Mission Impossible???

So here I am, many months later! I was so stressed out that I ended up on Zoloft to help me out with my post-partum anxiety/stress. It never really did get better and I felt my life took a scary turn. It was then I went and saw my doctor. I got some medicine and that was when my attitude changed. If it wouldn't leave me functional, I wasn't going to do it. I stopped stressing so much. 

Now that school is out I want to go back and try my original challenge, track my food and work out daily. I'm also going to try out Plexus and see if it works on my health just like it has helped my family. I'll be checking in now and then to let you know how it is all going

Challenge: Mission Impossible

It's been so long!

At least it feels that way!

I last posted about Daily Burn and LoseIt! and how I was excited to use these apps to help me reach my goals. Well, between now and then a level of stress hit me that I haven't experienced since my firstborn was about the same age and report cards were due.

I felt as though I had to over compensate in some areas because I wasn't mentally prepared. Side note: before I had my daughter,  I prepared myself as best as I could mentally, physically,  and spiritually. I didn't experience many of the roller coaster emotions that I had with my first, mostly because I tried my best to prepare myself. I really didn't look past the 3 month mark once I'd returned to work and past the first few months back.

So I basically had an emotional breakdown. Logging and exercising has been the least of my worries. I know it should be at the top,  but I had other things to worry about and fill my precious time with. Even though this started about a month ago, I've just been trying to get back to my normal, functioning self. I shared a few things about what's going on to a few people at work and this week has felt much better. If that's the case then I'll be getting back into things in no time flat, but as of right now it's mission Impossible.

Challenge Accepted!

So almost an entire month ago I challenged myself and others to meal plan or track their eating. Meal planning is hard, then there are leftovers and I'm never sure just how much remains. On the other hand, tracking my food is much easier. I've, for the most part (except around the holidays), have done really well at eating healthier. 

Now, because I know myself, I took it one step further. I've been a member of LoseIt! for years, and have sometimes been consistent and sometimes not... So I decided to purchase the premium. I'm crazy, I know. But it shows me what I'm doing right and what I need to fix. So I get to have LoseIt! keep track and inform me of my patterns. It has also helped me track my water intake which is great! But most importantly, I paid for it which is going to make me more accountable! 

I'm also at a point where I want to work out again. My husband uses Planet Fitness, which is fantastic! I don't have the availability to leave my girls with someone every day for 1 hour. I am a mom and a teacher with responsibilities. I could make a detailed list but I'm sure you understand if you're a parent and you bring work home. It's just all so much, so DailyBurn has caught my eye for some time. I like that I have a 30-day free trial to see if it'll work for me. I tried it tonight for the first time. I have sore muscles I have not felt in a long time. It's nice! I was able to pause it to take care of my crying child, and finished 1 hour later. It's convenient because I can stream it almost anywhere! I'll see how I feel by day 30! 

So my challenge to you: find something that'll work for you. Do you need to spend some dough? Do you need a friend or group to rely on? What is it that you need? Find your nitch and stick with it! 

Challenge?

So I'm currently working on getting things in order, we are getting our plans in gear. We still have our cell phones and no internet.

But as far as a healthy me, I've found 2 things that seem to be working so I'll challenge you. 1) meal planning... I've made some scrumptious stuff already. 2) logging everything I eat! It's been a wake up call. So the challenge, try one of the 2 above and stick with it! 

Swinging On Back

Last weekend, I had a mental break-down... It's been a rough month thus far. So very blessed with family! 

Our family is making changes. 

I'd like to lose the baby weight from my first pregnancy as I've successfully maintained my weight since returning to work, but now I'm ready for more changes. :)

My husband is planning on going hunting next hunting season and will be hauling a "backpack" with him for days so he wants to lose weight so he can actually make the trek.

We are also making other lifestyle changes... We are getting rid of our smartphones, going back to basic, and getting Internet instead. After 3 years, it'll be about time. :-) With my job and the hubs going back to school, it'll be much easier. So, less distractions for me... Hopefully.

Right now, I'm just going to get back into the groove, eventually I'll post challenges again! 

Post-Partum

I am 6 weeks and a few days post-partum. The delivery was by C-Section, which ended up being a blessing because there would've been complications during the delivery that could have been fatal to my baby. I got the all clear from the doc so it's time to step it up! 

My estimate made at the end of July was correct and in order to be healthy, or healthier anyway, I have 125 lbs to lose.

But... It has been 6+ weeks and I had a baby, plus I've been breastfeeding so... I've already lost 33 lbs. :) Actually, in 4 weeks, I had lost 38 lbs but, I put 5 back on because of multiple reasons (stress, not having time to prep/cook, overeating, etc.). Now I have permission work out, beginning slowly and working my way up. 

