When it rains, it pours..

Wow, has it been a ROUGH few weeks. It started with the double ear infection and sinus infection. That finally cleared up but I was still feeling almost constantly off balanced. Not exactly like vertigo because I haven't really had the "spinning" sensation. I started vestibular physical therapy almost 2 weeks ago. Yes, PT because of a freaking ear infection! I can't make this crap up! We are working on my vestibular system and training my brain basically how to balance and focus. Crazy right?

I felt like it was actually helping until Wednesday when I came down with a painful toothache. Woke up with some swelling in my face so went to the dentist Thursday morning to determine I had an infection in my tooth that was in the dentists words was "caught just in time before it spread everywhere" Um WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?! Anyways, I had a root canal Friday morning. I'm still dealing with a little swelling so I have to go back tomorrow morning to make sure the infection is gone (if not, start new antibiotics) Blah!  I go back next week to finish up the root canal. I'm so sick of all of these appointments and antibiotics. 

I just want to cry, oh wait.. I've done PLENTY of that.

I should only need a few more PT appointments. She says i'm definitely making progress. I just hate not feeling like myself. I never get sick. Maybe I have bragged too much about that and this is karma because let me tell you, when it rains, it pours. This has been one thing after the other. I just can't catch a break. This whole ordeal has definitely made me more aware of an anxiety issue that I've tried to ignore for some time. I'm going to start seeing a therapist and I'm confident it will help by talking to someone. 

Wednesday will mark 5 weeks since I've worked out. Yes, FIVE. I am ready to get better and get back into routine. I mean physically, not yet. But I seriously need to get there. I am being broken down physically, mentally and emotionally. I promised myself no matter what I will step on the scale next Monday which marks my one year anniversary on Instagram and my real turning point in this weight loss journey. My last weighin was on Feb 10th which was two days before this shitstorm started. I'm anxious to see the number as it DEFINITELY won't be in the 170's as I anticipated. Once I get my health back to 100% you bet I am going to have a whole new appreciation for this journey. It's been truly eye opening. I am tired of feeling sorry for myself and being anxious about every damn thing. I need to get back into my routine and know that I am still capable of every goal I plan to crush in 2016. 

Sorry for the novel. If you read this much, I love you. 

Keep sending me happy and healthy vibes! 

XO,

A

New Month. New Goals.

Ugh, I had every intention of blogging last week but I caught the worst cold. Riley (18 months) had an awful virus the week prior. I thought we were all in the clear until Brian and I both hit a wall midweek. It's been tough taking care of two toddlers when you just want to crawl under the covers. 

Thankfully, I think it's just about gone. I'm still a little congested but SO much better than I've been. Phew! That being said, I was a little worried about my weigh-in this morning. I don't make "rest days" a priority and last week I took two back to back, thanks to my cold. I realized because of the lack of workouts, I found myself focusing more on my eating. I think it paid off! 

I was over the moon this morning to see 183. I''m so ready to say goodbye to the 180's! There is something about the start of a new month. I say that the first of every month but it's true. I'm hopeful that I can work hard and get closer to my goals. Speaking of goals.. 

I reeeeeeaally want to get into the 170's and I'm confident it's going to happen this month! I just need to focus. It's easy to lose control because that's life. What matters if we get back up and at it.

The last two weeks I feel like I have found my groove again but prior to that I feel like I was still trying to recover from the holidays. Eating has been okay but I feel like my body was just getting to used to the same old routine. We have a treadmill in the basement and that's really been the only working out, aside from the occasional 21 Day Fix workouts. After talking to Brian about the wall I feel like I've hit, we decided to join the gym again. It's awesome because not only do I get to enjoy all of the classes they have to offer, but they have a pool that the girls love. Speaking of my toddlers, they have free child care as well. I usually go to the gym at night but it's super helpful knowing that I can go any time of day and bring the girls with me. I can't tell you how happy I am to be back in a gym, switching up my routine. I hope it continues to pay off!

That's all for now!

