Week 18 & 19

So it appears I remember to update on my progress every two weeks! Between school and other things in life going on, I forget about it! It's been a GREAT two weeks!! Over the past two weeks I have lost 7.5 lbs! I never really thought about how much stress can affect your body from releasing fat, however after going to King Spa a while back and two weeks ago we went to Castle Spa and I had big weeks it makes sense! Spending 3-4 hours there just relaxing and deep breathing helps your body get rid of toxins...including fat!!! This past week saw a lot of changes and parties for us. However I was not tempted for anything! HUGE SUCCESS!!!! I stuck to my plan, and in fact I thought about it less...just allowed things to flow naturally, not caring which meal I ate or thinking about it much at all. I think allowing my focus to shift elsewhere kept me from obsessing to make sure I did everything I could to loose the last lbs on the home stretch! I was really hoping to be at goal by the new year, but I might be a little bit behind. I am shooting for at least trying to be very close to my normal BMI. I'm 12.5 lbs away from normal BMI and 17.5 lbs away from what I initially set as my goal...never know if I'm going to change it! :)

I realized with this weigh in I am really really close to being at 100 lbs lost from my heaviest. Next weigh in I hope I break this barrier!!! Cannot believe how far I have come over the past 4 years...it wasn't a picture perfect journey, that's for sure, but it's my journey that I have walked through. That i have grown through and transformed!

Week 16 & 17

Once school has started I have really slacked off updating weekly! I need to set myself a reminder on Sundays to update from the previous week...so here we are almost to week 18. So far in 17 weeks I have lost 41 lbs. Week 15 saw a 1.8 change and week 17 saw a loss of 0.4 lbs. I typically have once week a month that is a lot lower than the others, but hey, a loss is a loss and I'll take it!!!

This weekend we went to Castle Spa and I'm curious if it's going to cause a boost in the weight loss again. If it does I might be making a regular monthly visit to Castle Spa!! :) I really do enjoy going there. It's a great place to just go relax, meditate, and refresh yourself! If you live in the Dallas area I HIGHLY suggest going to check it out! I did enjoy it MUCH better than King Spa...however if you want it to be more authentic to the Asian culture I'd go to King Spa.

This weekend we also were taking our Christmas pictures...which meant we needed to go shopping since we really didn't have anything to wear that fit the way it should! It was an exciting weekend for me as I bought my first pair of skinny jeans...and my calves finally fit into a pair of knee high boots!!! This was one thing I have been working to achieve for a LONG TIME!!!! I don't think I stopped smiling all day!!! I can't wait till we get our pictures on Wednesday! :) We will have to do it again when we both reach goal and transition.

Amazing what 3 years has done for us!!!

Week 15

Well, it's almost week 16 weigh in and I'm just getting around to writing this post! Someday maybe life will slow down a little and I'll remember things! Well last week I lost 1.6 lbs for a total of 35.8 lbs gone forever! The weight loss per week has slowed down but that's ok...it's moving in the right direction! I really need to get better at daily walks and some light toning exercises followed by stretching. That will be my goal this week...at least 4 days of walks and 3 days of some toning exercises! I put this picture together of all the dietbet weigh in photos...it's kind of fun to see the weekly change! I was one photo short so I put the pic of my half-way goal on there too! :)

Week 13 & 14...

Well it's almost week 15's weigh in and I just remembered I have been lacking sharing updates! Things around here got pretty crazy. Work is busy and TJ is traveling lots. We also decided last Saturday to get this sweet girl from the Collin County Animal Shelter!

Meet our newest family member STELLA! :) She is a 1 year old Catahoula Leopard Dog. She is very sweet and wanting lots of attention! She is also very hyper :). We go on at least one if not two walks a day to try and help with the hyper. We are also trying to find a chew toy she enjoys to stop trying to eat the furniture!!!

In other news this week we found out Sabrina had a mass cell tumor on her toe on her back left paw. It had to be removed on Friday...she also had a spot on her side removed. She is doing well at home, but mom is struggling to keep her still and Stella calm and away from her stitches!!! Last night it was very sweet that she laid down right by her!! 

Sabrina's bandage on her paw...thinking I need to name Mr. Hippo :)

So where am I at...well I've been sticking to the program and doing pretty well. I bought some size 12 jeans since I didn't have many and the 14s were getting big...I tried them on to see how long till I would wear them and they FIT!!!! WOOT! Can't wait to hit my goal size 8...TJ thinks I am going to reach a 6 which I have never seen in my life! I need to start stretching and light weights as well to start toning a little bit...anyways here are my results!!

Week 13: 171.4   down 0.6
Week 14: 168.8   down 2.6

Week was slower, but that's ok! It's still a loss and more inches gone too :). I'm only 28.8 away from my final goal!!!!

*Results not typical. Typical results are 2-5 lbs each week the first two weeks and 1-2 each week thereafter.

Week 12 and first goal due date!!!

