My life has completely changed...

So, too much has happened since my last post.  My wonderful, amazing, love of my life, James died July 30, 2013, from injuries sustained in a rollover car accident five days prior.  My life is totally different now.  So, for obvious reasons, I lost my motivation.  Money is tight, the dogs are always in the way, making it difficult to work out.  Basically...life is amazingly stressful, BUT, it's been long enough, and it's time to get back on track.  James would be so pissed at me for essentially giving up...especially when I was doing SO well!  I was loving my body, I didn't feel so jiggly anymore.  I loved it!  BUT, now I'm back to fluctuating between my hated 157 and 162.  Ugh.  It has to go.  I have a friend that got and is still getting AMAZING results from Paleo.  I've done my research, I've bought some cookbooks, and I'm starting the diet/lifestyle change on Saturday.  It is so similar to the 17-Day Diet, and I love that, so this should be a breeze to just make the change, and leave the crap out.

So...here we go.  Time to take control of the things I actually have control over.  Time to stop making excuses, time to feel comfortable in my own skin, again, and time to make James proud of me, again.  Time for me to be proud of me, again.

Calories Burned with Jillian Michaels Body Revolution 90-Day Program

I posted this a few months ago, and I totally didn't keep up with it.  I will be starting the entire program over on Monday, July 29th.  I know that I will see incredible changes in my body, if I would just keep at it!!  It's time to tell my family, "Sorry, I can't." more often, and keep to my schedule.  It's 90 DAYS!  There is NO reason I can't do this!  Morgan and I will be starting a little friendly 2-month challenge on August 1st.  The lesser loser of the two will be buying the other a $10 gift certificate to somewhere like Target or Barnes and Noble or something like that.  A little competition between friends is a great way to keep each other on track.  I really hope to keep at this.  If I start on the 29th, and keep at it, I can be enjoying my new body by October 27th!  I'm getting my diet back on track right now and start my workouts on Monday.



Ok, so I'm going to keep this post and update it with each workout. Now that I have my HRM, and it's working, I'll be able to see exactly how many calories I burn each 30 minutes spent with Ms. Michaels.

**The totals up for now are there just for my reference, so I can compare and make sure I'm really, really pushing myself!!**

Week 1 -
Monday - Workout 1
Tuesday - Workout 2
Wednesday - Cardio 1
Thursday - Workout 1 - 466 Calories Burned!
Friday - Workout 2 -
Saturday - Cardio 1 - 441 Calories Burned!
Sunday - Rest

Week 2 -
Monday - Workout 1 - 471 Calories Burned!
Tuesday - Workout 2 - 495 Calories Burned! - Would have been more if the HRM would have been working from the get go, but I had to re-wet the pads a few times. =/
Wednesday - Cardio 1 - GOAL - 500 Calories, that would be 59 more calories than Saturday! I can do it!
Thursday - Workout 1 -
Friday - Workout 2 -
Saturday - Cardio 1 -
Sunday - Rest

Week 3 -
Monday - Workout 3 -
Tuesday - Workout 4 -
Wednesday - Cardio 1 -
Thursday - Workout 3 -
Friday - Workout 4 -
Saturday - Cardio 1 -
Sunday - Rest

Week 4 -
Monday - Workout 3 -
Tuesday - Workout 4 -
Wednesday - Cardio 1 -
Thursday - Workout 3 -
Friday - Workout 4 -
Saturday - Cardio 1 -
Sunday - Rest - END OF PHASE 1

Week 5 -
Monday - Workout 5 -
Tuesday - Workout 6 -
Wednesday - Cardio 2 -
Thursday - Workout 5 -
Friday - Workout 6 -
Saturday - Cardio 2 -
Sunday - Rest

Week 6 -
Monday - Workout 5 -
Tuesday - Workout 6 -
Wednesday - Cardio 2 -
Thursday - Workout 5 -
Friday - Workout 6 -
Saturday - Cardio 2 -
Sunday - Rest

Week 7 -
Monday - Workout 7 -
Tuesday - Workout 8 -
Wednesday - Cardio 2 -
Thursday - Workout 7 -
Friday - Workout 8 -
Saturday - Cardio 2 -
Sunday - Rest

Week 8 -
Monday - Workout 7 -
Tuesday - Workout 8 -
Wednesday - Cardio 2 -
Thursday - Workout 7 -
Friday - Workout 8 -
Saturday - Cardio 2 -
Sunday - Rest - END OF PHASE 2

Week 9 -
Monday - Workout 9 -
Tuesday - Workout 10 -
Wednesday - Cardio 3 -
Thursday - Workout 9 -
Friday - Workout 10 -
Saturday - Cardio 3 -
Sunday - Rest

Week 10 -
Monday - Workout 9 -
Tuesday - Workout 10 -
Wednesday - Cardio 3 -
Thursday - Workout 9 -
Friday - Workout 10 -
Saturday - Cardio 3 -
Sunday - Rest

Week 11 -
Monday - Workout 11 -
Tuesday - Workout 12 -
Wednesday - Cardio 3 -
Thursday - Workout 11 -
Friday - Workout 12 -
Saturday - Cardio 3 -
Sunday - Rest

Week 12 -
Monday - Workout 11 -
Tuesday - Workout 12 -
Wednesday - Cardio 3 -
Thursday - Workout 11 -
Friday - Workout 12 -
Saturday - Cardio 3 -
Sunday - Rest - END OF PHASE 3 and 90-DAY PROGRAM!

New Recipe - Clean Cauliflower Alfredo Sauce

Clean Alfredo Sauce!  Ok, so this isn't the best, most appetizing photo, but holy cow, is it ever delish?!  Here's where I found the recipe: http://pinchofyum.com/creamy-cauliflower-sauce

 

I think I used a little bit more butter than I should have, but I just kept adding a little bit of everything at a time, mixing in the food processor, and tasting until I achieved the perfect mock Alfredo.  And honestly, I still didn't use more than 4 tbsp of the Heart Healthy Smart Balance, and considering how many servings are made from this, I think we're ok.  Plus, since I'm really trying to eat clean, I served this over noodles I made out of zuchini on THIS nifty item, which is another positive to combat the butter...right?

Side note: I got mine for about 20 bucks less than they're advertising right now, but knowing what I know now...I'd still buy it at the current price. It's for real awesome

 

So...it has been a very long time since anyone has posted anything!  I posted to see about whether or not you wanted to change the name of the blog that would be more suiting for all of us that are currently trying to lose weight, get lean, and strong, and find true happiness in our bodies.  Are there ANY ideas?

 

And please don't forget, that if you're an author, it is truly motivating to read what you're doing and eating for those that may have fallen off the wagon.  I know I did, but I'm back on now, and I hope to get back to posting.  I bought a clean eating guide, and will be sharing the results I get.  If you want to jump in, and buy the guide right now, you can find all the information HERE!  I follow her on Instagram @Slimfitbean and I find her to be refreshing.  She talks a lot about the changes that she's made in a no nonsense kind of way.  It is great to have someone say, "Hey, this is what I do because it works for my body.  Here are some tips to get you started, but PAY ATTENTION and find what works for you!"  Seriously, her body transformation is amazing, and one I would LOVE to achieve, so I'm starting with her tips, and going to see what works!  I'm very excited.

 

 Anyway, where is everyone?  How have you been doing?  Any milestones achieved that could really give an extra push to find the motivation that may have been lost?  Anyone struggling and need some support?  Speak up, ladies!  We'll never get where we're hoping to be without some very hard work and some very strong support!  Hope everyone is doing well, and I look forward to hearing from everyone soon!

Blog Name Change?

Hey, ladies!

Ok, so I've been doing some thinking.  When I started this blog, it was to be about my Resolution to change my lifestyle, lose the weight, get fit, and be totally happy with my body.  I am currently doing that through Jillian Michael's Body Revolution (as you all know).  Well, not all of you are, so the name of this blog doesn't quite apply.  I think it's time for a change that reflects us all.  We're all on a journey.  We're all wanting to get fit and be happy.  I, honestly, am so not creative when it comes to this, so I'm extending it to you ladies for that reason, as well as, I really do want a name that reflects what we're ALL hoping to achieve.

Post in the comments with ideas that you have!  Let's really make this blog about US!  =)

Whatever It Takes!

