Monthly Weight Loss Update June 2016

Here I am, 4 months in to this new WOE. I can honestly say, that despite the occasional challenges, I am honestly liking. I like how I feel. I like how I am beginning to look. I like the food. I like that I am not hungry.

This is truly a way of life for me.

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This month was a little slow going in the way of weight loss, but overall, I am still pleased with what is taking place. I had a few more splurge days than normal and I know that is where my downfall lies. I'm still trying to master eating out...and even though we do not eat out often, it remains a challenge for me. I also struggle some when we go to the homes of friends or family to eat. Because what I am doing has nothing to do with allergies, people aren't as aware of what is best for me to eat. I make due and if I am able to contribute to the meal, I try to ensure that I bring something that I know I can enjoy without exceeding my carb limit.

This month did result in some changes...

I am down 3.8lbs from last month which puts me at a total loss of 23.8lbs. I'm down a total of 5.5 inches overall. I can tell this primarily in my chest and waist.

I continue to experiment with different recipes. I always try them out with my husband and daughter, and thankfully, most of them have been family approved. This is very important considering I am making this a lifestyle.

Over the last month or so, I have had a couple of friends/family members jump on board. I love having the support. We share recipes, frustrations and successes. I really encourage you to find the right kind of support if you are going this route. My goal is to have my husband join me on this journey but I have not quite convinced him to do so yet. Fingers crossed.

I am continually reminded that when this change is hard, I am doing it for a better quality of life. My God has already numbered my days, but I want to care for myself and make each one of those count. I'm learning how not to allow my "messy days" to take over all the good I've accomplished. A couple steps back will not keep me going backwards. Thanks again to all of you who continue to walk this journey with me and encourage me along the way.

Linking up for Mommy Moments

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Life Lately

Despite being summer break, things are going at warp speed. There has been very little down time. This has made these days go far too quickly. I'm hoping July will be a little more chill.

Here's a little of what is going on...

WHAT WE'RE EATING

I am constantly looking  for or creating recipes that fit into my Low Carb WOE. This week I threw together some ingredients that I had not used throughout this month. The result was delish!

Creamy Salsa Verde Chicken

1lb boneless, skinless chicken breast

1c salsa Verde

2oz cream cheese

In a slow cooker, spread a thin layer of salsa on the bottom. Lay your chicken on top and cover with the remaining salsa. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until your chicken is cooked through and easily shredded. Shred the chicken and add in the cream cheese. stir to combine well. The cream cheese will melt and add a creaminess to your already delicious chicken. When it is completely heated through, serve on tortillas, nacho chips or lettuce leaves with your favorite toppings.

WHAT IM REMINISCING ABOUT

Our little guy will be one on Friday. I can't help but look back at those first few days of newness.

WHAT I'M LOVING

I'm loving our new pool...while it is nothing grand and spectacular, we are having a blast in it. It's just big enough that we can all enjoy it together and yet it is small enough that G can fearlessly "swim like a mermaid".

WHAT WE'VE BEEN UP TO

Honestly, there has not been too much excitement. We are currently working on packing up the house and completing much needed and long overdue projects. It looks like we may be moving into our temporary rental by the end of the summer (as long as all continues to go well) and we'll put the house up for sale at that point. We had the outside painted this past week and it has made a world of difference. My mom and I cleaned every window in the house, inside and out. We've bought paint to streamline the rooms and had our stairwell professionally painted. There are boxes everywhere but they serve as reminders that our dreams are slowly coming true.

WHAT I'M DREADING

Multiple moves and the start of school.

I wish we could just move into our forever home but we can't manage two mortgages. We'll eventually move into a rental and then move into our house once it is built (which will happen upon selling our current home). I'm also dreading the start of school. I LOVE being home with my littles, and despite loving my job, I miss them terribly when  I return to work.

WHAT I'M WORKING ON

Birthday décor...N will turn one on Friday and we'll have his first birthday party on Saturday. Crazy!

WHAT I'M EXCITED ABOUT

We finally decided to take a vacation. We were considering not doing one this year but with all that has gone on and all that will go on, we decided it would be a nice break.

WHAT I'M WATCHING/READING

I'm eagerly awaiting my hard copy of 31 Days of Prayer During Infertility by Lisa Newton. I've been getting to know her over the last couple of months, which has been such a treat considering I've been loving her blog for quite a while. I'll be reviewing this book and sharing my thoughts in the near future.

WHAT I'M LISTENIMG TO

Just about every time we get in the car, G asks for her "Jesus music". Thrive by Casting Crowns is by far her favorite song and it is the song that when she wants Jesus music must be played.

WHAT I'M WEARING

Anything light weight that won't cling in this summer heat and humidity.

WHAT I'M DOING THIS WEEKEND
Celebrating N's First Birthday!!!

WHAT I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT MONTH

Vacation

Getting settled in our new (temporary) place

Various birthday celebrations

4th of July celebrations

WHAT ELSE IS NEW

I've been working really hard to get my health back in order.  That primarily has consisted of my taking on a low carb woe to achieve my weight loss goals. I'm down over 20lbs and getting so close to my first weight loss goal of 30lbs. I hope to hit it before school starts this fall. I'm currently down 23.8lbs!

Linking up with Mel for What's Up Wednesday

Low Carb Mexican Chicken Bake

I've been trying to come up with low carb recipes that will allow me to enjoy our weekly Taco Tuesday nights without always resorting to a taco salad. This has led me to a new favorite...

