Crossfit can have my babies

Seriously... Why the hell have I ever been doing anything else to get in shape?

What is crossfit do you ask?



It is amazing. It is the first time I've ever felt like my workouts have practical application in my life. JT started a month ago and has already seen VERY noticeable and favorable results. I started wednesday and although I don't see any results yet, I feel AMAZING (although, exceptionally sore! haha)

To all of you crossfitters out there who have been preaching it for a while - I am a believer and you can say I TOLD YOU so!!
Now, before any of you go out and join a random crossfit gym, I will say that the gym we found was after JT did EXTENSIVE research- He asked a friend (Johnny) who is an expert for a couple of tips and he researched what was important to us and found the perfect fit for us. Crossfit is more than a workout - it is a camaraderie that I can only compare to a VERY tight nit athletic team or the military - so if you pick the wrong gym, you pick the wrong people to be with. IN addition, some people are in it for the money rather than the fitness - crossfit can be expensive - like JT says "It is the perfect balance between having a trainer and going to the gym" so its more expensive than just going to the gym but less expensive than paying for a trainer (in some cases... some gyms charge a LOT!) So, it is important to find a gym that is well rounded and where the owners or leaders are fit and do the workouts and will scale you and work with you.

Besides crossfit the last few weeks have been crazy. I finished my play AND we finished our weight loss competition in my department (that I put together.) After all was said and done, the 24 participants who went start to finish (including myself) lost a total of 176.5 lbs. I would say that is a hell of an accomplishment. Personally, I started and ended at the exact same weight... but, as always, I can only go up from here and I am SO happy I didn't gain! (we only had TWO people who did!) We also kicked off our next challenge called "Freeze the Gain." We weighed in anyone who wanted to participate and the goal is to either maintain your current weight or lose weight in the next three months. We will have ONE weigh in on July 3 and anyone who does one of those things will be put in a drawing for some awesome prizes (rangers tickets, cowboys tickets, amusement park tickets... anything we can get our hands on basically.)

Im also in the midst of switching jobs so things have been insanely busy and crazy at work besides our challenge!  I am SO excited though and finally feel like I am going to be utilized for my talents. (and paid for them! haha)

Life is SO SO great. Are you living yours to its fullest? I sure as heck am! <3 <3 If you're not, now is a great time to start!!!

Thanks for reading - Ill try to do better about writing more! haahaha 

long, successful week.

Short post to end the week and check in. I somehow pulled off work, spending time with JT on his Spring break, hell week at play practice, losing two lbs., working out 5 times, cleaning, catching up with friends and more!!! It is amazing what we can accomplish when we just live!!
So.... see you next week, be successful!!!

Yummm!!!

midnight shopping trip!!! Healthy!!!

As it turns out

The journey to figure all of this crazy stuff out is still in full force. I was a veggie for 7 months, I've been an omnivore for about 2 weeks and now Im going to settle on quasitarian (meaning I still don't really care for meat, but if I want something I'll have it, otherwise Ill choose vegetarian options.) That is what I planned on a couple of weeks ago too - but the last two weeks have really hit that home. I had meat 3 times this week and I only enjoyed 1.5 of the experiences. :) One of the meals was actually ruined by meat. I am happy to eat cheese again (EFF being Vegan... I wish I could do it, but I am not strong enough yet. MELANIE HELP ME! haha)

I found an interesting article and I want to share it for a few of my friends in particular. My friend Carolyn and I  are very similar in our food struggles. We met about 7 years ago on a website for counting calories (myfooddiary.com) and have been fast friends since. She and two other girls from the site (Vicky and Jenn) and I write an email chain daily during the workweek and we even met up to run a half marathon together! They are amazing women, but, like me they all struggle with how to eat properly... what is proper? Well, it depends on YOU and THIS article talks about that. knowing what YOUR body wants. It has taken us years but we are all making strides.

and for a little middle-blog break, enjoy this Michael Franti song! We saw it live at a John Mayer concert and it was AWESOME! :)



On a different note, I began lifting and running again this week. I hit it pretty hard and felt good. My plan was to run every day twice a day and get in about 5-6 miles daily. That is too lofty of a goal just starting back, so this week my goal is 3 miles a day and then next Saturday, JT and I are meeting up with my new friend Patsy for a St. Patty's day 5K. She wants to be my running buddy and that is SOOO perfect! It is SO nice to meet new friends.

Speaking of new friends - my play is going awesome and I  have met some amazing people. :) Best decision ever to do theater! I missed it first of all - and even more, the people who are participating in our play are open-minded and cool. (I hear that is actually NOT the norm for the local theater, but I am thankful that I picked the one play that it is like that!)

