Restoration 2016: Health

Recently I decided to focus on one word for this year: Restoration. I was led to the word when I considered what areas in my life I needed to focus on. Upon pinpointing specifics, I realized one common thread. All of the areas I wanted to focus on were in need of repair. These areas of my life need to be restored.

I've broken them down into specific areas with goals for each. I am beginning with my health. I am not terribly unhealthy and I'm generally active. However, over the last couple of years, and even recently, my body has not been functioning at its best and I need to work harder at caring for it. My body is the Lord's temple and I need to tend to it as such.

Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

1 Cor. 6:19-20

Here are what my health goals look like...

-Lower BP
During my first pregnancy (2012-2013) I began having issues with my blood pressure. My doctor assumed it would return to normal after delivery. Nope. Despite losing 20lbs in addition to all the baby weight, it did not return to normal. This only caused additional concern during my most recent pregnancy. 6 months post delivery, my bp is still fluctuating and I am still on meds. To be honest, being on bp meds makes me feel SO much older than I am. I want to work towards being med free. This includes weight loss and stress reduction.

-Overall health/fitness
I have my physical coming up in 2 weeks. I'm both dreading it and looking forward to it. I'm dreading all the things she’ll say I need to work on, but I welcome devising a plan of action. I'm working on adding more exercise and eating differently. While I'm not sure what this will all look like, I am determined to see change.

-Address current health concerns
I developed some crazy symptoms during my last pregnancy. Only after continuing to have issues after delivery did I decide to speak openly to the appropriate doctors. I was having issues with my eyes to the point that my vision would sometimes become distorted. The resulting diagnosis was octal migraines. That's right, my EYES were having mirgraines. There is no cure since they typically develop from experiencing continuous stress and hormonal changes. ::sigh:: While I don't know when or where the next one may occur, I'll rejoice in the fact that I have not had an episode since October, praise God.

I've also been dealing with some leg issues and some super serious and painful shoulder pain. After having local doctors run blood work only to find nothing and to have one doctor give me his official (unofficial) diagnosis of mommy-itis (overtired and strained muscles), I felt at a loss. What was wrong with me? Due to the continuous and spreading pain, after an additional 4 months, I opted to see an orthopedist. She was a gem. After a thorough exam and x-rays, it was determined that I am experiencing issues with my siatic nerve and I have damaged my rotator cuff. Thankfully I don't need surgery but I do need physical therapy. I am in the process of setting all of that up now.

While I know things could be so much worse, I do not feel myself and I want to. I want to be able to play with my kids, be active, work on projects, drive etc. without pain. I know that this health journey is not one I can do alone (especially since it seems like I've started falling apart since turning 30 in April). Thankfully,  the Lord's word is never short on encouragement.

He prays to God and finds favor with him, he sees God's face and shouts for joy, he is restored by God to his righteous state. 

Job 33:26

And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up.

James 5:15a

Here's to a healthier year!

Linking up with Mommy Momments

Currently : October

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I love fall and October is generally my favorite month. Everything about it is wonderful!  This October however has been particularly difficult.

Thinking About: I used to sleep. I don't mean a few hours at a time...I mean all night. Since N's birth, those days of restful, restorative sleep are but a distant memory. This October has been full of sickness in our family. This has greatly contributed to many sleepless nights. For instance, we've experienced the following:
-My diagnosis of octal migraines (yes, my eyes have migraines)
-Teething
-Fevers
-Strep
-Common cold (which is miserable for the babes)

Working On: November's meal menu. I love breaking out the crock pot this time of year.

Learning: It's an ongoing process when it comes to learning how to accept things that are beyond my control. I want to learn how to really slow down and embrace the now instead of constantly feeling like I need to be prepping for the next thing.

Watching: The leaves are turning. It's peak season here and everything is gorgeous. How quickly time flies.

Listening to: G console her baby brother. They both have colds and when he coughs she does what she can to comfort him.

Trying: I'm really trying to get some order back in our home. Between myself and the kids being sick, I've been trying to disinfect but haven't done well to keep things organized.

Loving: I'm loving all the little things. Life goes by far too quickly and every moment we have is a gift.

Opt Out October is Over

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The month of October has flown by. I can't believe the holiday season is upon us...not that I'm complaining because I love this time of year, but it's hard to believe that we're nearing the end of 2014. It's been a challenging but blessed year and I look forward to what the Lord has in store for our family.