Ok, so I know I just weighed in two days ago, but I wanted to keep on track with the Facebook Challenge weigh-ins, too.

At the beginning of the 60-Day Challenge, I was at 159.2.  Wednesday, I was at 161.  Today I weighed in at 159.8 (just goes to show how much one will fluctuate).  I'm feeling pretty good about the fact that I'm only up .6 lbs in the last two weeks.  And here is why:

For those who don't know yet, I went out on May 3rd, and it is veeeeeery possible that something was slipped into my drink.  I completely lost 4 1/2 hours of my night.  Even now, that my sister has (finally!) talked to me and told me what happened, it is still completely black.  Seriously, not a thing.  Long story short...blacked out, got in a fight with a girl in the bathroom, attacked my sister, had to be picked up by my boyfriend (who I don't remember seeing at any point before I go back to the house), tried to jump out of his moving vehicle, he stopped, I DID jump out, and then wandered aimlessly through a not-so-safe part of town for HOURS!  Around this time, I started to come back in a bit, and I remember trying to stop a car because I knew I needed to call someone.  In the process, I fell in the street.  I remember falling, and I remember it hurting, and I remember being really pissed that I fell.  Then I went out again (not sure how long), and came back in to a cop asking if I needed help.  Obviously, I did.  He asked if I was Madison, and I said, yes, and he told me to sit on the curb because my Dad and brother in law had been looking for me.  Then I went home.  It was absolutely crazy.  Did I drink?  Yes.  Enough to black out?  Not even close.  I wasn't even hungover the next day...at all.  All the more reason that I think I was roofied.  My Dad said he was talking to a co-worker, who is close friends with a cop.  The cop told her that she needed to keep a watchful eye on her drinks when she was out because the amount of roofie cases happening right now is asinine.  =/

So, there's that.  Worst part?  When I fell, I seriously jacked up my foot.  I haven't been able to do an actual workout since May 3rd.  I'm really sad about it.  All I've been keeping up with is the arm-toning workout.

Another reason that I'm happy I haven't gained more weight is because when we were in Carbondale, all we did was eat crap food, drink beer, and not workout.  We did walk Campus Lake and a little bit through Thompson Woods and the rest of campus, so there's that, at the very least.  I wish I could have done more because it would have been really nice to get a workout in with Sara.  =(

So, there's my story, and why I've been a little MIA lately.

Now, to add a little more stress, sadness, AND motivation into the mix.  I got my blood test results back yesterday.  Everything was completely normal.  I was actually way more upset about it than I thought.  I'm actually going to be working with my doctor to get more testing done for thyroid issues.  While I'm very happy to know that my levels are normal across the board (I mean in EVERY thing), there are still issues.  Like the fact that I'm eating right, drinking water, cut out soda, exercising daily (before the 3rd), and the weight wasn't coming off all that quickly AND I was still exhausted allllllllll the time.  Those things are not normal.  They don't compute.  There are a few tests that they didn't do, that could actually show an issue with my Pituitary Gland, which could be causing me to be hypothyroid, without there being an issue with my Thyroid itself.  Nonetheless, knowing what I know, I'm going to push harder than ever, and I'm going to continue this journey.  Even if it means hiring a dietitian because it turns out there's nothing wrong with my Pituitary Gland, either!

Whatever it takes.  My new motto in life...not just on my weightloss/get fit journey.  Whatever it takes.

Weigh-In Wednesday #4

Sadly, I'm up 3.8 lbs. I weighed in at 161. That sounds about right, though, since my foot is basically useless for anything other than minimal walking, and I went to Carbondale for 3 days. I decided to just make it a cheat long weekend because I knew we were going to be drinking, and I needed some Quatro's and Don Taco in my life. I imagine that this almost 4 lbs will drop off very quickly, as soon as I catch up on sleep, can really start working out again, and I get back to my diet...which starts tomorrow after I figure out what we even have in our fridge.

I also have my doctor's appointment in the morning, so I get to find out what is going on with my body! I don't know if I hope that there IS or is NOT something wrong with my thyroid/hormones. If there is, some medication could help me drop some serious poundage and help clear up this adult acne that decided to rear it's ugly head. But, if there isn't, then I know I'm capable of more, and I'm just not pushing hard enough for the results I hope to achieve. I suppose that it is sort of a win/win, in that light.


Also!!

Where is everyone?! There haven't been any posts for a while! Is eveyone keeping up with their workouts and diets, etc? I want to hear from you! You have author status...don't be afraid to use it! This is your blog as much as it is mine. You may not think you have anything important to say, but if you get in a really good workout and are feeling awesome, a simple paragraph post may just motivate someone to get their workout in, instead of taking a rest or a cheat day. =D

60-Day Challenge Starts Today!

 Alright, so, Mo and I are starting a 60-Day Challenge today in the group "Fit N Fabulous Females" on Facebook.  I was thinking, there's not reason we can't carry that over to the blog if you would like!  Post your weight and measurements today and get started!! Then every two weeks, we'll weigh-in/measure again.  The end of the 60 days is July 1st.  So, on July 1st, the winner is the biggest weight and inches lost.  Sound like a plan?

 

The reason that these challenges work is because who doesn't like a little competition?  Plus, no one is going to judge you!!  We're here to help and to movtivate!  Maybe in 2 weeks you don't lose any weight and very little in inches.  That can be super discouraging and cause you to want to give up, well, if we're all in it together, then we can help motivate you, talk about what's going on!  Maybe you're not pushing hard enough, maybe you're not eating enough, or maybe things just aren't computing, and a trip to the doctor might be necessary.

 

Speaking of that...quick side note.  I will be heading to the doctor in a few weeks to have some blood testing completed.  I used my HRM to see how much I burned during a night of sleep on my rest day (so, no working out to push up my resting heart rate), and I burned 350 calories in just shy of 8 hours.  Multiple each by 3, and that is 1050 calories burned in 24 hours.  That's just a normal day.  Now, I understand why the weight wasn't falling off of me before I started the diet, but now?!  I'm burning enough calories to be in a deficit most days, and I've only lost like 4 pounds.  That just does not compute.  James and I discussed it in depth last night.  I've been thinking I may have a thyroid issue for a while now, so I really want to get it checked out.  And, hey, maybe it isn't thyroid, but it's a hormonal problem.  I mean, since moving out here, I've had pretty horrible adult acne kick in and the weight gain was fast.....so it could EASILY be a hormonal issue.

 

ANYWAY....so, you can see that when things aren't working, and they should be, it's nice to have someone to discuss the issue with.  I'm glad that when I talked to James about it, he didn't make me feel crazy or like I was reaching.  Mostly, because it's not a reach, and it may not be a reach for any of you either, but until you really start keeping track of these things, you would never know.

 

So....who's in?!

 

 

Weigh-In Wednesday #3

I'm kind of hoping my current plateau is just seeming that way because I just started and I'm bloated. But I can't seem to get out of the high 150s! I weighed in this morning at 158.2 which is only down .6 lbs from last week. I think it's because I'm not eating enough, but I've alway been an "eat when I'm hungry" kind of person, so it's hard to force myself to eat. Plus, I never have enough time to make breakfast, so I end up eating a handful of trail mix (almonds, peanuts, cashews, raisins, and m&m's....almost all nuts, though) that I have in my desk at work. 

 

Who has tips for this?  I know that getting up early is the obvious option, but trust me, if you know me....that's not really an option.  Most people that know me are still amazed that I have a job that requires me to be in the office at 7am...maybe not that I have it, but that I've kept it for over 2 years.  I absolutely HATE getting up early, and I'm a grumpy b*tch, every...single...morning.  I've been looking into making some grab 'n go breakfasts.  The recipe that keeps catching my eye is the egg muffins one.  I would want to tweak them a bit, but basically, you put some eggs mixed with sausage or bacon or whatever you want into a muffin pan, bake, and then toss in the fridge so you grab one each morning on the way out the door.  I suppose that would work for me. 

 

Do you guys have any other quick breakfast ideas?  Or what does your morning routine look like?  Maybe I can start to force myself to get up in time to make something each morning.....maaaaaybe.


Also, next Wednesday is 2 days before my intial goal, so I'm going to just make it my goal date and not only weigh in, but include my measurements.  Perhaps, I'm at a weight plateau, but I'm still losing inches?

