

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

For all the single ladies..... random thoughts!




So, I'm a single girl and today I found this article..... Wow! Couldn't have said it better myself!


http://www.huffingtonpost.com/amy-chan/love-advice_b_2109855.html

I am perfectly happy single and sometimes it scares me how happy I am! Is that abnormal?

Things I love about being single:

I don't have to:
  • Cook, if I don't want to
  • Clean up after anybody
  • Do anyone's laundry
  • Worry about spreading my time out between family, friends, boyfriend/husband, etc.
  • Spend my money on anything I don't want to
  • Worry about spending time on things like working out because my time is really MY time
  • When I want to eat healthy I can and no one will eat a cookie in front of me. LOL!

Things that kinda suck about being single
  • I have no +1 to the showers, weddings, or other events I go to
  • I worry that my eggs are dying slowly. I do kinda want to have kids one day and worry about being OLD and alone!

I think I am becoming set in my ways and worry that might stop me from finding love
  • Just having someone to go eat with, movies, shop with, cuddle with, be stuck at home with on a nasty day... the companionship of it all

  • Overall, life is great! I have great people in my life and feel very BLESSED! I am one of those that believe there IS a plan! What do you single ladies think?? And married ladies, what's the best part about being married?? 

    No post is complete without a pic... here are some of my favorite quotes!



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    Tuesday, February 26, 2013

    I sure hope I don't laugh today.....

    So, yesterday I decided to try out a new Ab workout... well, it's not really new. I have had it on my pinterest board for a while. Anyways, I hope I DO NOT laugh today because my stomach is hurting this morning.... means it works! I am going to try and do it every other day. My Abs could always use MAJOR work!


    So, I am a treadmill runner and lots of people talk about how boring it is and that they can't do it. I am not going to lie- I get bored sometimes too. Unfortunately, I live in a very rural area and dogs are EVERYWHERE. There isn't a track around or a trail. I refuse to run down the street with Fido chasing me, so I just keep it safe on the treadmill. Here is the music that SAVES me. It is all upbeat and when I think I can't go anymore I pick one of this fabulous songs and it motivates me to keep running! GREAT stuff!

    This came in the mail yesterday. I found the deal on Groupon, but ended up ordering from Wal-mart, because Groupon wouldn't ship to me for some reason. Anyways, I am excited to try it. TaeBo was one of the first workouts I ever got into and helped me lose weight. I will do a review on it and let you ladies know how it goes!
     
    HAPPY TUESDAY LADIES!
     
    P.S. Still haven't heard from my winner of the giveaway! smburke- hit me up girl so I can get your book in the mail :)

    Monday, February 25, 2013

    Manic Monday! + a winner!!!!

    It's just another Manic Monday around here... I have a lot going on in my blog today and I apologize for it being a looooong post!

    Weekend recap: Friday was my off day from working out and I went to dinner with a friend and stocked up on some groceries. I got some good, healthy stuff and it's becoming easier for me to pick out those items. I actually enjoy grocery shopping now :) Here is one of my good finds:
    10 for $10 Luna bars at Krogers
    I love these bars and I haven't had one yet that I don't like. They are great snacks or dessert sometimes. LOVE!








     Saturday I headed to the Houston Rodeo Cook-off with some friends (after a workout, of course!) It was fun and I overindulged and had too many beverages and ate quite a bit. I later regretted that, which you will read about here in a minute. Anyways, I was fretting over what to wear to the rodeo and I decided to wear the shirt below, thanks to help from my MLFC friends. I always feel self-conscious, but I am working on it and trying to embrace my body and love myself. We ALL should do that MORE. We are beautiful, strong women.

