Checking in.....Day 11 of the 21 Day Fix Extreme program

Ya'll.......Why are bad habits so hard to kick?????  I was doing so well from days 1-8, then day 9 hit and my mind just keeps nagging me, "I need sugar.  I need ice cream.  Go get donuts.  Wouldn't some chocolate taste good right now?"

Gahhhhhhh!!!!!!!  (that's me screaming)

And I'm ashamed to say that I gave in to that nagging more than a few times.  So that's what I'm feeling right now.....

SHAME

Sometimes when I'm feeling low and discouraged, I pull out my trusty pinterest account, go to my "fitness motivation" board and read quotes or success stories of others.

Most days I feel like I take a seat on the back burner.  Gotta get the kids breakfast, gotta get the house cleaned, gotta plan dinner, gotta get the youngest to soccer, gotta take the kids swimming, gotta walk the dog, gotta make the hubs lunch, gotta gotta gotta.  It's never ending.  It's exhausting.

And sometimes when I'm in the midst of all my "gotta's" I just want to relax and give something back to my body.....like some delicious sugar, because sugar always makes me feel better.  I know, that's bad.  And that's the first step to changing....realizing something is bad for you and wanting to change.  

So here's my mantra for this week: 

I'm working on my vision board, when it's finished I'll post it.  

Here's what S.M.A.R.T. goals are:

I have one goal for the next 5 days:

I will not eat foods off of the approved 21 Day Fix Eating Guide.  It's specific, it's measurable, I have agreed upon it (haha!), and it's difinitely realistic, I mean, come on, it's only 5 days! 

21 Day Fix Extreme Week 1 Review

 Hey there!  I cannot believe it has been over a year since I made a new commitment to myself to succeed at weight loss.  Obviously, I did not follow through with that commitment, and that makes me sad.  To think about where I could be right now if I had just stuck to my plan makes my heart sad.  But, I'm here now, using a new program that I've had sitting on my shelf for years.  I've always used excuses as to why I couldn't follow through with the 21 Day Fix diet.  

"I'm always on the run."

"There's so much preparation."

"My kids won't eat the things on the approved list."

"I need my sugar."

"It's too strict."

I could go on.  I am now on Day 8 of the program (previously, I had only made it to day 3 or 4 max), so that's a huge accomplishment for me right there.  Don't get me wrong, it is HARD!  It takes dedication and a desire to really change.  I have that desire. On Day 1 I decided I wanted to do something that would help me "see" my body changing.  So I decided to take a selfie every day.  It's only been 8 days, but I'm starting to see a change in my face.  I chose a selfie because I really want to get my slim face back.  That's what I miss the most.  I did take full body before pictures, but those won't be shown until Day 21. 

I've lost 7 pounds in 8 days....

I like taking pictures of my food......for some reason it makes me proud that I came up with a balanced meal....I know, I'm weird.  I've been working extra hard this week to cook for my family the same things I can eat.  It doesn't work every night, but we're evolving and learning.  Homemade pizza is always a favorite in our house.  My boys would prefer 100% white dough, but I'm trying to switch them over so I did 1/2 and 1/2 this time, and loaded my slices with veggies....my boys only like pepperoni and cheese.

The 21 Day Fix diet suggests you use Shakeology, which I love!  However.....I just can't afford $100 plus dollars every month for it, so I use a different protein powder.  This month it just happens to be Designer Whey, but that could change next month.  My all-time favorite protein shake below: chocolate protein powder, banana, spinach, cinnamon, chocolate PB2, ice, and almond milk

Tuna, beet salad with greek yogurt.  Wasn't the best, but I choked it down.  It had a ton of protein.  I don't know why I'm not a fan of greek yogurt....too tangy for me.

And finally, this has become an addiction.  I tried Tofu for the first time and really liked it!  I stir fried it with green peppers, noodles, beets, and avocado.  This will definitely be making it's rounds in my daily diet.....if only my boys liked it.  Oh well.....maybe with time.

I DID NOT eat 100% on the plan this past week.  I gave myself a cheat night on Friday night.  Ate Popeyes and candy at the movies and loved every second of it.  Then last night I caved and ate 10 marshmallows.  I hate what stress does to your mind and willpower.  Other than that, I did not cheat.  Stay tuned!

Something's gotta change...

I feel like my whole life revolves around what I eat, how much I eat, when I eat, logging what I eat, weighing what I eat....

It's exhausting....

I just spent the last hour looking at past blog posts and how happy I was with my weight loss success. 

I miss that feeling of accomplishment. 

I miss feeling proud of myself. 

I miss my smooth belly. 

So.....here goes nothing. (Well, everything)

I'm way overweight, I feel it. Time to change. 