30 Day Squat Challenge

I am about to be technically in between challenges until I order my Les Mills Pump program at the end of May (Happy birthday to me birthday May 31st). So what I've decided to do is repeat my last month of TurboFire which is the program where I received ALL of my current results. To beef it up a little I've decided to add on to this last month with lovely Chalene the 30 Day Squat Challenge!! I want a booty for the beach!! First 50 starts tonight!!

Favorite Post-Workout Drink

Ok, so this is manufactured by The Vitamin Shoppe, and I freaking LOVE it!

Since I have cut out pretty much every liquid from my diet besides water, this has been a lifesaver!  When I need flavor, welp, just workout and follow with this!  It tastes SO good, and it satisfies any craving I hate for a diet coke or some other Monsanto artificially sweetened drink.

Here's what the label says:

Critical Aminos XT is an advanced post-workout performance supplement specificially formulated to help your body recover from the extreme physical demands of high-intensity workouts.  Ideal for elite athletes and hardcore bodybuilders.  Critical Aminos XT can also help weekend warriors and beginners.

Contains:
- Glutamine and BCAAs for muscle growth, repair, and development

-AminoMelon, a natural source of the amino acid citrulline, which plays a role in nitric oxide synthesis

-Carnitine & Bromelain for recovery support

-Vitamin C and Grape Seed Extract for antioxidant protection

Best part??

NO yeast, wheat, gluten, sugar, salt, soy, dairy, fish, animal derivatives, preservatives, or articfical colors added.

Basically?  It keeps you from getting so sore that you feel the need to skip a workout.  It helps you recover without the loss of muscle, since you're trying to replace your fat with muscle...losing muscle would be bad.  Anyway, I LOVE it so  much, and thought I would pass along to all of you in case you were looking into post-workout drinks.  =)

Be a Woman!

Don't sit back and judge other ladies.  Don't be envious of their bodies, and don't let their bodies make you feel badly about yours.  Be a woman!  See other women, and congratulate them on their hard work.  The only woman you should be competing with is YOURSELF!  Be the best you that you can be, and empower other women to be the best women they can be!  Work hard, get results!

Cool things you get to play with when you're into fitness

You know its serious when you spend an entire days pay on a fancy HRM (Heart Rate Monitor).

Legit though I'm totally excited about this gadget. My coach absolutely swears by it, and I can't say I haven't been jones-ing for it since she flashed it to me on facebook.

BodyMediaFit. You wear it all day. It tracks a crazy amount of stuff like calories burned, your goals for workouts, food intake, and how well you sleep.

I cannot wait for this little bugger to come in. I know I left out a bunch of awesome features like the charts and logging of everything that goes straight to you account accessable via phone, or computer. The body temperature monitoring and how it tracks you all day long, so I have attached a link in case anyone else is interested!

http://www.bodymedia.com/explore.html

I'm so stoked for how this is going to change how I track and count everything, and how it's going to help me to push! A review on the product to follow once I get it and make it a part of my life!

90 Day Challenge

I've struggled with my weight pretty much my entire life. I've always been a little heavier than most of my friends. Both my parents and my younger sister were blessed with the high metabolism/athletic builds. Me? I got boobs, ass, and legs, and pretty much not athletic ability whatsoever.

At 23 I stepped on the scale for the first time in years around mid January and was absolutely floored by the number I saw.

I can't say I just all of a sudden became determined to change because that's a lie, it was kind of a perfect storm of things that happened. My boyfriend of 6 years introduced me to a friend of his from middle school he'd happened to keep in touch wtih over the years of moving and changing schools, and she and I became instant friends. When I started to explain to her my struggles with my weight it came to light I was exactly where she was 5 years ago. Same size, same age, same eating habits, same level of self confidence. It was her, and long hard talk with my boyfriend that helped me decide that now was the time. Now, or never.

With Sarah as my coach, the beachbody program TurboFire, a complete 180 in my food choices, and unlimited support through facebook I have completely changed my life.

In 90 days I've lost 28lbs, and 26 inches off my body. That's almost an inch per pound! And this is with moderate effort, because I can't profess I gave it my all every single day. I had horrible days, weeks, and the month of March just completely destroyed me, but that's all beside the point because I made it. I perservered. I didn't get discouraged. I reached out to my support system and they helped me stay on track.

I'm not going to lie and say it was simple, it was freaking hard. But its do-able. This lifestyle isn't impossible. My relationship with food is 100% different. My mindset is 200% different, and my body is feeling and showing the results!

Jillian Michaels Body Revolution Calories Burned Per Workout

Ok, so I'm going to keep this post and update it with each workout.  Now that I have my HRM, and it's working, I'll be able to see exactly how many calories I burn each 30 minutes spent with Ms. Michaels.



Week 1 -
Monday - Workout 1
Tuesday - Workout 2
Wednesday - Cardio 1
Thursday - Workout 1 - 466 Calories Burned!
Friday - Workout 2 -
Saturday - Cardio 1 - 441 Calories Burned!
Sunday - Rest

I didn't have the HRM until Saturday, and with opposite work schedules, I didn't get all my workouts in.  I did workout 1 on Monday without tracking and workout 2 on Wednesday without tracking, cardio 1 and workout 1 both on Saturday and that is what was recorded.  Week 2's schedule should allow me to work out as planned.  HOLD ME ACCOUNTABLE, PEOPLE!!  =)

Week 2 -
Monday - Workout 1 - 471 Calories Burned!
Tuesday - Workout 2 - 495 Calories Burned! - Would have been more if the HRM would have been working from the get go, but I had to re-wet the pads a few times.  =/
Wednesday - Cardio 1 - GOAL - 500 Calories, that would be 59 more calories than Saturday!  I can do it!
Thursday - Workout 1 -
Friday - Workout 2 -
Saturday - Cardio 1 -
Sunday - Rest

Week 3 -
Monday - Workout 3 -
Tuesday - Workout 4 -
Wednesday - Cardio 1 -
Thursday - Workout 3 -
Friday - Workout 4 -
Saturday - Cardio 1 -
Sunday - Rest

Week 4 -
Monday - Workout 3 -
Tuesday - Workout 4 -
Wednesday - Cardio 1 -
Thursday - Workout 3 -
Friday - Workout 4 -
Saturday - Cardio 1 -
Sunday - Rest - END OF PHASE 1

Week 5 -
Monday - Workout 5 -
Tuesday - Workout 6 -
Wednesday - Cardio 2 -
Thursday - Workout 5 -
Friday - Workout 6 -
Saturday - Cardio 2 -
Sunday - Rest

Week 6 -
Monday - Workout 5 -
Tuesday - Workout 6 -
Wednesday - Cardio 2 -
Thursday - Workout 5 -
Friday - Workout 6 -
Saturday - Cardio 2 -
Sunday - Rest

Week 7 -
Monday - Workout 7 -
Tuesday - Workout 8 -
Wednesday - Cardio 2 -
Thursday - Workout 7 -
Friday - Workout 8 -
Saturday - Cardio 2 -
Sunday - Rest

Week 8 -
Monday - Workout 7 -
Tuesday - Workout 8 -
Wednesday - Cardio 2 -
Thursday - Workout 7 -
Friday - Workout 8 -
Saturday - Cardio 2 -
Sunday - Rest - END OF PHASE 2

Week 9 -
Monday - Workout 9 -
Tuesday - Workout 10 -
Wednesday - Cardio 3 -
Thursday - Workout 9 -
Friday - Workout 10 -
Saturday - Cardio 3 -
Sunday - Rest

Week 10 -
Monday - Workout 9 -
Tuesday - Workout 10 -
Wednesday - Cardio 3 -
Thursday - Workout 9 -
Friday - Workout 10 -
Saturday - Cardio 3 -
Sunday - Rest

Week 11 -
Monday - Workout 11 -
Tuesday - Workout 12 -
Wednesday - Cardio 3 -
Thursday - Workout 11 -
Friday - Workout 12 -
Saturday - Cardio 3 -
Sunday - Rest

Week 12 -
Monday - Workout 11 -
Tuesday - Workout 12 -
Wednesday - Cardio 3 -
Thursday - Workout 11 -
Friday - Workout 12 -
Saturday - Cardio 3 -
Sunday - Rest - END OF PHASE 3 and 90-DAY PROGRAM!