Well it's my goal date for my half-way goal and I'm excited to say that I passed it!!! Today I weighed in at 172, my goal was 173! WOOHOO!! That means I am down 3 lbs from last week and 31 total pounds since July (34 total with TSFL)!! The BEST news too is that my BMI is now in the OVERWEIGHT category!  

I AM NO LONGER OBESE!!!!

Things I realized this week:

~My mindset has shifted from saying "This was a crappy day, I deserve a cookie!" to "This was a crappy day, I'm going to have a chewy bar!" They chewy bars are amazing and healthy for you! Can't wait till I hit maintenance and start to discover healthy "treats"!

~It's all about the mindset. You can do anything you set your mind to! I have hit around this weight many times before and this is usually when I start to change the program myself, and it has never worked. It's not time to start training for a 5k...that will come soon enough! It's time to continue to focus on my daily habits, be mindful, practice relaxation techniques, and reach my goal weight. Exercise is definitely important, but for now I will stick to walking, stretching, and maybe some yoga if I find a place to go! :)

~Support--This is HUGE! My husband is amazingly supportive, but to have my mom wrap her arms around this and not tempt me with things currently not in my meal plan is huge! She will ask me once sometimes if I want wine or chocolate covered almonds, and then leave it alone when I say no...this helps TONS!

So, now that I am at my 1/2 way goal...it's time for my tattoo!! WOOT! I am working on hopefully this weekend...I hope! I'm also trying to make sure I don't have too much of the verse as well as it's the right translation! HELP SOMEONE! :) Jeremiah 29:13 is the verse I'm using since verses 11-13 would be WAY too much! What do you think? Will this be too much on my wrist?

וּבִקַּשְׁתֶּם אֹתִי, וּמְצָאתֶם:  כִּי תִדְרְשֻׁנִי, בְּכָל-לְבַבְכֶם.

I also discovered a really fun craft this weekend with mom so that I can slightly cover the tattoo if school isn't happy with it...I made a bracelet! I went to Joann's yesterday as well to get more beads and leather rope to make more! So much fun and relaxing!!!!

*Results not typical. Typical weight loss is 2-5 lbs each week the first two weeks and 1-2 lbs each week thereafter

Progress pic!

A month ago we started school! Progress pics from just one month! Down at least 4 in total (minus one week since I didn't take measurements) and 9.2 pounds! Woot! 

Week 11-Weigh In

It has been one of the worst weeks of my life that i have had in a very long time. If it could happen it did this week. On Tuesday we found out the reason for Sammie's seizure and difficulty breathing...she had cancer. There were several masses that had taken over her lung. We had a difficult couple of days, but decided that Thursday we would free her from her pain. I know she really wanted to run around and play and give us affection, but she was just spent. She was an amazing dog and I am so blessed for God to have put her in our lives. I will never forget her!!!

But alas it is weigh day. I will say I am very proud of myself that even going through all of this crap I kept myself to plan. Of course stress and lack of sleep have probably had a toll on my weight loss as my body has not had it's chance to heal and recoup. However I lost 1.8 lbs last week*! I am at a total weight loss of 28 lbs since July!! This leaves me a mere 2 lbs away from my first goal--my half way point! I can't wait till next weeks weigh in!! I would write more, but I have to go or I'll be stuck in traffic all morning. Have a great day!!


*Results not typical. Typical weight loss is 2-5 lbs each week the first two weeks and 1-2 lbs each week thereafter.

Weigh Day Week 10!! I'm only 3.8 lbs away from my 1/2 way goal!!!

It's week 10!! After a slower week last week I'm thrilled to say I lost 4.2 lbs last week! I so love this program!!! Some weeks are slower than others, but the results will come if you continue to work through it and focus on the positives. I am gaining so much more energy too!! Even though work has been very stressful, I seem to still have the energy to do things...and want to do them! This is HUGE!!! So total pounds lost is now at 29.2 total (I lost 3 lbs before recommitting completely, so it's 26.2 in 10 weeks)! I'm only 3.8 lbs away from my half way goal!!! Guess I should call my tattoo artist to let him know within the next two weeks I'll be ready!! :)*

This weekend TJ and I went to a place called King Spa. It was so relaxing and a lot of fun! You pay an admission fee and have access to 11 different saunas that range in temp from 45-150 degrees. We found out yesterday about another one closer call Spa Castle. Pretty sure we will be making this a monthly trip. It was a great way to escape! No cell phones or anything...just us and the saunas! You can also get a massage or body scrub (which I want to try next time).

For the next 8 weeks I am a part of our Healthy Holiday Challenge with almost 1,000 other people!! So much fun to have the interaction, motivation, and maybe a prize or two! I'm in a team with two other girls and we are called the Bodacious Booty Busters....oh so fitting! lol It's a lot of fun! I am also in a DietBet for a beta competition for 6 months. There are weekly prizes as well as monthly so hoping TJ or I win a few of those too!! So far we are doing pretty well in that one and almost met our monthly goal!

