Day 120

Hello Everyone!!! I hope you all are having an incredible morning! I woke up this morning with a new out look. My dad sent me this message yesterday that was so full of impact for me!!

"Life is a pilgrimage, but sometimes you need pilgrimage to discover life."

That couldn't be more true! I think sometimes I get so caught up in life that I forget to really experience and figure it out. So I really need to hone in and figure out what is important. I only have so many days left before I go to Disney World, and not like I am stopping then, but I need to really kick it into gear. So I need to really focus on what is important right now.

I know I keep saying that, and then doing nothing, but I REALLY mean it this time. I don't know what has been my problem lately, and why I have been so lazy, but I just want to get back into my routines. I know it is about getting into a routine, but I am just really struggling with it. It is so hard to work, long days at that, and to come home and cook, and then to work out too??? It gets to be a lot. So I guess it is about just sucking it up, and figuring it out. So now I WILL figure it out.

To give you all a little snapshot of my days:

6:00 am - Get up, get me ready, get Alayna ready, and Miss J. comes.

7:30 am - Head to work for the day, and run around ALL day until around 6:00/7:00.

7:00 pm - Make and eat dinner

8:30 pm - Watch a little bit of TV with Hayden and Alayna and work on anything I need to finalize for work.

9:00 pm - BED!!!!!

So I guess what it really comes down to, is that at 9:00....I need to go to the gym and then go to bed after that. It will just be about sucking it up and getting there. So I promise....starting today...my butt is GOING TO THE GYM!!!!!!

I hope you all hold me accountable here! I better get a slurry of messages telling me to get to the gym!!!! I hope you all have a great day, and I will write tomorrow...for weigh in day. (Which I KNOW will not be a good one). Until tomorrow!

Day 119

Good Morning Everyone!!!!!! I woke up nice and early to make sure that I could get Alayna ready, get myself ready, and STILL have time to write. I know that I have been slacking on my blog a bit. And that I have been promising things that I have not held up. But I am working on it! I have decided that I NEED to get into a routine. It will be hard at first, but as soon as I can do that, I will be better off. After all, it is all about getting into a routine! And as long as I can knock this sense of feeling tired all the time, I can do it!!!

I have tried Chia seeds as energy, and I just don't seem to be getting enough energy from them. I am looking for redbull sized energy, and am not finding it naturally occurring in nature! So I am continuing my search!! I hope that I can figure this all out soon, because I am tired.....of being tired!!!

I have to get back that motivation I had a month ago. So I MUST work hard to get back to that person. I have only 32 days, 15 hours, and 42 minutes before our trip!!! So I HAVE to get my butt going, so that this trip is the best trip I could possibly make it!!!

So all those feelings I had when I started....the frustration of the first two weeks, the angry feeling I had when not seeing results....the irritation of not being able to eat the things I wanted.....I need to find those feelings again, because they gave me results!! So back to the basics everyone....Gotta hold myself accountable, no matter what!!!!

SO on that note, I am starting off my day right!!! Focusing on things that I REALLY REALLY want!!!!! What are you focusing on today??!

Day 111

Hello Everyone!! Today was a LONG day! I can't believe how busy it was. I ran around with the owner of the company today, and it was really awesome. When I worked at Splendid, it was no big deal to see Ken (no offense Ken, I saw you all the time!), but here, he lives in Chicago, and you are lucky to see him twice a year. So to meet him this soon....was pretty cool!!

I have been so focused on work lately, and it is paying off. I love my job, and to be noticed for doing well...it's nice. I don't want to talk just about work...but I do want to talk about life. There are only 40 days left until Disney, and I have a lot of work to start putting in. Now that this stressful period at work has slowed down a little, I can get back focused on that!!!

So I am keeping it short tonight. I'm tired, and I want to spend some time with Hayden and Alayna. I hope you all have an amazing evening and I will write more tomorrow!!!