Well, I have to clean the house. I will definitely write more later because I have a lot of cool stuff to share - but until next time I am going to go.... - (although I think it should say "sweat like a pig so you don't LOOK like one!" haha).

Will run for wine...

Or... will not run because I drank wine.. whatever.

I did go on an awesome walk with JT just now though and it was as an awesome, productive weekend. Unfortunately I did not get my MRI this weekend  due to complications with the machine and not having the proper blood work (thanks a lot VA.... jeez) but, overall it was a nice couple of days off.

This is going to be a crazy week! 5 days of work and 5 days of play practice. (and Saturday I have a photo shoot for the play!!! so 6 days!) But, its going to be a good week. Going tot try hard to get up and work out. I think JT is going to start back at crossfit toO! He is feeling SO much better!

And, the best news of all? Marley is ALMOST out of heat, we finally got Remley to eat something tonight and he has calmed down so much that we might actually get some sleep tonight! WOOT! haha! <3

headin' out for a run

It is absolutely gorgeous here in Texas <3 So - JT and I are heading out for a little jog. :) It is MUCH needed after last night's decadent dinner at JT's parents' house! It was light, but caloric!

We'll probably head to Rose Redmun for the run! If it isn't dark, Ill try to snap some shots. It is a beautiful run. :) Then, home for a delicious dinner made by Toad.

Here are several motivational posters to leave you with until I can write again later!!! If you don't have pintrest as a tool (for many things - but motivation and fitness is definitely one!) you should GET IT! Send me your email and Ill send you an invite!

 I have vomited far too many times to count during and after a workout.... most recent? Super Spartan!

 I would also add vanilla protein (spirutein or another vegan protein option)

 This couldn't be more true... last burpee? Super Spartan... how many? 150.... it blew. Hence the vomiting!

 I have failed so many times at losing weight and staying fit...which causes doubt and leads to sabotage! It is a constant struggle, but DOABLE!

 GOSH I wish my body look liked this! Working on it!

 So true. Love it, don't do it because you feel like you "have" too. It can be fun if you believe it is and do things you love!

 You can't eat like crap though and expect these results!

 Hope you enjoyed these - they definitely motivate me!! <3

Journey into the center of the earth

Well... it’s not quite the center of the earth - but our journey into veganism has been quite interesting.




Like any other thing in life - when starting veganism you have to "get your feet wet." The first few days were filled with finding things that tasted good, things we hated and just trying to keep up with cooking and making all of the things we had to in order to stay on our 28-day Engine 2 journey. We did find a few great recipes and things we really enjoyed as well as many things we just hated. Most of all we were so enthused and excited about a new challenge. And let me just explain that we were already eating about 80% vegan before we even started this diet. We still had milk or cheese occasionally, and I sometimes had sushi or shrimp... but, very rarely! Oh and we ate Greek yogurt too. So, this didn't seem like it would be that crazy of a transition.



After 3 days of being a vegan, JT started crossfit and although it was exhausting, he had plenty of energy to get through the workout. We also felt great health wise and our bathroom routines increased a lot (sorry if TMI) that applied to day 4 as well. On day 5, however, JT came home a little early from school not feeling well and when I got home I realized he was BURNING up! His temp ended up being 102. Friday I worked all day and when I came home his temp was still 102 and we headed to Urgent care - pneumonia. That made things a little rough. JT thought food tasted awful for several days and my days were filled with taking care of him, cleaning and sanitizing our home. Yuck. The only thing that JT could even consider eating was curry - so I got it, had some (cheated on my vegan diet!!! ahh!!!) and he ended up not even wanting to eat! haha. Oh well.



JT is on the mend, but through all of the craziness and misery, we've come to the realization that veganism is way too restrictive. We both understand the principle behind it. We both also understand that it gives your body the nutrition and fuel it needs to be as healthy as possible - but, we are also both practical and feel like being so restrictive is ridiculous. It was interesting, and I am going to finish out this week as a vegan (I already went shopping dammit!) but JT is done and as of next week I think we're going to stop being completely vegetarian (well... for me pescatarian... but for JT vegetarian) as well. We both still plan to eat a vegetarian/vegan diet 80% of the time, but we don't want to feel so restricted. I think one of the reasons we were able to sustain vegetarianism so long is because it was not quite so restrictive, we made decisions about what we wanted to eat and didn't feel boxed in. Things didn't taste like "replacements." And, we are NOT processed foods people so all of the vegan substitutes were pretty much out! So, we'll avoid processed foods completely still, and we'll eat lots and lots of vegetarian foods, but we're back to being omnivores. :)



