Eat all your Fruits and Veggies

Only if they are smothered in cheese, ranch or chocolate ;)

No really. I have a hard time consuming the proper amount of each of these. And do not get me wrong, I actually love salad, carrots, apples, oranges etc. But I have found a much better way of getting these in my body. Without having to juice and buy a ton of veggies and fruits.

Let me first say, I do not sell this product. I did , at one point, sign up to use the products and purchase them etc. However, I had to make a choice at that time to pay my bills or use the products. I chose my bills. But my parents used the products, so I got things from them. I have tried a lot of things in my time. A lot- you name it, I have probably tried it. This works. And I hate myself for stopping for many months but sometimes you have to do what you have to do. And sometimes you are just lazy and want to eat. ( Mine was a bit of both)

So enter Isa Fruits and Isa Greens. Ill admit, not a big fan of the greens alone. But I usually will add them into my shake. But the Isa Fruits are not bad. But you really need to shake it to get it all dissolved. So , I decided why not make a juice- used 1 packet of the Isa Fruits, some frozen strawberries and some water. So good. Very happy. And i also add 1 scoop of the Fiber powder from them as well.

If you are trying to find something to do to get your fruits and veggies in, Id def recommend these!

A Fresh start year 2 take 2

So just started year 2- I have been on my journey for a year. And now im starting year 2.

I have resolved myself to do better this second year. I did very well for 8 months out of 12 the last year and kinda just slacked off the last 4 months.

Ive been changing the way I grocery shop as well. More fruits and veggies, less processed stuff. I do still buy stuff like canned  beans, soups etc, but im trying  hard to get away from all that eventually when money allows. I pick and choose my battles.

We are also trying to claw our way out of a financial hole. So that has taken a huge toll on me.

But im back with a lot more determination.

Im working on a chart to show me when to do what- I was never good at keeping a food journal so I just use My Fitness Pal. I highly recommend it. But you have to USE IT to get anything good from it.

Be honest with it and yourself. No one else has to see anything you put in. Or how  many calories you ate but you. But it will help.

I have been cleaning out my house of some foods i will no longer be purchasing ( but hey its food and we have a budget so it gets ate regardless of anything) and im trying to cut back on my... gasp.... COFFEE lol and drink black tea and chai tea instead.

I leave for vegas in a little under 2 months and i really want to loose another 10 lbs before I go and get back into shape with the walking.

Im going to try to be more productive with this blog, and my others, this year!

xoxo
steph

One year

This month actual today marks a year.

Holy smokes.

I'm back on my goal and more to come

3 Years....

Today is my 3 year wedding anniversary.

I can honestly say that I am not anywhere near what I thought I would be. In so many aspects of my life. My weight, my personal life, my goals... everything.

But through all the downs I have had this past year, I have had a lot of ups. Yes, I still struggle with MANY things, but I am blessed for what I do have.

I have lost 50 lbs.

I have a beautiful home.

I have a gorgeous niece that I get to watch a few days a week while her parents work.

I have an amazing business that is thriving each and every day.

I have some of the most supportive friends.

I have some of the best family a girl could ask for.

I count my blessings today, rather then my short comings or my failures. Its so much more rewarding to be happy, then to be mad and upset about what didnt happen.

xoxo
Stephanie

PS sunday starts month 10!

Brag post

Short sweet to the point:

I bought a concert tee last night, which normally NEVER FIT ME, because they are all to small etc. I usually have to go up a size and even then its usually too small or short.

I bought a XL last night from the Cher concert ( amazing by the way) and its actually a bit big!

Ill take anything i can get.

Halfway through month 9. 10 more lbs to go for my next goal.

Confession!

I have been a bad.bad.BAD.girl

This past 3 weeks has been super hard on me. I have no idea why. Ive been emotional. Ive been exhausted. I have ate crap.

Seriously. The past 10 days i have ate more fast food then I have in 8 months. Im not proud of this decision.

I feel like crap. Im sick ( bronchitis that is now a head cold) and I have just wanted to eat. And eat. And eat.