I don't have a plan, I'll probably just walk, at least until I find something else. But my eating habits went to the wayside because I was in a funk. Though with less than 2 weeks until I return to work, I am doing my best to get out of the funk and get things done. Not only for myself but, for my family too. 

Update (7/28/15)

I can't believe it's nearly been 9 months since I've made any posts about health and/or fitness. 

Which fits my pregnancy timeline... In just a few weeks, I'll be having baby #2. We found out we were expecting this little bundle of joy just before our anniversary in December. I also got a new calling, similar to an assignment of sorts if your not LDS, earlier in December of being in the Primary Presidency. So with the changes, I wasn't really able to keep up with my new fresh start that I began last year.

That's okay... It's a part of life. Sometimes things happen and we do what we do in order to survive. I seem to get distracted from my health and fitness routines, but one day it will get better and I'm making a plan. 

So, with my first pregnancy, I ended up having a c-section because I wasn't progressing, at all, even after over 24 hours of labor. I was determined that this time around I was going to have a V-Bac. I did all the research for a V-Bac and was doing what I could do to make it possible. Baby #2 is doing exactly what Baby #1 did, and as we get closer, I just feel that it'll be better to do another C-Section than risk the life of my baby or mine to do it the natural way. There is always next time if my body allows it. 

Yes, we are planning on being pregnant again. That being said, and having had a C-Section previously I know more about what I can expect from my body... So I'm creating a plan to get my body baby ready once again and to become a healthier self. To do that, I'll need to lose the weight I gained during this pregnancy plus all the weight I was carrying prior that needed to be lost. That'll put me at about 125lbs to lose. I'll know for sure closer to the due date in about 3.5 weeks. 

Do it like the French?

I was just reading a friend's post on Facebook. The link lead me to here... http://www.naturalblaze.com/2014/02/12-lessons-about-eating-we-can-learn.html?m=1

It was an interesting read. I love how it says we need to train our kiddos young to love food and to have a healthy relationship with it. As a mom of an almost 1 year old, the tips shared was fantastic. Even if you have older children, the information shared is applicable to you and your family. Check it out! 

Snacking, Done Right?

Okay, so I am proud of the changes that are happening in my life.

I am a little less stressed. I have begun to lose weight naturally, without truly trying. My challenges so far have been to journal, manage my time more wisely, and drink more water. Those three changes alone I feel have gotten me far. On top of the weight loss, I am in a much more stable place emotionally too. That makes me happy.

So the holiday season is upon us... I actually thought about making a challenge about snacking last week because Halloween was on Friday and that would be more beneficial to you that may be reading this. Since I decided to stay true to myself and the changes that I needed to make, I stuck to my water intake.

Now I feel as though I can tackle the next challenge, snacking. I do not know about you, but I snack... a lot! I snack on anything convenient and easy. I may snack on chips, snack bars, or whatever is around that does not require a lot of work. The only problem is the way I eat my snacks is considered "mindless eating".

Within the last few weeks, my daughter has begun to eat regular food instead of baby food. My daughter craves and loves anything fruits and vegetables. I guess that was a GREAT pregnancy craving. She is helping me to snack healthier, but I am not with her 24/7 sadly. My challenge will be to snack healthier! SMART goal: I will eat healthier snacks that are low calorie and filling by preparing snacks ahead of time and logging them each day this week starting 11/2/14.

I will try (HAHAHA!) to make a list for this blog and take personal pictures of my healthy snacks. Let me know that I am not alone! Tell me who you are, what your personal challenge is for the week, and your end goal!

Enjoy the cooler weather!

Did You Drink Up?!?

Yes, yes I did.

I went into my pantry and pulled a portable cup that I was not a fan of and took it to school anyways. Every time I saw it, it reminded me to drink. Now, did I still get the amount I needed? I am not sure, but I did drink more than I usually do and that is a start!

Not the exact cup, but similar.

I did not use an app, nor did I mark my cup... But I drank 3-4 of those cups a day plus whatever I drank at home so I am positive I met my challenge of 32 oz a day!

I do not know if the two are correlated, but I did lose almost 4 lbs. this week! :)

Did you think to drink today?

No, not wine though I know there have been studies done. I mean water. Our body is made functionable by water. Without water, we would die. If you're a prepper or know womeone who is, it is why they usually have at least one giant container of it. 

To learn of all the health benefits like helping you lose weight, making your skin glow, and giving your body the fluids it needs to run properly and give you more energy, go to google and type in "water and health". I know ands are not needed in a google search, but I like using them. You'll discover all the facts you need to know! 

*If you go to websites such as WebMD or Mayo Clinic they make statements that you don't have to just drink water to get your water intake. 