I discussed with my friend Carolyn that I think the reason I tend to want to go so extreme with my eating is because I feel in control when I do that. I think that control is something I crave because I struggled so much with binging in my past. I have gained a MUCH healthier relationship with food in the last couple of years (thanks to lots of help and encouragement from JT!) but, it’s still a daily struggle. I used to literally count every single calorie I put in my body but all of those calories were empty, bullshit calories that I would eat so I didn't feel "Cheated." Some examples are: 100 calorie snack packs, goldfish, lean cuisine meals that were low calorie so I could eat more sweets later... etc... It’s always been such a struggle to strike a balance in food and I honestly think going vegetarian and vegan has really helped me find that happy medium of being satisfied, but still able to enjoy food. I mean, who knows? I might eat meat and HATE it and decide I am still actually going to be pescatarian... but anyways - the journey has been an interesting one!



On a different note - I am losing weight still and feel great. My workouts have been ok - but, I got a part in a local play and our rehearsal schedule is intense leading up to our opening, I am going to have to get my lazy ass out of bed to fit in workouts in the mornings!!! :) I can do it though.



Here is to striking a balance and living a very very healthy life. :)



Thanks for reading.

Results

I am seeing them. :)

(I started this post last week and came back to post another... realizing I didn't ever post this one... so here goes!)

Turns out the scale at my house wasn't a fluke and I did, in fact drop 5 lbs. from my last weigh in. I weighed in at 166.4 - which is just over 3 lbs. from where I started. Its not HUGE progress... but it IS PROGRESS. I am very happy and JT confirms that although I have not dropped a ton of weight, getting back into exercising and lifting has made a difference and he can SEE IT! That is probably the best part!

Our scale is still broken, so, I am working to win this next weigh in so I can take the scale our department is giving away as a prize. Our final weigh in isn't until April, but, to keep people motivated along the way, we decided to give prizes to the top three people with the highest weight loss percentages for ever weigh in as well. Its usually different people too which is pretty cool!

Oh, I did the calculations, and so far, the 28 participants have dropped 201.4 lbs.!!!!!!!! I am SO proud to be part of that.

(NEW POST)

Last night (Saturday night) JT and I went shopping (it took four hours because we had to go to 4 different stores to get everything we needed) but, we did succeed. We bought everything we needed to start and be successful with the Engine 2 diet. (click the name for the website!)

I have been talking about our plan to go Vegan for quite some time, but, we finally found a system that walks us step-by-step along the way so we are organized and feel confident in our choices. (It is quite hard to be veggie and vegan... not getting the right nutrients and relying too heavily on just carbs is a worry at times... even if we don't really eat carbs lol.)

We modified a couple of things. We don't dig fake meat so we are going to have something else on those days (such as the Black bean Coco Quinoa recipe etc....) and... unfortunately we're going to have to stop having curry for a while because it has fish  sauce in it - but, its all good, because the recipes with this diet and the food suggestions are awesome.

Today's Food:

Rips Big Bowl
1/4 cup old-fashioned oats
1/4 cup grape-nuts
1/4 cup shredded wheat
1/4 cup Uncle Sam Cereal
1 tbsp ground flaxseed meal
2 tablespoons raisins
1/2 handful walnuts
1 banana sliced
1 kiwi sliced
1 grapefruit
3/4 cup almond or soymilk

(This is A LOT of food, but, the point is to start your day off with a huge hearty energy-packed meal and then bring down what you're eating as the day goes on)

Lunch Stuffed Pita with Hummus
Lots of veggies
quinoa
hummus

all stuffed in a pita. There actually isn't a recipe for this one, so, we're going to make it like that :)

dinner Spinach Starter Salad & Gnocchi with Red Sauce
Exactly how it sounds :)

Dessert Frozen Cherries and Soy Yogurt

We have never been big soy fans, but, due to needing to add protein to our lives, we've decided to try it for this and give it a chance. :) So, we will be trying the tofu recipes as well as using soymilk and soy yogurt when he calls for it.

We are excited. We both recently had our cholesterol checked so we'll get it checked again after this 28 day diet (life-style change) and give our results.  :)

On a different note, Johnny put an awesome quote on his wall today from one of my all-time favorite songs!

"Some will fall in love with life and drink it from a fountain 

that is pouring like an avalanche coming down a mountain." 

- Gibby Haynes (Lead singer of the Butthole Surfers)

Weigh in today

I am nervous. And not because I haven't been doing what I should, because I HAVE and I will be completely crushed if the numbers don't reflect the hard work Ive been doing. My scale isn't working so Im not sure if losing 5 lbs. last week was a fluke or a scale problem. Im going to go with the loss and just keep my fingers crossed.