     
     
    That brings us to Sunday. I slept super late because I did not get home until after 1 am, which is late for me. I woke up. I felt a little like crap. Mostly dehydrated, but also mad at myself for the drinks and food. It's so NOT worth it anymore. The occasional splurge, sure we all do it. BUT it is getting to the point where I don't enjoy it as much and don't want to do it as often and that includes drinking. On to the important part of this day! Remember that 4 mile funky run??? NO MORE! I ran Sunday and I went for FIVE MILES!!!!
    Yes, you read that right! FIVE FREAKIN MILES PEOPLE. The same girl who couldn't do 4 the other day did 5 freakin miles.
    Here's how it went down:
    I was feeling kinda blah, all thanks to the night before. After some convincing posts from my friends at MLFC, I got off my butt and went for it. I got on the treadmill and all I could think was "PLEASE let me be able to do 4". I started running and I actually felt good. I was sweating like a pig, but I felt good. I kept going... jamming to my fav music and when it got to mile 4 I wanted to keep going. I know! I couldn't believe it myself! BUT I did. I felt SO AMAZING! Runner's block is over! My goal for Lent was to be able to run 6.2 by Easter and I now have faith I will definitely get there. Here's my 5 mile pic and look at that sweat (thanks moisture wicking bra for keeping the girls kinda dry- haha)! YUCK but it's feels so good! I am sure it smelled a little like my choice beverage the night before. LOL! The point is: DO NOT GIVE UP! IF I CAN DO IT, YOU CAN DO IT! KEEP GOING!



    And the WINNER of my giveaway for Jillian's new book "Slim for Life" is......





    smburke was number 10 in the comment section!!! :) I have emailed you. Get me your mailing address and I will ship the book over to you! Hope you enjoy it! :) More giveaways to come in the future. Also, if you signed up to follow me and you have a blog that I am not already following, let me know! I will gladly follow! I love reading about your journey!

    To end- here is something that made me go WTF?! and laugh all at once... what is the world coming to????? LAWD DAY! (a little something us southern people say!)






    Friday, February 22, 2013

    Funky Four miles.... :(

    I am feeling very discouraged.
    I have been working very hard on my running. I ran my first 3.1 miles a couple weeks ago without stopping one time. I was proud. I wanted to keep going. With Lent coming up, I decided what I was going to give up, but I also wanted to add 10K training. So, I decided I would do speed work, short runs during the week and long runs on the weekend starting with 3.5 miles, then 4, 5 and so on until I got to 6.2. I have never been so determined and I NEVER thought I would run 3 miles, much less more than that. Last week I did 3.5 and felt AAAmmmmazing!!! I was so happy. I had planned to do that 2 weeks in a row, then up it. Well, this week I started thinking and my legs were itching, so I thought- why wait??? If I could do 3.5 surely I could do 4! I decided I would do it last night. Here's how it went:

    I am not going to lie. I was tired. I yawned all the way home, but I wanted desperately to run. I wanted to feel that high again. So, I did a short Ab workout and then hit the treadmill. I started off pretty good. I gauge how far I go by counting songs ... I usually make a guesstimate and say 4 songs per mile, but it's usually less. So I started counting at 16 and ran. Now, note that I don't run fast- I run maybe a 12 minute mile. It's slow but I do it. I was chugging along. My treadmill is actually screwed up right now so I can't see how far I'm going all the time. Something is up with the heart rate thing and they are coming to fix it. Anyways, I didn't know how far in I was, which can be good. I guess I was down to song 5 and I started to feel bad. I had ran 11 songs long and had been struggling for a while. I kept talking to myself. I thought of all my MLFC friends. I did everything I could think of, but before I knew it I was hitting stop. Noooooooo! My chest hurt, my legs hurt, I felt sad. I said "oh hell no" and got back on and went.... I didn't want to give up. I slowed my pace, I tried. I stopped a few more times, not for long but I did. At .17 of a mile left I gave up and walked the rest. I couldn't do it. I know! I was so close! I wanted to cry. It was not a high! It was a horrible feeling. I wasn't even hungry for dinner but I ate... Then felt like puking. Then got a headache. Overall, it was a funky ass feeling! I am disappointed.
    BUT.....
    Am I giving up? NO. FREAKIN WAY!