Day 100 - Weigh In

Day 100??!!!?!?!?!?! Where are the streamers and confetti??? Isn't that what day 100 is supposed to feel like??? Well inside my head it does!! I had a really bad week this week. I mean with the party last week, to some not so great decisions this week, I kind of figured I was going to gain, I mean I should have! But I didn't......I stayed on my steady track moving downward at .8 pounds lost for a total of 36.3 pounds gone!! It may only be .8 pounds, but it is that much closer to my goal!!!

I couldn't sleep last night because I was thinking too much about work, weight loss, and my family. I tossed and turned all night, and honestly, it has been like this for the past week or so. I am not sure what is causing it, but I just dream about work and Hayden, that it feels so real and when I wake up, it felt like I had been working all night and not sleeping. It is starting to get really stressful, and I don't like it. I wish I knew how to fix it, because trust me, the LAST thing I want to be doing is working more than I already am. I guess I will just have to try and figure that out on my own time.

So like I said last night, it is time for me to really kick it back into gear. I finally got my okay to get my butt back in the gym, so that will be starting as soon as my parents are gone (for obvious reasons!!), and then today starts me back on weighing all my food and making sure I am eating proportionally. We all stumble at some point during a journey, and that is all this past few weeks has been. I have been writing less, working out less, working more, and eating less then perfect. So that all stops today. My body is basically yelling at me, "Bethany, you've had your fun, now it's time to kick that butt back into gear. Do you want to be around forever for Alayna? Do I need to remind you of all those goals?? Then just do it, Bethany!!!!!". So I hear you Body, and I am!!! I am sorry I treated you less then "temple-ish" this past couple weeks. I should have never done that.

Somehow, even through the crap, no working out, and just the plateau I was on, I still managed to lose weight, but not what I know I am capable of. So now it's time to see those numbers go up (and down!). I'm ready to love the scale again and not fear it each week. SO this is me making a promise to myself, and maybe even all of you too, that I WILL lose more than .8 pounds next week!!!

Alright, I think I've made you all read enough this morning! I am going to go finish getting ready for work, so I can get my butt home to hang out with my Mom and Dad!!! I hope you all have a wonderful Friday, and remember to NEVER give up on what you truly want. Remember why you want the things you want. Remember why you started this journey, and don't you DARE settle for less than what you started all of it for! You ARE worth it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Day 96

I am so so sorry it is so late tonight!! I got home late and then decided to eat dinner and enjoy it with my family instead of keeping my nose in my computer. I am going to work late tomorrow so I will be able to be up and blogging in the morning!!!

I know I have been kind of short with you guys, and I am sorry for that, but life has been really busy these last few days with work and trying to catch up around the house. BUT I will make sure to write a nice long post tomorrow. Tell you all about my upcoming doctors appointment and my visit that is coming up with my mom and dad!!!!

SO you all have a wonderful evening and I PROMISE you more to come tomorrow!!

Day 92

Good morning everyone! SO I sat down last night and thought about what the top three things that were really important to me that were related to this journey. And this is what I came up with:

1. Being able to be around for Alayna. Being able to live a long live and being able to keep up with her. If I could have as much energy as she has, that would be incredible!! She is the most important thing in the world to me, and it is so important that I am here for her.

2. My health. I really don't have much extra to say than that. It is important that I treat my body as a temple. And this is the best way I know how. Eat right and exercise, that is what is important to me and to make sure that I make it to where I want to really be in my life.

3. Disney World.....I want....no NEED....to keep that in my forefront of my mind. I want to get the absolute most out of this trip, and being over weight and not being able to keep up with my family would be the worst thing for me. I want to go on every ride and not worry "do I have to sit in that special seating, and will I even fit in that???"

So that was what I came up with. Those are the things both short term and long term that are the most important to me. Losing weight is important to me, but it shouldn't be at the front of my mind all the time. I have a full time job, come home and take care of Alayna, and somehow have to work out as well. So I really need to focus on short term goals and not long term goals. I will admit that the biggest thing that got me down was not that I wasn't where I wanted to be, but looking back on notes I had taken when I started, I thought I could do it all and get the most incredible results quickly. That is simply unrealistic for me. I have too much going on to keep up the progress I had when I was not working. So I vow to not get as easily frustrated!! Or at least I will try!!