At the beginning of October I decided to opt out of several things, both from a health and financial perspective.

(You can view my challenge updates here.)

Here were my health related goals...

To get healthier this month I will opt out of the following...
-excuses for not exercising. I have to get back to making my body move. Not as successful as I'd hoped...
-doubt. There have been moments over the last month that have made me question whether or not I can really do this. I can. I've gained a lot more optimism...
-complaining. If I don't like what I see or how I feel, I have no right to complain because it is within my control to change it. I can feel a change...

As for my financial goals...

To make some savvy spending choices this month I will opt out of the following...
-buying coffee more than 1x a week. Check!
-eating out more than 1x a week. We normally rarely eat out but this past month has been a bit crazier than most. It's just been so easy to grab a pizza or Chinese instead of making a healthy home cooked meal. Technically I only bought dinner out once a week...my hubby may or may not have gotten us dinner a time or two :)
-buying clothing...I rarely buy clothes for myself, but for my little one...yes. I adore tiny human clothes and when I find a great deal I jump on it, especially since she is outgrowing all of the clothes we were given as gifts/have received as hand-me-downs. The one exception will be a pair of black tights. Me: 1 new shirt for family pictures with a coordinating necklace, both for a total of around $20.   G: An $8 outfit when she threw up all over her other one while out in town and socks.
-home décor purchases. Nope. None. We're working on getting our house ready to sell and that is where the money needs to go. I did buy a pumpkin...which we carved and set upon our porch.
-things we don't use...need to be gone. I have big dreams to remove even more clutter from this house. I've got a couple bags of items ready to go!

Overall I'd say I did pretty well in a matter of 4 weeks. I'm going to try to keep with some of these things. Change can be good...

Linking up with Annie!

Opt Out Update

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It's no secret that I adore the fall season. The air is turning a bit more brisk here in Central Virginia. The leaves are beginning to turn and the daylight is slowly becoming shorter.

My heart sings.

As I take in the beauty of this season, I have also been hard at work over the last week to maintain my goals for my Opt Out October. I thought I'd give you an update.

Let's begin with the "getting healthier"...

I've really reeled in my snacking and the eating out has become almost obsolete. I've been prepping meals the night before and using my crock-pot a lot more this week to ensure that I have no excuse to eat out or pick up something on the way home. I haven't gotten back on the treadmill yet but I've been parking farther away from my destinations and my little one and I have been staying pretty busy.

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As for my spending this month? I'm doing great! Last month was out of the ordinary for me in regards to some of my typical spending habits so I feel really good about how things are going. I've opted out of multiple coffee runs during the week and I've cut down my eating out to a maximum of one time a week. (We don't typically eat out, but like I said, last month was a doozy.) There was one exception to my "no purchasing clothing" rule. Over the weekend I took G to meet her newest little friend. Our close friends had their baby a week ago and we were finally able to visit. On the way there I had plans to stop at Lowes to grab some paint. Unfamiliar with the area, I relied on my GPS. It took us on a crazy, winding, narrow mountain road...and G got seriously car sick. By the time I could finally safely pull over, she was covered in mess. I had brought an extra outfit but it was one of her "play outfits" and not one I really wanted her to be in should pictures be taken during our visit. Maybe this is shallow or silly to some, but whatever. I stopped at a local clothing discount store and picked up a cute outfit for $8. She was cleaned up, changed and away we went. Needless to say, we never made it to Lowes.

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Overall I'm proud of my progress this past week. I've been getting some things done around the house and the motivation continues thanks to Living Well Spending Less' 31 Days to a Clutter Free Life. I get an email once a day with a different de-cluttering challenge. I've been able to take almost all of them up to this point.

I hope your fall season is going just as well. This month holds a lot of joy and sadness as I reflect on all that October has held for us. We grieve the loss of our friends' little ones that have gone before us as October 15th draws near. I miss my grandfather so much more this month as the 2nd anniversary of his passing approaches. I do however have a lot to lift praises for as well. It was this month, two years ago that we announced our first pregnancy. We'll celebrate our wedding anniversary. We'll meet with friends, enjoy family time and count our blessings often. What will your October hold?

Linking up with Home of Malones

A Little Revamping...