    Let tell you that I started C25K about a year ago. It was hard. I struggled with every increase in the minutes I spent running. It hurt. I felt sick. I walked a lot. I had ups and downs and emotions were crazy! I had to repeat some weeks. BUT eventually I made it... I finished it! I couldn't run for 1 1/2 minutes before or to the stop sign at the end of the street, but at the end I could run 30 minutes. Was it 3 miles? No! I kept going. I wasn't as dedicated as I feel now. I would get into it, then take a break, then back into it. I can do it now. I can run 3 miles. I have come a long way. I have struggled, just like everyone else. I can't give up. If I do I will always remember that last run as what "running" is. I don't want that. I will try again. I can do it. I have to.

    Don't think you're alone in the struggle, you aren't! We all have struggles. The important thing is that we get up and keep going.


    I will try 4 again. Maybe this weekend if I feel up to it. I'll keep you updated. Hopefully it will be more of a success this time! Fingers crossed!




    Thursday, February 21, 2013

    Jillian Michaels Slim for Life



    So, I posted last week in MLFC that I was reading this book. Well, I read it over the weekend. Yes, the whole thing! I did skim over some parts that I felt  were things I already knew, but I did read MOST of it and I enjoyed it. I have never read any of Jillian's other books, so I cannot compare it to something else. I am going to break it down into chapters for you and give you the highlights:

    Chapter 1: Eating
    In this chapter, Jillian reminds us of all the important things that we need to keep in mind with eating. She talks about cutting chemicals (something I am def trying to do!), eating more foods of color and eating foods that are fresh/local, tracking food, eating things that come from nature and are not processed, eat smaller portions, don't drink your calories. These are all things we know, but it is always good to read them again, just as a reminder. *She also included some EZ Calorie Cut tips that I liked*

    Chapter 2: Moving
    In this chapter, she gives us lots of tips for working out. I really liked this chapter. One thing that I have taken for this and am trying to use is "splitting" the training I do on certain muscle groups. She talks about increasing your speed, changing up workouts, getting out and enjoying exercise and so much more.

    Chapter 3: At Home
    This chapter talks about making your home a place that you can be healthy and slim in! It talks about the foods you should bring into your home. This is important for me and for all of us! I try not to buy the foods I know are not good for my weight loss. I know that is harder for some of you who have husbands and kids, but I think it's really important to get everyone on board. :) She talks about things to look for at the grocery store and what to look for on labels. She even gives some recipes. Then, she goes into workouts you can do at home and also cleaning products you can use for your house to keep it "green".

    Chapter 4: On the Go
    This is a GREAT chapter for us all- aren't we all on the go? all the time? We are busy women!
    She talks about parties, restaurants, work, and even travel and gives some good tips for these situations. Like I said, some of this we already know- but hey, I can always use a reminder.

    Chapter 5: Stay Motivated
    We all need MOTIVATION! That's why we go to MLFC every day! :) This talks about all the things we do: looking at ourselves in the mirror, setting goals, create an agenda, and the list goes on. One of her tips was to BLOG if you wanted to. I liked that. We all motivate each other and that is what this chapter is all about- ways to stay motivated :)

    Chapter 6: Evading Pitfalls
    This talks about all the things the we struggle with: STRESS, binging, not drinking enough water, trying to save money and be healthy at the same time, fitting in workouts with kids, and the dreaded PLATEAU! Good stuff in this chapter!

    Chapter 7: Supercharge your Slim
    This was the chapter I skipped over the most. It talks about not being a party animal, using smaller plates, eating more fish and fiber, and a couple weird things like wearing blue glasses when you eat. It's not that it was a bad chapter, I just didn't feel that I could incorporate some of these things into my day and that is what the book is all about.

    While reading the book, you are calculating points and adding them up for things that you feel you can do. At the end she gives you the results and then gives you advice based on your score. I haven't had time to do this yet, but I will.

    **One of my fav parts- Slim myths! Throughout the book, she talks about some of those weight loss "myths" that are out there and gives her input on it and even some research to show that some of them are complete BS.

    All in all, the book was great. Did it change my life? NO, but I have also been on a weight loss journey for a while, BUT I am always thankful for the reminders and I did learn some new things to use as well. I think it is worth the read.