Anyway, I am lucky if I get 16 ounces of water a day. It's why my skin is always so dry (and a part of the reason why a pregnant woman's skin glows). I am too busy during the day that I don't remember to drink up until I'm on break and then I'm way past the point of being thirsty. 

So to help me with this weeks challenge will be two things: 1- marked water bottles (awesome idea on my HYDRATION post from June 2012); 2- There's an app for that! I'm using a free one. I'm not sure if I will like it yet or not, so I'm not name-dropping. 

The challenge for this week: to drink at least 32 ounces of water a day. (Yes, I know the standard [64oz], but I also know me... I suck at drinking up! If I end up drinking more, then I'll surpass my goal!) 

So join the challenge, get healthier one step at a time! Modify the water challenge to you. If you do comment below, let me know I'm not alone! 

So, where did the time go?

Well, last Sunday I made a post about what I did with my time and do I actually have the time in my day. I do. I just have to cut out the crap.

I've slept 32 hours in the last 6 nights.

I've spent 45 hours at work.

I've spent 4 hours grading papers.

I've spent 5 hours in travel time.

I've spent 3 hours being crafty making my daughter's Halloween costume.

I've spent 19 hours on my phone.

I've spent 8 hours with my family.

I've spent 2 hours getting ready in the morning. 

The other 2 hours were probably dinner, journal writing, or something that doesn't take much time. 

So where is the time to work out? All of those hours adds up to a total of 5 days. Work and all that comes with it is non-negotiable. All that time on my phone is right before going to bed making sure I don't fall asleep with my baby or me waking up in the middle of the night (yeah, I know, it's a bad habit!) Usually by the time I get home so I can exercise, it's dark. 

So where does the reasoning end and I say, taking care of my health is non-negotiable too? I'm the heaviest I've ever been minus 2 lbs. It's time to make those changes because I need a healthier life! 

So I guess I will start with my phone and go from there... In fact, I'll make a SMART goal. Not sure what that is, check below! 

I will limit my phone usage to 2 hours a day or 14 hours a week starting today: Saturday 10/25/14. 

I know it's a lot, but I do not have internet at home so it's how I blog, get crafty/dinner ideas from Pinterest, and stay connected with family, friends, coworkers, and news through social media and email. That still leaves me with at least 5 hours a week to exercise! 

How did you do with the challenge this week? What do you need to shed out of your life? Leave a comment below! 

How much time do you have?

I was inspired by this picture I saw on Pinterest. The website it originates from is http://theberry.com/2014/04/15/daily-motivation-25-photos-449/

How many hours a week am I wasting? I decided to calculate my hours since I clock more than 40 hours at work.

68 hours is a lot of time left in a week. I'm pretty sure I know where most of my week goes... Driving, spending time with family, and being on my phone (Facebook, Pinterest, Internet). That's a lot of time that I have available to be productive! Ultimately, I want to make an overall lifestyle change. It will be difficult to do if I'm stressed and if I waste my time. So my challenge this week is to track (physically write down) what I am doing with my time. Hopefully I can make some positive changes happen and if you join me, maybe you can too! 

Back to Basics

Okay, so I decided to begin blogging my healthy lifestyle journey. I need to be held accountable to more than just myself... as sad as that seems. 

A lot has happened since I first began this blog and last wrote on here. I am married now and we have one beautiful daughter. 

Quite a bit of changes have occurred. Being healthy is not only more important to me now and has become a priority, but it has become more difficult. 

I have a career that has me working 50+ hours a week and a family to take of. Since my daughter was born and I've returned to work, I've realized I must pick and choose my battles. So, my house doesn't get cleaned as often as I'd like. I don't always get as much work stuff done as I'd like. My husband cooks much more often than I do. I don't get to spend the quality time I feel I should with my family. I am not eating healthy like I should or working out.

If you noticed from the battles I've chosen, I was stressed! So step 1: release my stress! I had much to say. I'm the type of person who explains thoroughly and when I don't speak my mind then it adds to my stress. So after looking for my old journal, and never finding it, I bought myself a new journal. 

It seems to have worked because my stress levels feel lower and I feel like giving myself a new challenge in this Back to Basics. 

For those who decide to follow me, I will try to write and post something new once a week. Maybe, we can even do this journey together!

Cycle Conspiracy

Just for kicks and giggles, I was reading my past posts and I see a pattern...

I read the post Miracles Do Happen and realized that I go through a cycle or pattern.

In 2010, I was at my lowest weight in December. Same thing for 2011.

Come June of 2011 and 2012, I am weighing in heavier...

I have a cycle... AHHH!

I get disgusted with myself during the summer and start changing habits so by the end of the year I am at my lowest weight. Then something happens and I start gaining weight in January or February and keep going until I get disgusted with myself again.