Weigh-In Wednesday 15 days to Goal 1

I am sitting at 159.  That is down .8 lb from yesterday, so I suppose that means I'm back in it, but that it is time to PUSH!  I do have a heart rate monitor now, that I will be using religiously to track calories burned.  I also need to get back to measuring, weighing and tracking all my food.  I think I can drop another 10 lbs which would put me only 4 lbs away from my goal.  I would consider that a win...especially since I took about a week off because I pulled my bicep, and it made it very difficult to keep up with Jillian's program.

Even though I'm only down 2 lbs since my last weigh-in, I am down another 3.25 total inches which brings me to a total of 13.50 total inches in just 7 weeks!  That's pretty awesome!  I hope to be down some more by my next weigh in which will be May 8th.  That will be 60 days since I started my diet and 30 days since I started my Jillian Program.  I should also include that Jillian's program is going to be more like a 104-Day program.  I tried to do the 3rd workout, and it was next to impossible for me, so I decided to start the program from the 1st workout, again.  Workouts should be hard, but they shouldn't be a struggle.  Struggling through a workout can not only cause injury, but you really don't get as much out of it as you should be.  If you don't have proper form because you simply don't have the strength to perform properly, that's not going to do much for you.  SO, anyway, back to the beginning to build up my strength before moving on.

In case you were thinking, "Third workout?!  I thought she said she's been doing this for a few weeks?!"  Here is how Jillian's Program is set up:

Week 1 -
Monday - Workout 1
Tuesday - Workout 2
Wednesday - Cardio 1
Thursday - Workout 1
Friday - Workout 2
Saturday - Cardio 1
Sunday - Rest

Week 2 -
Monday - Workout 1
Tuesday - Workout 2
Wednesday - Cardio 1
Thursday - Workout 1
Friday - Workout 2
Saturday - Cardio 1
Sunday - Rest

Week 3 -
Monday - Workout 3
Tuesday - Workout 4
Wednesday - Cardio 1
Thursday - Workout 3
Friday - Workout 4
Saturday - Cardio 1
Sunday - Rest

Week 4 -
Monday - Workout 3
Tuesday - Workout 4
Wednesday - Cardio 1
Thursday - Workout 3
Friday - Workout 4
Saturday - Cardio 1
Sunday - Rest - END OF PHASE 1

Week 5 -
Monday - Workout 5
Tuesday - Workout 6
Wednesday - Cardio 2
Thursday - Workout 5
Friday - Workout 6
Saturday - Cardio 2
Sunday - Rest

Week 6 -
Monday - Workout 5
Tuesday - Workout 6
Wednesday - Cardio 2
Thursday - Workout 5
Friday - Workout 6
Saturday - Cardio 2
Sunday - Rest

Week 7 -
Monday - Workout 7
Tuesday - Workout 8
Wednesday - Cardio 2
Thursday - Workout 7
Friday - Workout 8
Saturday - Cardio 2
Sunday - Rest

Week 8 -
Monday - Workout 7
Tuesday - Workout 8
Wednesday - Cardio 2
Thursday - Workout 7
Friday - Workout 8
Saturday - Cardio 2
Sunday - Rest - END OF PHASE 2

Week 9 -
Monday - Workout 9
Tuesday - Workout 10
Wednesday - Cardio 3
Thursday - Workout 9
Friday - Workout 10
Saturday - Cardio 3
Sunday - Rest

Week 10 -
Monday - Workout 9
Tuesday - Workout 10
Wednesday - Cardio 3
Thursday - Workout 9
Friday - Workout 10
Saturday - Cardio 3
Sunday - Rest

Week 11 -
Monday - Workout 11
Tuesday - Workout 12
Wednesday - Cardio 3
Thursday - Workout 11
Friday - Workout 12
Saturday - Cardio 3
Sunday - Rest

Week 12 -
Monday - Workout 11
Tuesday - Workout 12
Wednesday - Cardio 3
Thursday - Workout 11
Friday - Workout 12
Saturday - Cardio 3
Sunday - Rest - END OF PHASE 3 and 90-DAY PROGRAM!

I know it seems like a lot, but each workout is only 30 minutes, so there's no reason you can't make time.  And when you're in it...they go by SO quickly!  I'll be tracking my calories burned starting today, so I'll update this with how many calories I burn in each session to give you guys a better idea of just HOW AWESOME her program is.

And, just because I've ALWAYS hated my arms (I mean always, I think there was one time in my life that I wore a tank top out without a cardigan...I'm 28), so I've been adding THIS 10-minute arm toning workout to my program 3 times a week.  Seriously...TEN MINUTES!!!  That's all it takes, and your arms will be burning!!!  Actually, they'll be burning about 3 minutes in, and don't stop until about 5 minutes after you've put down the weights.  If you have strong arms, stick with the 5s and 3s like they suggest.  If you're just starting out...stick with the 3s until you can make through the entire 10 minutes without having to rest or slow down.  I thought I could handle it, and since I don't have 5s...I did 8s and 3s.  Bad idea.  That is how I pulled my bicep, and it set me back almost an entire week, and kept me from hitting my goal.  =/  But seriously, THIS workout is NO JOKE!!!!  I absolutely love it!  When I mix it in with Jillian's shoulder work, well, let's just see, I'm seeing some results, and that makes me happier than anything!!!

I'm so happy to be back on track.  And I'm glad that I blogged today.  I was feeling down because I knew that I had made attainable goals, and I wasn't going to reach them, but this blog helped me put it into perspective.  Ten pounds isn't a TON of weight to lose, and I know I can do that!  AND losing 10 lbs will put me within 4 lbs of my goal!!  That is totally acceptable, and keep my goal attainable.  I feel so good about that, and because I feel good, that means I'll get my workout in today, I'll give it 110%, and I won't cheat (like I was feeling like maybe I wanted to do today).  Lots of chicken and broccoli in my future, and I'm totally ok with that!  =)

Keep working hard, and don't give up!  You will get what you give.  You will see results.  You will knock down barriers.  You will achieve your goals.  You will do it all because you are stronger than you ever thought you were.

Now go eat a healthy meal and workout!  =D

Weigh-In Wednesday - 31 Days to Goal 1

So, I weighed in this morning at 161.6.  =/

I cheated a little bit yesterday with some crackers in the morning and a piece of bread last night.  Obviously, this just goes to show that my body REALLY can't metabolize carbs yet.  Even though I am working out more now, it's just not enough.  Time to really get down to it, and no more cheating!  Not even a little because it is going to show on the scale, and make it impossible to hit my first goal.  Now, I know that it's not supposed to be about the number on the scale but about how my clothes fit and how I feel.  Well, I definitely feel better, and my clothes are starting to sag a little bit, but I'm not really near the point of needing to buy new clothes yet, or even fitting into the clothes that I fit into a few years ago and haven't gotten rid of yet because I knew the day was going to come when I made the change and was going to need smaller sizes.  For me, it is most important right now to lose the fat.  Even if I was stronger and more fit, I don't intend for the number on the scale to EVER be above 140 ever again.

What makes me happiest right now is that I know the inches are coming off.  After measuring on Monday and seeing that I was down 10.25 total inches, well, that was awesome for me.  I can also see some definition lines coming in on my arms and my back and my legs.  Talk about motivation!! 

I'm only 10 days in, and today is cardio day, which I don't love with Jillian, and I couldn't be happier that it's only 30 minutes.  Knowing that I'm up a pound, well, that is going to force me to go 150% today, and totally crush it.

I know that I can do this.  I have the willpower and I have finally found the motivation, so now is the time.  I really don't want to be in jeans all Summer again.  I do intend to add daily (or every other day if the doggies pads can't handle every day) walks into the mix as soon as it warms up again, and that will definitely help.  Just that little extra bit of cardio does a body good.

No more cheats (no more how small) and adding a little extra to the workout.  Going to hit my goal!  16.6 to 21.6 pounds to go, 31 days to do it!  There is absolutely no reason this can't be achieved!!