XO,

 A

Monday Weigh-In & Reflection

Happy Monday! Let's start with a weigh-in! 

I had a weigh-in after Christmas and I was up 1.6 lbs. That means my total gain after the holiday is 4.2 lbs. Am I crazy to say I'm not totally devastated? I prepared myself for the worst. I was incredibly anxious getting on that scale so afraid I'd be well into the 190's again. I know that seems excessive but I had a few moments in the last few weeks or should I say a few cookies. It's behind me and i'm moving forward. My starting weight in 2016 is 186.8. I can live with that.

~~~

I am reflecting on last year at this time. I wanted to lose weight and I was trying. Slowly but surely, it was coming off but my attitude sucked. I feel like it hadn't clicked yet. I plugged along for a couple of months until March. Something just went off and I truly started this journey. It was a moment of clarity. I had just put my daughters to bed and I was sitting in the living room with Brian (my husband) talking about whatever. I kept reminding him of our good friend (Hi Dave!!!) that was having awesome success with Shakeology. I told him I really wanted to buy it and see if it could give me a boost in the right direction. Sure enough, Brian agreed but with a condition. He said, "Why don't you focus on your diet and workouts for 3 weeks. If you still can't find a rhythm and see the scale moving, then we'll buy it." A fire started in me, with a spark I never knew I had. I decided to give it my all, with a simple concept from my husband. It changed my life. In 3 weeks, per his suggestion, I was down almost 7 pounds. I never turned back. In all fairness, we bought Shakeology over the summer but it was because HE wanted to give it a shot! Haha, go figure! That being said, it is my favorite protein shake. 

I can't thank him enough for giving me that simple notion and helping me to open my eyes to the bigger picture. There are programs and supplements that help people to lose weight. For me? Cleaning up my eating, eliminating processed foods and workinIg out for at least 30 minutes a day. I have had my ups and downs but I'm really happy with how I ended 2015. I am excited to see the next phase in 2016. I'm confident this is the year I will reach my goal. I need to keep moving forward. I need to be brave. I need to challenge myself. I want to inspire others. Most of all, I want to make myself proud. And I will. 

Happy New Year!

Hi there!

I had no intention of neglecting my blog as long as I did but I suppose that's what happens through the holidays. We had such a wonderful holiday season but I'll be honest, I'm so happy it's behind us. My weigh-in post Christmas wasn't tragic (up 1.6 lbs) but I'm anxious for tomorrow morning to see after a night out with friends and Chinese food on New Years Eve. Whatever the number is, I can handle it. I'm looking forward to getting back on track and holding myself accountable. That was the purpose of this blog.. keeping myself accountable! I need to get back to that. 

My goals for the month of January aren't super exciting but they are some things that I'm hoping to stick with this next month. I need to remind myself that as long as my kids are happy and healthy, it's okay for me to be selfish and focus on myself. I'm hoping Mackenzie (3) hangs on to her naps a little bit longer that way I can have my hour to workout. Riley (17 months) still naps like a champ, thank goodness! It's all about finding balance. There is no question of whether or not I will crush my goals in 2016. I just have to stay focused, keep a positive attitude and follow the plan I have for myself. Sh*t happens. I will eat something I regret. But I will shake it off and move forward. This is life. I'm not perfect. I don't want to be. I'm learning to love myself no matter what. 

Weekly Meal Plan

Monday
Crock pot Shredded Chicken Enchiladas

Tuesday
Bang Bang Chicken w/ brown rice & zucchini 

Wednesday
Salmon w/ sauteed garlic green beans & side salad

Thursday`
Pesto chicken pasta

Friday
Sirloin steak, sweet potato fries & fresh broccoli


I've got some tasty salads planned for lunches as well. This week it's Poppyseed salad w/ roasted chicken breast & blueberry goat cheese, caprese salad, antipasto salad & chinese chicken salad. YUM!

Looking forward to getting back on here more! Thanks for sticking with me! 

XO,
A

Pressure

Today is the start of my final week with 21 Day Fix. I like to start Mondays on a positive note. It's a fresh start, clean slate, a second chance to make up for last weeks mistakes. This morning I felt different. I decided to cheat and hop on the scale because I had a feeling that I wasn't making the progress I had hoped. Sure enough, my suspicions were right. The scale showed me that in two weeks I'm down 1.8 lbs. Talk about a major letdown. The positive? I know exactly what I have done wrong. 

21 Day Fix is a pretty straight forward program and definitely effective, but I'm only human and I can't help but compare myself to others. Not just that, but I had great results the first time around so I put so much pressure on this second chance. I set expectations for myself and I have been dwelling on them so much so that I feel like it may be back firing. Pressure may work for some people, but for me.. I feel like it makes me crack. Once I get off track with this program, I feel like I spiral out of control. I'm an emotional eater. I have always turned to food for comfort. I can't keep giving in to that crap. I'm mad at myself for letting this become more mental that it should have. My attitude sucks. I haven't been making myself a priority like I should. My toddlers have been extra feisty and I feel like that plays a part. I just haven't been in the best place to take on the program. As I type this I already feel like I've made excuses for myself. 

I'm ready to move forward. I had such momentum when I started to get serious with my weight-loss journey in March. I felt like I was a force to be reckoned with. I was losing consistently and I was proud of the work I was putting in. I was working every day. I was eating clean. Not measuring meticulously or anything. Just creating dishes that were colorful, full of good for you things and often low carb. I need to go back to that. I need to go back to where I started. I have to find my balance again. I would love to give 21 Day Fix a shot again. Maybe in a month or two I can revist. For now, I look forward to mixing Autumn's kick ass workouts into my routine (because man, are they a killer!) 

My goal is to finish this next week strong, be proud of my results no matter what they are and move on. I will reach my goal. I will be proud of myself. I will make the time. I will stay positive. I won't set my expectations to high and most of all I will continue to learn how to love myself again. After all, that's what this is about. 