*typical results 2-5 lbs each week the first two weeks and 1-2 lbs each week thereafter.

Weigh In Weeks 8 & 9

Well, I missed weighing in last week on here...so I have put the two together! :) Progress is still coming along nicely and I an excited! I have dropped two sizes (forgot to take measurements) and 22 pounds to date! I'm excited to see what's in store for me in the next 9 weeks! Week 8 brought a loss of 2.4 pounds and week 9 brought a loss of 0.8 pounds!!! I'm happy as long as the scale is moving in the right direction. Sometimes our bodies adjust in different ways which causes the weeks to seem lopsided. But if you average my 22 pounds in 9 weeks, I am loosing on an average of 2.4 pounds a week! I'd say that's pretty AWESOME!!! I'm also just 8 pounds away from my first goal and my tattoo!!! WOOHOO!


School has been pretty stressful lately which might contribute to the slower loss. I am also not sleeping well at night. Sammie had a seizure last Monday night which kept us up all night. She had another one on Tuesday as well. The vet has put her on seizure medication which seems to be doing it's job. We haven't had another seizure but I sleep lightly thinking every noise from her is another one. Hopefully soon all this calms down and I can get a good nights sleep and get into a rhythm at school to relieve the stress.

The next 6 months I am participating in a beta DietBet to loose 10% of my weight. Of course I will knock that out of the water!! Interested to see how this will be different than the 4% monthly bets. We will have a monthly challenge, as well as other prizes offered. Hoping that I win something!!

We also have a large group of coaches that have put together a contest that starts by Sept 13 and runs to Nov 8...I'm going to join in on that too!! The more motivation the better!!!

Who wants to join me?!?!

Weigh In Week 7--First Day of School!

Well, it's been another week! Time seems to be flying lately...and I've been working alot! Yesterday was the first day of my new school...a HIGH SCHOOL! Wow, never thought I would be in a high school! It went pretty well, however I guess I had high expectations that the kids would want to interact like they do in Elementary...boy was I wrong.

Well on to the point of this post. Last week I lost 2 pounds! It was a really good week full of challenges with food being provided and other things, but I stuck to my guns. Not because I "can't have that" but because that doesn't help lead me to where I really want to be by December. I have high hopes for myself and need to stay focused...providing the path to my deepest desires! In the past 7 weeks I have lost a total of 18.8 pounds.* I am only 11.2 pounds away from my first goal!! My second DietBet is over tomorrow and I keep jumping up and down over my goal line...hoping Wednesday or Thursday morning I will be below the mark! FitBit Flex here I come!!!

Hope everyone had a great first day back to school! Stay focused on your desires...find your "why" and GO FOR IT!

*Typical results are 2-5 pounds the first two week and 1-2 pounds each week thereafter.

Week 6 Weigh-In!!!

After a not so happy number on the scale last week, I am happy to report a 3.4 lb loss last week! Just goes to show just because one week doesn't show what you hoped on the scale, even though you followed everything right, don't loose hope! Just keep pushing through to the next week...your body is adjust to things and stabilizing itself and sometimes the scale just doesn't reflect that! My total loss since July is 16.8 lbs.* I also had a HUGE NSV this week! I dropped a size in pants and shirt!! WOOT! That's the BEST feeling EVER!!!

A quick DietBet checkin as well... I have 1.7 lbs to go to meet my goal in 9 days!! I can do this!!!! 

This week has been a really fun and stressful week. Yes I know those two things don't really go together but I began my new job and training can be stressful at times! I'm really excited for this year, but ready to dive in and learn more the "how to" then look at this and I'm going to talk to you type of learning. We also went to a concert, an open mic, and a baseball game! We got to see Darryl Bootland from the Allen Americans throw out the first pitch last night! It was really fun!! He even came by with his family to say hi! We have the best players in the CHL for sure. Here are some pics from this week.

Hope you have an excellent week! Welcome back to all the teachers! I ask you to pray for not only your students as they begin school but for your teachers as well! It's going to be a fabulous year!!



*Typical weight loss is 2-5 lbs each week the first two weeks and 1-2 lbs thereafter.

Cooking Up A Storm!

In effort to use some of the meals we haven't eaten much lately, as well as saving a little on my next order, I decided to do some cooking today! I made different types of muffins using Medifast Pancakes and Medifast Oatmeal. Excited to have my lunches premade this week to keep me focused and continuing to loose!

I first made some pancake muffins. I made Spiced Cinnamon Muffins with the spiced pancake mix and also Chocolate Chip Muffins! These will be great to microwave and then spray a little ICBINB spray on it! YUM!!

Then I moved on to making oatmeal muffins! I made three types: Apple Cinnamon, Blueberry, and Peach. These look just as delicious and are extremely nutritious!