Wish me luck! Ill check in later with the results. <3

Oh and lets all start our way feeling this way! (how cute!)

Cool article

I am pretty obsessed about eating a certain way... but, my friend Adam shared a link to a story of people who are even more particular!


Eat your heart out!!

Also, I made a delicious breakfast!



It was my own recipe... so I will call it "Curried egg, rice and black bean burrito"

Basically I made scrambled eggs - whipped them first with a little almond milk to add some air
I warmed up some rice and blackbeans and mised that with panang curry (from my WONDERFUL thai place) and put them in a garlic tortilla!

DELICIOUS!

My goal this week is to get in workouts and yoga every day and to do well in my weigh in. I have been SO dedicated and successful this past week! I am going to keep it going!

Thanks for reading!

Surprises

A few weeks ago I wrote a blog about advice. When I wrote, I was talking specifically about fitness advice... but last night I got a reminder that sometimes, you're giving advice and making a difference in someone's life without having to do anything but being true to yourself.

"You inspired me to get out of the navy and realize there's a life outside of broken relationships and constant deployments. My thanks will never be enough. You're my hero."

I received this message last night on facebook. It was from a Sailor who I spent about two weeks with while my ship was out to sea and I was transitioning out of the Navy. It may be one of the most meaningful compliments I have ever received.

Although I feel like the Navy is a great option for many and serves as a great stepping stone in life, I also feel like it is smothering and stifling. You can only go as far as the Navy is willing to let you go. Your life is never quite yours. You may be comfortable financially, but you're never truly stable.

To know that I somehow made enough of an impression to be an example to someone, gives my decision to get out even more merit. Not only have I given myself the gift of living a life without reservation, but I have inspired someone else to do so as well. I really had no idea either. So remember, people are always watching, always listening - LIVE in such a way that you are always doing the type of things others wish they could be doing (and hopefully, they will have the courage to stop wishing and start doing.)

Thank you for reading.

Still working hard!

Just checking in to let everyone know that things are going great over here! I am still working hard and have ramped up the "cooking" and "eating" aspect of my journey. I had done that once before, but I am really doing better cooking our meals and preparing our lunches, rather than us snacking constantly.

Also, the workouts are going great this week. I was a little spotty before, but I am definitely motivated and on it! Last week I was having some serious issues with my back. I hurt it while I was in the Navy and although it does always ache and hurt about 50% of the time, Last week it was hurting 100% of the time... in fact, I had to make an appointment (which I won't have until the 9th of Feb!) Im working out again because it is feeling better, but I am definitely keeping the appt. to make sure all is well in there.

Here is my favorite new recipe!!!  (sans cheese though)  (click the link to see the recipe!)

avocado, tomato, sprouts & pepper jack with chive spread

And here are a couple motivating pictures! <3

I would love to look like the above pic!

And here is a great workout I found! Challenge yourself!

Tomorrow is the big day!!

We start veganism in the A.M. for a while.... I am a bit nervous!!!

Here is to better health!!!!

Marley is ready!! :)

You you you... oughtta know!!!!!

As most of you know JT and I are pretty obsessed with fitness, food and health. We are CONSTANTLY learning, researching etc... We've watched about 10 documentaries, read thousands of articles and research studies, soaked up as much information as possible from experts and friends and many other resources. It is truly amazing how much we've learned and how much we know. Herein lies the problem:

How do you share your knowledge without offending or seeming know-it-ally? How do you guide people in the right direction who truly have no clue what-so-ever? How do you get to the point where you realize what you know, and what is right for you, may not be right for other people? And, if the info is not right for other people, can you still share your information and help them in any way?

It is quite the conundrum. It is really starting to bother me actually. I find it so frustrating when people ask for advice and then don't listen. I think that is the worst. I spend time researching for them and do  my best to guide them and then they still do what they were always doing and asked for help with in the first place. But maybe that isn't actually what is going on... maybe they HEARD me, but are trying to determine what is best for them?

Example: My brother called me a couple of weeks ago and questioned my vegetarianism. He was pretty negative about it actually and I was a bit offended. However, I just told him what I knew - that I felt better than ever, eating vegetarian was cheaper, my blood work showed a marked improvement and in general it just felt right. After we talked for a bit we hung up and thing remained unchanged. But, they actually didn't. A few weeks later my sister in law posted on her blog that Tony WAS listening to me, in fact, he told her that he would try running with her (something that she has been working on getting him to do since she started) if she was willing to try vegetarianism with him. They've been going strong for a week now and are doing great. In fact, he has lost 4 lbs. and they are working to expand their "recipe" horizon.