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Okay...this week has been a bit crazy. Over the weekend my daughter came down with a 103 fever. This lasted through Sunday when it broke mid-morning. We took her to the pediatrician and found out that she once again has Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD). She's had this before but not this bad. In the past she had a rash and a high fever that lasted a few days. This time around she didn't have the fever as long but her rash is far worse and she has the blisters in her mouth. It's been a challenge finding things that she wants to eat. At least she has been taking lots of fluids.

On Tuesday she woke up at 4:30am and much to my dismay, did not nap at all! She finally laid down around 8:00pm. I don't know how she did it. Not only was I listening to a super cranky baby going down the road after an evening of parent-teacher conferences, but then my poor hubby called to say that he was leaving work because he was sick. His flu like symptoms made him pretty miserable and because he loves me and wanted me to stay healthy, he slept on the sofa bed. ::sigh:: It was a rough start to the week.

I needed a break from the chaos and thanks to a few posts by Leslyn, I felt inspired to revamp some of my fitness goals and to review my 30 by 30 list (especially since April will be here sooner than later.)

I've been maintaining my 20lb weight loss, give or take a few pounds (and right now it's more on the give side). I've really been trying to rein in my eating habits as of late (goodbye ice cream and cookie dough and cupcakes and...) so I've been opting for more fruits and veggies. Right now the two main things I have been focusing on are eating fruits and/or veggies for my snacks and getting plenty of water. I love water but teaching often distracts me from ensuring I get enough...not to mention I don't really get the opportunity to use the bathroom at will so I have to be conscious of that as well. Overall though I'm feeling better about my choices. I hope to start getting back to an exercise routine as well.

Now for my 30 by 30 list...

30 By 30

1. Host a Brunch Party

2. Begin (and finish?) building our “forever” home

3. Hike to a waterfall

4. Lose 30 pounds

5. Make G a big sister

6. Take a family trip to Washington D.C.

7. Make a pair of shoes

8. Visit a lighthouse

9. Go to the South Carolina Aquarium

10. Take a family trip to the North Carolina Zoo

11. Make a pecan pie

12. Send a card to a stranger

13. Make a photo book of G’s first year

14. Take a cooking class

15. Make homemade truffles

16. Plant a tree

17. Serve at a soup kitchen

18. Make a holiday wreath

19. Teach a kids’ cooking class

20. Take a girls’ trip with my mom, daughter and sisters

21. Learn to crochet

22. Take a carriage ride

23. Make real homemade alfredo sauce

24. Make homemade ravioli

26. Pay for a stranger’s meal

27. Learn to French Braid

28. Be in a parade

29. Read 100 books with/to my daughter

30. Buy new living room furniture

Linking up with Home of Malones

Monthly Weight Loss Update

Well, August has been another month of maintenance. I still weigh less than I have in over 5 years but I still have a ways to go. It's definitely been a journey. 

September is PCOS Awareness Month and I'm no stranger to the struggles it can bring. I was diagnosed in 2011, although looking back the symptoms were evident even in my teens. Before my diagnosis I was unaware that there was a "real" problem. My symptoms were my "normal" and no one had ever told me different.  As a teen I was told things would eventually even out or that some things are just genetic. No to the first and yes to the second. While looking at me you would never guess the battles I face...this is true for most women with PCOS.

We get pretty good at wearing smiles. I generally pride myself in being open and honest but this is one area of my life that I've kept pretty quiet until recently.  In order for me to not deal with this alone and to offer support to others I've had to learn how to talk about it. One of the hardest things to talk about aside from our infertility struggles is that of my weight/weight loss.

PCOS...it makes it so much more difficult to lose the weight. My doctor sympathized and was pleased with my progress at my annual exam. She encouraged me to keep going...even though she knows I'm up against a lot. Unfortunately I have to work a lot harder than most at losing the weight thanks to the way my body breaks down the food I eat and produces insulin. This in turn causes various hormone imbalances that lead to weight gain and/or difficulty losing weight and in my case, infertility. There is always something out of whack.

However, I refuse to use that as an excuse. I know I need to amp up the exercise and continue adding more fruits and veggies to my diet...because when you hit a plateau, that means you are in need of a change.