I will leave you all with that. It is almost time for me to go to work so I will talk to all you lovely people tomorrow!! Have a wonderful Thursday!!

Day 87

Good Evening everyone!! I had to work today, and I was unable to write this morning. I was too tired this morning to even function. After working a 13 hour day in prep of our birthday party weekend at work.....I had so much to do! But it was all worth it, because the place looked amazing!!

As far as what I want to talk about today...I want to talk about my dad. My dad is an incredible person. He is one of the most motivational and inspirational people I know. Anyone who knows me knows that I love my family more than anything, and when I talk about my mom and my dad I talk about them like they are my best friends. I am so lucky to have him in my life. It's not every day that people have a relationship like that with their dad, and I do! They are coming to visit us soon, and my dad asked if we could do a 5K together and I immediately was sooooooo excited! I can't think of anything that would make me more excited and happier than to walk with my dad in my first *post life style change* 5K. So that will be coming up shortly, but I have SO much going on that I need to start being more consistent to get ready for it!!

So that is all that is going on here. I will keep you all posted on race details and what we sign up for and all that fun stuff!!! Have a wonderful night with your families and be good everyone!!!

Day 79 - Weigh In

Good Morning Everyone!! Unfortunately I don't come bearing good news about losing 2-3 pounds. This week I have only lost .6 pounds for a total of 32.7 pounds. Which, no I am not as happy as I would like to be, BUT.....I am .6 pounds closer to my goal, so how could I possibly be upset??

I have been thinking lately of before I started and where I am now. I can't believe how far I have come in just 79 days. It is absolutely unreal to me that I have been able to change my body, life, and routine in such (what feels like) a short amount of time. I don't ever want to go back to that person. I am no where near where I really want to be, but I am a better person than I was.

I can remember in High School and even in Elementary school being so unhappy with myself. I remember when kids would snicker and call me names. Even my own friends would whisper. But somehow it just wasn't enough for me to want to change, instead I just got sad and would eat more. I remember when girls would trade and borrow clothes in school and I could never do that with anyone. I was never able to share because I couldn't ever fit into their stuff.

I always wondered if my weight was what made me unpopular. I can remember in grade school how much I envied the popular kids, and I always wanted to be in that group. Was it my weight that held me back? Or was it just me? Who knows....I mean I've always been kind of a nerd, and that is something I am finally coping with and accepting....if not embracing! But I think as an adult I look back on all of those experiences and think, "Shame on them....". I was a beautiful girl who was smart in her own way, I was nice, I always liked putting others in front of myself, and somehow they couldn't look past that? Shame on them. I punished myself for years because of how I was treated then, and I should have NEVER done that. There was never anything that was wrong with me.

So as I continue in my adult life, and still see people with that attitude, I no longer yearn to be a part of that "popular girl group". I feel sorry that they will never be able to be honest with themselves and others. It makes me feel like I am so lucky to be living the life I am living!

I apologize for jumping down memory lane on this post, but it has been on my mind a lot lately. I hope you all have a wonderful Friday!! Enjoy your night and be good everyone!!!

Day 75

Good Morning!! And a very happy Monday!!! I don't know why, but I am just in a great mood, ready to face the day!! I have been trying really hard to just keep a very positive attitude about all of these changes that are going on. I know that more than anything right now, this is what will keep me going each day, is a positive attitude.

Last week I just had this glum attitude and I can't keep going like that. It makes me feel like I am giving up when I feel so down. So onward with the good attitude!!!!

So I have decided that I need to get back into that really tight diet. I have been slacking a little lately and allowing things here and there, and I just HAVE to stop doing that. I am not going to lose anything if I keep eating things I KNOW I am not supposed to. I know that every once in a while I am going to find myself in a situation that it will be okay, but I just can't allow that to happen right now. I have such a long way to go that I CAN NOT let off the gas now. I will admit that it will take some serious motivation, but it is not impossible!! So that is my goal for this week. Find my way back to that really tight diet!!!