    SO... I am giving one away..... All you have to do is be a follower of my blog and comment on this post. I will pick one person on Monday and mail you a copy of "Slim for Life" to help get you motivated or keep you on the right track! That's right.... my blog isn't fancy (still waiting on that makeover from Hubby Jack), as of right now I only have 11 followers, but I am doing a giveaway! I want to connect with more people and I want to pave it forward by giving one  of you ladies a great book! So, follow me! COMMENT below...it all ends Monday!

    Thanks ladies!! :)

    Tuesday, February 19, 2013

    Weekend recap.... long weekend :)

    Good morning! I had a long 3 day weekend, thanks to all the Mr. Presidents out there. It was nice, but I have to say totally low key! I think I am getting OLD.... oh lord! Friday I got in my workout and had a friend over...we split a pizza... yes I ate 700 calories worth the pizza, but I had ate pretty healthy that day so I decided what the heck? I can't live without pizza forever, I just don't eat it very much.
    I felt kinda like that! LOL! So, by 10:00 we were both falling asleep (we are both teachers, so by Friday we are usually VERY tired). Off to bed I went. Saturday, I worked out again and changed things up a bit and got in some weight work and core exercises. Then..... I ate a bunch of .....

    Yep, I sure did! And it was delicous. The thing to keep in mind with crawfish is that the actual meat that you eat is not that bad for you. I have looked it up before and it was pretty reasonable in calories. I can't look it up now because I have banned myself from calorie count for Lent, remember? But I know it isn't bad. The SALT is what gets you and makes you feel like a bloated mess. Good thing I am not weighing myself right now either ;)

    Sunday was my big day.... DRUM ROLL... I had my 3.5 mile run scheduled and I did it- it was GREAT! I felt great, I ran the whole time, I loved it! I really am getting into it! Me and running are BFFs. I was proud. I had originally planned to do another 3.5 this weekend on my journey to get to 6.2, BUT I think I am going to go ahead and go for 4.0. Why not? I know I CAN! After running (and a shower, of course) a friend and I went to get pedicures. It was so nice after a run and the lady told me I had a lot of tension in my feet. I told her I run and she said "Oh that's why". You got that right- I AM A RUNNER! Who woulda thunk it? We went out to dinner, but by the time I ate my salad and one crab cake (appetizer) I was full and ready to pack up my entree for the next day, which I did. I am making progress. I hope in the right direction since I can't measure and see- but I feel like I am.

    Last night I watched the Biggest Loser- gotta love it! Instead of sitting on the coach I did some arm and leg work while watching. They inspire me! So, all in all, it was a great relaxing, healthy weekend. Cheers to a 4 day work week!

    P.S. I did finish Jillian Michael's Slim for Life book this weekend and will be doing a review soon and maybe even a giveaway of her book. Stay tuned!

    Friday, February 15, 2013

    Ok... I am over it!



    I feel like this has been me for the past couple days! I don't know what it is... maybe it's the fact that I don't have my scale, measuring tape, HRM, calorie counter, anything to hold me accountable. Well, there's still 44 days to go on this challenge so I am going to have to throw that excuse away! I KNOW what I need to do, but for some reason I couldn't resist those crescent rolls at dinner the other night, candy from my kids at school, or several other things that I have eaten that are not in the "healthy" category. I think my body needed a break, but more importantly I needed to just eat and not stress, BUT now I am over it! I know what my body needs to keep doing well and it is not what I have been doing these past few days. Don't get me wrong, I haven't completely thrown the towel in and ate like a PIG, but every day there are a few choices that I could say I am not proud of and that are totally out of my norm. So, today I am back at it. I am trying to do well now that ALL the candy is gone. (except my Perfect Man, but he is too cute to eat! at least for now haha!) My legs are itching for a run this afternoon and Jillian is ready to kick my butt. Yep, that is how I am spending my Friday night- BIG deal, right? I like it! I have a 2.5 mile run scheduled on my calendar for my 10k training and I am going to get it done. Then, Sunday is a 3.5 mile run- my longest run yet! I am determined. I can't wait to sweat and I never would have said that a couple years ago. I was a fat girl! Now I am just a little chubby and trying to get to FIT! Here's a little progress pic for ya!