I forgot to add...those black and red cups were part of the fun too! Each muffin is in the shape of a 5 pedal flower! So cute and fun! You can get them on amazon and they come in different shapes! These aren't the exact ones I got, but very similar!

 http://www.amazon.com/Freshware-CB-305-12-Pack-Silicone-Reusable/dp/B009ANCUCO/ref=pd_rhf_gw_s_t_12

Over all it's been a very productive Sunday!! WooT!

Week 5 Weigh In

On Monday, I did weigh in, but I didn't post because I was bummed. My plan was to wait until Tuesday and weigh and post that loss saying I forgot Monday...we all do that sometimes right...but I realized that's not being honest with myself. This past weekend we drove down to Nacagdoches for my sister Rachel college graduation. After the ceremony we went as a family to lunch. I thought I was doing really good....shrimp salad, dressing on the side, and grill the shrimp--no butter or oil! We then drove to Houston for the Rangers v Astros game where I was really good and only had a diet soda as a treat (I had plenty of water that day too). Sunday we drove to Galveston for lunch...where again I had grilled shrimp salad, no butter or oil, dressing on the side. I was feeling pretty good about my decisions!!

 

Then came Monday...I got on the scale and I was up 0.4 pounds. Now really is that a lot to gain? No, not really...but still a little disheartening when you are shooting for a goal, excited about the rewards, and that didn't help you get there faster. However, it's part of a weight loss journey. There could be many reasons why that number was slightly up...instead of the 3 pound average loss I have been having. First, I have had a stupid cold for the past week. I took some meds and who know if that affected fat burning. Second, you never truly know how they cook your food at a restaurant! Even though I said no oil or butter...they still could have put some on, or what was exactly in the seasoning? Third, sometimes your body just had a weird week and THAT'S OK! I have to keep my chin up and look at how far I have come...not the one little glitch and keep going! This is a journey for a reason. No one said a journey is easy...it's meant to be difficult so that we can learn along the way! So there it is...I gained 0.4 pounds this week, with a total loss of 13.4 pounds so far.

Goals and Rewards...

So I started thinking about what am I going to reward myself for hitting certain goals, and what are those goals going to be set at? In the past I used to set smaller goals and then reward with something I thought I was missing--unhealthy foods. I'd make excuses that it was ok, yet it would always derail me! This time I'm determined to have a different outcome. This time the weight loss isn't just about loosing weight and being a smaller size, it's about transforming myself into a different person. A person who thrives for optimal health. Someone who can run around a play ground with kids and not be tired after 20 min and want to rest. Someone who can run the race and FINISH! Someone who sits on the floor for hours with her kids cuz she can and wants to! So here are my goals and rewards:

1. DietBets-- I will continue to participate in the DietBets till I have enough earnings to purchase a FitBit Flex (and cuz I know I like the options of changing colors the 3 pack of colored bands too). That means I need about $150 in earnings...or do two purchases (1 at $110, and the other at $40).

2. Halfway goal-- Since I'm already about 1/2 way to the half-way point I thought I'd just make one there. I've been wanting two tattoos for a while now. So when I reach 170 I'm going to get my favorite scripture tattooed on my wrist. The whole verse is Jeremiah 29:11-3 "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." I am going to take just verse 13 (the highlighted portion) and have it tattooed in Hebrew on my left wrist. It will look like this:

ובקשתם אתי ומצאתם כי תדרשני בכל לבבכם׃

3. Goal Weight-- My last goal (as of now...I'm debating a 3/4 goal) will be at 140 lbs and will be the other tattoo I have been wanting. About 3 and a half years ago my step-mom passed away from rectal cancer. It was really hard on my dad to watch her go through the pain. He sent me a text about 8 months after her passing of a tattoo he had just gotten. It was of a dragonfly with the words transformation. After her passing he talked about her transforming into a new body...one that no longer was sick, and that she was no longer in pain. I still remember talking to him about it today (and that says a lot cuz my memory isn't good). So for my last goal...goal weight...I am getting a dragonfly tattoo with the word transformation in Chinese. This signifies a lot for me. It helps me remember Vicki's life. It also is a sign on the transformations my life has gone through. Through Christ I am made clean, I am transformed into His image (2 Cor 3:18). I also have gone through a transformation through my journey towards optimal health. Things are changing already on how I view life...I can't even imagine what the next 4-5 months will bring! I'm not sure on the placement yet, and my tattoo artist have to work with the images as well. Here are a couple dragonfly ideas and the characters:

Dragonfly #1

Dragonfly #2

 

Dragonfly #3

Transformation

I would LOVE for you to let me know your thoughts! Gladly would take suggestions on the tattoos. Which one do you like the best? the least? Placement thoughts? Right now I am thinking my ankle or on the back on my shoulder (where my dad has it). Leave a comment and let me know!! :)

Somebody's Got A Case Of The Mondays....and it's NOT me!!!

Usually we all dread Mondays. It's back to work from a nice, short weekend that we just didn't want to end! However, through Take Shape For Life I have grown to LOVE Mondays! I look forward to the morning where I have my official weigh in for the week. I used to HATE weigh in days, but this program has changed that view for sure. I'll take ANY loss the scale says...cuz it's less than I weighed before! Some weeks are bigger than others, but that doesn't mean I'm not burning fat--I might have gained muscle!