So, even though it seems like people don't care, or don't agree, sometimes they have to ruminate on the information and make their decisions in time. Other times, they may ruminate and decide your advice or information doesn't work for them. The whole thing, is that all you can do is share what you know and be as supportive and positive as possible and let people decide whats best for them.

What I struggle most with though, is knowing WHEN someone might want to know what I know :) I share it on here, which I think is great because if you want to read you can, iif you don't, you won't. But when I am talking to someone at work and they are making decisions that I think can be made better (like, what type of sweetener is best while trying to change a lifestyle... is it sweet-n-low? HELL NO (unless you want cancer) but maybe agave or stevia would work?) Do I tell them? Or do I let them find out for themselves? Do I say: Well, at least they are changing their other bad habits... who cares if they are using dangerous sweetener? At least they are doing better than they were...? Is that the right attitude? Is it better to let people be or share my knowledge?

Whatever the answer (and please feel free to share your opinion on the subject... I am very interested in knowing) I hope that what I tell you here comes off as genuine and helpful. The last thing I want to do is offend anyone and not be as helpful as I can.

Thank you so much for reading! <3

Yoga makes mama SORE!

VERY sore. Well, now it does. My first two days (with Kathy) I didn't feel sore, I just felt good to be doing yoga - but after a class with Beth and then Beverly filling in for two classes for Kathy ... (if you followed that you rock!) I am SOOOORRRRREEEEEEEEEEEE!

GOSH I love yoga! My hope is that I can look this good doing it at some point.

 

I started this post yesterday and got busy, so here I am again. I had a busy day at the business expo and ended up tweaking my back again :( I don't understand why this keeps happening. I hope as I continue my yoga practice that these little "tweaks" will go away -  because it kind of SUCKS! I took half a vicodin and we went on a walk to try to work it out. I also took a VERY hot bath... hopefully sleep will help it!

So, I think JT and I are going to go vegan for a while. We had decided we'd go raw vegan, but instead I think we've decided on just vegan (eating a large amount of raw fruits and veggies in addition to grains etc... we are basically just going to cut out dairy now and seafood.) We need an extreme reboot sort of thing and that is the best way for us to do that in our opinion. I found THIS website with some yummy sounding recipes too!

The other thing I wanted to share was Fitnessista's Winter Shape Up blog. This is an AWESOME blog in general, but this post is amazing. This woman literally just had a baby like... 10 days ago and she still put together her WSU with recipe and meal ideas and an awesome workout plan. Please check that out if you are in need of some food ideas  or workout ideas. 

Im headed to bed - please send some good vibes my way so I can kick this back tweak. And, even if it doesn't go away right now, hopefully yoga tomorrow evening will help! <3 

Thank you for reading!

Quick Check In

I am heading out for a workout, but wanted to take a few minutes to check in on this long weekend! :)

This week was full of ups and downs. Luckily some of the downs included my weight on the scale! I lost 1.8 lbs this past week! And some of the ups included some amazing workouts. I am in a little bit of a work-out routine rut, as my running has hit a rough spot. (I just can't do it right now - every time my hips, groin and lower body joints just ACHE and ACHE!) But, I did start yoga and LOVE IT.

I don't even know how to describe how yoga makes me feel. Firstly, I guess I feel very challenged because I don't have a lot of balance and have no prior yoga experience. I am a quick learner though and I am very flexible, so I am already improving quite a bit. Saturday's class went so well, in fact that my abs and chest are nice and sore! (lots of planks and chattorongas! (sp) )

My next goal is to find some neat workouts to throw into my routine. I am going to be doing yoga daily along with a strength/cardio workout of some kind. Like I said, I can't run right now, so Ill probably bike for cardio. Do any of you have cool workout routines? Id really appreciate some suggestions! the more the merrier! <3

JT and I are going to switch our diets to VERY high fruit and veggie this week too, which will hopefully start cutting my weight and I am going to try to count calories a bit. I won't do it so over-the-top that ill be putting it into a system of any kind, but I do plan to cut down a bit. Time to up my game. :)

I know this is a check-in post - sorry about that! I will share some great info this week! <3

Thanks for reading! And don't we ALL feel like this:

Body Image

I am ready for bed and was going to wait until tomorrow to post, but a dear friend of mine just posted an interesting blog that I wanted to share and I hope will spark a discussion. Unfortunately there is no way for you to get notifications when other people post in the comment section, so, if a conversation about the subject matter does ensue, you will have to check back to see replies.

http://www.thefrisky.com/2012-01-11/facts-about-americas-warped-body-ideals-are-controversial-somehow/#more-1794302


I am feeling a little conflicted about this. First of all, because I have struggled with weight my whole life. Naked, I look only a bit smaller now that the model and I have looked larger and like her at some point. As you probably know form reading my blog that I wasn't happy in that body nor am I happy with where I am.