I am signing off there. Lots to think about and figure out!! Have a wonderful Monday everyone! Enjoy whatever life throws at you!

Day 42

So I finally got my work schedule....and let me tell you...this next two weeks they were not kidding about filling me full of as much information as possible! I have two weeks to learn everything I possibly can! And it is amazing how much information there is! Just the daily routines alone are something to be baffled by! I know that I will get to the point that I need to be at, but it is a daunting task right now. I am beginning to get stressed, and I haven't even fully been into my position yet.

I have to get used to these early mornings and early bed times. Before I had my job I was going to bed way too late and sleeping in a little later. But it is amazing that even if I am not going to the gym (for now), a good nights sleep can do wonders for you! SO that is my preachy point for the day. No matter if you eat healthy, go to the gym, stay active during the day, if you DON'T go to bed early and get a good nights sleep, you are NOT going to get as good of results! So I think this may actually be a blessing in disguise! Once I finally get into a routine of things and I am able to figure out this schedule comfortably, I think I will be A-okay!!

I would love to hear how all of you balance a diet, work life, and workout life into your daily routine! I am simply getting overwhelmed by the amount of things I need to do both at work and home that I just am too scared to take time away from that. I only really get to see Alayna for an hour or so at the end of the day, and with working weekends too, I don't see her or Hayden then either. It's quite the sacrifice working moms make and on top of that add a working mom who wants to work out? I know it is possible, I have seen other moms do it! I just need to find what works for me, and I WILL figure that out soon!

SO while I figure this whole thing out, I can not be more appreciative of all of you to support me through this. All of you loyal readers....you mean the world to me and I honestly think I would have given up by now, if it weren't for you! So thank you everyone....for pushing me and motivating me!!

Have an amazing Wednesday everyone!

Day 38

Good Morning and Happy Saturday!!! We have a very busy day today so I am going to keep it pretty short. I have decided to start using the stepper as recommended by a fellow hard worker and let me just say....it was designed by the devil himself. Don't EVER do the stepper unless you A. want to not feel your legs for three days B. feel like giving up MIGHT just be the easiest thing to do while on it C.hate your legs for days or D. all of the above.

Bottom line...I hate the stepper. It is the devil's work and it's like an adult version of don't touch the floor because it's lava. You have to keep your self up on it so it doesn't sink shamelessly to the floor however.....it hurts too bad to keep it off the ground! Pathetic, I know, but it was hard!! I could only do 40 floors today because I thought I would actually fall of the machine if I didn't stop! But at least I tried my best to keep going!!

I have been doing a lot more at the gym and I have come home feeling great after each workout! I feel better about being in that environment. I would honestly live there if I could but that could just be the adrenaline talking from this morning! It's amazing just how happy I feel when I finish working out. I still get nervous that people are pointing and laughing but I know it is all in my head. And even if they are....oh well! I know why I'm there and I know it is to better my life...NOT to worry about what other people think of me.

So I promised today I would keep it short, so I will not let you down! Give you a nice easy read of how steppers are directly correlated with Satan and how much I love the gym!! Also tonight we are making some delicious grilled chicken wraps that I will post the recipe for tomorrow! Have a great Saturday and be good!!!

Day 35

Good Morning Everyone! Happy Wednesday!! It is nice and rainy here, so we will be having a jammy and movie day here. I'm finally recovered from the sunburn so it's nice to be able to move without feeling like I just stepped off the surface of the sun!

Now....I will warn you of weigh-in day this week...I'm not feeling good about it. I have mother nature working against me this week, and I am just hoping not to gain! I was really hoping this would be the week that I pull out a bigger number, but it is just not in the books for me. Now I know I don't weigh in until Fridays, but I typically am weighing in every morning, just to see how the week is going. It makes Fridays a little less daunting if I have an idea of what's coming. I just prefer to only log that number once a week because I don't want to feel discouraged if the scale is going up and down through out the week.