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August held a lot of highs and lows. We made an offer that was accepted on a piece of property with a beautiful view. We'll be signing on the dotted line tomorrow and then we can really begin planning our forever home. This has been a wonderful distraction from the disappointment of yet another unsuccessful month of trying to conceive. From a health perspective, I'm waiting to hear from my doctor about our next step. I've also been checking with my insurance on what they offer in regards to a dietitian. I've found a local dietitian who has worked specifically with women with PCOS. I'm hoping something will work out. I feel like I'm at the point where I could really benefit from an expert's advice.

With all of that being said, I'm trying to make some changes this month. I'm not a huge snacker but I definitely did my fair share over this past month. I'm a stress eater and with work beginning again and some of the other things we've had going on...I've not always considered all that has made its way to my mouth.

Being at work has definitely helped with my snacking issue, but I also need to focus on snacks that work for me, not against me. One of my friends gave me a great suggestion for my sweet tooth. Chocolate milk is seriously one of my most favorite sweets. Milk, while good for you, can hold a ton of calories...and then when you add the chocolate...well, you might as well have just had dessert. She recommended I try dark chocolate almond milk. I've converted to almond milk and must say I really like it. I've used it in both my cereal and baking/cooking and don't notice a major difference and with the low calorie/high nutrition content, I feel good about my choice. Now back to the sweet stuff. The dark chocolate almond milk is A.MAZ.ING! It tastes delicious and for 100 calories I can enjoy a full glass without the guilt. (I've only tried the Silk brand...and I've not been endorsed to recommend it.)

I hope to have better news in my next weight loss post. I've got the reasons for motivation, I've just got to get my act back together. I've only got this one life. I need to live it right and care for the skin I'm in.

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What are some of your healthy, go-to snacks? I'm looking for grab and go...

Linking up with Home of Malones

Monthly Weight Loss and Pictures

I won't even pretend that I've given a praiseworthy attempt at losing weight or accomplishing my goals this month. In fact, since I'm being completely honest, this month I hit a wall. I've been facing a weight loss plateau and I let it get the best of me. Curse this back and forth sway of 1-2lbs. I lost focus. I got caught up in the traveling, and while wonderful, I didn't eat like I should, nor exercise, during those times. I allowed being away from home to be my excuse for extra snacking and high calorie food options. I was on vacation!

We've also been facing some personal matters and I've found myself settling into old habits. More than once I caught myself turning to food for comfort. Remnants of my Emotional Eating surfaced but I refused to let them stick around.


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I've tried not to be too hard on myself...that would only crush what motivation I have left. While this last week has held many wonderful things, it has also held it's share of stress, anxiety and disappointment, but I did my best to not allow these feelings overrule my better judgment. I've gotten in a little more exercise this past week and I'm feeling better about greeting July (if you don't count the fact that half of my summer will be over ::tears::)

So while I wish I had amazing results to share with you this month...I do not. I know in order to move forward that I can't focus on "what I should have done."

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I did, however, have a memorable moment...my hubby and I took our first "real" date since the birth of our daughter over a year ago...and I wore "the dress". This dress has not been worn in almost 3 years. It fit better now than it ever has...I consider that a major accomplishment.

With all that being said, I've decided to take a step back from social media for a while. I feel that I need to be devoting myself more to some of my relationships and health and I need to get myself going forward in full motion again. I'll still be blogging, but maybe not as often and as for Facebook...don't be offended when I look clueless if you tell me about something you posted. More than likely I will have missed it. As much as I love reading updates, I have some updating that I need to do outside of the technological realm. God bless and I hope all of you are enjoying your summer!

 

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Five on Friday: More Odds and Ends

Fridays not only mean the blessing of another weekend, but they also mean escaping into the world of wonderful things captured and shared by myself and others for Five on Friday.

[one]
Temperatures have been well above normal for this time of year...I'm not a fan of heat and these summer like temps have me wanting to run through a sprinkler with reckless abandon...but instead, I'll spare my neighbors (in a small town rumors spread) and indulge in one of my favorite things...ice cream! I happened upon this delicious combination of two of my favorite flavors, chocolate and peanut butter. I strongly encourage you to treat your sweet tooth to Breyer's Blasts Reese's Peanut Butter Cups*. Yum!

[two]
On Tuesday I was gifted a wonderful surprise. My mom had sent me flowers! I was later informed that they were supposed to be delivered on Friday for Mother's Day and then again on Monday since the flower shopped was swamped on Saturday. Needless to say, these gorgeous flowers arrived a couple days late but no less appreciated. Star Gazer Lilies have always been my favorite flowers. They are currently filling my living room with their intoxicating fragrance.