I understand this might be offensive, but I don't mean it that way, all I want to say is that although the model is obviously gorgeous, she is obese. And she is BEAUTIFUL, but, I find it as disturbing for people to "defend" her size as I do for people to "defend" the size of the other model. Both are obviously NOT FIT. And that is where I think the American people have a disconnect. There is a difference between being thin and being fit. If I was a fit 166 I would be so happy! But, it is difficult to have a healthy bodyfat when at 5' 7.5" I weigh 166. I probably could, but if I dropped 10-20 lbs and lifted and gained muscles, I would have a much easier time.

I understand that the conversation isn't exactly about the model's size, but that some plus size models wear size 6, i understand that is disturbing (especially because Ive never seen a size 6!) However, there is a difference between a FIT size 6 and just a normal size 6. You can be skinny and unhealthy, just as easily as you can be heavy and unhealthy. The most important thing in the equation IS NOT your body image (although, that IS important obviously) but your health level.

Here is a perfect example of my point:

At this point in our society, for the first time EVER, children's life expectancy is less than their parents. This is due to a corrupt government who subsidizes certain food, scientists who have found ways to process and genetically modify food, and us, for not taking the time to learn about and care what we're eating and what we're giving our children. And of course, an every-increasing society of people who have desk jobs and no longer work in the factories, fields etc... When we see images of models, whether obviously WAY underweight or overweight, we are seeing something that isn't fair. An image is being projected that is not ideal for our population. Why is it, that when we "fight" the "WAY underweight" models, we project images of people who are obviously not in an ideal weight range? Why can't we put up images of people who are - wouldn't the same point be put across?

This post is not meant to offend, nor is it meant to be the end all be all - many of you will think I am wrong and that is ok. Please feel free to comment but please be kind, people of all shapes and sizes read this blog and there is NO judgement welcome. Everyone is entitled to their opinion and I am really interested in hearing everyones. Thank you for reading.

edited to say: If you are her size or larger, but are working hard to be "fit (and by fit I mean healthy)" then you are doing great and doing exactly what Im talking about. You don't HAVE to be a size 4 or 6 or 12, as long as you're working to live a healthier life, you're doing something right <3 I am not her size but I am close and feel like I am on the right path because I am working hard to make my life healthier and longer and to feel better personally and that is what I think is most important. 

Bathub blogging

Yes, I am taking a nice relaxing bath and thought multitasking sounded fun!

When you start a new or harder workout routine it is important to "pamper" your body. Epsom salt baths are a great way to do that. It makes getting back at it a lot easier and helps relax your mind too!

Yoga was absolutely amazing! More about that when I am not using a touchscreen to write!

Until next time....bath helpers say goodnight!!!

Sunday!

Hello All! I figured i'd start the week with a post and share a DELICIOUS recipe I made today!!!!

I made Black Bean Cocoa Quinoa and it was DELICIOUS! I snapped a few pictures along the way so you all could see it being made!

I started by making the quinoa because it takes the longest to cook. :) I added all of the spices to the water while it cooked to "cook" in the flavor!
Next, I cut up onions and red peppers and softened them in a skillet

Then, after the quinoa was done, I added that, some black beans, slat and pepper to this skillet. Then, I put it in a bowl and added tomato and avocado to the top!

Delicious!! SO amazing! :)

After we enjoyed our dinner, I made JT a One Minute Chocolate Mug Cake. I added some peanut butter chocolate chips and instead of frosting I put a little hazelnut chocolate on top. He said it was yummy! (I took a bite and thought so too!!)

Another thing I wanted to share is an article about "fast food."

http://thestir.cafemom.com/food_party/130975/cheeseburger_that_stayed_exactly_the

I always talk about the "quality" of food we eat as humans because most people are "tricked" by marketing and feel like as long as they watch their portions they will be ok. And, honestly, if you do watch your portion sizes you WILL probably lose weight, BUT you will not be getting the benefits of eating "whole" foods. how many ingredients are actually in those 100 cal packs? SO MANY! We are turning into a society of scientifically processed food when we can sustain ourselves with food from the earth! WHY? Rather than eating a 100 calorie snack pack, why not eat an apple with a little peanut butter, or some carrots and hummus for roughly the same amount of calories! You'll get SO MUCH more out of it!