Today marks one month since committing to myself, again. Yes I've had my ups and downs...I'm definitely not perfect by any means. Something a few weeks ago finally clicked that the moment here or there to stray isn't worth it...it's not worth my health. Sure once I reach my goal and transition into maintenance I can have chips and salsa on occasion. The key is sparingly :). Right now staying in fat burning is way more important to me than any food. I do not live to eat...I eat so that I can fully LIVE!!

Update on my last DietBet...well I WON!!! I was so excited, so I turned around and signed up for another on for the month of August. I am saving up my winnings to be able to buy a FitBit Flex for my prize. I only need about $30 more for that. Hopefully I get close to that this month! It's a great, fun way to compete with others, yet mostly yourself. Anyone that looses 4% of their weight wins a portion of the pot. Our pot this month is up to over $11,000! With about 400 players though that can get spread across many players :). Can't wait to see how it turns out!!

So what are my results for the week...well I lost 3.2 pounds last week! That brings me to a total of 13.8 pounds lost. I forgot to take measurements from the start, but now I have measurements to compare for the rest of my journey. I have 49.2 pounds left till my goal. If I continue at this rate I should be at goal around Thanksgiving. Perfect timing for a BRAND NEW ME!

Vision Boards are now hanging...just need to get the pictures and quotes that I want to put on mine. Hopefully they will be finished this week and I can update with a picture. In other news too we finally have our home study scheduled for our foster parent licensing. She will be here Wednesday at 2:30 and will probably be here till 9:00. It's a lengthy, in depth process asking us tons of questions together and separate. We would greatly appreciate your prayers! Hopefully by the end of August we will finally have this process wrapped up! Can't wait till we can start caring for children!

I also wanted to PRAISE GOD for providing a teaching position for me this year. It has been an amazing journey seeing HIS hand at work searching for a position this summer. HE has been faithful and provided an excellent opportunity for me as a 9th grade Special Education Math Teacher. I am excited, yet nervous! Again, appreciate prayers for this endeavor this year!!

Checking in: vision boards and book club coming SOON!

Well it has been a couple weeks since I have posted...again. I'm so not good with this blogging thing regularly! The past two weeks have been amazing. We went to National Convention and gained lots of insight and ideas to help not only propel ourselves in our journey, but helping others in theirs. I'm doing really well weight-loss wise. I am down just over 10lbs for the month. I'm not really sure which weigh in week I am at because of travel and other things, but I'll just pick up where I left off! I think I missed a week in there somewhere.

One of my take-a-ways from convention was to get out of my own way and put aside my fears. I think part of me has an attachment to my belly...why? I'm totally not sure! I think maybe I'm scared of what lies ahead! Who knows, but that opened my eyes to how much my head plays with my choices! I am my own worst enemy! So, I'm trying to get out of my way and stop having the red light thinking...things that keep me from my goals and desires. Push past the fear of the unknown, the fear of what others will think, the fears....and go for it!

I've been busy the past week with a bunch of things and one thing we created are vision boards. Next step is to look for pictures, quotes, anything that we have dreamed of doing/having and post the pictures! Very excited about this!!

We are also starting a Health Habits Book Club!! We would love for you to join us Tuesday Nights at 7pm at our house! :) If you have any questions let me know!

Sometimes Life Throws You A Curve Ball

Sometimes life throws us a curve ball and it's how we respond determines out outcome. We can stay back an wait for that right moment to swing or we can lunge at it trying to make something of that pitch. Only one of these things moves us in the right direction of our desired outcome. Lately I have not taken the option of hitting a home run...I have had my moments of a base hit, but that was followed by a few strike outs in a row. We all aren't perfect and yes I know, don't beat yourself up about it! However if I really want to change myself, if I really truly desire optimal health, I have got to learn from the pros and be patient more often...waiting for that right timing to swing.

Weight loss isn't a miraculous over night occurrence. It take time and patience. It's a series of choices that lead you down the right path, but you have to continually make those choices. Will I  have my cake and eat it too? Well someday, yes a piece of cake on a celebration is ok...I just need to put myself before the celebrations right now. I am the queen of excuses and keep making them...and I need help to stop making them. That's why my coach is there, but yup you got it right I actually have to contact her to make it work! I have to do my homework, and work on myself. That may mean I need to put the computer to the side (GASP!) and pick up my books...esp when I have the girls doing their reading and binders...that's when I need to do my work! I have a book and a half still to read for school to get the credit hours as well. It's time to put the pedal to the medal! I need to organize my time wisely putting the right priorities first and get things done!

