Finding Balance......is hard!

I'm sorry that I haven't posted in awhile...to be very transparent with you all... I have NOT been very consistent since the challenge.  As the title of this post states... Finding balance is hard!!! After my 24 days (in which I was VERY spot on for, and yes I'm VERY proud of that) I gave myself some cheats.  I went out with some friends and got chicken george for my first cheat.  Then it was Thanksgiving. Then my niece had her first birthday. I kept on cheating. By Sunday, I felt terrible.. I had a huge stomachache, headache (because I wasn't drinking enough water), overall I just felt like crap.  It really showed me how much eating effects your body and mind.  So last Sunday I decided I was going to make a menu and get back on the train! I made the menu, went grocery shopping, prepped and got all ready for the week.  Monday-Wednesday I did pretty good and then Thursday I had a bad/stressful day so I caved and we got Casey's taco pizza. Friday I ended up having some cinnamon sticks from Domino's. Saturday was the most disappointing because I actually did have a plan and I did not follow it what-so-ever. We had a friend's little girl's birthday party.  I decided I was going to workout that morning and eat lunch before we went (which I actually did).  Then we got there... there was chips and cheese, chocolate covered pretzels, cupcakes, peanuts (the orange candy..yeah, gross I know..but I LOVE them! lol). I had alllll of it. The bad news was we were going out to eat with my husband's parents for his early birthday that night.  So, instead of trying to balance out the day I had a cheeseburger, cheeseballs, and I even got ice cream with hot fudge and caramel.  You can imagine how my stomach felt after all that ;)

The reason that I am telling you all of my fails is because I'M HUMAN! This morning I woke up and made a healthy breakfast and sat down to think about what I wanted to do.  Of course I text my coach Emilie and told her I needed a talking to and boy did she give me one :) It was an awesome reality check.  She told me that I'm human! Cheats happen! (Even if they did happen for like 3 days in a row :-S) She told me that I need to set a goal and STICK to it. So that's what I've done...I have a get together on Saturday night so this week I am going to stick to the menu no matter what then cheat on Saturday night and NOT feel guilty about it one iota!! I'm such an all or nothing person and that is why I've found it so hard these past few weeks to find that balance.  I'm NOT the person that can look at a bag of cookies and just eat one and stop.  I would eat 10, feel like I'm going to puke..then stop.  I realize that I'm not going to eat clean every single day of my life and that life will happen. I just need to make smarter choices and set those goals of when it's okay not to feel guilty about having those 10 cookies if I REALLY wanted them. But not having the cookies, the cake and the ice cream.

I really thought hard about how hard I worked for those 24 days and how much better I felt. I DO NOT want to lose that. I don't want to give that up just because it's the "holiday season". So the take away from today's blog is that you should set goals weekly. Little or big. It doesn't matter.  Maybe you need a cheat meal...maybe it's a cheat day. Whatever it is, set a goal and celebrate when you've reached it.. because that's what I'm going to do!

Lastly, a lot of you have been asking for the recipes that I've been making.  I'll post a few below. A lot of them I have found on Instagram through various fitness pages.  I will be sure to give them credit as I've made none of these up on my own! :)

Here is the link to the cauliflower pizza crust I made.  I used this crust and then found some sauce that was made with natural products, low fat mozzarella and turkey pepperonis.

http://www.theluckypennyblog.com/2013/02/the-best-cauliflower-crust-pizza.html

Recipe for the "Healthy Buffalo Bites"

1-2 lb chicken breast
1/2 cup buffalo sauce
1 cup panko bread crumbs

Preheat oven at 375. Cut chicken into bite size pieces.  Put buffalo sauce in a small bowl.  Put panko in a small bowl.  Put all the chicken pieces in the buffalo sauce and let soak for about 5 minutes.  One at a time take the pieces out of the sauce and roll in the panko breading. Put on parchment paper on a cookie sheet and put in the oven for 30 minutes.

That is how I make them but here is the actual blog recipe.

http://www.sugardishme.com/2014/10/08/buffalo-chicken-lettuce-wraps/

Here is the screen shots for the "Reese's Cups"-- I used "Simply Jif Peanut Butter" instead of almond butter.

If there's any other recipes I forgot just message me and I'll post them! :)

DAY 24!!!!!!!

Hellllllo Family and Friends!

I can hardy believe that it is DAY 24! I MADE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Holy crap, I did it. I can't even believe it. I just want to say first that I could not have done it with EVERYONE'S support...from Spencer at home eating whatever I make, my mom listening to me ramble on the phone, Emilie answers my thousands of questions and everyone else!!!  

Here are my results:

I have lost 8 lbs total, 3 inches from my waist, 2 inches from my hips and 2% body fat.  BUT MOST OF ALL....Here are my before and after pictures... (Yellow background before and white background after)...

