Losing Weight and Keeping It Off is NOT Easy!

I have had so many struggles with my weight loss and I get on track and then fall off, but I am consistent at it so, I'm not really gaining any more and I am losing just really slow.  My head is still trying to get around my friends death, which I recently found out it might not have been an accident and there is an ongoing investigation.  This has really thrown me for a loop and it is like losing her all over again.  My heart is broken and I find myself depressed.  I see something funny, want to get a bite to eat or go window shopping and as I reach for my phone to call her, I remember I can't.  

On the brighter side of things, my first born son got engaged last June and he and his beautiful fiance will be getting married this coming November.  I am so excited for this and if this doesn't jump start my lazy behind into losing my weight then I don't know what will!

My eating has been fairly good but my lack of exercise is my downfall.  Which is inexcusable because I have everything at my fingertips and a gym in my apartment building which is right across the street.  

So here's to getting off my butt and working out!

Another New Beggining

So it has been several months since last I  posted.  In early July one of my best friends passed away unexpected in her sleep and this has spiraled me into depression and unhealthy eating.  I have gained 20 lbs and I have completely fallen off of my healthier eating style and working out.

Well NO MORE!  As of 3 weeks ago I am changing my eating habits and going back to a healthier lifestyle.  Alecia would be pissed at me if she knew what I have let happen to myself. 

My first week started out great and I worked out 5 of the 7 days.  My second week I worked out 4 of the 7 days and this week not at all so far.  I pulled something in my back and am hurting.  I am still eating healthy because this is a commitment I have made to myself. 

My goal at this point is to lose 20 lbs by the beginning of the year and by watching what I eat and exercising this is totally doable. With the Holiday's coming it may be a little challenge but I know I can do it if I make the change.

My ultimate goal is to lose 60-75 lbs by November 1st 2018.  Another goal for me to help keep me accountable, is to start posting at least once a week. 

 

 

So here it Starts AGAIN

I was doing so well on my journey and working my business and then IT happened. I got burnt out on everything.  It's like I fell into a depression and I haven't been able to get out.  I haven't wanted to go onto any of my Social Media and haven't been posting at all.  I haven't been getting up to work out.  I have been drinking my shakes still but I really haven't enjoyed them lately, but there is a reason to that.  I have been allergic to Coconut for the longest time but started using Coconut Oil in my shakes (I started with small amount and slowly increased it to about 1 tbsp.) and really enjoy the taste and benefits.  Well a week ago I made a Pina Colada flavored one which I have been doing 2-3 times per week with no issues until I decided to double up on the pineapple and Coconut Extract.  WELL I had an allergic reaction and my tongue swelled and my swelled and just felt weird.  I tried it again and did my  usual dose but felt the swelling begin immediately.  HOW?  Why? When I have been fine.  So anyways, since them I just have had no taste for my shakes and today is the first day I actually went without one.

I NEED TO BREAK OUT OF THIS - WHATEVER IT IS!!!

Do You Know How to Properly Store Fruits & Vegetables

Intermittent Fasting Results

So after 3 weeks of Intermittent Fasting this is what I have learned about myself.  I did a 11am to 7pm schedule (this worried me because I normally wake up early).

1. I can most definitely wait until 11am to eat.
2. Knowing that I can't eat after 7pm and getting all my calories in, I am NOT hungry at all after the allotted hours.  
3. I don't find myself mindless eating.  
4. I am more able to control what I put in my mouth.
5. I get 60-100 oz of water in each day.
6. I lost 6 lbs and around 15" during these 3 weeks (I could have done better, but I was somewhat lazy and only worked out 1 day during the 3 weeks)

I am loving this style of eating so, I will continue with it. My next round starts next week and I WILL WORKOUT 6 OF THE 7 DAYS!
 

Intermittent Fasting

Intermittent Fasting has been shown to help tremendously when it comes to lowering insulin resistance and reducing blood sugar levels. These are two MAJOR factors in weight loss in the midsection (belly).

When you fast, insulin levels drop and human growth hormone increases.  Your cells also initiate important cellular repair processes and change which genes they express.

Lower insulin levels, higher growth hormone levels and increased amounts of norepinephrine (noradrenaline) all increase the breakdown of body fat and facilitate its use for energy. For this reason, short-term fasting actually increases your metabolic rate by 3.6-14%, helping you burn even more calories.

Studies show that intermittent fasting can reduce oxidative damage and inflammation in the body.  This should have benefits against aging and development of numerous diseases.