Time to commit. 

Follow me, keep me honest. 

I have a few goals up my sleeve that I'll post once I cement them. 

Starting

I'm back.  I don't know what else to say right now, other than I'm back.

I'm back because my weight has crept back up, slowly but steadily.  I looked at myself in a picture yesterday and decided enough was enough.  I couldn't believe what my eyes were seeing.  This.....

Very embarrassing. 

Which is why I'm changing.

I will weigh in every Monday morning.

Running awe....

It's always beautiful running in the morning in the Northwest!

My first 10 mile run....

While this 10 mile run was NOT without pain, I did it!  And I'm very proud of myself!  Granted it was a walk/run 10 mile run, but nonetheless, I'm proud!

This picture was taken at mile 5 1/2.  Hence why I still have part of a smile.  

My half marathon is in 2 weeks.  Today was my last long run before the big day.  From here on out, it's small runs.  Good thing.  I can barely move my legs, and my feet hurt something fierce.

starting over......again.....

*sigh*

*big sigh*

I hate weight.

I hate always being in a constant battle with MY weight.

I hate that I can't eat what I want, when I want....as often as I want.

I love food too much.

Let me rephrase that......I love sweets too much.

And my current weight confirms that......

I've gained back 12 pounds.  *sigh*

For the past month I've tried to get my motivation back......with no success.

Then I found out that my next military ball is the beginning of October.  Boy oh boy did that ever light my motivation.  I want to look GOOD!  Enter motivation!

So....this blog will be updated almost daily (notice I said almost)....it will keep me honest....plus I'll be posting the link on the facebook motivation page I'm a member of.

Before I sign off, I must write about my small victory today.  I was out shopping, by myself, (that's always dangerous, because I can buy whatever sweets I want and eat them before I get home.....that was a huge confession).....anyway, I walked past the candy isle, thought about buying a candy bar, but passed over it.  I kept saying to myself.....20 pounds....20 pounds....20 pounds.

And that's my goal for October 5th (the date of my military ball).....to lose 20 pounds! 

That's about 2 pounds a week.  I can do that.

Today I ate:

Marathon Snickers Bar
Banana
Apple
Mini Babybel cheese
6 fig newtons (that was a moment of weakness.....a whopping 330 calories....ouch)
sweet potato fries
grilled chicken

Time to be honest.....

Since my last weigh-in for the weight loss competition I was in, I've gained back 4 pounds. 

It kills me to even post this, but I want to be honest with myself and all of you that read this blog.

Here's my most recent weigh-in......

Wednesday, April 3rd....

In all honestly, I still feel really good about where I'm at!  I do!  And that's the reason why it's so hard to keep losing weight.  I'm so comfortable where I'm at.  I love the way I look right now! 

rantings.....

Why does weight loss have to be so mental?

Why does it take some much calculation and preparation and self-control?

I saw this quote on pinterest and it has been on my mind a lot.....

This quote both made me furious and motivated.  Is that even possible? 

I've got the exercise part down pat!  In fact, I think I'm pretty awesome at getting my workouts in every day.  Yes, I'd like to spend at least another hour a day in the gym, but let's be honest, that's not possible when you're a mother who has a lot on her plate.

It's the clean eating thing that makes me furious.  It's just so gosh darn hard to be that dedicated all the time.  It's exhausting.

Yes, I'm ranting, hence the post title.

Most days I feel like I do the best I can.......some days I fall way short and give up.......some days I just don't care.....

But I think what's most important is that I recognize that tomorrow is a new day and I can start over and keep trying.  I'm learning as I go.  I'm learning that just because some people can spend hundreds of dollars a month on fancy nutrition shakes and such, and I can't, doesn't mean I can't be successful.  I've lost 55 pounds on my own and I am so proud of that!

I'm definitely a work in progress and I don't think I'll ever have this weight loss stuff down pat. 

I'll always struggle......

But I think that's what will make me stronger in the long run.....

Final weigh-in...

This was it!  My final weigh-in in the weight loss challenge...

And guess what?  With this number....I won the Biggest Loser Weight Loss Challenge!!!  $240!!!!

I'm very happy I did the challenge, even though I had my reservations and fears.  I faced all of it and proved that I could do it!

I lost a total of 28.6 pounds!

Total of 30 3/4" lost!

Saturday Weigh-In

I missed the last 2 weeks of "saturday weigh-in".....

But, here's yesterdays weigh-in:

While I am not full of words for blogging right now, I will say this......I am so thrilled with this number!  But.....it is getting harder and harder to be disciplined and stay focused on my ultimate goal of 150 pounds.  I tend to get comfortable once I've lost a lot of weight, and that's when I start to make bad eating choices.  I do feel like I've changed my eating habits considerably, and that helps a lot.  I have been doing A LOT of cardio lately and I love it!!!! 