Now that I know... maybe that is a goal I can work on starting next year.

Now I see why it is important to record your weight and journal your habits. I am discovering things I have never even noticed!

Eating Habits

Yesterday I weighed in at 202.5lbs...

Yeah...

I figured it out and now I am trying to fix it.

I get bored and I eat. I see others eat and I eat. I say I am not full and I eat.

Most of the time, it is the third one.

Clearly it is mind over matter.

So what am I doing about it?

I have to stop, and consciously tell myself (making every part of me aware), that I am not hungry and that I don't need to eat because I am not starving and I will be okay until the next meal. This is usually during a movie or a TV show or real late at night.

I have said that to myself the last 2 nights. The first morning I woke up kind of in shock because I was fine. I wasn't hungry. I didn't wake up starving just because I did not eat a late night snack. This reaction clearly told me it is mind over matter. So last night when I wanted to snack, I had to tell myself that I was not hungry and that I would be okay.

I have made it a point to eat at certain times or for certain events when I didn't need to and my subconscious has gotten use to eating as much as I want whenever I want. I now have to retrain my subconscious to not use those things as triggers. It's probably why I lost so much weight at the end of last year... I was so stressed and busy that I ate when I was starving because I didn't have time to register it was time to eat.

So I am going to make an effort in eating every 4-5 hours watching the calories that I consume.

The Gym!

I got a gym membership...

SCARY!

LOL

Seriously though, it is too hot here in southern Nevada to not have a gym membership. I prefer being outdoors, but other than that please get me to a gym!

The gym I go to has a ton of classes! I love doing Zumba and Body Pump! My favorite thing about this gym, why I became a member, is because the pool is outside! I can still swim at 11am and be in the shade! I LOVE it!

Motivation!

I pin.

Yes, I am addicted to pinterest.

I have a lot of friends and family that are into fitness and health. Many of the pins I see fall into that area. I saw this when I first started using pinterest and loved it. I forgot all about it until I was sorting my pins.

To me, this is more motivating than those pictures with skinny people telling me to stay motivated and work hard because I will look like this. That doesn't help me. This is more inspiring to me than those photos. Those other "motivating" photos makes me feel bad about myself and I am not okay with that.

My aim and end goal is ultimately be healthy and happy. I have a life that is surrounded by work, family, and friends. I want to look and feel better, but I don't want to be unhappy doing it. I keep reflecting back to my senior year in high school during volleyball season when I worked out for 4 hours a day, 6 days a week for 2 weeks. Once school started, it was 2 hours a day, 5 days a week. I have lost weight before the healthy way. I know I can do it again, I just need to realize that I am an adult and I have to take into consideration that I work and I have a life. Being healthy allows me to have this life, but I still have a life and I can't get sad by the fact that how I work out and eat are different. This is 8 years later and though I am still young, I am older. I have been at an unhealthy weight for over 4 years. I have not been treating my body the way that I should.

So yes, this picture is more motivating to me because I CAN DO IT! I will do it my way that allows me to be happy while being healthy. I have done so much research over the years about fitness and eating healthier. I have the knowledge, it is now time for me to start using what I know and just do it.

Many times I feel like the girl on the right... timid, embarrassed.... but I look at that and think that it is not me. I do not want to be that girl who is afraid. Fear will not help me accomplish anything.

Word of advise: find something that motivates you and just go!

GOLF

Last night was date night. AWE!

We went out to eat and we sat there like we always do thinking, what should we do. My genius boyfriend decided we should go hit some golf balls. He assumed that since I am from a golfing community that I would know what I am doing. (Do NOT judge a person by where they are from!) I had family friends that golfed, but other than that I had nothing to do with golf.

So an instructor at this golf club came walking by last night and was visiting with all the patrons and he decided he would record us to help us improve our swing. (Um, yeah...)

My swing was all wrong because I could feel a bad pain in my wrist... I felt stiff overall. My boyfriend helped a little, but he needed help too.

So...

The instructor taught me how to swing properly and I seriously thought he was joking when he said that it works on your muscles. It's like how people think dance isn't a form of sport. Well, I thought the same about golf. I know... for shame, for shame. Let me tell you, I am sore! It's the good kind of sore. I can feel it in my core, my inner thighs, and my hamstrings.

If you want to try something new, try golf! Get an instructor so you learn the swing properly and are sore in a good way instead of a bad way.

And as a side note, I just checked out Zumba Xhilerate from the library. I am very excited to try it out!!! I miss Zumba desperately!

Update

I got on the scale today and a scary realization was staring me in the face...


I am sadly back up to 194.1 lbs. AHHH!!!!

What in the world???

I guess not standing and walking all the time is taking a toll on my weight. :/

Time to start eating healthier and to start working out.