Healthier lifestyle

So, I stepped on the scale this morning at the gym... another 2 pounds down and released.  Very excited about that :) I am going to Florida February 16th so I am definitely in need of some pounds released.  If I have learned anything through this journey, it's that change like weight loss happens over time. It is not going to happen over night, and I can't push my body to lose more weight than it's ready for.  A pound or two a week for me is healthy and should satisfy me.  February 16th is right around the corner, and I am not going to be a size 4 then - and that's okay :)

5 ways I am successfully losing weight each week:

• Drinking lots of water (and only water except for the occasional coffee)
• Not eating late at night (Dinner is usually my last meal)
• Filling my belly with more vegetables (They are not my favorite, but I am trying!)
• Staying active! Even jumping jacks with my kids gets my blood pumping
• Treating myself once in a while - I let myself have what I want (in moderation) on the weekends.. or I would never be successful and keep it up!

Another one of my favorite recipes for dinner: lettuce wraps. Yum.
There are so many ways you can make them and you can use different meats.. but my personal favorite includes:

1. ground turkey or ground beef
2. taco seasoning
3. salsa
4. vegetables (I often use onions and peppers)
5. romaine lettuce (for wraps)

They taste delicious and they do not make me miss the tortilla shells :) The picture below shows a yummy lettuce wrap and this fabulous blogger also has a ton of other healthy recipes - be sure to check them out!

I hope you continue on your path to healthy success!

Day 5

So I woke up late today, and did my usual thing, but because I woke up late.. I was pretty full all day (that was a good thing!) The bad news is that I found out I am have a slight allergy to something in the protein powder of the shakes.. I am very disappointed but I know I can still do this detox and push on.
A lot of things happen for a reason, and this definitely jump started me into getting even more serious about my health.  It was only day 5, but I measured my hips and lost 1 inch, and my upper stomach and I lost an inch there too! I am very proud of myself and I do feel a lot better... but the protein shakes are not good for my body because of my allergies... so... I'm going to donate to a friend so they can get this detox kickstarted, AND I am going to continue to be white bread free, coffee free, sugar free, gluten free, and dairy free. 

I will still post here and there (not sure if anyone is out there reading this!) but I figured it's good for me to reflect on my days as well.  These past 5 days have been very difficult, but I see the rainbow at the end of the storm, and my body is happy with me eating clean :)
One of my favorite meals has become:

• Grilled chicken with a little salt, pepper, lemon, and garlic (cooked in a little extra virgin olive oil)
• 1/2 cup of brown rice (with a dash of salt and pepper)
• steamed broccoli or cauliflower (with a dash of salt and pepper)

 

Day 4

As far as cravings go, yesterday was definitely my hardest day.. and that happens with a lot of people (sometimes about day 3!) It was the start to the weekend and this is where I normally "treat" myself to some healthy popcorn, going out to dinner, or even a little sweet treat.  Nope.  This weekend is going slowly, and I have been trying to find ways to keep myself busy.  I have been working more and doing things around the house.

Day 4 has been hard for me, emotionally.. who knew that I had an unhealthy relationship with food?  If you are reading this right now, please know that I am not trying to sell you anything or tell you that this is easy.. it's not.  It might be for some people, but I am as human as they come... and it is hard.  If you are reading this right now and you are going through something similar and trying to stay healthy and on track, don't.give.up.  The time will pass.. you will gain healthier habits... you will feel better and the cravings will lessen and lessen.  When other things go in your life, it makes it even harder.  But keep on track.. if you slip up, even for a second, don't beat yourself up - just pick yourself up and keep going :) You can do it.  And if you need someone to talk to, I am definitely here - it might take my mind off of food for a little too ;)

One of my supporters/consultants sent me this today - it was much needed.  That's another thing that I have to remember.. we are all not alone!  We all want to feel like ourselves and feel beautiful... and WE DESERVE THAT! 

I was not as hungry at all today as I have been, the cravings are just there a little bit... but it will pass.  One day at a time.  I went to the gym today for the first time since starting this detox, and it was great.  I didn't feel like I needed to eat any more than I have been, but I only did 30 minutes because of my back.
I am going to Florida in the middle of February and I am no where near ready to wear shorts, let alone a bathing suit!  I will tell you that when I do get there, I will treat myself here and there... but my body will be so happy with my changes that it will reject the bad stuff... it will and it has since I have been eating healthier a year ago.  Just keep swimming, just keep swimming...

Day 3

I am going into the weekend and I am not going to lie, I am feeling a little sad.  Usually the weekends are my "cheat days" where I don't go crazy, but I do splurge a little and treat myself because of how great the week was (it worked for me, 19 pounds released later!) I love how Dr. John says the pounds are released or eliminated.. when we say "19 pounds lost" it's not as if we want to "find" them again ;) He said by saying "released" we are letting the pounds go... forever.  He taught me that the terminology we use helps us to understand ourselves more and keep that positive attitude and strength.