I feel like a fraud the past 10 days b/c I have literally not ate anything good. I have counted calories ( ahem 3800 yesterday .... yes 3800. in one day.) and logged EVERYTHING.

I have been honest with myself. With everyone that has asked. I have not weighed myself. Mainly because im afraid of the shame that comes with that. But my clothing fits the same.

So. I had a bad few weeks. So what. Im still me. Im still here. Ive still lost 50 lbs.

So resolved myself today is a new day. And I am going to see this day through. I didnt "quit" and give up. I just had a affair with food and not working out.

Be the best you. Even if you have to start each day for a week saying "I screwed up. I can do this."

xoxo
Steph

Falling off and getting back on

I have put honesty in this journey very top priority. Especially because so many are going through the same thing, and you see all these miracle pills and what not, and you get a very skewed perspective ( or its how i feel at least) about how "easy" this journey is.

I fell off the wagon this week. I have been craving food, but then again my period is supposed to start any day now ( it is 2 days late as of today) so Tuesday night i had not ate anything all day cept my shakes and I had done a lot of moving, so I was very hungry. I gave in. Big time.

Im an honest person so im going to lay it all on the line so you can SEE that even when you are 8 months into something, you can have a day of being human and over indulging etc.

I had Mcdonalds AND Taco bell. Yeah. Not my finest moments. And I paid for it later.

But the next day I got back on the wagon and continued forward. We did have pizza last night for dinner, but it was within my calories and I had 2 cupcakes.

Today I am over my cravings and back to enjoying my shakes and my healthy food.

I say this to show you the real side. To show that you can have an off day and be ok! Don't throw away everything you work for over a day or 2 of eating like a crazy person. It happens. Once a month i get a craving for something crazy and i eat it. ( not near to this extent) but it helps keep me in control.

:)

17 days later

So did not realize I had not posted on here. Its been a crazy past 17 days.

I got a new niece. I have lost to my 1/3 of my long term goal which is 50 lbs. 

I went back to my shakes for month 8 , which started on Sunday.

We have had house problems and dog problems and NOW cat issues. 

I am a huge ball of crazy insane energy. And exhausted.

I do not have a photo update today because I am behind. I need to get one though! Although I do have something large to announce- I CAN FIT INTO SIZE 16'S!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is a big deal for me. I have not been in a 16 in years. Now, granted they are tight but I dont have to lay down on bed to get them on. So I am thinking when I get down 20 lbs more ( which is my halfway mark) that they will be good to go.

A lot of you keep asking what I am doing. I am doing a combo of things. But I do the Isagenix Shakes. They are 24 grams of protein which is more than Body By Vi by a long shot and more than Shakeology. Im not putting these two programs down. It works for some. It did not work for me. I really enjoy the Isagenix shakes. I do them 1-2 times a day. I also use their vitamins, isaflush and natural accelerator as well. And then dinner is usually 600-700 calories of good foods. (most of the time I am human peeps) and I do snack during the day on crackers or soups or salads. Im trying to limit my snacking to 2 times a day and just 200 calories each. This gives me some leway room to have cheese or something else.

The husband leaves sometime probably beginning of April for 8 weeks for ALS with the military. By the time he gets back I should be right around my year mark. I hope to only have 1/3 of my goal left to go by then. Im looking forward to the warm weather so I can get out and start walking at least once a day.

Dont give up. If you have a setback, just give it a new day the very next day. Dont think just b/c its a monday and you had a mistake, that you have to wait till next monday to start. Start on tuesday, wed, thursday.... whatever day.

xoxo
Steph

Mid Month Check in w/ pics

Here's some updated pics at my 7 month mid month check in. 2 more weeks till im in month 8. Wow. Its gone by slow and fast.