Intermittent Fasting has been shown to improve numerous different risk factors, including blood pressure, total and LDL cholesterol, blood triglycerides, inflammatory markers and blood sugar levels.

Intermittent Fasting has been shown to help prevent cancer in animal studies. One paper in humans showed that it can reduce side effects cause by chemotherapy.

Intermittent fasting may have important benefits for brain health. It may increase growth of new neurons and protect the brain from damage.

Eat Like Crap...Feel Like Crap

Okay so the last 2 weeks I have been horrible, both with my eating and exercise. I feel like crap and gained 6 lbs. This morning it was back to the drawing board and i got up and got my workout in.

Believe me, everyone slips from time to time and lately I just haven't wanted to get out of bed and workout. BUT after feeling like crap the last 2 weeks and knowing I have no one to blame but myself...it is back to healthy eating and working out.

Still a Struggle

Two years after my surgery and 1 year after starting the 21 Day Fix and other programs from Beachbody, I still struggle with my eating and weight.  I look at it this way, it took me a very long time to put this weight on and eat the way I did.  This is not going to change overnight.  I still eat too fast.  I still eat too much.  BUT I am learning and it's getting easier and I am getting stronger.

You have to believe in yourself and not give in.  It is so easy for me to wake up in the morning in my warm cozy bed and say "Hey I don't want to get up", but I know I will feel better and be happy with myself if I just get up and workout.

My Motto is PUSH PLAY!

Benefits of Water

Many people don't drink enough water.  You should drink half your weight in oz's or more of water every day.  There are so many benefits of saying hydrated.

There is no excuse not to exercise

Below is a 32 Minute workout you can do anywhere at anytime. There is no excuse not to do some kind of a workout everyday.  You have to make time for yourself. Believe me I know.  I took care of everyone but myself and slowly climbed to a super unhealthy weight until I took my life back.

 

New Years Fresh Start

Let's talk about New Year’s resolutions for a minute. You guys know I’ve become a big believer in working out & eating healthy, but not all of us have the time to fit in good workouts every day or focus on great nutrition, especially around the holidays! 

What’s even better is that the Company I work with, just announced that my clients will have unlimited access to all of our fitness programs for an entire year with the All Access BOD Challenge Pack!  What?  This is incredible.  This means access to every single program we have including, any new and upcoming ones.

Well, I need to get back on track big time & I am looking for friends to join me so we can keep each other accountable. Let's make 2017 our year!

Who's with me? If you are interested in being part of a supportive and motivational fitness & nutrition group, please send me a message!

Start your NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS and NEW YEAR with new realistic goals and ways to achieve them! Are you in?

Week 2 Results

So after procrastinating all day Saturday about my work-out, I finally got off my butt and got in done.  I was sweating like there was no tomorrow, but I am so glad I got it in because I felt so much better after it was done.  

Sunday I did my Active Recovery and decorated the Christmas tree and my apartment.  My kids came over for dinner and we had a nice evening.

Monday Morning Weigh In -

I was not ready for this.  After a little cheating over the weekend I figured it wouldn't be good.  So my weight didn't change..I am still 200 lbs.  However, I am down another 3.75".  That is almost 8" lost in 2 weeks.

This is why I always say, "don't worry about what the scale says".  How do your clothes fit? Mine are definitely looser, even my yoga pants.  This is what we call a Non Scale Victory (NSV).  Your weight might not being changing, but you could definitely be losing inches.  This is why I not only take my weight prior to starting a program, but I take my measurements as well.  Because seriously, if I went off the scale alone, I would probably give up.

We have to remember that muscle weighs more than fat so, you could be building muscle as well as losing fat, but you won't see a weight difference.  It is so important to take your measurements because that is a true statement of loss!!!

I can't wait to see my 3 week results.

For more information on my workouts or healthy eating tips, please do not hesitate to contact me @ myweightlossjourneybegins@gmail.com.  You can also go to my contact page and follow me on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

Fighting for it this round

So after months of just going through the motions, but not fighting to lose the weight I decided to go full stream ahead.  Through the Company I represent and am a Fitness Coach for, I bought their newest fitness program that is intense.  I am following the meal plan as well as the work out plan, and let me tell you it is kicking my butt!  After the first week, I lost 2½ pounds and 4 inches in total AND that was with having a cheat meal, a margarita and few cookies.  Think of how well I could have done without the cheat meal and alcohol. However, I have learned that if I don't, do at least a little cheat...I will go off the deep end and cheat BIG! I've been doing the monthly accountability groups and eating right, but this is the first time I have completely 100% committed to the program and I am definitely feeling and seeing the difference.