This is only a 4 week program and I know I can do it.  I will do it, but I am only human and I will have my cravings and feel a little sad sometimes.  I am not starving myself so I know I am okay ;) Just cravings! I just keep it up and keep a little chicken and a hard boiled egg in my bag for a snack.  I found out I am allergic to spinach a little bit, so I have to take that out of my protein shakes.. I will definitely try kale next time I go to the store :)  They are getting easier to drink because I am adding more water.

Friday night.. it's going to be hard for me to not snack after my healthy dinner.  But I'll do it!
Things to take my mind off of food:

• Relaxing on the couch
• Playing with my puppy
• Doing some teacher work 
• Visiting my upstairs friends (my wonderful landlords!)
• Reading a book (I am in the middle of "The Four Agreements" it's great)
• Catch up on Facebook and Candy Crush (I need to give myself a break sometimes!)

More snacks that I have found that I enjoy:

• raw cauliflower
• cucumbers
• sliced peppers

I started drinking some of the energy fizz in the morning since I have felt a little tired.  It tastes great and gives me the energy I need!

Have a great and healthy weekend!

Day 2 of Arbonne Detox

Day 2... Feeling pretty great.  Went to bed early last night because I was a little hungry (had a fit chew a little before bed to satisfy my hungry belly), and I felt really proud of myself after the day was done. Day 1 was down... I could do this for a month.  I will do this for a month.

You know what is really liberating is admitting my weight and not feeling ashamed.  I am on this healthy journey for good - have you ever been so up and down with your weight that you felt like you were on a roller coaster? That was me.. my whole life.  Until now.

I know it's only day 2, but I woke up with a very strong mentality that I can "do anything."  People do not think food is an addiction, but it is... I know many of you know what I am talking about.  This detox will be one of the hardest things I have ever had to do.  And I will do it... you know what else I am proud of? I completed Insanity... almost twice.  Best workout ever.

Today is one of my co-worker's birthdays.  A delicious chocolate mousse cake was made for it.. I took a smell of it, and walked away - the smell satisfied me enough :) I have a vision in sight... it is me, at my goal weight, happy.. not covered up in sweaters.. did you know I haven't worn shorts since I was in high school?! I mean c'mon! I deserve this.  You deserve to feel like "you" too :) I am here for you.  If you need me or have any questions, here is my email- lauralove2teach@gmail.com.  I am NO expert, but I am learning! And I have been there.

I went to the store and since I am allergic to so many fruits, vegetables, and nuts, these are the snacks that are my "go to" for this detox :)

• hard boiled egg
• unsalted sunflower seeds
• pieces of plain chicken (I add a little pepper, garlic, and lemon)
• 1-2 fit chews a day

It has been working for me! Other great snacks that you can enjoy are almonds, berries, and green apples, but I am allergic.

Remember how I was saying that my shakes were chalky? Yep.. have to add more water.  Much better.  I add spinach and blueberries to the shake, but I have a slight allergy so I am trying to be careful.  I might try kale next week :)

For dinner tonight: my sweet friends are accomodating to my change and making chicken fajitas in the oven.. chicken, onions, peppers, delish! (and of course mine without the tortillas!) I am excited.

Remember, one day at a time.  This is a journey.. a lifestyle.  A beautiful journey that is full of hard work, strength, and love and care for yourself.  Here's to the best year yet!

Introducing Me

Hi, I'm Laura and I am 29 years old.  I decided to keep a blog for myself of my "healthier me" journey.  And if someone reads this and becomes inspired or can relate to any of my posts, then that will make me happy too.
I have struggled with weight my entire life, but for the past year or so, I have dedicated myself to getting healthier and losing weight in the process.  From my highest weight, I am down 19 pounds, and I only want to continue my journey to feel happier, healthier, and more energized.  I will be 30 this year, and it's about time I start taking care of myself and doing more for ME.

Losing weight... slow and steady process. I have been eating healthier (adding more color to my diet!) and exercising as often as I can.  I recently hurt my back and have been seeing a chiropractor (who has also helped me lose weight), but I cannot do the cardio and weight classes that I began to love.  Slowly but surely, I will add more cardio and exercises to strengthen my back :) NEVER start exercising too early with an injury.. you will hurt yourself (been there, done that) - let your body heal!

Back to my chiropractor... he is amazing.  His name is Dr. John.  He introduced me to something called Intermittent fasting, which has worked for my body and helped me to allow my body to "fast" in the evening and at night, to burn more fat.  His videos are wonderful too and you can check them out here.

I started this blog because I also started the Arbonne 28 day detox/cleanse.  I wanted to log in each day of how I felt and what worked for me. So far, today has been okay besides being a little tired... I made my protein shake in the morning, and didn't blend it well enough so it came out a little chalky - the taste was fine, the consistently was not great ;) I added 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder, 1 scoop of chocolate protein powder, 1 cup of coconut milk, a little ice and water, a handful of blueberries and spinach, and I was all set.  I had the detox tea this morning which wasn't too too bad (I am sugar addicted so I don't like unsweetened anything!) and drank as much as I could.  For my lunch I am shaking up a protein shake with coconut milk and having a healthy salad.   Dinner will be my chicken, brown rice, and broccoli.  Wish me luck :)