Update- week 1!

I was planning on starting my journey with Wendy from www.cyberbodyshop.com after the holiday on New Year's day, but she convinced me to start sooner. She said I "would thank her later". I am glad I listened! I don't know how much weight I usually gain over the holidays, but I would bet somewhere between 5-10 lbs. So, I started on Monday. I sent her pictures to start and weighed in. I was 167.4 and not happy, but not completly devestated by it either. I have been between 165-170 for so LONG! I am not going to lie. I was scared. I didn't know what she was going to tell me to do or eat. She sent me my plan and I was really surprised. It didn't seem too hard and I was eager and ready to start! I wanted this time to be it!

This week:

• I ate a diet that consists of protein, complex carbs, and vegetables. I eat 5 times a day.
• I gave up my obsession with protein bars and shakes.
• I haven't ran once this week.
• I have done fasted cardio 5 times a week at 5 am! HIIT is where it's at!
• I have had shorter, but more intense workouts. I even looked at one workout and told Wendy- I think I can do more...hahaha after 3 rounds of what she told me, I was DONE. Somehow the combination she puts together BURNS and works SO MUCH better than anything I have ever done,.
• I have lifted weights 4 days- a few high intensity days and some low intensity ones.
• I drank a gallon of water a day.
• I ordered supplements and just got them today- can't wait to see my results. Did a lot of research and I trust Wendy.
• I went to happy hour and drank WATER and ordered a salad.
• I got on the scale this morning and I am 4 lbs done! ALREADY! That's a number I haven't seen in a long time.
• I feel more energized, sleep better, and feel like I am doing my body a world of good!

I cannot tell you how long I have struggled and researched to find a combination that would work for me. It has been hard. I finally feel like I am getting somewhere. Sometimes we need a professional opinion. Sometimes we need someone who has experience and has been there. I am not viewing this as a diet, but a lifestyle change. I have reached that point. I want to be in the best shape of my life, I want to exercise, eat healthy foods, and feel good.

Are you tired of struggling? I was! Look around...find a trainer, nutritionist, someone to help. You won't regret it! I sure am not! There are lots of options out there. Can't afford cyberbodyshop? Try www.ericanicolefitness.com  or look at your gym where you live. Do a quick internet search. Make the change. Don't spin your wheels like I did for FAR TOO LONG! :) Have a great weekend ladies!

My BIG decision!

If you are new to reading my blog, here is a little background info:

I was kinda a big kid growing up, but I never knew it. I was never teased, I never felt bad and when I got into middle school, I outgrew it. I was pretty thin throughout high school and even when I started college. I ate more fast food, I drank more, I did all the things you shouldn't do and the weight piled on.

I would guess to say I hit around the 190-200 mark at some point and I am only 5'7". I did not look good. I went through some hard things in life- breakups, moves, losing friends, a hurricane hitting my hometown, and much more. None of it is an excuse, but food and drinks became my crutch. I was unhealthy.

Finally about 4 years ago I took control. I started doing TaeBo with my roomie at the time and I kinda became addicted to it...well until the next weekend party came along. I still managed to lose weight. I kept losing. I felt great when I put on a pair of size 8 jeans one day. I dated someone who was healthy and he encouraged me. Even though we aren't together now, I say that was the one good thing I got from it- the desire to be healthier. I moved back home to my hometown about 2 1/2 years ago and I knew living by myself would be the key to getting to where I want to FINALLY be. I have gone up and done, I have struggled, I have binged, I have drank too much, I have lost and gained, I have completed Insanity, I lost 15 lbs, gained it all back, I bought smaller jeans, went back to my bigger ones, ran a 6K (on the treadmill)... it has been a journey. BUT I am still not where I WANT to be. Something inside me tells me there is more.

After reading about Mama Laughlin's decision to go further, to take on a new challenge, I started thinking- was I going to be stuck in this rut FOREVER??? Was I going to keep trying and failing??? What could I do? I started researching fitness coaches, workout programs, nutrition plans... I have thought about it over and over... I have contemplated the money I would spend, I have said NO, I can do it alone... I will try harder... But the truth is- I know myself. I have to go BIG or I won't SUCCEED! So, I have made a BIG decision. I am hiring a fitness coach from www.cyberbodyshop.com . I have been in contact with Wendy and I really feel good about this. Yes, it is $750.... BUT I did just buy a new iPad and that was $800 so what the heck??? It's for ME, my HEALTH, a better version of ME, the person I know I can become and the changes I know I CAN make.. It is worth every cent and I can't wait to begin! I am planning to start around New Year's. I know, cliche as it is- but I really want this to be a new beginning for me.