If anyone is interested in purchasing Jillian's workout, I highly recommend it.  It's just like every other 90-Day program, except that it is low impact at first.  It allows you to ease into things instead of pushing you so hard from the beginning that it is hard to commit because you don't feel like you're good enough, strong enough or capable enough.  She talks you through it all, and motivates you.  She lets you know that it's OK if you can't do more just yet because she knows you'll get there.  She wants you to push it as hard as you can, add more weight, add plyo, make it more difficult and really challenge yourself, but she doesn't make you feel badly if you can't, and she reassures you that it is a 90-day program, and you'll get there.  I think that's what I'm most looking forward to.  Being able to complete a workout using all the highest difficulty modifications, and if I don't get there in 90-days, I can just start the entire 90 days over again, and increase the difficulty until I do get there.  The program is 120 bucks, and worth every single penny.  If you don't want to drop that much money right out the gate, you can do a payment plan.  You can have her program in your home for just 45 bucks, and get started.

If you want to try a few of her workouts before you buy, let me know, and I'd be happy to switch my workout time to a time that would work for you (as long as I'm not at work) and Skype the workout.  Meaning, we'd call each other up, and when it's time to work out, I'll point the computer and the tv, and we can work out together.  Great way to make sure this is a program that you think will work for you, and a great way to sort of have a workout buddy.

Here's the link to Jillian's Total Body Revolution.  Definitely check it out!

Healthy Sweets!

http://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2011/05/18/chocolate-chip-blondies-and-theyre-good-for-you/

So, I LOVE sweets.  It's kind of a downfall when you're trying to lose weight.  But I found this website through Pinterest months ago, and I love it!  I made these blondies last night, and they are so delish!  I think I'm going to work with it even more to see if I can cut out the brown sugar without using splenda.  I kind of want to stay away from artificial sweeteners and find natural sugars.  Better for the diet, and better for my long term health.  I also used no sugar added applesauce instead of peanut butter, and I used unsweetened carob chips instead of chocolate chips (these are SUPER amazing, b t dubs)  Be sure to check out more of her recipes!  I'm making the fudge next!!!

Feelin' Good, Baby! =D

So, I started dieting on March 8th, and am 8 days in to my 90-day program. I'm down 14 lbs and 10.25 inches! No cheating, work harder. 15-20 lbs to go in 31 days, and I will have achieved my first goal! Definitely feeling good!

Follow these on Instagram IMMEDIATELY!!!

So, I started to find that using a few hashtags in my juicing post today led to me to some WONDERFUL people/groups to follow.  The first one is @igfitnessinspiration.  They follow all sorts of people that work out and post photos of their workouts and results they've achieved plus other inspirational quotes, etc.  Super awesome.  Love them.

Next, @thejuiceinators.  They post sorts of awesome juicing recipes, which is badass because I just started juicing and don't have the money for a trial and error process to finding juices I like.

And @Fit_Freakz.  If looking through pictures of these girls doesn't get your butt working out, I don't know what will!  These results ARE attainable!  They will not be easy, they will be really hard, but you can make it happen and you have to tell yourself that EVERY single day!!!

Basically, just do this and search tags (like fitness, workout, weightloss, etc):

How do I find people to follow?

We can help you find your Facebook friends and phone contacts already on Instagram:

1. Go to your profile and tap  (Android) or  (iPhone) in the upper-right corner
2. Tap Find Friends (Android) or Find & Invite Friends (iPhone)
3. Choose whether you want to find friends from Facebook or your contact list
4. Tap Follow next to people whose photos you want to see in your stream

You can also tap the  Explore tab at the bottom of your app to see some of the most interesting recent photos from around the Instagram community. Use the search bar at the top of the Explore tab to find your friends by name or username, or search through Instagram tags to find users sharing photos you're interested in. For example, if you like to knit, you may want to connect with other knitters by searching for the tag "knitting" and browsing the knitting photos users have shared.

A Picture is Worth 1000 Words

Holy Smokes!  I found this picture today, and created a little collage on Instagram.  I love the side by side.  I can really see that there have been some pretty significant changes!  I'm down 13 pounds since the photo on the left was taken.  I weighed 174.8 lbs on January 1st, and the picture on the right I weighed 162 on April 3rd.  Almost 3 months to the day, and I've only been hitting it hard since March 8th!  I can't WAIT to see where I'm at on May 1st!  And then again on May 10th when I head back to visit friends I haven't seen in a few years!  Here I come 140!!!  It is going to feel so good!!!!!!!!!

Updates!

Most important first...Morgan is joining the blog!!  Woo-hoo!  I'm so excited for this!  She has made a real lifestyle change, and is reaping the benefits!  I can't wait to read some of her posts and draw some real inspiration from them.

Ok, now on to the recipes!

That buffalo cauliflower?  FORGET about it!!!  It was really tasty, but holy moly there is an INCREDIBLE amount of sodium in it.  This is definitely something you could indulge in once in a while (like once every 2-6 months), but just know that you're entire DAY'S amount of sodium is in a one cup serving!  Jeez Louise, that's is way too much any time, but especially if you're trying to lose weight.

The meatloaf?  Amazeballs!  I accidentally left out the parsley, but I think it might be necessary to dry it up a little more.  When I made it we used ALL ground turkey.  It was super dense, so only small slices were needed to create a filling meal.  I ended up getting quite a few more meals out of it for a total of 8 servings, but James' servings were like twice the size of mine, so I could have really gotten 12 servings out of it by myself.  I love it, and I will definitely be making it again!

And, of course, that "Pasta" dish is ok.  I made that one all on my own.  Stays within the confines of the first Cycle on the 17-Day Diet, is filling, low in calories, and high in protein, with only natural carbs from the cauliflower.  Delish!

Cutting out Carbs!

Ok, so I just weighed myself this morning. I'm at 162. That puts me down like 13 pounds since I started the diet 29 days ago.  Not too bad, but, unfortunately, that's only a 3 pound loss for this 2nd Cycle. My body just doesn't metabolize carbs, dammit! So, I had added in some quinoa and stuff like that, but it's just not going to work for me. I will definitely add carbs back into my life when I'm maintaining, but for now...not going to work. I've still got 45 pounds I want to lose, and 3 pounds every 2 weeks just isn't going to cut it. I want to be in shorts and tank tops this Summer, I want to go hiking, and swimming, and rafting, learning how to rock climb, etc.  There are so many outdoor activities that I want to be a part of, but I'm SO self-conscious about my body and my fitness level, that right now, I'm just not comfortable trying them.  I have also decided that my new goal is to tackle The Incline on Labor Day Weekend.  I know Morgan and I had discussed a possible trip out here for her and Nick on that weekend...maybe we can do it together if that trip does work out??  I'm so glad that Morgan posted Facebook about her weight loss a few weeks ago because we've been talking and she has REALLY been holding me accountable.  I let her know when I should be done with my workout, and if I legit feel awful if she texts me and I haven't done it yet!!  Definitely found my motivation within her, and it feels good.  I'm excited about getting down to business and feeling good and like I can tackle ANYTHING!!!

Starting weight as of 4/8 (start of the diet): 174.8
Current weight: 162
Goal to Hit by 5/10: 140-145
Pounds to go: 17-22!

I can do this.  I WILL do this.  =D

The 17-Day Diet Works! Down 10 lbs!

So, I'm officially down 10 lbs since I started the 17-Day Diet last Thursday night.  I weighed in this morning at 164.8.  That is 10 lbs in 8 full days!  I'm so proud of myself for sticking to the diet!  The first phase is difficult, especially since I'm not a fish fan.  It basically leaves me with lean poultry and veggies, and occasional fat-free cheese.  It's not easy to cut out starches cold-turkey like that, I won't begin to tell you that it is, but if you can just commit to 17 days, not even a full 3 weeks, you will see the weight come off, and it will motivate you to keep going.  Plus, it's only 17 days, and then you get to add some foods back.  Then in another 17 days, you get to add even more.  And then you just maintain.  It's the easiest diet in the world.  My Aunt lost 36 lbs doing it, and my friend's mom (who was basically my 2nd mom growing up) lost 40lbs!  The only exercise they added as the foods were added back was walking.  I need to start Jillian!  It was my plan to start on Monday, but having this puppy is making things very difficult.  I've got to plan it just right, so as soon as he falls asleep, I get started and hope to God he doesn't wake up.

I finally feel like I'm getting on track here.  Time to keep it up, and keep going and add some real exercise besides an occasional walk with the dogs, which doesn't really constitute as a walk because Frankie doesn't quite know how to walk on a leash just yet.