Ok, Ill get back to this subject later, but please take a minute to think about this. Read the article, over 100 ingredients in the bun and meat and cheese... That means, even if you're getting a grilled chicken sandwich from a fast food restaurant you're still getting the processed ingredients in the bun, the meat is probably grade E and it is just NOT good because they cook it in oil and recycled grease. Take the time to stop at a grocery store and get the salad bar, stop at a deli for a sandwich, go to chipotle! There are LOTS of options that are better than fast food... we've got to stop supporting the businesses that are killing Americans. (too bad we can't stop the government too! lol)

I get by with a little help from my friends...

Someone posted the following video on facespace today. It is so awesome. The message is a great one: you may fall... over and over and over. Your friends may be able to do something easily and with no problem, but sometimes it is more difficult for you. Your true friends will never leave you behind. They will stand by, encouraging you, trying to guide you. It is OK to accept help to achieve your goals. Last, but certainly not least, NEVER EVER EVER give up.



The week has been a pretty good one. Ive eaten well and enjoyed great company and have just been loving life. I find weight loss is so much easier for me when I have a good attitude about it. When I approach it as a part of my life rather than as something I "have" to do and get over with. It is a race, but its NOT a race. Even if I don't get to my weight goal by April 4 any progress I make getting there IS PROGRESS!

I juiced today... in fact I had a HUGE glass of carrot, green apple, cucumber, celery and ginger juice. I feel amazing by the way. We def. need a new juicer though, ours is getting seriously bogged down and putting just a hair too much pulp in.

In addition to the video, I want to share an article today :

http://www.nomeatathlete.com/you-stopping-you/

It goes along with the "just do it" theme that I've talked about before from Johnny Waite (check it out!)

Thanks for reading! Im off to work it out!! The PERFECT way to spend my Saturday evening! <3

Weigh in!

We had our departmental weigh-in today. It went well! We got everyone weighed, we went over the rules and gave everyone some tips and info to get them started. A definite win. I also feel so SO motivated and sure I am going to win. I NEED to win.

I weighed in at 169.4. I weigh in at the house around 166 daily without clothes, so I wasn't surprised that in the middle of the day with clothes on I was closer to 170. That gives me 30 lbs. to lose. 140 is my goal.

I could use a little bit of help though - we have a couple of people in the department (and I am SO sad to say it is only a few) who are already within a good  weight range etc... and have no need to participate in the challenge. We'd like to give them the opportunity to earn a "grand prize" too - what can we do to have them earn it or compete for it? 

As far as my resolutions go, they are coming along great! I have taken time to meditate every night so far and it feels great and although yoga didn't start today like I had planned, we are going to start Monday. (my MIL had some other pressing issues that had to be taken care of and I didn't want to start without her. :) So, Ill be doing TRX tonight instead. And, it will definitely be worth the wait to start.

The last thing I wanted to talk about is my trip to the chiropractor yesterday. (I will actually put worth-while information in my next blog! sorry this is all about me!)
Anyways, I was hurting pretty bad so I went to see Julie, our chiro friend. I was in desperate need... she said my hips were completely out of whack, and I was just kind of "off" all over. But, when she got to the top of my back/neck she said "OMG does that hurt?" I said... "YES, always!" anyways, she explained that my neck was "flattening" which is "tractioning" my nerves (thus, causing the tingling in my arms etc..) and it is NOT reversible. The only thing I can hope to do is stop it from happening and hope the damage is minimal.

Kind of a tough blow to be honest. Ill be ok- but I just wish I was in a better place physically at my age. I feel like i've just NEVER been where I want to be. Most people look back into their teens and their 20s and feel like they want to be back there and here I am hoping that when I look back I can say "ill never go back there."
It is a bummer... but it is something I know I can do. I just need to stay on track and commit myself fully. (I have by the way!)

Thanks for reading! Next time ill start sharing my recipes, foods, inspiration and info! <3

Well Hello 2012!

It has been a couple of months since I last blogged. I was doing pretty awesome on the blogging too! Oh well, it is a new day and a new year and one of my resolutions is to blog more consistently. Honestly, even if no one else reads this blog, it really is an amazing way to reflect and make myself work through what is on my mind. It also helps solidify what I've learned into my brain! :)

To start the new year, I sat down and reflected on 2011 and came up with a list of all of the things I accomplished! (I grew SO much this past year!) I also made a list of all I will accomplish in 2012 (at least the things I came up with today... I am sure there will be MUCH more!)

Here is a list of my 2011 accomplishments (the ones I remembered to include at least!)

2011 –

Started the year in Ohio – at a new school, with no money. I had my husband, bulldogges and family… life was good.

Had serious anxiety due to all of the changes in life

Started cognitive therapy and meditation (NOT MEDICATION! my goal was to save my body from all sorts of nasty crap that people say will help) (awesome!)

