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.

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!

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.

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!

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!!!!!!!!!

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!

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

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!  =)

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!

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.