10 lbs down!  Woo-hoo!

Added Weight Loss Tracker + Dinner Recipe

Ok, so I'm back on the diet, and when I weighed in today, I'm at 167.2.  That's down 6 pounds since I started the diet!  Now, I know that most of that is water weight, but the important thing is that I'm seeing some results on the scale, and that is going to keep me VERY motivated to continue on the diet.  Two more weeks, and I get to start adding some starches back in to the diet.  So far, it's been salads, roasted cauliflower, and leftover turkey meatloaf, and TONS of water.  Honestly, it's not that bad.  I'm enjoying everything that I'm eating, but I'm ready for some chickpeas...god, I love hummus.  Anyway, the point of this post was to include that since I've been tracking all my calories on MyFitnessPal, I wanted to include a weight loss tracker here.  I know I'm down 6 pounds, but I believe when I signed up for MyFitnessPal I was at 158, and I can't figure out if there is a way to change that...  Guess I'll just have to lose 10 more pounds and start seeing the numbers add up on my tracker!

Healthy Dinner Recipe 3/10/13:

Spicy Chicken Sausage Tomato Sauce over Roasted Cauliflower
- This is super filling, but super low in calories, which is PERFECT for dinner since it should be your smallest meal of the day.

Ingredients:
1 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
12 oz can of Hunt's 100% Natural Tomato Paste
12 oz Smart Balance Heart Smart Fat-Free Milk
5 oz water
3 tsp Tone's Spicy Spaghetti Seasoning
Garlic Powder
3 Foster Farms Spicy Italian Chicken Sausage
^---This should make about 10 servings

1/4 head of Cauliflower - per serving

15 g of Athenos Reduced Fat Feta Cheese - per serving


Directions:
Throw EVOO, tomato paste, milk, water, seasoning, and garlic powder into a pot, and let simmer for 30 minutes.

While sauce is simmering, cut up cauliflower, place in over at 375 for 20 minutes (may need more time, just keep an eye on it).

With about 10 minutes left of simmering, brown chicken sausage over medium heat.  When no longer pink, add to sauce and let simmer for the rest of the original 30 minutes (of course, you can let this simmer as long as you like)

Spoon 3 oz of sauce over cauliflower, top with feta, and enjoy!


Nutrition:
1 serving

Calories - 144
Fat - 6g
Carbs - 11g
Protein - 13g
Sodium - 439mg

Stress and a bout of depression = Pretty major weight gain =/

Well, it's been a rough year so far...and it's only March!  During the Holidays, I found out that my boyfriend's brother no longer wanted his 10 year old pitbull, Tarus.  How anyone can decide they no longer want a dog after 10 freaking years is beyond me!  Needless to say, I no longer have a relationship with Stephen.  I can't deal with that kind of asshole.  Anyway, James and I took the Tarus in (even though we knew it was not a great idea because he and our cancer doggy Zeus did not get along), and started the hunt for a safe place for Tarus to go.  On the 3rd day, we noticed blood in the urine, so we had to get him to the vet.  There was a possible mass in his bladder, but we didn't have the money to do the tests, so I started a Chip-In.  I was absolutely amazed and humbled by the outpouring of love and donations for this sweet boy.  Before we could get him back in to the vet, I got the most wonderful email!  Heather, the director of Rifle Animal Shelter, said she had room!  So, my sister and I loaded up and drove pretty much the entire length of the state to drop off Tarus and his over $300 in donations.  Sadly, a little more than a week after we took Tarus to this wonderful place, it was found that the mass was cancer, and the recommendation was to let him go.  Very heartbreaking, for sure.  To add to it, just 2 days prior, my sister had to let her Ripley go after 11 years of loving that crazy, crazy animal.  AND then, just 2 1/2 weeks after that, our cancer doggy Zeus lost his battle.  One of his tumors ruptured, and despite our best efforts to keep him happy and comfortable, he gave up, and we had to let him go.  Very hard for me, who had loved this gentle giant for almost 3 years...nearly impossible for my boyfriend, who had loved him for over 11 years.  So...that was a rough couple of weeks, but then to top it all off, just 4 days after I let go of a best friend, I received news that another best (human) friend had taken his own life.  This one is still weighing very heavily on my heart.  Jordan was such an important person, and such a constant in my life from the time I was 16 years old.  How many people can say that someone they met when they were 16 was still important after 13 years?  I'm completely heartbroken about it, and I'm not sure I'll ever be able to fully, fully recover from it.  He was very important, and we had a relationship unlike any I've ever had before.  Just two people that had mutual respect for one another, and despite hard times and immature moments, that respect never dwindled.  I will miss him forever.

And, while it is as big of a deal considering all of ^---------that!  James' truck died on the Friday after Zeus and before Jordan.  So, we've been sharing one vehicle for the past 2 1/2 weeks, and it is awful.

A little bit of good news (but also stressful) is that we got a new puppy!  We named him Frankenstein, and he is precious.  It wouldn't be so bad if James would stop spoiling him, and making him sleep in his crate instead of cuddled up on the couch.  We can cuddle after he's house trained and Fallynn (our sweet baby that rather preferred being the only dog in the house) trusts him.  We've only had him for 5 days, so obviously, it's going to take more time.

So, onto the issue at hand...Stress = Weight gain.  Duh, we all knew that, right?  Well, in the last month and a week, I have gained 10 pounds!  My current weight is at 173, and I have OFFICIALLY hit my heaviest.  Unacceptable.  I looked in the mirror the other day, and stopped.  I said to myself, "Ok.  I'm fat.  There is just no other way around it.  Not chubby.  Not chunky.  Not heavy.  Nope.  Fat.  I am fat."  The moment that I was this brutally honest with myself, I felt a sense of relief.  Yesterday, I went grocery shopping, and only bought things on the first phase food list for the 17-Day Diet.  I'm fully committing to this.  Last time, I committed myself, I lost 10 pounds in the first 17 days.  Excellent.  I would love nothing more than to be back down to where I was at the beginning of the year in a little over 2 weeks.  I have already explained to James that I need him to stay away from my food.  When I cook, I will cook for both of us, but the leftovers are mine.  He is free to bring into the house whatever he would like, but he is not free to eat the food on my diet since it is crucial that I have my foods available to me.  This first 17 days, there are no substitutes.  This is detox time.  I will be living on poultry (since I don't like fish, unfortunately), veggies, and a few servings of fruit and a few glasses of heart healthy milk...that's it!  I need to cleanse my system, so I can feel better.  I need to get over the hump this weekend, so other than walking the dogs a few times a  day, I won't be including much exercise time.  I know, I know.  If you've ever done this diet, the first couple of days suck the most.  Especially if you're addicted to diet coke like me.  Quitting that cold turkey brings on migraine like headaches.  I plan to get over that, and then start Jillian Michael's Body Revolution all over AGAIN, on Monday!  No excuses this time!  All I need to do is look in the mirror, and I have my motivation.  Right now, this is not about about how I want to look...it's about how I DON'T want to look.  I feel disgusting, flabby, like a blob of wasted space right now.  Time to make some changes, and knock out this bout of depression brought on by some really crappy events.

2013 has really started out to be a crap year.  I hope that I can turn that around and make 2013 the year that I can say, "I hit my goal weight!"  And hopefully, 2014 will be the year I get to say, "I hit and STAYED at my ideal weight!"

I have also decided that I will be posting my healthy, 1st Phase acceptable recipes.  It should be assumed that if I don't post a recipe...I had a salad (romaine/spinach mixture) with fat free cheddar cheese, some sliced deli turkey, a few hard chow mein noodles for some crunch, a sliced hardboiled egg white, and a dressing of red or white wine vinegar with a tbsp of Ranch.

Here is the healthy meatloaf that I made last night.  I made a few changes.  I used ALL lean turkey instead of half turkey, half beef...no red meat this first 17 days.  And I used a few extra bread crumbs (not much at all, just a heaping instead of perfectly leveled cup) since I forgot the buy parsley.  I thought it was really good, and I think I'll like it even more as leftovers because it was just a touch more moist than I prefer.  That may have not happened had I had a darker beer than Blue Moon, and if I had remembered to pick up parsley.