Other than the scale possibly going up this week, I am feeling great. I have been doing about 4 miles on the Elliptical and feel incredible after it each time! I have been really dragging each time it comes time to go, but by the time I get there I don't want to leave! Who would have ever thought that would be the case!! I'm starting to just really enjoy my time there. I only stay a little over an hour each day, but I always make sure to have a significant burn. I use my Heart Rate Monitor each time. If you are going on any sort of weight loss journey I HIGHLY recommend one. I think it is really important to get a more accurate count on what kind of calories you are burning in a day. Each person's body has a different way of burning those calories, and it is helpful to see how YOUR body is burning those calories. I don't want to come across as preachy, but I really do stand by mine! It's so helpful to have that information to reference and see how your body is working each time. I hope to some day invest in a Garmin one, it holds more files and keeps track of more in-detail information, but for now, my Polar will work more than perfectly!!

Alright I have kept you all long enough...go enjoy your day and drink lots of water and be good! Have a wonderful Wednesday!!

Day 34

Good Morning :)

I took a rest day yesterday after getting a little too rosy at the park with Alayna. So today I plan to kick some serious butt at the gym!!

I'm going to be honest, ever since I started this journey, I have started to realize things about myself that I didn't even know were possible. Things I want to do with my life once I am able to, and things that I NEVER thought I would have the urge to do. For example, I want to do a half-marathon which will hopefully lead to a full-marathon at some point. I know that is a far way away, but I can definitely see it in the future.

Another thing I really want to do (along with a lot of other things, but this is the most extreme)......go skydiving. I don't know why I have the urge to, but I do! Something about falling into a new life, or leaving the old life behind seems so symbolic! I never would have thought that I would want to jump from a perfectly good plane, but I see it more and more in my future.

I want to experience life to it's fullest now. I want to make sure I get the most out of this and experience everything I can. That is what our lives are all about. Getting the most out of it. Now I'm not saying yolo, yoyo, or whatever it is....I'm saying that we have the capabilities and motivation to do whatever we want!! And I am now able to see beyond the couch and chair. Beyond the plate of pizza and cake....I can see other things that are potential life changers, and all in good ways!

So I challenge you all to set a goal. Set a goal that seems impossible...give yourself a year (it will pass quicker than you think!!), and make that goal into another checked item on your bucket list!! I would love to hear what goals you are going to set!!!  Have a good Tuesday!

Day 33

So Monday....we meet again....its incredible how this day has such a bad reputation!! It's the day that 46% of people decide to start a diet. And........are you ready for this incredibly depressing statistic? By Tuesday night, a shocking 31% of those people have quit or cheated in some way and just say "next week", but never go back. That is an incredible amount of people unable to stick to it! So if you started something today, just because it was Monday, don't. I made my decision mid week and I gave myself a whole week to just cheat!! To cheat like I had never cheated before. Eat everything that I possibly wanted, and everything I craved. Cravings can be so bad that they are all you think about, so it is good to nip some of those in the butt.

Now, I'm not saying I don't have cravings, because I absolutely do!! Maybe even more than others. But I have found a healthy way to exchange those cravings for new ones. Like pizza, I LOVE pizza. I mean I could totally eat a nice cheesy piece of pizza today...heck I used to be able to down lots of pizza. BUT like I have said previously, I just see it as every other time I quit, and I don't want it anymore. So now we make nice healthy pizzas. They have all the same flavor, but almost 75% less calories and 100% more health benefits. We started making new ones on whole grain flatbread wraps as opposed to the pitas. Much thinner than the pita, but so many more health benefits in the wrap, but same concept!

Another food I love so much is a good, juicy, cheesy, cheeseburger!!! I was a sucker for Elevation Burger in VA, but I can't even tell you how gross it was to see the calorie count next to the burger, and I still ordered it!!! So we decided to make our own version! They are lean lettuce wrapped burgers. The recipe is below!