You have seen my before and after pictures (that is if you have been following my posts ;), but here is my most recent picture after losing 108 lbs!

Look I have a waist and yes that is a smile. 

If you would like more information about the program I am following or would be interested in trying it as well as be a part of our accountability group, send me an email at myweightlossjourneybegins@gmail.com

Chicken Pot Pie with Phyllo Topping

Total Time: 1 hr. 17 min.
Prep Time: 20 min.
Cooking Time: 57 min.
Yield: 6 servings, about 1 cup each

Ingredients:
6 tsp. olive oil, divided use
1 medium onion, chopped
2 medium carrots, chopped
4 oz. sliced mushrooms
2 Tbsp. whole wheat flour
1½ cups reduced fat (2%) milk
1 cup low-sodium organic chicken broth
½ tsp. sea salt (or Himalayan salt)
½ tsp. ground black pepper
1 tsp. finely chopped fresh thyme
¾ cup frozen green peas
¾ cup cubed cooked sweet potatoes
2¼ cups cubed cooked chicken breast (approx. 12 oz.)
6 sheets phyllo dough (each approx. 12 x 17-inches), thawed, covered in a
slightly damp towel

Preparation:
1. Preheat oven to 375° F.
2. Heat 2 tsp. oil in large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
3. Add onion and carrots; cook, stirring frequently, for 4 to 5 minutes, or until onion is translucent.
4. Add mushrooms; cook, stirring frequently, for 4 to 6 minutes, or until mushrooms are soft and most of the liquid has evaporated.
5. Add 1 tsp. oil; cook, stirring frequently, for 1 minute.
6. Add flour; cook, stirring frequently, for 1 to 2 minutes, or until flour and oil form a paste.
7. Slowly add milk, broth, salt, pepper, and thyme. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Reduce heat to medium-low.
8. Add peas, sweet potatoes, and chicken; cook, stirring frequently, for 2 minutes.
9. Place chicken mixture in a 2½-quart baking dish. Set aside.
10. Place phyllo on work surface. Keeping the original stack covered, remove one sheet at a time and quickly brush with remaining 3 tsp. oil. Cut oiled stack of phyllo into quarters. Place phyllo loosely on top of chicken mixture; covering evenly.
11. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until chicken mixture is bubbling and phyllo dough is golden brown.
12. Serve immediately.

If you have questions about the portions, please click here to post a nutrition question in our forums so our experts can help. Please include a link to the recipe.

Photographs by Anguel Dimov

Chocolate Pecan Pie Smoothie

Total Time: 10 min.
Prep Time: 10 min.
Cooking Time: None
Yield: 1 smoothie

Ingredients:
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
1 cup ice
1 scoop Chocolate Shakeology
1 Tbsp. coarsely chopped raw pecans
½ tsp. pure caramel extract

Preparation:
1. Place almond milk, ice, Shakeology, pecans, and extract in blender; cover. Blend until smooth.

Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 253
Total Fat: 10 g
Saturated Fat: 1 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sodium: 336 mg
Carbohydrates: 20 g
Fiber: 8 g
Sugars: 7 g
Protein: 19 g

P90X/X2 Portions
1 Single Serving Snack
1 Protein
½ Fat

P90X3 Portions
1½ Protein
1 Carb
1 Fat

Body Beast Portions
1 Protein Liquid
2 Balanced Liquid
1 Fat

Containers
1 Red
½ Yellow
½ Blue

Chocolate Pecan Pie Smoothie

Total Time: 10 min.
Prep Time: 10 min.
Cooking Time: None
Yield: 1 smoothie

Ingredients:
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
1 cup ice
1 scoop Chocolate Shakeology
1 Tbsp. coarsely chopped raw pecans
½ tsp. pure caramel extract

Preparation:
1. Place almond milk, ice, Shakeology, pecans, and extract in blender; cover. Blend until smooth.

Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 253
Total Fat: 10 g
Saturated Fat: 1 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sodium: 336 mg
Carbohydrates: 20 g
Fiber: 8 g
Sugars: 7 g
Protein: 19 g

P90X/X2 Portions
1 Single Serving Snack
1 Protein
½ Fat

P90X3 Portions
1½ Protein
1 Carb
1 Fat

Body Beast Portions
1 Protein Liquid
2 Balanced Liquid
1 Fat

Containers
1 Red
½ Yellow
½ Blue