[three]
We are in the midst of transitioning our office into a playroom. This has been quite an undertaking. Between moving multiple items, along with furniture, ridding our home of items we've not used or seen in a while and painting both the walls and ceiling, I have been worn out. I've had no trouble falling asleep this week. We're almost done and I'm looking forward to doing some decorating. I have the curtains to sew and I'm working on finding items to hang upon the walls. I'm also on the hunt for some kid friendly toy organizing ideas. This is one idea I'm considering thanks to DIY&Crafts. More to come on that soon...

[four]
Strawberries! Whipped cream and cheesecake, oh my! Fried cheesecake! I was supposed to make this dessert for Cinco de Mayo but schedule conflicts arose. This delicious dessert takes a little time to prepare...but it's so worth it!! (I did make my cheesecake from scratch...The whipped creamy boxed version won't work for this.)

Time saving tips: make and bread the cheesecake ahead of time and store in the freezer. Pull it out and fry when you're ready. To cut down on even more time, purchase pre-made cheesecake bites from your local grocer's freezer section.

Here are some of the palette pleasing nuggets of bliss. Now imagine them layered with fresh strawberries and whipped cream (since I forgot to snap a picture)...yum!

[five]
Tomorrow I'll be heading out early with G and my friend Terri for The Baby Run 5k! I'm really excited to be hitting the pavement for such a wonderful agency. This will be G's first 5k...run baby run!

*I was not compensated in any way to give my recommendation for this product.

Five on Friday

While I'm up before dawn (as always) on this Friday, I won't be heading into work today, at least not to stay. G has come down with something and we'll be headed to the doctor today. So for me it's a 40 minute drive to work to get sub plans together and then from there I'll go about 1 1/2 hours to the doctor's office (I know the distance sounds crazy but my work and our health care facilities are in opposite directions-it's not as complicated as it may seem)...so as not to bog myself down with details, worry and mile long lists, I'll focus on this week's Five on Friday. Click on the FOF logo to view other wonderful Five on Friday finds.

[one]
I've been looking at lesson planners for next year. I've come across several designs that I really like. I'd love to find one that is pre-bound but so far, I've not found one that has all that I want included. I have been keeping my eye on these adorable designs for printable planners from A Modern Teacher.

[two]
I've made it through 4 months of my weight loss journey without any major set backs. I'm back in a dress that I love and can't wait to wear out on the town...if only we could nab a babysitter.



[three]
A while back I heard this song playing in our dining room. I came in to find my hubby playing this song for our daughter. My heart melted. We have deemed it her song and now I'll play it, just because...(you can view it here if the video doesn't work)

Daddy's Little Girl-Michael Buble

[four]
Life has been a bit of a roller coaster lately. Sometimes I need that small little reminder that He is in control.

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[five]
My daughter is IN LOVE with the squeezable food pouches. I grabbed a few a while back and have been spoon feeding them to her. The other day I thought I'd see what she'd do with one on her own...admittedly I expected a huge mess. To my surprise, she used it like a pro and only became frustrated when it was empty...I don't think she left a drop in it. These little pouches are not cheap. I've begun researching some reusable pouches. Thus far, I've read a ton of reviews and I'm leaning towards these Squooshi Reusable Food Pouches. They seem to have good reviews for the money. Any suggestions from those who have used these or other brands?

Monthly Weight Loss with Pictures

A month filled with multiple birthdays and Easter celebrations has the potential to do a number on one's weight-loss. While I know I should have been more cautious and said "no" more often than not, the damage has been done. Praise God for a new day...a new month.

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As you'll soon see, I don't have much in the way of weight-loss to celebrate this month, so instead, I'm focusing on the non-scale victories.

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Here are some of my non-scale victories thus far:

-pants are looser

-I can wear clothing that I wasn't even able to wear pre-pregnancy

-my rings are looser

-2 inches total off of my waist

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The month of May is already filling up. The end of the school year is drawing near and with that comes assessments, multiple check lists, and farewells. I was out on maternity leave this time last year...lucky me. It's funny how quickly I've forgotten all that comes with this time of year. However, as I prepare to send my precious first graders onto second grade, I also look forward to what the summer will hold.