1 lb ground beef (93/7) you could use lean ground turkey breast as another lean meat, I just prefer red meat!
salt
pepper
garlic powder
worcestershire sauce
4 large lettuce cups (I used a head of lettuce and then made a salad on the side with the leftovers)
1 cup shredded low-fat mozzarella
4 slices of tomato
57 sauce


Mix the meat with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and worcestershire sauce (like a teaspoon or two). Mix well and form into four patties (make the patties with a small bump in the middle, they cook better that way since the middle tends to sink in). We grilled ours, but you can do it any way you prefer! Once both sides are cooked to your liking, add 1/4 cup cheese to each burger and melt. Once done cooking, put a burger in each lettuce cup and add a slice of tomato and about a tablespoon of 57 sauce (or less depending on what you like). Enjoy!

I have found out through this journey that it is all about making decisions that are better for you! Just because things taste great, and look great, doesn't mean they are the best thing for your body. And on the contrary, it doesn't mean you can't have them ever again! It's about the choice to make healthier alternatives!! Your body is a temple, and you are the only one who can upkeep it!! So I will leave you all on that note, since today was a little lengthy. Just remember, if you are part of that 46% that started today....keep to it! Be the 14% that make it!! Prove that statistic wrong! I hope you all have an incredible Monday!

Day 31

Happy Saturday everyone!!! I started my day out my most favorite way and that is at the gym! Who would have thought?

Last night Hayden and I were talking about the last four weeks and the things that have changed. He said he was so proud that I have stuck to it this far and I can honestly say I am too. But I promise, today won't be about that. (not again!)

Today I decided to talk about Magic Pills. That magic pill that will allow you to lose weight. That magic pill that makes you skinny. That magic pill that will make every health issue go away and make you healthy. Now think about that magic pill....do you want that magic pill?? Who doesn't right??

Well I hate to break it to you all, but that magic pill doesn't exist. There is no magic pill, powder, or liquid that will make all your dreams come true. It takes hard work, dedication, and more self-motivation than you ever even thought you had inside you. I used to think that if I try this fad or that one, that the fat would just melt off of me. That if I half ass it, I can still get what I want. But I KNOW now that it won't work. Only I can make this happen for myself. It is up to my mind to push my body through this. Through the pain and through every other sacrifice I make, I push harder each day for the better of myself.

The moral of today's post is....you can't just take some magic item to make things better. It just doesn't work. You have to want the change to make it happen. What is important enough to you to make the change?? Is it your family, children, job, or just wanting to get healthy? No matter what it is, it should be important enough to make that change. So I hope today you all just do one thing....one healthy change. Whether that be drinking water instead of pop or walking around the whole mall while doing your Saturday shopping or just going for a small walk....that's all it takes.....so get out there and start today!!! There is no magic pill waiting for you...only your mind waiting to push your body!

Good luck <3

Day 30 - Weigh In

Well today has come!! It's finally weigh in day....And I can honestly say...I was REALLY hoping for more, but I am still happy!

This week I lost 2 lbs for a grand total of 17.5 pounds in 4 weeks gone. And never to be seen again!


Do I wish it was more around the 20 mark....absolutely! But I can honestly say that I am so happy to just be losing!! I know this is going to be a very long journey, and sometimes things will get frustrating, but slow and steady wins the race right? But I just need to keep my head up, and keep trucking no matter what the number says. I used to quit because the number was small, a zero, or I gained weight. I would just get so discouraged and just give up. Why keep going if I'm not doing it right??? And now I don't want to quit. Why would I change my life so drastically just to turn back into that very unhappy girl??

I can think of so many moments when I was unhappy with myself, and I could feel that disappointment in myself, but did NOTHING about it. You know Hayden and I went to a Nationals game last year, and I was so uncomfortable the whole time! The seat was too small for me and I was so embarrassed by it. I thought everyone in the whole place was looking at me....like I was not supposed to be there. Well later on in the game, we moved a couple rows down as people began to leave, and the seats were HUGE! So I began to think that maybe I over reacted a little bit, and maybe we just got really cheap seats! In my head...when things like that happen, I immediately think that everyone is just staring and laughing at me. It was almost all I thought about the whole time. I couldn't even enjoy one of the few date nights Hayden and I got because I was too upset with myself And I hate that I have that feeling (or HAD), every time I went in public. I just don't feel that way anymore, because I am so proud. I'm putting in a lot of hard work to change my life, and I wish I could just spread it around to the whole world!