    Thursday, February 14, 2013

    The Perfect Man!

    It's Valentine's Day... did ya'll know? How can you not? People go crazy for pink and red, hearts, roses, and chocolate! Me, not so much.... until I got the perfect gift today:
    My co-worker/ex-roomie/friend bought this for me! I LOVE it and I think it really is the perfect man. I am single, so it doesn't take much. LOL! He can't talk, he is made out of chocolate (did I mention that my fav part is the white chocolate which happens to be his boxers- bahahaha), and the best part is he will be gone soon (well as soon as I an convince myself that 500 calories is worth it!).

    So, how do us single people spend Valentine's Day? Well my day consists of calming a 2nd grade class so they can get cupcakes later and totally have a sugar high, trying to avoid eating all the candy they bring me, and that's about it. EXCEPT this year I have a date- with one of my good friends to go watch SWAMP PEOPLE! Yep, you got it:
    http://www.history.com/shows/swamp-people

    My friend's brother will be on this season of SWAMP PEOPLE! How exciting?! LOL, if you are from the south and know anyone with an airboat and who likes to hunt gators, you know it's a good time! We are going to a premiere party for the first episode tonight and I couldn't think of a better way to spend Valentine's Day.... I am not that girly girl, if you can't tell. Hey, maybe I'll take my Perfect Man with me! :)

    Wednesday, February 13, 2013

    Day 1 of 46



    I couldn't resist! Sometimes, I think like that! LOL!

    Day 1: I did not get up and weigh myself this morning. It was weird! I usually wake up, hit snooze, then really get out of bed...stumble to the bathroom and drag the scale out and get on it. That is usually followed by some choice words that I won't repeat here and then I decide I must eat, skinny or not. It was weird, but still nice to have a break from it all.

    Food for today:
    Breakfast: Multi-Grain Cheerios, almond milk, and light grapefruit juice
    Morning snack: Low fat mozzarrella cheese stick
    Lunch: Chicken dish leftovers that I made and posted about Monday, Carb Master Yogurt (Kroger), and an orange.
    Dinner: not sure yet

    Exercise today: When I get home I am going to do Insanity Cardio Abs and then I am going to try out the CrossFit workout I found in Fitness magazine. I can't wait. I will let you know how it goes. If I like it, I will add it to my rotation.

    Tuesday, February 12, 2013

    Let the Lent CHALLENGE begin!

    I woke up this morning a little excited and a whole lot nervous! Today was my last day to weigh, measure and do all that number crunching junk! I have already been slowly weaning myself off of these things. I took my HRM away last week and I haven't been tracking everything! So here it is:

    Scale, measuring tape, and HRM put away! Zipped up in a suitcase out of sight!

    Here were my measurements this morning:

    Weight: 166 (still stuck there!)
    Hips: 37"
    Waist (I measure around the area where my belly button is because that is where the fat hangs out, so it's not the traditional waist area) but it was 34 1/2"
    Thigh: 22"
    Arm: 12"


    There you have it!
    My GOAL: to keep the tools away until Easter Sunday. To focus on healthy eating and working out because I love it, not because I am number crunching! I hope I don't gain 20 lbs! :/

    On another note, I read this last night:


    I love fitness magazine.... I was really interested in reading the story "Yes, You can! Run your first 5k, 10k, Half Marathon". I ended up finding a great HIIT workout and Cross Fit type workout in there too! SCORE! Check it out! Have a great day!


    Monday, February 11, 2013

    Almost time.... I am kinda scared!

    So, tomorrow is the day... FAT Tuesday.... my last day to weigh in, meausre, track.... I am scared! I have been so reliant on these things to help me get through the day and I obsess over it! I am not sure what will happen when they are gone. I already put up my HRM last Thursday. It has been hard, but I know that the workouts I am doing are good and I am burning calories, so I let that go pretty easily. The rest will be REALLY hard (that's what she said..lol) I know I need a break. I know I need to focus on healthy eating and not stress over everthing. I will post weight and measurements tomorrow after I use those tools for the last time! (EEEEEEEEK!)