What changes are you making today for your future?? Doesn't have to be an expensive change, but everything you do counts! :) I look forward to sharing this journey.

Bender Fitness

I don't know if you guys have checked out Melissa Bender at Bender fitness, but you SHOULD! I mentioned her in my last post and since then I have decided to take it further. I am somewhat tired of trying to decide between Insanity, TurboFire, Jillian, etc. I think I need a break from those videos. So, the month of December is it! Here is my plan:

December 1- I did http://www.benderfitness.com/2013/11/burpee-burn-weekend-workout-challenge.html and then I ran 3.3 miles on the treadmill in intervals and a back and shoulder workout with weights.

December 2- I did http://www.benderfitness.com/2013/12/challenge-day-1-15-minute-hiit-core-fat.html  and http://www.benderfitness.com/2012/03/12-minute-ab-fat-burn-fitness-bender.html then did 2.5 miles on the bike and a leg workout with weights.

I plan to continue to follow her 30 day challenge and do as many of the workouts as possible. I am still going to get in some weight work every day and alternate the bike and running as well. Most of her workouts are quick-- 10-20 minutes.I love that she changes everything up and you don't get bored with it. The workouts burn too! I am always a hot, sweaty mess when I am done and they definitely BURN. Everything is at home, you can do it with body weight or weights. Some workouts do not require them. She has everything grouped by body area. It's really awesome! I think this is going to be a great change for this time of the year for me. I am excited to see the results.

Starting with the New Year, I am planning to follow her 3 month plan for bikini competition. Am I doing a bikini competition- HECK NO! But I figure I will commit to the 3 month plan and see what happens. I will also be attempting to do WAY BETTER with my diet during those 3 months as well.

So, go check it out if you haven't! www.benderfitness.com You won't regret it! :)

P.S. As I start lifting weights, I think I need to learn to let the number on the scale go! It is really starting to make me mad and I can't go by that anymore, because I hope I am gaining muscle (I know I am just by looking) and I am not going to let that number control me! NOOOOOO!!!!

Update!

I don't get to blog as much as I used to... It's not that I don't think about it.. it's finding time!

I have been busy with work this year and also opening my own business with a friend! If you haven't checked it out, make sure you do- www.facebook.com/southernstateofmindboutique

So, on the fitness front:

I have still been fluctuating between 165-170. I know the reason is that I splurge on weekends and I know that needs to come to an end. It's hard with the holidays, but soon it will have to happen.

I am currently rotating lots of different workouts and running. I try and do some type of cardio every day, whether it be the treadmill or bike and then I add in Insanity, TurboFire, a crossfit workout stolen from Pinterest, Bob Harper's Kettlebell workouts, etc. I change it up often. I also like to follow Melissa at www.benderfitness.com Maybe it's that we share the same name, but mostly it's because she kicks ass and has some GREAT workouts! I am going to do her most recent burpee workout today and run. http://www.benderfitness.com/2013/11/burpee-burn-weekend-workout-challenge.html

For me, it is all about changing it up a LOT so I don't stay bored. I also bought a new barbell this Friday (my best Black Friday purchase, in my opinion!) and I am starting to use it to start lifting more and try and take my fitness to the next level. I am learning not to care what the scale says, but to focus on how my body looks and I know that the weights are going to get me where I need to be. I will, however, try to do better with my diet. My fridge is stocked and ready to go. I vow not to let the holidays give me 10 lbs. Even if I maintain, it will be better than before. So, my advice- change it up-- do workouts that you LOVE to do... feel the burn... don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone! You will be shocked what you can do and the changes you will see! :)

BUSY! & our boutique!

This year at work has been, quite possibly, one of the busiest years of my life. Between my new boss and the district, it has been craaaazy! I love teaching, but am sad to say that this year everything that is going on is making me reconsider professions. :( Trying to be positive and hoping it will get better.