So on that note, no more of that kind of negativity in my life. On to bigger and better things!! All these changes have made me a better person....and I can't wait to see the final person they change me into!!!

Have a great Friday everyone!!!

Day 28

Day 28!!!!! I made it to the 4 week mark already!! I am just so happy about it!! I can't even to put it into words how great I feel! Can't you tell by all the exclamation marks?

Now today I thought of things I could talk about....what I do at the gym or food I eat, or what I do every day to keep myself going, or what goals I set for myself...But then I realized last night that I want to talk about gym etiquette! This may not apply to everyone, so if you want to jump ship for the rest of todays lesson feel free!

I have been going to the gym for almost 28 straight days (missed 2 days) and feel like I have made sure to do everything right. I bring my required towel, wipe my machine down after I'm done with each machine, go through each machine correctly without letting the weights bang around, and I take it really seriously!! Oh, and most of all.......I don't bring FOOD into the gym.

Last night was not the first time I have seen this happen. I don't know why it bothers me so, but it does! When I got to the gym yesterday, I got on my treadmill and started off any normal evening. I look to my right and there is a woman eating a Twix....ON the treadmill. I couldn't even believe it. But I got past it, because it's not me! She can do what she wants I guess!

And then...these two girls come in. Bigger girls and my thought was "good for you girls! That's great for you!!" But nay....they stayed on the treadmills taking (and I sadly quote) "SELFIESSSSS!!!". I quickly turned my headphones up higher. They continued to stay on the treadmills for about 5 minutes after taking a good amount of pictures and then moved onto the stepper for 5 minutes, elliptical for 5 minutes, bike for 5 minutes, then on to the weighted machines. Oh, and do you think they wiped any of the machines down after use??? Now I don't know if that goes for all gyms that you have to wipe them down with a disinfectant wipe, but you do here. Because who wants to touch a machine with all of your body sweat on it....ew.

So then they move onto the weight machines...which I have seen some really sweaty people get on and they always wipe it off with multiple wipes when finished. Now when I am on a machine I am doing 3-4 sets of 10-15 reps on each machine with a 60 second break in between. That is a (somewhat) proper way to be on a machine. I go slowly as to not let the weights bang when you go back to your start. (I have seen people get yelled out for the banging of weights) But these girls went to each machine and did one rep of each while loudly banging the weights around.

Now I don't know why I am so frustrated by this....I didn't think I was going to be a gym snob about it, but I am being one. This is not the first time any of these things have happened, but each time it does....my skin crawls with the idea of having to sit in someone else's sweat on a machine!!! So I apologize for the rant, but hopefully it can help you to prevent gym germs!!

Tonight we are doing lean lettuce wrapped burgers! I will post the recipe tomorrow!! Enjoy your Wednesday everyone!!

Day 26

Good morning everyone and happy Monday!!

So yesterday I had quite the discussion about how many calories I should be eating and if I should be eating back exercise calories, burning as many calories as I eat in a day, and many other things. Well...as it turns out, I'm not eating enough calories in a day to fuel my body. So looks like I'm going to have to start working a little harder to make sure I am fueling my body better. Although who would have thought eating too little would be my problem?? Last night I tried to figure out how I was going to eat enough calories in a day and it is really difficult for me. I NEVER thought I would say that, but the thought of eating more in a day makes my belly hurt!! I already feel like I eat enough. But I will try my best to make sure I am fueling my body in the correct way!!

So these last couple days I have been having this strange worry. Am I losing you guys? Is the attention not there anymore? Anything I can do to keep you guys engaged? Are the titles boring? Should I change those? I know this journey isn't necessarily defined by how many people check out this blog each day, however I do think it is important. I want you all to get just as much out of this as I do. I would love to spark just a bit of energy within yourselves and inspire just a little bit...if possible! I hope that some people reading this are so inspired that they want to make changes too! Even if that is counting calories (www.myfitnesspal.com my username is whocrux, add me!), taking the steps instead of the elevator, or even just going out for a walk. I want to make sure that everyone is getting out of this blog, what they want to get out of it! So let me know if I need to change anything!! Or...if you just want me to keep tellin it like it is!