~~~

My meal plan for this week isn't anything too exciting but here it is anyway.. 

Today

Lunch: I wanted to use up the rest of my cooked quinoa in the fridge I tossed it with some heirloom tomato, chopped cucumber, feta cheese & some spices. It was super easy and delicious! 

Dinner: Kung Pao Chicken over brown rice. Yum!

Tuesday

Lunch: Turkey on flat out with hummus

Dinner: TBD.. Brian won't be home so I usually wing it. Maybe salmon and leftover brown rice? 

Wednesday

Lunch: "Best ever chicken salad"

Dinner: Fish Tacos

Thursday

Lunch: Mexican chicken (Chopped chicken, black beans, avocado, tomatoes, salsa verde) 

Dinner: Ground turkey meat sauce over zoodles

Haven't figured out the rest of the week yet. But I'm happy that unlike the last two weeks. We don't have any parties or plans to eat out. I am fully in control and I love that.

Happy Monday! Hope everyone has a great week! 

XO,

 A

Off to a rocky start..

Let me start by saying that I am a Mom. That is my job. My daughters are my number one priority. No questions asked. That being said, this week was tough. It was really difficult to find time for me. It happens. And it's a drag. Especially when I was hoping to have a killer first week with 21 day fix. If we're being honest. I did half of the workout on Monday and half on Tuesday. Mackenzie (my 3 year old) is trying to eliminate her nap. Note: I feel like part of me isn't fighting it because she has been giving us trouble at night. For the last two months, in bed with Mommy & Daddy has been the place to be. UGH! I don't want her making a habit of that so I end up in the twin bed with her. Not comfortable! I hope we get out of this phase SOON. I miss my awesome little sleeper! Talk about rambling! Anyways, it's been hard getting my workouts done with the girls awake. Luckily, Riley (15 months) naps like a champ. So my goal this week is to get Mackenzie set up with arts and crafts or give her 1 pound dumbells and let her get involved. I have no excuses. I need to get this done. I want results. I deserve them. I can't blame my kids. I need to make the time. 