So, my goal for next Saturday is 159.  I know I'm aiming high, considering I allowed myself a cheat day and I'm pretty sure I gained a pound, but I know I can get down to 159.  So....here's to a lot of cardio, disciplined eating, and all of you to report to next week.

Saturday Weigh-In

Previous week's weight: 169.6

Again, not the number I was hoping for, but it's still dropping and that's what counts.  I'm also down another 2 1/2 inches. 

PR!

CELEBRATION MOMENT!

I GOT A PR ON MY MILE TIME TODAY!

PREVIOUS PR:  10:15

TODAY'S PR: 9:42

I AM SUPER HAPPY AND PUMPED!

Saturday Weigh-In

Previous week's weight: 170.6

One ugly pound gone!  While I'm not too thrilled with only 1 pound, I am thrilled with my inches lost this week:  I lost another 3 3/4" this week alone!  That makes my grand total of inches lost: 20 3/4"!!!!!  That's a number I am thrilled with!

And since moving back to Washington, I've lost my Crossfit gym and had to start attending a gym on base where I've picked up spinning and running on top of Crossfit workouts.  I think the change in physical activity has helped my body.

I've got a military ball coming up.....I've been working hard to trim down so I look amazing for the ball....

You'll have to wait a few more weeks to see me all dolled up!

Until next week.....keep working towards YOUR goals!  I know I will be!

Saturday Weigh-In

Today's weigh in was a pleasant surprise......down almost 3 1/2 pounds.  Don't ask me how.....It was moving week all week long and I was super stressed.  I did get my hubby home so maybe that took some stress off.  But anyway, I'm super pleased with this number!

Previous week's weight: 174

This week: 170.6

Saturday Weigh Day...

Previous week's weight: 173

This week: 174

Well, not all too thrilled with this number, but this past week was very difficult for me.  I moved my family from Utah to Washington and got us a new house.  Trying to eat healthy while on the move has got to be one of the hardest things.  I think stress is also playing a huge factor in my weight gain this week.  I've been so stressed about everything.  Getting all settled in a new place has taken its toll on me.  Exciting news though, my dear husband is coming home from Afghanistan this week!  Me and my boys are beyond excited!!!!

So, as things start to settle down, and we get our lives in order, I fully expect to see this number dramatically drop. 

Now for the good news!  I took my measurements today:

I am down 14 3/4" since I started this biggest loser challenge!!!

I'm pretty thrilled with that!

I have a goal in mind for next week.  Even though I'll be stressed this week trying to get my house put together, my goal is 172. 

Good luck in your goals!

Weigh In day!

Previous week's weight: 174.8

This week: 173!!!!

Considering I got this number over Christmas break, I couldn't be happier!!!!!!

Results!

I did the work, now I get to see the results!!!!

Weigh-in today:

Weigh in days are the best.....especially when you know you've worked your butt off to see the number fall.  

This week, Christmas week, will be tough but I know I have the willpower to reign in my sweet tooth.  Do you?  Good luck!

Food for thought.....

If you want the results, you've got to do the work!!!!

This is something I've been telling myself all day today! 

See....I've got oodles of candy, gingerbread houses, caramel popcorn, cookies, pie, you name it.....it's all sitting in my house, staring me in the face, daring me to taste.  

And I'm not gonna lie.....while helping my boys with their gingerbread houses today, I licked frosting off my fingers, and even ate 2 pieces of candy, but what's more important is that I stopped myself, and for that I'm very proud of myself.  In the past, I would've kept eating.....sugar is my weakness.

I am loving the way I am feeling!  I love how much confidence I have in myself because I'm showing self-control and determination.

My workouts at Crossfit the past week have improved in endurance and I know that it's because my body isn't laden with junk.  

I love that I still feel like I'm living and not completely voiding my life of comfort foods.  Yes, I eat a slice of bread now and then (this morning I ate a slice with my egg white omelet....so yummy!).  

I guess I'm just very happy with new habits I'm forming and the results that I'm seeing!

Speaking of results, take a look at my inches lost last week:

Love ME!

Drum roll please!!!!!

Last week's weight: 186.2 lbs.

This week's weight: 178.4 lbs.

 

Weigh in was this morning........I am down almost 8 pounds!!!!!  I am super stoked and super motivated to keep going!  Although, right now, I have a counter full of Christmas treats just staring me in the face.....it is kind of hard to resist, but I don't want to screw my momentum up.  I can be strong and resist some sugar!