Blue Ribbon Meatloaf

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons canola or light olive oil
• 1 medium sweet onion, chopped
• 12 ounces dark or amber beer
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• black ground pepper, to taste
• 1 1/4 pounds organic lean ground beef
• 1 1/4 pounds organic lean ground turkey
• 1 cup soft whole-wheat bread crumbs
• 1/4 cups fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 large egg, whites only, lightly beaten

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Coat an 8 1/2 x 4 1/2-inch loaf pan with cooking spray.

2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook, stirring often, until translucent and starting to brown, about 5 minutes.

3. Pour in beer and increase heat to high. Bring to a vigorous boil; cook until the liquid is quite thick and the mixture reduces to about 3/4 cup, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl.

4. Stir in thyme, dry mustard, salt and pepper. Let cool for 10 minutes.

5. Add beef, turkey, breadcrumbs, parsley, egg and egg white to the onion mixture.

6. With clean hands, mix thoroughly and transfer to the prepared pan.

7. Bake the meatloaf until an instant-read thermometer registers 160°F when inserted into the center, about 1 hour 20 minutes. Let rest for 5 minutes; drain accumulated liquid from the pan and slice.

Makes 8 servings.

Nutrition Facts
Calories: 259                           Saturated Fat: 2 g                   Dietary Fiber: 2 g
Total Fat: 9 g                           Sodium: 339 mg                      Protein: 31 g
Cholesterol: 105 mg                Total Carbohydrate: 11 g

Buffalo Cauliflower "Wings"

Buffalo sauce.  Good.  Cauliflower.  Good.  Buffalo Cauliflower "Wings".  Good!
Spicy Buffalo Cauliflower ‘Wings’
-1 cup water or soy milk
-1 cup flour (any kind will work—even gluten-free!)
-2 tsp. garlic powder
-1 head of cauliflower,chopped into pieces
-1 cup buffalo or hot sauce
-1 Tbsp. olive oil or melted vegan margarine
Preheat the oven to 450°F.
Combine the water or soy milk, flour,and garlic powder in a bowl and stir until well combined.
Coat the cauliflower pieces with the flour mixture and place in a shallow baking dish.
Bake for 18 minutes.
While the cauliflower is baking, combine your buffalo sauce and olive oil or margarine in a small bowl.
Pour the hot sauce mixture over the baked cauliflower and continue baking for an additional 5 to 8 minutes.
Serve alongside vegan blue cheese dressing and celery sticks. - I will be doing yogurt ranch and carrot sticks.

I'm with Maddie, Time to Get Serious!

OK.
The beginning of a new year means new chances. Chances to make our bodies what we want them to be (or close to it). I got on the scale this morning and after seeing the number (it wasnt pretty) I have given myself a goal of at least 20 lbs.
Tyler and I have made a motivational bet. We are going to set a date, probably around 3 months from now, and we are going to try to reach our goal by then.
This could be tricky, especially for me having clinicals 40 hours a week plus 16-20 hours of work after I get done at clinicals each day. However, I'm determined that if I stick to my plan, it can be done.
I exercised with Tyler on NYE sort of as a motivational jump start, now I am sore and am getting ready to hit the gym with Tyler and my brother as we speak.
I'm ready to do this.
ps. maddie. myfitnesspal.com- do you use it? i have an account and you can add friends through it. join, its a great tool to keep track of exercise, calorie intake, and weight.

This was my first blog ever! WAHOOO! :)
Stay Strong!

Bring it on 2013!

Well, I weighed in at 162.8.  How about that?!  Holiday meals and cookies and alcohol, and I lost weight?!  Great way to start the New Year!  So, my New Year's resolution is one we've all heard before: lose weight and quit smoking.  I know, right?  So cliche!  But it is so necessary.  I'm going to be 30 in less than a year and a half.  I envisioned my 30th birthday being spent in Vegas with my amazing boyfriend and all my besties.  I see myself wearing a flowy button up with sequined hot pants (it's going to be hot in Vegas in May).  If I were to wear this now...I'd be showing off more cellulite than even Kim Kardashian could be proud of.  I've got all the tools I need to make this happen.  I have Pinterest and it's endless supply of workouts, motivation, and healthful recipes, own Jillian's Body Revolution, a cable, free weights, etc, I have a supportive boyfriend, and I have this blog.

Best motivation over the holidays (besides losing 2 pounds), looking through my Christmas present from my Aunt.  She compiled pictures of every year of our lives and made these really great photo albums for us.  It was amazing to look back  and remember what an amazing (ly chubby) childhood I had.  It made me miss the days when I ran around in a bathing suit every single day (ages 2-5), the house I grew up in, the dogs of my past, my friends, high school, my grandparents, etc.  It was also a nice reminder that, DAMN, I wasn't just thinking I was a heavy kid...I really was.  It was pretty sad turning page after page, and seeing double chin after double chin.  It was a nice motivating factor.  Man, wouldn't it be nice to look back and think, I was a chubby kid, but look how far I have come?!  And you know, I may have been chubby, but I was always active between swimming, playing tennis and softball practically year-round, so it's not like I was all that unhealthy...I was just a big kid.  And it's time to turn it all around.  I refuse to be heavy from age 6 until I die.  Time to get serious about this.

Vegas, baby, Vegas! 5/19/2014

Holy Ab Workout, Batman!

The Petite Athleat: The "300"

This would be perfect core training to add to my arms and legs challenges.  I'm going to try this out after work and see just how out of shape my core is.  I'll be sure to update you later.  =)

Workout Addition

Going to add this one to the #ChristmasBooty and Pushups Challenge workout.  Not reason that my arms and back can't be more sore than they already are!  =)

Current Workout

I've been doing these two in conjunction right now.  My back, my arms, my quads, my inner thighs, and my hamstrings have been sore for days, and I'm LOVING it!  Jump in on the corresponding date, and join me!

New fave balance ball move

This might just be my new favorite move.  Seriously...I'd do this all day if I had an office to hide out in.

Broccoli Parmesan Fritters

These sound awesome.  I may have to make these for dinner tonight.  I'll be sure to post the outcome.  =)
http://smittenkitchen.com/2012/06/broccoli-parmesan-fritters/

All I want for Christmas...

...are these legs!  Holy balls!  This girl is straight motivation!

I've been pinning the heck out of quickie workouts and monthly challenges.  I wish I had my own private office.  I could workout ALL day without looking like a weirdo.


Side note: The BF graduated on Friday!!!   He'll be working again, and soon will be in a career that pays LOTS more!  That means, goodbye stress hello fun and happiness!  Hopefully, that also means we'll be eating healthy dinners together every night, and hitting the gym or hiking and exploring our beautiful state of Colorado on the weekends!  =D

Finally!

Ok, so since my WV friend wasn't feelin' it apparently, my OTHER friend back in So Ill decided she's in.  Time to get on the diet, motivate one another, share healthy recipes, workout tips (things we're loving and things we're hating, things that are giving us results and things that aren't), weighing in together, and, again, MOST IMPORTANTLY, holding each other accountable! 

I actually just weighed in this morning at 165.  My "happy" weight goal is 125, and my ideal weight goal is 115. 

Time to make this happen, b*tches!  =)

This website has provided me with some real women as motivation.  http://www.mybodygallery.com/  I'm loving it!  Here is my ideal body!  This girl is 5'4" and weighs 117 lbs.  This would be perfection.  Time to strive for it!

Lame Sauce...

So, by my lack of a post last night, you all know that I did NOT workout.  =(  I got home, finished up some work that desperately needed to be done, so that was good.  Then I started on dinner; ground turkey/black bean/quinoa stuffed green peppers and steamed cauliflower.  As it was in the oven, I got a call from my mom, "I've got 30% off at Kohl's...want to go?!"  Well, who says no to a free wardrobe update??  Not me.  Told the BF that when the timer goes off, enjoy dinner!  I didn't get home until almost 10, had a huge glass of ice water and went to bed.  So, now, here I am sitting at work, upset that I didn't get in a workout (or dinner) last night, and starving.  Going to grab a bottle of water and an apple out of the fridge, and at least start my morning off right.  I'll be having one of those peppers for lunch, then straight home for a workout before going to see "Batman: Live!" with my whole family...the nephews are going to LOVE this one.  My dad said something about going to dinner, but I'm going to skip and make a salad at home instead.  Time to get back on my diet, time to get back on my workout regimen.  I am finally feeling motivated, though.  The fact that I'm upset that I didn't get that workout in last night is definitely pushing me, and I'm going to allow that happen/work until I need to find a new source of motivation.