We have multiple home-based projects and hopefully a mini-vacation or two. I'm also looking for ways to keep motivated as the hot weather settles in over the next couple of months. My hubby and I are planning to go visit my mom and sister in Georgia in June. We've found a couple of 5ks that we are interested in. We may just add one of those to our to-do list while we're down there. If this does not fall into place, I'll begin looking for a couple for this fall.

I'm also continuing to focus on losing inches. This month was not what I had hoped for in the way of weight-loss, which I take complete responsibility for. However, I did lose a little and I also lost .5 more inches in my waist. That totals 2 inches!

My biggest victory this month however is this...I really struggle with self-confidence (no, this is not my victory ha ha...I thought I'd give a bit of a backstory). I have a huge list of insecurities that influence a lot of areas in my life. I gained a little bit of myself back this week (okay...here it comes!) I bought a little black dress about 3 years ago. I wore it once for my birthday that year. I was working hard at losing weight and I was determined to wear that dress. I did. I have not worn it since. It has been hanging silently in the back of my closet just aching to be worn. I was cleaning out my closet this weekend and pulled it out. I looked at it longingly, wishing so badly to be able to wear something that I could feel good in. I decided to try it on to see just how far I had to go...and to my surprise...it fit!!! It fit better than I remember it fitting 3 years ago! I didn't want to take it off! I am currently working on a special date night that will allow me to doll myself up, put on some heels and wear this dress. I apologize for sounding so superficial, but this was a huge deal for me! While I'm still a ways off from wanting to splurge on a new wardrobe, I do have a non-scale victory that has given me some much needed motivation.

My "little black dress"

With all of this in mind, I am still working towards the weight-loss goals I've set for myself. I'm also eagerly trying to cross off more of the items on my 30 before 30 list. One of those items is to lose 30lbs and I'm getting there...Here are the numbers for April...

You can check out the rest of my weight loss journey here.

If the Jeans Fit

It came time to post my monthly weight loss update and I was proud to see the goals I've achieved over the last month. It's tough work. I was not graced with "skinny genes" and because of that, I do  not sport skinny jeans. For the longest time it was even difficult to wear my regular jeans. I was determined to get back into my clothes after G was born. Everything you read and everything your doctor tells you indicates that it takes about 9 months to put on the baby weight and we should expect it to take about that long to get it off.

The weight I've lost is post-baby weight...which is a huge accomplishment for me. Another huge accomplishment came yesterday morning. I only own a few pairs of jeans in the first place, and considering I'm behind on laundry...I thought I had washed at least one pair but it turned out that I had grabbed a pair of my hubby's instead. ::sigh:: What to do? It was casual Friday at work...I didn't want to waste a jean day! I stumbled upon a pair of jeans that I haven't been able to wear in about 2 years...not even before baby. I guess I kept them in hope of wearing them again someday...maybe? I almost didn't put them on because I was not up for more disappointment, but something inside said, "go for it!"

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I slipped them on...and without laying myself flat on the bed...they zipped!!! While they are not 100% comfortable, they readily zipped and brought a huge smile to my face. Talk about motivation! These past couple of days I've really slacked when it comes to portions, tracking and exercise. With a sick husband and baby, the majority of my focus has been on getting them well and work.

I'm back on track today and I'm feeling good. The house has gotten a bit out of hand this week and I have a lot to get done before church and our lunch company tomorrow. The baby is now down for her nap and I just had to share.

If you're like me and you sometimes need that little boost, do what you must to find it. Don't give up and undo all of the success that you've achieved. If I can do this, so can you.

By the way, one week from today I'll be joining many others in the HoosHeal 5k with my friend Shannon. It's hard to believe that it is almost here! I haven't trained as much as I'd hoped to but I'm still feeling pretty good about it. I'll finish. The. End.

In a related thought, I ran across this funny picture while browsing Pinterest the other day. I had to laugh but then it got me thinking...I don't want my daughter to ever see my happiness or lack there of based on the numbers on a scale. It just reiterated the importance of gaining a healthy self image as I also try to gain a healthier body. Praise God for simple truths.

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Monthly Weight Loss with Pictures

It's time for an update, so in lieu of my typical Five on Friday, I'll be sharing my current weight loss progress.