Today was a million times better than any day last week. I took the girls to the playground. Took a brisk walk and did my 21dayfix workout. I feel really good about my eating too. No complaints. That hasn't happened in a few days. I'm moving forward and staying positive. Here's to hoping I keep up the momentum this week. I WILL stay on track. I will work harder towards my goals. 

Onto a menu for this week.. 

Today:

I was planning on having Southwest quinoa but it was a busy morning and I was too hungry to wait for it to cook. Yes, 20 minutes it was too much time to give me an opportunity to snack on something I didn't need! I ended up having some deli turkey with a "fiesta" salad. Black beans, yellow bell pepper, medley of tomatoes, black olives, cholula hot sauce & salsa verde. It was SO good!

Dinner tonight was Coconut chicken with brown rice and fresh broccoli. Holy yum! I swear this gets better every time I make it. I guess my skills are improving. 

Tuesday

Lunch: Chicken over baby spinach w/ goat cheese & apple

Dinner: Salmon w/ green beans & sweet potato

Wednesday

Lunch: Turkey on flat out wrap

Dinner: Mediterranean Chicken over quinoa

Thursday

Lunch: Yogurt w/ granola

Dinner: Turkey Taco Salad

Friday: 

Lunch: Taco Soup or Chili (using leftover ground turkey!)

Dinner: Simple chicken stir fry

That's all for now. Happy Monday!

XO,

 A

Happy November!

This post was meant for yesterday but it was one of THOSE days. Ugh! Anyways...

I don't know about everyone else but there is just something about the start of a new month. It's full of promise and hope. It's a chance to do things differently. Make up for some mistakes and work harder to reach your goals. This will be the month I make it into the 170's. That is the most important goal to me this month. I want to really focus on me. Make more time for myself. Life has been pretty busy with two toddlers and I easily lose sight of my priorities. As a Stay-at-home-Mom, I have my lists of things to do but I find myself putting ME at the bottom. I need to re-arrange my time. If that means waking up super early to work out before Brian leaves for work then that's the way it has to be. I can't give up on myself. I've earned this and I'm going to keep moving forward doing whatever it takes.

Today I started another round with 21dayfix and I'm confident with the structure of the program, I will get to my next goal. I'm so excited! 

BEFORE

As always, not thrilled to be posting pictures like these but it's a reminder that while yes I have work to do, I have come a long way. I'm excited to see what my after pictures look like! 

I won't be posting my usual Monday Weigh In's because I want to wait for my final result with 21 Day Fix. In order to finally kiss the 180's goodbye I need to lose at least 6.8 lbs! My last round with 21 Day Fix I lost 8.8 lbs. I feel like I did some serious ass kicking the first time around but you bet I wasn't perfect. I'm looking forward to this round and seeing if I can prove to myself that with dedication, I can do anything. Wish me luck! :)

~~~

I just finished my meal plan for this week. Here's what's on the menu..

Monday

Lunch: Grilled chicken over romaine w/ grapes, goat cheese & balsamic vinaigrette 

Dinner: Asian style salmon, brown rice & snow peas 

Tuesday

Lunch: Turkey on whole wheat pita w/ side greek salad

Dinner: Balsamic chicken, roasted brussel sprouts and mashed cauliflower 

Wednesday

Lunch: Mediterranean chicken: Simple chicken breast over brown rice w/ tomato, cucumber and feta w/ drizzle of balsamic vinegar & EVOO 

Dinner: Turkey Burger w/ roasted aspragus

Thursday

Lunch: "Best Ever Chicken Salad" .. I will be modifying it slightly for 21DayFix but here is where I first heard about it. YUM! http://www.sweettoothsweetlife.com/2015/05/14/the-best-ever-chicken-salad/ 

Dinner: Fajitas! Although with 21DayFix corn tortillas are approved, I am choosing to eat mine with a side of black beans instead. :) 

Friday

Lunch: I'm pretty sure I will be on the run so I am planning to have Banana PB Shakeology for lunch. So good!

Dinner: We have a party to go to so I am going to work with what I've got and hope for the best. 

That's all for now!

XO,

  A