The last few weeks have been all over the place! We have been working really hard on getting everything ready to push through the end of licensing to become foster parents. That's where my main focus has been. House is pretty much in order and now we finish up some training and paperwork things and then wait to schedule the home visit. Almost there, and then it's the waiting game for a placement. I have been pretty much MIA from my own journey as well as health coaching. This week is about re-focusing...what are my wants and desires and WHY do I want them!?! Determining the WHY behind them is what is going to keep me going. I loose sight of this often and sometimes begin to think it's not possible...however it IS!!! I was there a few years ago and rolling the right direction when life flipped me upside down. That doesn't have to stop me...it doesn't have to keep me from my desires!!! It's time to put my faith in HIM knowing he had a reason for our miscarriage and focus on HIS plans for us. He has shown me time and time again HIS faithfulness to us. Just this week we were concerned about how we were going to afford childcare for our foster children if they are not school aged...and just like that I was contacted by 3 schools about a job opening. Areas I would've never thought to look, and here I am with 3 interviews. Praying for God's direction on where He wants me to be, and thanking Him for the opportunities.

Now I have rambled on and on about a lot of different things. I greatly appreciate you support and prayers as we are going through the fostering process and job hunting...as well as on our journey towards optimal health! Feel free to contact me if you want to know more about the program I am on...it is a wonderful program and I fully believe in it. However as with anything, you alter the program, you alter the results. And you have to be ready to make the choices to support your health and your goals!

Ups and downs...

Well it's been a while since I've posted and I've had some up swings and downs swings, but this time I'm not beating myself up over it. Life happens, and so does shifting...I'm learning from my choices, and continuing to make healthier choices as I go. I'm not perfect and I know that not being perfect will alter my results, but I'm taking baby steps. I went and had bloodwork done and so far all the results were great! That's good to know!!! Waiting to hear about the thyroid results. I haven't weighted lately and you know what, that's ok cuz we shouldn't be a slave to the scale! I need to weigh in this week though to have a progress on the DietBet. While there are others in the competition I like it cuz you are really just competing against yourself. You have a goal to reach and that's it! If I focus I can kick that goal out of the water!! 

Things have been hectic and stressful this past week getting everything ready to finish foster training/licensing. We should be on the home stretch!!! Just a few more things and then we should be ready to go and waiting for a placement. This sure has been a lengthy and sometimes stressful process. Your prayers are greatly appreciated! Hopefully I will have more updates more often! 

Back from Vacation!!

We are back from a wonderful week in Minnesota!! Had tons of fun and even had time to relax! However the week did not go as well as I had planned. I was doing great at the beginning of the week. Sticking to my plan, dodging all the questions, and not allowing myself to be talking into things. However, towards in the end of the week with the rehearsal and wedding I made decisions that did not support my health or weight loss. I accept that it was my decision and realize we are all human and make mistakes, however that awful number on the scale (198.6) makes me cringe and even more determined! I have laid out my meals for the day, have my water jug filled, hung that bikini and jeans I really want to wear soon and even joined a Diet Bet that starts today. I have one month to loose 4% of my weight and know that it WILL happen! In fact I'm going for more than that, but will be happy with any loss for sure! I've got some ground to make up this week, but excited for July will bring :).

Vacationing on the lake!

It's been a few days since I have posted so I just wanted to update how things are going. First of all I am sitting here this morning on the shore of Detroit Lake with my Cappuccino listening to the waves hit the ore line and the bird sing their morning song. It's a beautiful and relaxing way to start the mornings, I have to find a way to make this happen back home! Now I can't replicate the water noises...but hopefully can find a spot outside on our patio to create space for my morning devotional and quiet time. It's amazing what sitting out here for just 30 minutes focusing on nothing but the sounds and the sights can do for you! 

Our trip has been a lot of fun so far and we have been really good towards sticking to our plan! Every day we plan out what our lean and green will look like. Even though we have gotten some funny looks and comments from TJ's family at times...we are not going to just pig out cuz we are on vacation or even have a pig out day! It's amazing the reaction you get too when you say you don't plan on drinking at any of the festivities. I can have plenty of fun sober :). It sounds like the only challenging day will be the night of the wedding...but now knowing what will be served we can plan accordingly. There will be chicken and Caesar salad we can eat...just want to go light on the salad so might eat a serving or two of veggies with lunch. 

We plan to take a walk everyday. Yesterday we walked a little over three miles, but it was more like a stroll. Just to get out and do some moving instead of sitting at the cabin all day. Today we plan to go walk to the Farmer's market. I'm so excited! Fresh veggies for dinner tonight!!! Oh I forgot to mention we even introduced his dad and sister to cauliflower mashed "potatoes". They seemed to enjoy them! Such a healthy way to have steak & "potatoes" :). 

I can't weigh in today because there isn't a scale so I will be weighing in when I get home Monday. Then I will be on Monday weigh days like our support group is. Looking forward to seeing that number below 192.6, the number that it read Saturday before we left! 

Below is my morning view...such a peaceful morning!

Preparing for vacation...