This is month 6 week 2 

This is month 7 week 2 end

 

My skin on my stomach has started to really draw up and come in . I am still at 41 lbs lost ( but i fluctuate between that and 45 lately) So im very close to 50 lbs lost. However, I can fit into a pair of 16 capri denim jeans but they are tight. I have not been in a 16 in YEARS. My 18's are starting to fit more loose but still not "loose" 

Ive noticed that my sides are starting to draw in that love handle area

All in all im happy with the 7 1/2 months so far. I wish I was at a solid 50 lbs mark lost but ill get there. I hope to be at half my goal by the end of a year.

xoxo
steph

Scale has not budged... but im happy!

I am still at around 45 lbs lost and so close to the 50 lb mark. But the scale refuses to move.

But I am happy.

Why?

I tried on a pair of 16 capri jean pants today and they fit. Granted they are TIGHT but they fit.

Im taking that as a WIN.

I also went to the gym today for the first time in forever. I did 30 min of cardio and burned 150 calories and im happy. I will be going back as much as I can with my friend who's graciously taking me and using her guest pass on me.

Im in week 2 of month 7 right now. Come on 5 more lbs lets do this!

xoxo

Being Human

Sometimes we get so focused on the "prize" that we forget that we are human. We do make mistakes. And its OK!

I was reminded of this this past week. I had a really off week with my eating because of being so busy and stressed out and trying to burn the candle at both ends. And then I knew this week was my birthday and I would want that cupcake etc. So I had to remind myself " You are human, you had a few slip ups, it wasnt anything major, you still stayed within your calories, you just didnt eat the RIGHT portions of the RIGHT things."

I did give in to one of my cravings. I have wanted Taco Bell for months. I had taco bell but the FRESCA menu like months ago when I started. But I wanted true , greasy, bad for your Taco Bell. So we had it. And it was soooo good. But I did not give into overeating. We shared a box. And still stayed within my calories. Now im good for another 6 months LOL.

Just remember that you are human. You love food. You love sweets. Its not going to change over night. Don't beat yourself up over this. Just accept that its going to take baby steps, and don't just give up an entire week because you give in for one day.

I start month 7 on Sunday and Im stepping up my game with workouts. Im determined to beat this!

xoxo
steph

Picture Update- Month 6

This is me beginning of month 6

This is me the end of month 6 week 3 ( well tomorrow is the end)

Not a ton of difference in 3 weeks but I am so close to 50 lbs lost. I will hit this goal ( and my 60 lbs lost) by the end of January. I just know it!

Update- Month 6 Week 3

I start Month 6 week 3 tomorrow. The first two weeks have been kinda crazy for me. I am not going to be weighing myself till the end of month 6. This month is going to be very crazy for me on so many levels.

My brother and sister in law are expecting their first child due the first part of February. So we have baby showers to get ready for and attend. Then, on the 14th of this month ( which will be almost the end of month 6) ill be 33 years old. ( can I go backwards to 31 please) and then on the 19th i have the Bridal fair im working for my business ( huge huge deal) among cleaning my house out, trying to make some extra money to pay off some bills, and helping my husband find another (2nd) part time job.

Crazy.

I also have a goal to be 60 lbs gone by the end of January.

My problem is working out- I simply do not do it. I know I should. I know that I need to get some more cardio in. And also some stretching and stuff like yoga to help strengthen my core as well. I just lack the motivation to do so. I get a lot of walking around and what not every day from cleaning and working throughout the house. But its not targeting my area's i need to.

That squat challenge- yeah ... I did 2 days and forgot. I am horrible with this. So im picking up day three a day late. If i had the funds I would go back to Zumba once a week. Its too darn cold to walk outside. So I am having issues trying to find the motivation to do something at home. I have plenty of stuff I can do- but I just dont like working out at home. I know others have issues with this to. I know im not the only one out there!!!

Its been hard the past almost 6 months. And It has NOT gotten easier. I hate those that say oh it will get easier the more you do. No. Its not true. Because the more you work out, the more you have to do to not hit stand still's and plateau's. And If one more person tries to tell me to take a damn pill or drink some damn drink im going to scream. Just doing that will NOT make you thin. I dont care what anyone tells you. Unless you change your habits you will NOT loose weight ( ok maybe water weight) just doing that and eating junk.