Seriously........motivation. Where are you???

Why-oh-Why can I not find my motivation?  I want to be thin.  I do.  I want to be healthy.  I want to be happy.  I want to be comfortable in my skin.  I do NOT want to rely on my boyfriend complimenting me in order to feel good about myself.  It's a ridiculous notion, and I'm completely aware it, yet...I do not thing to fix the problem.  Instead I continue to drop a few measly pounds just to put them right back on.  How do I do this?  How do I lose the weight?  Why can't I hold myself accountable?  I weighed myself this morning (quickly becasuse I was running late...as usual) wearing a pair of jeans, a tshirt, and a hoodie.  I came in at 166.6.  Ugh.  I'm sure that naked, it would be closer to 163, but that means that I put back on the 5 pounds that I just lost that put me down to 158.  My double chin is showing up in pictures again, and my arms look SO gross that I'm not sure I'll ever be in a tank top ever (and I mean ever, other than the 2 times I wore a tank top in my WHOLE life).  I feel disgusting...you would think that would be enough to push me to make the change!  I'm not really sure what the problem is, and I can't seem to gain any control here, and I can't seem to take responsiblity to fix it!  I mean, obviously, I'm not eating healthfully, and I'm not working out; so I guess I DO know WHAT the problem is.  Today is Monday, today I start Jillian again.  I'm going to knock it out, and then I'm going to write a blog about it, so that I'm held accountable!  If there isn't a blog post tonight, then you know I failed, and I suck at life.  Let's Do This!!!!!  This girl and this outfit are my current inspiration.  Let's see if the thought that I COULD actually pull off this look (if I'd just put in the f-ing work) motivates me to lose the weight!

 

 

To those of you reading this...I mean, there must be at least one person, right??  Please feel free to comment with any ideas for motivation that worked for you (or are currently working for you).  I could really use it right now.

Where is my mind?!

I don't know what my deal/problem is, but I cannot seem to stay on my diet!  Tulo and Giambi were playing down with the Sky Sox this week, so that meant two nights at the ballpark...which meant 2 terrible dinners at the bar, and last night 2 beers.  Ugh.  I don't know why, but I have absolutely no willpower.  It should have been easy to grab a salad on the way to the game, eat it in the parking lot, and drink a bottle of water at the game, but nope, I opted for fried chicken tenders, french fries and a very large diet coke the first night, and the overloaded nachos and 2 beers the second.  I will be in Vegas and then off to a wedding in ONE WEEK!  I'm nowhere closer to my goal of 150.  I weighed myself this morning and was at 161.5.  Ugh!!!  I'm so annoyed with myself.  Today, I get back on the diet and stop screwing around.  No carbs, no sugar, and NO ALCOHOL!  Obviously, this is all going to go out the window when we're in Vegas (who doesn't drink free beer when they're gambling??), so I've GOT to get on the ball NOW!!  I'll weigh in on Wednesday, the day before we leave, and if you don't hear from me before then, that's a GOOD thing!  It means I stuck to it, and stayed on my diet!

Have a fabulous Labor Day Weekend!

Weigh-In Wednesday 1

Sooooo....I weighed myself yesterday morning.  162.  Thumbs down!  I'm hoping it's because it's about to be that time of the month, so I'm bloated, and not because I've actually put the 2.2 lbs back on!  That leaves me with 12 lbs to lose in 15 days!  Ah!  Ok, time to get down to business then.  I didn't realize that I was looking at basically a 1 lb/day weightloss to do this!  Ok, that means, NO carbs, NO sugar, NO alcohol, and extra long walks with Fallynn each night!

Ugh, and, of course, my dad just told me that he has Suite tickets to the Broncos game on Sunday!  Who goes to a football game and eats healthfully???  Well.....apparently me!  =(

Ok, let's do this!

Tag Team

Ok, so apparently, since I suck at holding myself accountable, my friend, Rachel is joining the blog!  Yay!  She just moved to West Virginia, so we're going to do this tag team blog from many, many, many miles apart.  We'll be doing the 17 Day Diet together, blogging about our workouts, sharing recipes, and weighing in on Wednesdays.  Finally!  Someone to hold me accountable...and who doesn't love a little friendly competition?  =)

I'm very excited about this, and think that I've finally found something that is really going to work for me...that is, as long as we both keep it up.  I'm SO looking forward to this!  125 (or, if I'm lucky 115), here I come!!!  =D

Whoa...time to get down to business

Alright, so it has been more than 90 days since I posted that I was start Jillian.  Unfortunately, I fell off the wagon...twice...so I'm no where NEAR my goal!  =/  I was sticking with it because I wanted to look good for the family reunion, BUT then the family reunion came, and we were drinking and eating pizza, etc.  THEN 2 days after the reunion was over it was back to Illinois and Indiana for a wedding.  That just added the El Ranch, Pagliai's, Steak 'n' Shake (twice), and NO working out the entire time.  I hit my all time heaviest fluctuating between 167 and 170, and I kind of wanted to die.  SO as soon as I got back from Illinois, I got back on The 17 Day Diet and started eating right again. I lost 8 pounds in 2 1/2 weeks.  Then, a few friends came to visit from Illinois, and went back off the diet.  Happily (and luckily), I only put back on 1 pound, and I'm holding steady at 160 (162 during that "totm").  As soon as we go grocery shopping, I'll be able to get fully back on the diet (cutting out all the carbs and sugar, again), and hopefully losing some more weight. 

The big thing for me is all the crappy snack food taunting me at work.  I HATE working with a 40 yr old and a 60 yr old that don't give a shit about their health because it makes it SO hard for me to turn down the individual bags of chips and cookies that they're always snacking on.  I have asked Sam to buy me carrots and always make sure there is plenty of water, but it still gets really hard when a craving kicks in, and I know there are some cookies calling my name!

It is also time to quit smoking.  Working out might actually be fun if my lungs didn't feel like they were on fire with in the first 15 minutes.  I really don't smoke that much, but really any cigarette is too much, so that is my new goal cut back enough to enjoy working out, and eventually quit completely.  I'm not a cold turkey kind of girl, so baby steps is what will make it happen.

I really want to be at 150 when we go to California next month for the BF's best friend's wedding.  We fly out on September 6th, so it's time to kick this butt in gear and get going!  I've got 21 days, 3 weeks.  I know I can do this.  If I can lose 8 lbs in 2 1/2 weeks, there's not reason I can't hit 10 in 3.  It's time to step up my game, eat healthful food, and get exercising!  I've got Jillian to push me, and I've got dogs that want to go on walks.  I have to stop making excuses for myself.  I have to stop justifying bad decisions.  It's time to get down to business, and lose the weight.  I'll be sure to check in a few days before we leave and give a weight update.


Until then, have a good day and eat healthfully!

Time to get started!

Alright, so, here I am, 40 pounds heavier than I'd like to be.  Time to make a change.  Time to kick the bad habits, time to start fresh.  I just purchased Jillian Michaels' Body Revolution.  I started it on April 30th.  As much as I hate to post my weight for all to see, I have to hold myself accountable.  165.  That's it, I said it.  Heart broken.  Ok, moving on.

I am now on my second week.  I lost 3 pounds after the first week, buuuuuut stupidly made cookies for the boyfriend and put it all back on.  SO, weight is still at 165.  My ideal is 125, but my IDEAL ideal is 115.  I'll be comfortable at 140, I'll be happy at 130, I'll feel great at 125, and I'll feel untouchable at 115.  We'll see how far I can push myself.  Goals are set, and the wonderful thing about this program is that when the 90 days are up...I can start it all over again and up the game.  I  can give myself more resistance or add more weight, and get even better results.  I'm also planning on joining her website when I hit a wall.  It will give me a little more inspiration to keep pushing it.

This will happen.  I will achieve success, and I WILL MEET MY GOALS!!  Now, if anyone reading this wants to help me, inspire me, push me or vice versa, PLEASE comment.  We can do this together if you want!  =)

Good luck to me and good luck to you!