Right when I woke up this morning I weighed and measured myself.  I'm going to be honest...at first I was sort of disappointed.  When I measured myself I was thinking "Wait, what? I lost NOTHING in my legs? NOTHING in my arms????" Then I decided to take "after" pictures.  It wasn't until I saw these pictures side by side that I was SO VERY PROUD OF MYSELF!!! I have never ever made it to the end of something to see progress. I am SO happy to see PROGRESS!  Did you read that correctly...PROGRESS..not perfection!! I know that I am not where I need to be but I have made so much progress that I couldn't be happier and more proud of myself.  I have to make this post short because I have Thanksgiving plans to pack and get ready for but I wanted to share this with everyone.  I can't wait to keep going.  I most definitely will be continuing AdvoCare products and the eating plan with splurges of life here and there.  

I will be back soon to continue some other thoughts, but I have to go for now!! Thanks for checking in! :) :D 

Half Way Point!

Today is Day 13 which marks OVER half way there!!!  

I am feeling more energetic, healthier and overall better about my body and mind.  Before this journey I would always be so tired.  I napped alllll the time (just ask my husband ;)). Last week I was very sick so I did nap a lot, but this past week I started feeling better and I have had so much energy that I haven't even thought of napping or laying down. It makes going to work out after school easier! I actually have energy to work out and put a lot of effort into the work out.  It's a good feeling!

I had my first weigh in on Day 10 after the cleanse phase was done.  I am down 3.8 lbs, down 1 inch off my waist and down 1 inch off my hips...in just 10 days! I'm so proud and excited. I'm trusting the process and working toward my goals. 

Speaking of goals.. I'm starting to think of my days past the 24 day challenge. To be honest, it gives me anxiety to think about.  Now, I know that I'm going to be able to do this challenge, but what am I going to do after???   I've starting thinking of how I'm going to approach this because I can see myself taking a tumble right off this train and not getting back on (especially with the Holidays approaching *YIKES*)! Then this would be all for NOTHING.  At first I wanted to set a weight that I wanted to be at but then I started to think about how muscular I've always been and I how much I've learned about not looking at the scale for happiness.  So, I've come to the conclusion that I have a couple of work pants that I can not fit into comfortably.  My goal is not only to finish this 24 day challenge, but continuing until I can comfortably fit into those pants!!

Food for Thought:
I also am trying to figure out how I can ease myself back into a balance after I have reached my goals.  I am eating SUPER clean right now.  I am able to do it now and it's wonderful, but I know that this is not a lifestyle that I could commit to forever.  I would like to stay clean, but be able to indulge every so often. Finding that balance is going to be key to long term success for me.

Another Food for Thought:
I'm thinking about becoming an AdvoCare Distributor again.  I'm wondering if anyone would has any interest in product?? I've done AdvoCare before and really did like the products, but never stuck with it long enough to decide if it works.  I can tell you now.. IT IS WORKING! I'm going to continue on Advo products after the challenge, but wondering if it's worth it to become a distributor.  Let me know if you have any interest! It may sway my decision! :)

Feeling Happy-- Day 9

I can not say it enough....The support that I am receiving from everyone is making ALL of the difference in my journey this time around.  I have the best family and friends.  Even friends that I haven't talked to since high school are leaving me messages of support.  YOU.  ARE.  AWESOME!!!

Okay, friends... I'm really shedding some light into my life today. It's very personal please be gentle :) Last year was a very rough year for me. First at the end of 2012 my dad (who was a State Trooper) was in a high speed chase and ended up being shot in the process.  (He's okay!) Next, I got engaged and started to plan a wedding (in 9 months). Next, I was starting a NEW job and a NEW grade in a NEW school. Next, my sister-in-law whom I love and care about so much was being deployed. AND lastly, I had a VERY, and I mean VERY rough class.  I had about 7 behaviors and 2 of them severe all while have 25 kindergarteners in a class.  My life was very chaotic and I was starting to have some health problems.  I kept having palpitations in my heart (my heart was beating really hard when I wasn't doing anything, I knew something was not right). I decided after about a month and a half that I should probably go to the doctor.  After many, many tests ruling out anything major, my doctor finally diagnosed me with depression and anxiety.  The palpitations were anxiety attacks that I was having.  I got on some meds and soon they stopped and I felt that my life was a little more under control.  Fast forward to this fall and right before I started this journey I was completely weaned off my meds and feeling good.  

The reason that I am sharing this story is because I wanted to share how I am feeling today and that wouldn't have meant as much if you didn't know the background.  I am feeling so happy and positive.  It feels good.  I think partially it is because of my life has slowed down, I have a wonderful class and everything is mostly normal.  The other part is the fact that I am on this journey and I feel like it's actually going to work this time.  It feels SO GOOD to have so many positive thoughts and feelings.  I. Am. Happy!