Met GREAT people. (Kristie, Rick, Rhonda, Paul,  Rhonda M, Alan, Yvonne, Kendra…  just to name a few!)

Enjoyed the beer tour with JT and started it in Columbus with great friends (Landon, Lancer and Kyri!)

JT moved back to Texas so we roadtripped back on my spring-break with all of our stuff (most of it) a 26 foot uhaul with the jeep on the back and two of our bulldogges)

We put the house back together!

JT discovered and shared Johnny Waite's blog with me

Our whole life’s perspective changed

Went back to Ohio to finish school! JT, Remly and Marley stayed in Texas.

Started blogging again

Started working out seriously again

Started work at Avery Dennison and met amazing people! (Reggie, Danielle, Ashley, John, Ed, Ed, Sushant, Ray, Jason, Rick, Big Tony and many more!)

Started eating only grass-fed, free-range meat

Ran two 5Ks and PRd both

Ran the warrior dash in ohio with more awesome people! (Courtney, Jennifer!) Also finished in the top 20% out of more than 10,000 people!

Lost 12-15 lbs and got my new comfortable range into the 160s

Spent SO much time with my amazing family!

Was in Ohio to mentor Abby at a very important time in her life

JT CAME BACK!

Went camping (A lot!) with JT, Nathan and Abby (in Aunt Dianna’s back yard! The best place to do it!)

Went to Lancer and Kyri’s wedding

Went to Ashley and Mike’s wedding! (who doesn’t love seeing your friends marry their loves?)

Realized it is OK to let go of old “best friends” who sure don’t act like best friends

Started Juicing!!!!

Got a BOAT! (with out little trailer we needed to get back to Texas)

Travelled back to Texas with JT and the sweet bullies

Became Vegetarian!

Started and completed my internship

Took awesome pictures of JT at Tough Mudder (met a new friends! Rigo, Henry, Mark, Alex!)

Got my first post-Navy big-girl job (that I LOVE)

GRADUATED from College!

Ran the Super Spartan Race and FINISHED!

Really enjoyed life.

Beat/embraced Anxiety and got out of that dark, scary place without medicine

Got our first Christmas tree together!

Planned a weightless challenge for the parks department

Learned to cook (a little) 

Became a better housekeeper (kind of!)

Emailed a lot more with my girls!

Started reading some awesome, inspirational blogs

Started gaining as much knowledge as possible about health and fitness!

Started using more natural and organic products

And for 2012! - 

Goals 2012

Be more organized

Learn to crochet (and make an awesome scarf!)

Do something active most days

Work out most days (and try new workouts)

Start and WIN work weight-loss challenge (and get a free week of PTO)

Hit goal weight/body fat % and maintain it (by april 4, 2012)

Get personal trainer certification

Volunteer  to help others (people/animals)  at least once a month

Meditate

Reflect more

Do yoga

Play LOTS of disc golf!

Support JT in any way possible to help him succeed in finishing the death race
Be the best crew-mate EVER!

Be an even better wife

Be an even better friend

Be an even better person
Be a better daughter
Be a better daughter-in-law 

Run a half marathon

Complete and be competitive in a Tri (which means GET A BIKE!)

Go to Ohio to visit my wonderful family

Go on cruise with my girls! (Carolyn, Vicky and Jenn! their families and JT)

Explore more of Texas

Notice others and be more aware of my surroundings (so many people are rude and oblivious!)

Complete Girls’ new year challenge

Smile as much as possible

Make a difference

Start personal training part time

Do a couple of adventure races

Go camping (a lot)

Work on high kick (and continue total domination in house-hold high kick competitions)

Do lots of fun dancing (and make up new songs and dances)
Hang out with JTs parents more

Read more
Visit Dottie (JTs grandma) more!

Train dogs (obedience) give them more baths!
Enjoy my BFF more than ever! (Love you Toad!)

Continue to cook and get even better

Blog more consistently (get more exposure)

Send more cards, letters etc…

See GINA! (Tony and Sara and kids, Andrea and boys)

Try to stop biting nails

Go to a concert or two

Be more appreciative and grateful

Figure out how to turn the mouse pad on my laptop off so it stops driving me insane!

ENJOY DOING ALL OF THIS!!!!

2011 was an awesome and amazing year, and 2012 will prove to be an even better year. I have a ton of lofty goals, I plan to set more every day and I will accomplish everything!!! :) <3

I hope everyone else has taken a few minute to reflect and plan - there is so much to appreciate and enjoy, but it takes recognition and action! Take control of your life and do what you've always wanted to do but have never had the courage! For me, it is FINALLY getting to my goal weight and getting my  PT license!

Here is to an AWESOME year for ALL of us <3