My weight loss journey continues...and with each day, I face new challenges. There are days I fight the exercise. There are days I just want to make excuses. And yet everyday, whether I want to acknowledge it or not, is an opportunity for me to better myself and the lives of others. I can't just sit back and expect change to happen...

 

 

Over the past month I've had several "ah ha" moments, which to many of you may seem more like "duh" moments, but nonetheless, I've laid claim to some new understandings.

 

 

Food is Fuel...It's Meant to Make Me Function, Not Fat. While most of you are nodding your head and thinking, how could she not know this, let me clarify. It is not a matter of not knowing, it is a matter of knowing, accepting, and applying. I've done the WW program in the past, and while I love the idea and for many it works, it never worked for me because I didn't have a firm grasp on "better eating." I accepted my point allowance and my splurge day. I counted my points, tracked my exercise minutes and thought that was enough. They were my points. I could eat what I wanted. That was the beauty of the program right? Wrong. Eating foods high in fat, calories and/or sugar just pack on the pounds. It doesn't matter that I had 20 points and ate a dozen doughnuts as long as I was in my point range...silly me. I now have a different food mantra. Food is Fuel. I enjoy the occasional donut or cupcake, but these are not my go to foods. While I enjoy a snack or two, I make better choices. I've figured out more ways to make food work for me, not against me. Need an idea on how to get started? Take a look at Foods that Turn to Fat to get some perspective. I'm not doing a "diet plan" this go-around. Instead I'm making lifestyle changes in the way I eat, cook and exercise.

 

 

Movement is a Must. I am becoming more accepting of exercise as a pro instead of a con. There are days when work has just exhausted me and by the time I make dinner, bathe the baby and get her to bed, fold some laundry and get things ready for the next day, I really struggle to muster up the will to exercise. The treadmill seems to mock me. My workout DVDs don't mind if they collect dust on the shelf...and yet just like anything else, if change is going to occur, movement must be made. An advancement, a forward motion, progression...whatever your terminology, a physical and mental shift must happen. I ran across this simple Activity Pyramid. It's a great example of how to incorporate activity and how often.

 



  

Okay, now that I've bored inspired shared with you my revelations, it's time to reveal this month's numbers and picture...I always get a bit nervous putting this out there but the amount of support, encouragement, and accountability are well worth it.

 

From December 29, 2013 to March 28, 2014 I am down another .5 inches in my waist and I have lost...

 

 

 
 
 
 

March 2014

As April unfolds, there are many exciting things ahead. This month we'll celebrate my last birthday in my twenties (eek!), my daughter's first birthday, her first Easter, the death and Resurrection of my Savior, my first 5k in almost 3 years, and several other itty bitty birthdays. It will be a full month of wonderful celebrations. As I look forward to these things, I'm also reminded that all of these festivities generally incorporate excellent food and sedentary activities. I have already begun mentally preparing myself for these occasions and I'm working on ways to find a balance that won't undo all that I've done and won't impede my progress.

 

Thanks for all of the encouragement. I hope to make more progress as the months pass on.

 



Five on Friday: Odds and Ends

Five on Friday has arrived once again!

[one]

Spring is coming!!! Two days of 70 degree weather has me ready for flip flops and sunshine! I put together our Spring chalkboard sign which is already being displayed in the living room.

[two]

We are inching towards G's first birthday...we're only about a month away...(we're also less than a month away from the last birthday I'll celebrate in my 20's. It's hard to believe!)

[three]

I couldn't resist this little owl fabric. It's perfect as a little Spring skirt for G. I also had to pick up this Tinkerbell material...my mom is a huge fan.

[four]

We're trying to decide what to do with our bathroom. We did a renovation on it a couple years ago. Unfortunately, we didn't get the quality that we'd hoped for...I'll save that rant for a later time. We're at a point where everything we do to our home will hopefully make it more sellable in the semi-near future. With that being said, we're working on a plan to vamp up the bathroom...a new coat of paint, a new toilet, possibly new flooring...etc. Here are some ideas. I love the idea of a brown and yellow or a grey and yellow combo. I do have some khaki colored paint that I could paint the walls. I bought it for another room but opted for something else. Thoughts? You can check out some of our ideas here...

[five]

Birthday Challenge: I've decided to give this workout a go. Here is my goal...complete this routine 4x every other day until my birthday (I began this March 9 and will end it April 9). Here's to hoping I hang in there!