Hope you all have an excellent Monday!!!!

(on tonight's menu is leftovers, so I won't be posting a recipe, but hopefully I can think of something delicious for tomorrow night!!!)

Day 25

Happy Sunday!! Hope you all enjoyed your weekend and have been being good!!

I know we had a great weekend! Worked out, made yummy (and healthy) food, watched movies cuddled up with my two favorite people...great weekend!

One of our favorite weekend activities is to go grocery shopping. Before it was all about buying frozen pizzas, chips, and sugary food that made me smile. Now, it's all about weighing out the fruits and veggies to make sure we have the right amount, looking for whole grains and wheat flour as opposed to bleached flour, and finding the leanest meats. Things have changed....life has changed. You know, my mom was right, after that two week mark, it is just something that becomes habit. I no longer go in and want to go immediately to the old things, check the calorie count, and figure out if it's REALLY worth it. Because in my head....it isn't worth it. I know what is good for me and healthy for me.

I like being able to get through a grocery trip without having the urge to eat everything. I'm not hungry for it anymore. It feels great!!!

I am keeping it short because I want to enjoy the rest of my weekend, and you all should too!! Tonight on the menu is Whole Wheat Spaghetti and Lean Ground Beef meat sauce. Looking forward to it!! I hope you all have a wonderful evening!!

Day 24

You know....I have never made it this far....and I am so so proud of myself for sticking to it. I know I keep saying that, but it's something that just keeps me so excited. 24 days! It's the first 24 days of the rest of my life, and I love it!!!!

Maybe it's the endorphins of the run this morning or it is just that the sun is shining and things are good....but I am happy. I sat and thought today, that the first day I went to the gym, it took me 45 minutes to do a 2 mile. And I was TIRED after it. I didn't have any energy to do anything after that 2 miles. Now, I am running/walking a 5K every day (in the time that it took me to do the 2 miles) and then doing weighted workouts after. With energy to burn when I get home. I'm feeling so good!! My body is just so happy with the hard work that I am putting in.

Now I know what people are thinking, sheesh...that's not very fast or far. It is for me. I have come from a place of no working out, and sitting on the couch every day. So doing that is a big achievement for me! I'm just filled and overflowing with this feeling of complete happiness!!!

I have been telling my family that I have been having these dreams lately. We are taking a family trip in December, and I keep dreaming about going into the gift stores and being able to buy medium shirts, and to buy pants that are smaller. These are what my dreams and goals are. These are the things I look forward to. And rightfully so. I was just so so unhappy shopping. It often ended in tears. And I REFUSE to ever go there again. That was a broken person and I don't want to be her anymore. So here is to the new me!!! Bring it on life!!!

Oh and recipes everyone! I'll post what yesterdays dinner was, it was a good one!

Barbeque Chicken Stuffed Baked Potatoes

2 Potatoes
4 T. BBQ Sauce of your choice (I did a low sugar, low calorie one)
1/2 cup cheese (low fat mozz.)
1/4 cup tomato
salt
pepper

I set the oven to 375. Rub the potatoes with olive oil and sea salt and bake on a sheet for 35 minutes. Then flip and bake the other side for 35 minutes.

I grilled the chicken, but you can cook it any way you want. I grilled each tenderloin (2 lbs worth) and then tossed them in the 4 T. sauce (I also add about 1 1/2 T. of water just so it sticks a little bit better). After tossing them, I shred the chicken, and toss again.

To assemble, cut open and mash the potato (I add a couple sprays of no-cal spray butter for flavor), add cheese, chicken, salt, pepper, and tomatoes to top.

Makes 2 servings.

I know it isn't much of a recipe, and I'm sure everyone could think of it, but thought I would share! Have a great Saturday everyone!!!