Ok end of update. I hate to get on my soap box too much. If anyone out there is having success id love to hear from you. I love to encourage and motivate others.

xoxo
Steph

Beautiful girl....

Dear Beautiful girl,

Life is hard. Sometimes, those that are the closest to you, will hurt you. You wont know why. You wont understand why someone that is supposed to love you and be your support, will break your heart. Just know that you will get through this. That you are still loved. And those that hurt and betray you, need extra prayers to help them change. Do not worry, beautiful girl, you are still loved.

Sometimes, your best friends will break off and find other friends. And might not keep in touch with you like before. Your friendship might change, it might evolve, and sometimes it might go away. Beautiful girl, you are still wanted. Just because you have a childhood friend that you no longer see eye to eye with, or that you have grown apart, does not make you ( or her) a bad friend. It just means that you no longer need each other the way you did before. This goes for your adult friendships as well. Just know, Beautiful girl, that you are still someone's best friend. And someone still considers you theirs.

Some people will not be so kind to you. They will only see the outside, and not the inside. They might laugh and point at you some days. Or say hurtful things about the way you look, dress, talk etc. They don't know you, and don't care about you as a person. Beautiful girl, you are still perfect in God's eyes. Just because you might not wear designer clothing, have what society considers a perfect body, or because you have an accent, you are still unique and wonderful. Do not let those that mock you and make fun of you bring you down. Most of the time, they are trying to make themselves feel better. They are jealous. The grass is not always greener on the other side.

When you feel the need to cry- cry. Laugh if you need to laugh. Scream if you need to scream. Express who you are the way you want to- paint, dance, sew, create, bake... whatever it is you love, you have passion for- do it often. I wish that I could have had someone write these things to me when I was younger. I am almost 33 years old, and look back on all the bad things in my life, and realize that it has made me a stronger woman today. It was not always fun. It was not always easy. Its still hard and cruel sometimes. But I know that someone loves me. Even when I feel like im worthless, and no one cares. I know someone loves me. And would miss me. And needs me. And , beautiful girl, so does someone in your life.

Xoxo,
Steph

Squat Challenge- Challenge Accepted

If you do not hear from me .... I will be down and not able to get back up. BUT I am going to give this a go. At least to get something done each day.

Day 1-50 squats - January 1st- Check!
Day 2-55 squats
Day 3-60 squats
Day 4-Rest
Day 5-70 squats
Day 6-75 squats
Day 7-80 squats
Day 8-Rest
Day 9-100 squats
Day 10-105 squats
Day 11-110 squats
Day 12-Rest
Day 13-130 squats
Day 14-135 squats
Day 15- 140 squats
Day 16-Rest
Day 17-150 squats
Day 18- 155 squats
Day 19- 160 squats
Day 20-Rest
Day 21- 180 squats
Day 22- 185 squats
Day 23- 190 squats
Day 24-Rest
Day 25- 220 squats
Day 26- 225 squats
Day 27- 230 squats
Day 28-Rest
Day 29- 240 squats
Day 30- 250 squats

Selfie! First for 2014

Its 3 am. And all I can think of is- time for another selfie.

In my underware.

First picture in the pink undies- start of month 6
Picture beside it was me at 4.5 months

I have only lost 10 lbs since then pretty much and kept at that now into week 2 of month 6

And YOU might not see much of a change however- everything in the first pic is lifting up- i have noticed the pouch has drawn in and lifted. And my stomach doesnt stick out as far up top by my breasts.Lord i have got some cellulite going on holy cow. lol

Things are changing. I am just being real. This is about 10 lbs difference but i have noticed clothing fitting better up top ( shirts) rather then just around my bottom area.

I plan on being 20 lbs lighter by the end of January. And at my first goal finally. Its a safe weight loss I know everyone goes OH NO you should only loose 2 to 3 lbs a week. But being larger, 20 lbs a month for this month is actually a very healthy goal for me. And it doesnt mean me starving myself! 

I do this for all my readers. To show you that I AM REAL. That this is REAL. And that YOU can do this.

xoxo

Stephanie