We leave for Minnesota on Saturday. Vacations are always tough for me. I go with intentions of staying on plan and being careful what I choose to eat, but somewhere in the mix I loose control and just say oh well...I'm on vacation! There is absolutely no reason I need to think this way. They care about my health (or should) as well, and should theirs, so eating right shouldn't be a problem! If they choose to eat unhealthy, that doesn't mean I have too! There is no reason to go to the store and pick out candy and junk food, just cuz it's easiest! We have called the family and told them we are sticking to our plan and will need healthy food options. We are also low on $$ for the trip so we plan to try and eat at the place we are staying a few times. The only times I can't control where/what we get to eat is the rehearsal dinner and wedding. Hoping we have the option to choose items and not given only certain things. At least hoping for a salad. We will be asking these questions once we get there and planning accordingly. I have most of my meals put aside...mostly shakes as they are easy with a water bottle. My mother-in-law also said we could use her meals for now too and she would reorder...helps save us luggage room!

How do you plan for vacation and still loose weight? There is a client in our Facebook support group that actually went to Disney World and LOST weight that week! She did a lot of research online before she left and knew what restaurants had the right food for her. Now not saying to do this before every vacation, it just depends on what stage you are in your journey! The weight loss phase you have to be a lot more picky...plus you are developing the Habits of Health so that you WILL make the healthier decision later. If you are already living a healthy lifestyle then you mostly likely could make the decision to walk just a little further till you find a place that offers a healthier option. Vacations don't have to be a bust and you don't have to come back gaining 8 lbs in a week either (and yes this is a true story I have heard lately). It takes some planning and a lot of willpower and choices to keep you on track!

Weigh day....

Today is the official weigh day since I forgot to weigh last Monday. Last Tuesday I was 200.3 lbs. I'm not sure how much I had lost in a day but it's pretty close I'm sure. Today I had to step on the scale twice cuz I couldn't believe what I saw! 195.2!! So that's a loss of 5.1 lbs!

When you see those numbers rolling down it makes all the decisions you made worth it! It's been a week of ups and downs emotionally with Sammie being sick, to potentially finding out it could be more than just a stomach bug...to having great results and feeling healthier!

We leave on Saturday for a week in Minnesota...and I'm preparing for that NOW! As soon as my order gets here I plan to pack 3 shakes per day, my cappuccino for the morning, and then a bar or cereal for the other meal. Gunna take my 64 oz water jug with me...of course it will have to be empty to go through security. Also going to make sure that where we are staying has a coffee maker and fridge...hoping to have a few lean & green meals at the house so that I can regulate what I eat! This will be the first vacation I don't go crazy...the first one I stick to plan and loose weight!!

Oh and don't forget to check out our DietBet that starts June 29th. The way it works is that you put $25 into the pot (what's $25 towards your health and a little competition)...and then at the end of 4 weeks everyone that has lost 4% of their weight wins a portion of the pot! The more the merrier! I think it's going to be FUN!! Check it out! http://bit.ly/17HyZqI

After one obstacle comes another...and another...

Yesterday went really well!!! I avoided the dessert trap and had pork chops, broccoli salad (minus the raisins), tossed salad (picked out the carrots) and steams broccoli/cauliflower! It was a really yummy lunch! Then I stuck to my guns and just had my meals. There was many times for temptation and a husband that kept wanting to take a bite of all the desserts, but I made it!

Now to today...Sammie hasn't been feeling well since Saturday night. She has been throwing up and not eating. Last night she finally had some chicken and rice. I took her this morning to the vet and they were more worried about the trending weight loss she has had...they ran blood work and it's concerning so more $$$ and send it off to the lab...hoping it's not to serious. This of course brings an enormous amount of stress and worry! My reaction is usually to not pay attention, miss meals, then pig out on something...this isn't going to happen this time!! I got stuck without my water at the vet, but ran out while they were doing something real quick...and ate my third meal a little late since I wasn't prepared to be out that late. BUT I didn't eat the cheese/crackers I brought for the girls just in case they were hungry...that's a victory in itself! As the stress of her health and $$ now intensifies I have to find time to de-stress too! That's where I have to be more diligent in my quiet time in the morning and taking some time in the afternoon to chill as well. I will make it through this...

Oh and weigh day is TOMORROW!

Happy Father's Day!!!

Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there! We couldn't function without you!!!

With Father's Day comes another challenge...heading to grandma's! I talked with her this week and the first thing she starts to tell me is all the desserts we are having...everything loading in sugar, fat, and other non-nutritious things. I'm not saying having a little slice here or there hurts you...it's perfectly fine for the occasion here and there. However during this phase of my journey, I have to say NO! I cannot allow myself be guilt tripped, just because we are at Nana's house or it's a holiday or whatever I can think of to be an excuse. After all my optimal health should be priority for them too! I did ask her what was healthy that was planned and was told she had a tossed salad and chicken. Hoping the chicken is somewhat plain, but I will make it work. Usually we have lettuce or green beans, so that will be my green! For the rest of the day I will stick to my meals! Week 1 is almost in the books! I officially started on Monday, but didn't weigh in till Tuesday so that will be my weigh days.