Mexican Chicken Bake

Ingredients 

1.5c diced chicken (I used leftover rotisserie chicken)

1/2c black beans, rinsed and drained

1/2c Rotel

1/2c shredded pepper jack cheese

1/2c shredded Mexican blend cheese

Preheat your oven to 400. 

In an 8x8 baking dish that has been coated with nonstick cooking spray, mix the chicken, beans and tomatoes together. Top with both cheeses. Bake 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and melted completely. Enjoy with a little sour cream or on a low carb tortilla. 

Serves 6

First 5 Mini Goals

I've been on my low carb-get healthy journey since February. There has been a lot of trial and error and even more baby steps in the right direction. I have set mini goals that motivate me to lose 5lbs per goal. I'm well on my way to my first big goal of 30lbs. So, I thought I'd go ahead and share my five goal rewards for this week's Five on Friday.

5lbs

This lovely bead for my Pandora bracelet. I chose it as a reminder that I am able to overcome my PCOS diagnosis. I can overcome my issues with infertility and weight loss. God is bigger than my diagnosis.

10lbs

I love CC and their music is always inspiring. One thing I've wanted to do with this life of mine is Thrive instead of merely survive. The tunes on this album continue to give me the encouragement to push on.

15-20lbs

This wallet from Thirty-One was a little more pricey so I opted to combine it for a 10lb weight loss goal. I just got it yesterday and I love it!!!!

25lbs

I have been eyeing these PW Cowgirl Lace dishes for quite some time now. I can't wait to get them on my table!

30lbs

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I am already becoming in need of some smaller clothing but I'm holding out. I'm hoping to meet my goal by the beginning of school and at that point, I'll do some updating to my wardrobe.

Thanks to everyone for their encouragement. I'm definitely getting there!

Linking up for Mommy Moments

Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole (Low Carb)

Low carb is becoming my way of eating. I approach meals very differently now and I'm always looking for recipes that my whole family will enjoy. I'm not one to make separate meals for everyone. It's more of a take it or leave it kind of thing. Fortunately,  this recipe has been toddler and husband approved. I must also add that I believe the leftovers are just as good...if there are any.

Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole 

Ingredients:

1lb of ground venison, beef or chicken, browned and grease drained

3 slices of low sodium bacon, cooked until crisp and roughly chopped

6 eggs

1/2c light cream

1/2c tomato sauce 

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp onion powder

1/4 tsp black pepper 

1 c shredded cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 375.

Spray a 9×13 casserole dish with nonstick spray. Evenly spread the meat on the bottom. 

In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs. Mix in the cream, tomato sauce, seasonings and 1/4 c of cheese.

Pour over the meat and gently toss the meat so that all ingredients are mixed. Sprinkle the remaining cheese and bacon on top.

Bake for 25-35 minutes or until the casserole is firm.

Enjoy!

Linking up for Mommy Moments

New on Instagram! My low carb life...

"You are not your own; you were bought with a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies."

1 Cor. 6:19b-20

It's no secret that I have always battled my weight and self image. The struggle began as early as late elementary school. I've battled emotional eating, fad diets, calorie counting, exercise routines and self loathing. 

I've always know that there has to be something better. I could be better. The Lord has brought me through so much and the past year has been difficult health wise. In an attempt to restore my heart, body, and mind, I have been breaking down my own stigmas and perceptions by learning how to take my thoughts and actions captive and compare them to what the Lord says in His Word.

I have been told many times that because of my PCOS, a lower carb way of eating (WOE) would really benefit me...but who wants to give up bread and pasta? Not this girl. However, thanks to a friend, I was really encouraged to give it a try. Over the last 4 months I have been transforming the way I view food and the way I eat it. I am slowly making low carb a way of life.

I've really been encouraged by the weight loss and the way I feel. I feel good! I've had a lot of people ask how I have been working this in my life and I plan on sharing details soon. In the meantime, I have set up an IG account to share meals and bits of encouragement for those of you who are also trying to restore your health. 

I'd love if you'd follow me at 

bought.with.a.price

Remember...we were bought with a price. We have this one body in which to live and serve the Lord and I personally want to give my best. This begins with caring for His temple.

Linking up with Mommy Momments

If I'm Honest

It could be worse. 

I've reminded myself of that countless times over the last few weeks. It's been necessary to keep perspective because I am a fixer and when things are broken or out of line that I can't fix...well, the struggle is real. I've been trying to give God what is His because He promises to bear the burden. He willingly accepts the load to show me His strength and grace. It seems silly to cling tightly to those things that would be better left in His hands.

If I'm honest, which tends to be almost a fault embedded in my personality, I would have to admit that I am overwhelmed simply because I do not leave things in His hands.

I have a short list of dreams that are just out of reach. I struggle with comparison as those move ahead with "my dreams" as I continue to wait. I struggle to understand how we can work so hard and follow the course laid before us, only to have those around us basically handed what we've hoped for and have yet to obtain.

Perspective. 

The truth is, it really could be worse. The past few days of sickness and uselessness are now almost behind me. My husband now going through the same is sad, but we know how to treat and recover. My son's appointment with the specialist is on the horizon and I am grateful for the peace God has given during this wait. The home we dream of building lies in wait on paper as, prayerfully, God prepares a home buyer for our current house.

I have to trust His process.

So, in being honest,  I am a muddled mess. I battle insecurities, jealousy, frustration and every other human emotion...and often without much grace. Fortunately, I am held together by the hands of a gracious God. I am stitched together and fashioned for a life that was only designed for me. I am part of a bigger, Kingdom centered purpose.

I am part of His purpose and that need be enough.

This song has been such an encouragement.