Okay..now back to my Advocare journey!

Alrighty... First celebration.. I made it through a WEEKEND!!!! Weekends were always the hardest for me.  I would always just "cheat" through the weekends.  When I was at the doctor one of those times she was talking/asking me about the sources of my depression and I've always known that my weight was one of them.  She said something this past time that really struck a nerve with me.  "Losing weight is not easy.  Even if you are 100% healthy during the week, eat right, work out...then on the weekend you decide to just get one Whitey's shake..You've just thrown away all of the calories that you worked so hard to lose." (Little did she know I had JUST had a Whitey's Pumpkin Shake the weekend before :-S)

Something that I think has helped me get through these first 9 days is that I have been planning.  I am a very organized person when it comes to my work and that is something that has crossed over a little into my home life.  (Just a little!)  I have always made a schedule for dinners for the week, but now I am scheduling literally everything for the week from major meals to snacks.  I've attached a pic to show. 

It does take a lot of time on a Saturday or Sunday, but it saves me A LOT of time during the week when I am busy and tired.

I also got to start working out again this week.  I am finally feeling better from the sinus/ear infection.  Taking a week off really showed yesterday.  I AM SOOOORE! But isn't sore such a good feeling?

Tomorrow is DAY 10! It's the last day of the Cleanse Phase of the 24 day challenge.  I will be weighing in and measuring to see how far I've come in just 10 days.  We'll see :) Even if there is not a huge change yet..I can already feel the benefits of how happy and positive I am.  Losing this quickly would only be a bonus :)

PS...Day 10 means only ONE MORE FIBER DRINK!! HALLELUJAH!

Day 5--TeMpTaTiOnS!!

Yesterday was full of temptations! 

If any of you know me...you know that I am a coffee/Starbucks addict as well as comfort foods! Fridays were my "special" day... ya know... for making it through the week ;). I would get a triple latte (Pumpkin Spice, duh!!!) and the occasional cream cheese bagel (either cinnamon and sugar or pumpkin).  Well, yesterday I had to say no to that.  When saying no I just think of the end result.  I don't have to say no to them forever, but right now in my life I am not going to get to where I want to be if I don't sacrifice things.

Surprisingly during school there were few temptations! Luckily, no treats, no birthdays.  It's easier that way :)

Last night was my first huge challenge.  Our friends invited us over for dinner.  I knew that there was going to be a delicious dinner, fabulous desserts and of course drinks! The way that I was going to battle this challenge was to plan ahead.  I had already planned to have spaghetti squash with red sauce and turkey meatballs so when I told that to my friend she said that she would just make spaghetti for everyone else.  This was awesome.  It may seem small, but to me it was just one way I didn't have to feel like I was "missing out".  The thing I was really worried about was dessert. I'm not going to lie, I was sort of in a panic before I went.  I quickly text Emilie and she responded with 3 wonderful ideas to combat those sweet cravings. Have I said how wonderful she is? Because she is GREAT!  

I packed my spaghetti squash dinner, armed with my fruit for sweet cravings and we went over to our friends.  I CAN NOT tell you how much support I had from them! Telling people my story was the greatest idea I've had yet.  NO ONE was asking me if I wanted a drink, no one was tempting me with breadsticks (Olive Garden breadsticks to boot!).  They all were asking me about my change, about my healthy choices and encouraging me! It was so nice.  I love them so much.  It really does make the difference.  The support is the difference this time.

P.S. I didn't even need to have my fruit after dinner :)

Days 3 & 4

Many hurdles already and it's only day 4! On Sunday, when I woke up I had a little bit of a runny nose, but working with kindergarteners I get a runny nose at least weekly ;). I started my journey on Monday and only kept feeling worse.  I decided to take Tuesday off and thought I'd stick it out yesterday.  Today I took the day off again and went to the doctor.  A sinus infection, ear infection and antibiotics later... here I am! BUT, here's the good news.. I have not wavered from my plan!!!!!  This would have been an easy way out but, my will is just so strong this time I'm so grateful.  I did have my first little meltdown last night.  I was just so sad and frustrated because of my illness coming at such an inopportune time.  I talked with my Advo coach Emilie (who is absolutely WONDERFUL) and she reminded me that there is going to be hurdles, but that is going to make the end that much better.

Day 3: For dinner I had these http://www.advotips.com/buffalo-wing-turkey-burgers/ 

Buffalo Wing Turkey Burgers... They were SO GOOD. My husband liked them too!  I decided that I was going to add some avocado to them and that was great too.  

Day 4: I don't have much of an appetite from being sick, but I've started to have some cravings. I really wanted something crunchy like chips.  I fought this urge with some raw sunflower seeds.  They have been my go to for snacks today.  I have also been craving some sweets.  I decided to take an apple and warm it up. I put some cinnamon on top and it tasted like apple pie! 