    Weekend recap:
    This weekend was Mardi Gras in my hometown. It's a small parade, but lots of fun. Anyways, I drank TOO much and then ate a big plate of mexican food. BAD, I know (slaps my hand), but sometimes you have to let go and have some fun and I did. Yesterday I got up and busted out TurboFire HIIT 20, ran 3.1 miles, and did a new arm workout I found on Pinterest
    Pinned Image
    The dips hurt so good! :)

    Last night I decide to make something to take for lunch the next few days. Here is what I whipped up: (Should have taken a pic!)

    3 Chicken breasts cut in small pieces
    1 bag chopped broccoli
    Philadephia Cooking Creme Italian Cheese and Herb (I used about half the container)
    Artichoke hearts (I put about 1/4 cup)
    1/2 cup white mushrooms

    It smelled good! We will see if it tastes as good! The whole thing was around 900 calories and I split it in 3... so 300 calories for lunch! :) Easy!


    P.S. I have recruited Hubby Jack to revamp the blog so it will be nice and fancy... COMING SOON! :) I can't wait!

    Thursday, February 7, 2013

    I suck at blogging... and my Lent challenge!

    So, I really suck at this! I can't keep up with this blog on a regular basis. Maybe if I got a blog revamp and made it look all pretty and cute I would be more excited about it. :)

    So, here's an update: I have struggled, over and over and over again. I struggle with eating, running, everything. Here is the schedule I am currently on:

    Monday- Jillian workout (Banish Fat, Boost Metabolism or No More Trouble Zones), 2.0 mile run
    Tuesday- Insanity, speed work on treadmill
    Wednesday- TurboFire, rest day
    Thursday- Jillian workout (Shed and Shred or Ripped in 30), 3.1 mile run
    Friday- Insanity, rest day
    Saturday- TurboFire (short workout), 3.1 mile run
    Sunday- OFF DAY! :)

    I have been counting calories religiously. I measure everything and try to eat healthy. I mess up sometimes, weekends are hard, I just went on a trip to New Orleans where I indulged. I like to have a drink on the weekend or drinkS, so sue me. All in all, I run in circles and I end up in the same spot. Today I weighed in at 166. No big change right? I am happy that I am not back to 175 like I was before. I am happy that my measurements show a change:

    1/17/2012                                                               1/2/2013
    Hips- 38                                                                  Hips- 37
    Waist- 37                                                                Waist- 35
    Thighs- 23                                                               Thighs- 21
    Arm- 13                                                                  Arm- 12

    Total inches lost: 6! Not a big number, but a change. I will take it. 

    Weight loss is hard for me. Like everyone else- I love to eat. I struggle when I am out with friends. I want to have a beer sometimes. I come from a family that loves to cook and eat. It's hard. 

    Some good things: recently I ran my first ever 3.1 miles without stopping. I love it! I love working out. I love running. 

    So, this brings me to my Lent challenge. I must warn you- you very well might think I am crazy after you read this! 

    I will not count calories during lent... goodbye Calorie Count app!
    I will not weigh myself- that number does not define me!
    I will not measure myself- screw you tape measure!
    I will not wear my HRM and obsess over how many calories I am burning per minute! 

    NO MORE NUMBER CRUNCHING! I am giving it up! I will eat healthy, I will run and workout, I will do all things in moderation. I am going to spend that 40something days loving myself and my body. I am healthy, I am alive, and no number is going to define me! I need the break. I am borderline   nevermind, I AM obsessed with these numbers and I think giving them up may be the hardest thing I have ever given up for Lent. Wish me luck! I may go crazy, but I think it will be worth it.

    What am I adding in for Lent? I am adding in 10 k training. I think I can do it!

    So, there you have it ladies..... an update! I will try to stay on track with this blog more and I will have a weight and measurement update before I take all my tools away. I will do that on Tuesday, Lent starts on Wednesday. Thanks for reading! I love reading blogs... sorry if mine sucks!