I must remember when fixing my plate to STOP!  CHALLENGE, and CHOOSE what leads me toward my goals...I've got this!!!

NSV--Non-Scale Victory

Sitting in the car driving home from training and Round Rock and proud f myself! For the first time in I don't know how long I didn't eat the free snake provided! Our team of coaches calls this non-sale victories! Not everything is or should be able those 3 little numbers on the scale! It's about making choices that will drive me to my goals in life. The current goal I am working on right now obviously is health, and avoiding the golden Oreos was a huge victory! Kept drinking my water, ate my meal when it was time, and drank more water to say full! It's only about a 3 hr road trip, but it's the first in forever that we haven't "cheated" or gotten snacks! Quick stops for potty breaks and straight back to the car! I actually had the thought walking into Pilot--they try to sabotage you! They put all the donuts and junk right in front of you as you walk in! I just look for the bathroom signs! Ha! Just some tiny victories, but victories together will lead me toward optimal health!!! 

Baby Steps!

Well here is Day 4! Not having the surge of energy I was expecting but two days at the pool might do that to you! This year instead of being lazy I told the girls we are going to walk to the pool. It's only about 6 blocks and we all should be physically able to make the walk. If they are too tired on the way back then the next time I will cut down the amount of time we are at the pool. Just another way to get in some extra movement! Everything is going well so far! Excited to keep going on this journey!

Getting into fat-burning...

The first 4 days of any new change are the roughest...especially when in comes to how you are fueling your body. You go through a detox phase...getting rid of all the toxins that your body was used to functioning on and turning it into a fat-burning machine (functioning the way it is designed to!). The first few days usually give you a run for your money...hunger, headaches, light-headed, etc...well I have to say I'm doing pretty good! That's probably what happens when you focus yourself and know it's worth it! No excuses, just determination. This time I'm going to make it!

So where am I...well I am only going to weigh in once a week so that I'm not obsessed with a number, but more focused on how I feel and how clothes fit! I'm feeling pretty good and tomorrow I should be in fat burning, and I don't want to come out till I'm at goal! I know no one is perfect, but gosh darn it I'm gunna win this game! I've stuck with my 2-3 shakes a day and trying not to mess with the meals too much and add things here and there. One more day and the energy hits...one more day. Let's do this!

Great start!!

Yesterday was a great start on this journey to a healthier me. I stuck to the plan and didn't even have any BLTs (bites, licks, tastes) of the girls (I'm watching my nieces this summer) food! I forgot to weigh in yesterday, but today I am at 200.3 lbs. It's funny to me cuz everytime I have restarted myself I am always right about the same weight. I don't ever plan to see the 200's again (unless I'm pregnant!). I drank over 128 oz of water yesterday...I'm shooting for about 100 oz a day (half your body weight). I am also shooting for at least 2 shakes if not 3 a day...they seem to have magic powers!! Looking for a BIG first week...I have a wedding to be at towards the end of the month and want to shed as much as possible!

In other news excited about the summer with the girls. We got our schedule set-up and we are all ready for fun in the sun, the library, and even a little bit of learning :)

It's Time To Make A Change

Good Monday Morning!

Many times in my life I have decided to make some changes...many times I start with that change for a week or so and then go back to previous habits. Today I'm starting new...starting over. It's time to put the past behind me and go forward. Being completely honest with myself, I've let things creep back into my life that are not healthy habits. I have allowed the things I value to slip...which is ME! Today is refocus day...refocusing my life on living a longer, healthier life! This isn't just about going on a diet...there is DIE in the word for a reason! This is about making changes...and I'm not just talking about FOOD! This summer will be about creating a lifestyle that I want and desire, no more excuses!

Quiet Time--I have let my quiet time slip...the time I used to make sure nothing kept me from. I have let Facebook, Twitter, email, etc creep into my morning time instead of safe guarding the first 30 minutes or so for my quiet time with God. This summer I will put this time back into my life, diving into my relationship with my Lord and Savior. Only He will give me the strength I need to overcome some obstacles in front of me. I have been struggling again with having the miscarriage and having a strong desire for having children...and life not being fair! How come I keep seeing so many people pregnant, but I'm not...well only God can help me work through this!

Health--I have let myself make excuses as my stress level rose about mid-year at school. This HAS to change. So today is Day 1 back on plan. This time I WILL complete the program, going through the Habits of Health curriculum ad reaching goal weight. I have to take care of me to someday be able to take care of babies...It's time to choose the choices that follow the path towards what I truly want and desire. This is about ME...not anyone else! Not TJ, friends, family, etc. But ME! What do I desire to do with my life...first is to be able to LIVE! To live, I need a vessel that will last...that means health.

These are just two areas that I'm focusing on to begin with! TJ and I are also in the process of becoming licensed foster parents! These kids will need me to be the best mom I can be...

Ready.....Set....GO!!!!!