I have still been working out. My runs are so much better after working with the running app I posted a few posts ago. It helped me run intervals and it has helped my speed and distance. On Sunday, I hopped on the treadmill and thought I would run a 3 miler, but I felt so good and ran 5! It was great! :)

I have been hovering around 165-167 for a long time and I know the reason is because of weekend splurges so I am going to try and cut that out, as much as possible. Not sure this weekend is the best time to start since my Tigers play Bama and that is the BIGGEST game of the year. I may need a drink to calm my nerves! LOL!

Other than that, I have been continuing with my healthy eating and am now officially addicted to shakes in the morning:

 

I mix it with fruit and almond milk and it is amazing! I also have the vanilla bean flavor as well. It keeps me full til I have a small mid morning snack and it is so delicious! I drink one almost every day.

 

 

If you haven't checked out our boutique, don't forget to do so! :) We have some cute stuff, free shipping, and all you have to do is comment on what you like and we will invoice you and ship it out. Mention blogger10 in your comment and I will give you 10% off your order :) Also, make sure to let me know if you live out of state so I won't charge you sales tax! Check it out and like us! Thanks ladies!

 

www.facebook.com/southernstateofmindboutique

 



Update!! It's been too long!

I can't believe it has been so long since I have had the chance to sit down and blog! Time is flying this year! I have been super busy with work. It is very stressful this year, but it's ok because I am going to make it! :) (I hope!)

I have also been very busy with a new venture. One of my very good friends and I are starting an online clothing boutique. We are going to begin with a facebook boutique and work our way up to hopefully a website and maybe even one day a store? A girl can dream! We are so excited and think it will be really fun and we can't wait to get going. We are still in the planning phases, but our first order goes in very soon. You can find our page at

https://www.facebook.com/southernstateofmindboutique

 

Go check it out, pretty please! :)

 

 

Fitness updates:
I am still alternating weight training/DVDs with running. I have added more weight and I am already seeing my body changing. I don't worry about the number on the scale nearly as much as I used to and honestly, I am too busy to care. I know my body is changing, I am stronger. Weights that I could barely pick up are a breeze to me now. I incorporate circuit training and keep upping the weights and I think it is paying off. Yesterday, I also hopped on my aunt's Total Gym, just to see what the hype was all about and holy crap- it's hard. You use your own body weight and let me tell you, my arms are SORE today. So, I think this is true:

 

 

Today, the weather here on the coast was AMAZING! I went down to the beach and got in a run after doing the Total Gym abs and leg workouts. It felt so great to run on the beach. I loved every minute and probably could have ran forever... not sure how far I went because I wanted it to be a fun workout, not a number crunching workout. It definitely put a smile on my face.

 

 

 

We celebrated my two aunt's birthdays last night with a little Halloween party and it was fun! I'll leave you with my totally awesome 80s pic. LOL!



Signs I have changed!

Just like everyone else out there, I get discouraged. I am hard on myself. I look at the scale and get pissed. I eat a bad meal. I don't always 100% give effort to the journey of life. I don't really call it a "weight loss" journey anymore. Don't get me wrong, I am STILL trying to lose weight and get to that goal weight, BUT I know it is a life commitment. It's about making changes all the time. It's about learning more about food, fitness, and how your body works and ACTUALLY caring about being as healthy as you can be. As I looked around my house today, I saw the signs- signs that I have changed. My life is not the same. I no longer feel tired all the time, come home and flop on the couch, eat without caring if it is healthy for my body or not... I am a different person and I am proud that I try. Could I do better? Sure, we all could as some point. But I am happy with the changes for now and celebrating that today.

 

 

My workout calendar- I do one every month. It keeps my accountable and I can look back and see what all I have done! I just put away my September calendar. I worked out 22/30 days and ran 34 miles this month. I am happy with that! I can't wait to see what October will bring!

Workout stuff: Kettle bell, heart rate monitor, weights

 

Shoes by the door, ready to GO GO GO! Running shoes and others for workouts- I love Nike Free 7.0!

Workout library: Jillian, Tae Bo, Bob Harper, Insanity and TurboFire are in there too! (I don't live near a gym, so have to do my own "at home" workouts!

Workout stuff laid out and ready for tomorrow when I get home- no time to sit down, straight to the workout... If I sit down, I might not get up! :)

 

What changes do you see? Be proud!