That's all for now.  Here's to feeling better!!!

Day 1 & 2

Day 1:

The fiber drink is just as terrible as I remember..but I got it down! I did well with my eating.  I said no to two wonderful desserts that were in the lounge and a cute little candy bag that one of my students gave to me for Halloween.  I've been feeling a little sick and hoping it would go away....

Day 2: 

I woke up feeling terrible.  I had an unbearable sinus headache, my nose was running yet I couldn't breathe.  I decided to take the day off to rest.

Now, normally (even on day 2) this would have been an excuse for me to give up.  I'm sick.  I can't do this.  BUT, NO. Not this time.  I hunkered down and slept a good part of the day.  When I felt up to it I ate what I had prepped for the day.  This was a mini celebration for myself! Even though I don't feel good, I didn't give up.  Win #1!

Here's to hopefully feeling better and continuing on this week!!

A little about me...

First things first...I am in no way a great writer or grammatical person. So bare with me :)...(*MOM, I'm talking to you;))

A little about my journey with my body and eating habits...

Ever since I can remember I have been involved with dance and sports.  Worrying about what I ate RARELY came into play.  I was always on the move.  Going to this practice and that.  Going to this performance, that track meet or swim meet. 

When I got to college, I had a bit of a reality check.  Mac N' Cheese every night.  Bagel bites.  The weight started to pack on quickly the first semester.  Luckily, I had a wonderful roommate and health freak who whipped us back into shape.  She was always a role model for me when it came it eating.  Throughout the rest of college I had more and more health nuts come into my life.  I was always aware of what I was eating and "trying" to eat healthy.  Again, I was always on the move with dance team and exercising with my roomies.  

After college I moved into an apartment with my boyfriend (now husband) and let myself gooooooo.  I am a comfort food freak.  I love pizza, pasta, casseroles..pretty much anything that's warm with cheese and carbs!  I was new to cooking for two.  Like my mother...I cook for an army! We would just eat until uncomfortably full.  I started to notice my pants getting a little tighter so I thought I'd do something about it.  I started working out normally again and started counting calories.  I became obsessive with counting.  It did help and I did lose weight, but I got burnt out very quickly.  I gave up.  As you continue to read...you will see this phrase a lot.  "I gave up." Again, starting eating whatever I wanted, ran here and there.  And again, my pants got tighter and so I thought I'd take a different route.  I wanted to try the Advocare 24 Day Challenge.  I had heard so many great things about people losing weight, inches, feeling so much better energy wise.  I conned my husband into it and he was all aboard.  We were all in.  Did so well for about 14-15 days.  Then caved.  Got pizza and all went downhill.  I gave up.  

The pattern continued... for the next couple of years.  I always found the next fad diet and tried it and gave up.  Don't get me wrong...I am VERY knowledgable when it comes to food and eating.  I've educating myself a lot! I just have no self control.  No commitment to changing myself.  I always try for a couple of weeks and fail..Give up....

Fast forward to today... The last few months I haven't even wanted to take pictures because I was really noticing the weight I'd gained.

There was a final straw.  These two pictures....

These pictures are normal everyday pictures (Minnie was Halloween). But to me... these pictures both showed how much I had gained and I couldn't stop thinking about how unhappy I felt looking at them. 

A friend asked me a couple months ago if I wanted to do a 24 Day Challenge and I said no because I was just starting an 8 week challenge at Kosama.  Well, after 8 weeks at Kosama with great workouts and crappy eating I gained weight..yet again.  On Sunday I sat down and began my meal planning for the week (yes, I plan out meals...do I always follow through? Absolutely not..that's why I'm in this situation).  I kind of started to break down.  Thinking about all the things I had done and gave up on...every. single. time.  I thought about the friend who asked me to do the 24DC and thought I'd just text her about it.  It just so happened that she was starting a group challenge the next day.  After much thought I decided I wanted to do it.  BUT, in the back of my mind I just kept thinking about how long I'd do it this time until I failed.  I NEEDED some way of being accountable. I asked my mom if she would help me..of course she said yes.  I asked my husband if he would help me..of course he said yes. Yet, I kept thinking..they both have helped me before and I have failed time after time.  This time was going to be different.  I told them both they had to help me be ACCOUNTABLE..that means being my cheerleader, support system and punisher to make me feel guilty if I start wavering from the plan.

This time it is going to be different! I decided not only do I want my family supporting me and encouraging me, but I am going to let all the people in my life know.  That way no matter where I am, I have someone who is there to support me and help me!! That is why I started this blog.  I have somewhere to put my thoughts and share it with everyone that is going on this journey with me!  Thank you for taking a look and I hope you come back to read about how my journey is going!!!

P.S. I promise not every post will be a novel like this one :)