Week 3 Weigh In

Well, week 3 has come and gone. We have moved my appointments to every other week, so I weighed in from home this morning! I lost 3 pounds! I am at a grand total of 18 so far! WAHOO! I am stoked!

Before you think it has been rainbows and sunshine...it hasn't. Some days are easy breezy, and some are just downright hard. Have I cheated? Yes. Did I get back on track afterwards? Yes. It is about balance...balance in moderation.

I tried a spaghetti squash recipe I saw on facebook with the exception of grilled chicken instead of fried chicken. It was DELICIOUS! I will post the recipe and a picture of the sauce I used as well! The sauce is much better for you than Ragu...which I typically buy.

I couldn't find the link, but it is Chicken Parmesan Spaghetti Squash! Super easy and tasty! Below is my before and after. I was full, so I did not eat all of the squash :)

I also made some zucchini chips this weekend! I managed to cut off a chunk of my pinky finger in the process, but after it was all wrapped up (and will be for a looooong time) I made the chips! They were delicious! Slice and season and bake for 2 hours at 225!

Shout out to the best nurses ever! My dad took care of the bandaging and my mom bathed my kiddos! Love you guys!

Enjoy!!

My poor pinky...lol.

Week 2 Weigh in!

Hey!!

Sorry I waited a week to update! But, I have LOADS to share!

First things first: Today's weigh in was a success! I lost 3.2 pounds bringing my two week total to 15.2! I am thrilled! My goal each week is to lose between 2-3, so I was pleased :)

I was so excited this past week to get the go ahead to incorporate veggies! Y'all...I could not wait to get my hands on some broccoli and mushrooms! Delish! I have figured out different ways, spices, seasonings to keep things fresh and new. I mean, I have to not get in a rut if I want to be successful!

I plan to incorporate some workouts from home starting now. I may have to up my intake of protein carbs. I will just see how I feel after some workouts. I would love to answer any questions any of you may have about the program. Obviously, I am a newbie, but I would be happy to share what I have learned and what I will learn!

So...second thing....drumroll....I got a NEW JOB! WAHOO! I start on February 1st! I will be working on the Property Development team at Vantage! I will get to do Interior Design, as well as many other duties! I am VERY EXCITED to say the least!

And now to the ugly...bahahahaha. I CRAVED ice cream, mexican food, and bread this week. Like I REALLY wanted it. BUT, I refrained. Did it stink when I really wanted it? Yes. Was I pumped the next day when I knew I passed it up? Yes.

For the phase of getting the weight off, I will mostly stick to only the things that I can have. The further I get in the program, the more they will help me incorporate some of those things I love. However, I will be eating for my birthday, and heck, I will probably have dessert that day too! I have one life and I am going to enjoy it! I enjoy losing the weight and once in a blue moon, I will enjoy a meal I am craving (in moderation of course). I am learning how to balance and what I need to do.

So, today starts week 3. BRING IT ON. (I was eating my string cheese snack as I typed this) I am so ready to see where I am this summer. I want to wear shorts in public, I have not worn shorts in like 5-6 years. I am ready to wear a tank top and feel comfortable. I will do it . I WILL PERSEVERE.

Love y'all!

Week 1 Weigh In

The day has finally come. My first weigh in. Last night I laid in the bed wondering what would happen. I knew some weight would come off, but I wanted to see a good number! The first week is the hardest, so I wanted my numbers to reflect that.

5:30: Time to wake up! I had to wake up early to get myself and the kiddos ready in order to make my 7:15 appt! As I got out of the bed, I knew it was going to be a great day. Why? I knew I at least lost a pound. I was hoping for five, so we shall see. I got myself dressed, kiddos dressed and fed, and out the door we went!

Harper Grace started drop off with a boom! She was so excited for school this morning and wanted to hold my hand all the way to her classroom....um.... YES! So, back to the car I go with nothing but a smile on my face!

I get back to the warm car only to be greeted by Beckett roaring like a dinosaur (the car was locked and running....it runs without keys...lol)! Since my appointments are in West Monroe, Beck gets to come along. Off we went. Beck telling me about bears, dinos, and anything you can imagine set the tone for the drive. It was full of laughter and silliness.

We arrive at the office and the ladies at the office are greeted with a strong "good morning" from Beckett (that little turkey is going to be a ladies' man for sure!), sign my name, and wait to weigh. We walk the room and I see the scale. The time has come. I take off my shoes (the scale measures all types of things so you must be barefoot) and step on the scale.

The nurse said "Awesome!" I opened my eyes and was THRILLED! I had lost 12 pounds! I wanted to break out and dance at that instant! I kept my sanity in check and replied with "Yay!!" I mean, it is my second time meeting these ladies...I can't scare them yet. ;)

I go to the nutritionist office and get the list of approved foods for Week 2 and beyond! Week 1 consisted of  meat and eggs. I had to load my body up on protein and clear out all of the junk in it. I now get to add in approved vegetables, fruits, and healthy fats (all in moderation). Let the menu planning and shopping begin! I mean, I love chicken, fish, shrimp, deer meat....but let's face it, this girl is ready for some broccoli, zucchini, etc! I also got some peanut butter protein bars (after she let me sample) and they are delicious! Now I have something to curb that "sweet tooth" when it rears it's head! I mean, how can I not have a sweet tooth...I own a cupcake business for goodness sake!

I know the weight will not fall off that much every week, and I am okay with that. I am aiming for 2-3 pounds per week in order to make this a lifestyle change. However, losing 12 in week 1 sure is a motivator!

A shout out to my close group of Flawesome ladies! You ladies gave me nothing but smiles from ear to ear this morning!!

Love you all!

Well Hello Monday :)

First of all, I hope you all had a great weekend!

My weekend got even better last night at 6:00 when my babies got home! They gave me so many hugs, kisses, and snuggles. I am blessed. I love them and they love me. We played some games, shared lots of tickles, and snuggled up to watch Nemo at bedtime. I would not trade those moments for anything in this world. Those amazing moments are what gets me through when they are with their dad. I know what to expect when they return!

As far as eating healthier, it is going fantastic. Can you guys believe I have not had ketchup, icees, or cheese?! I almost can't believe it myself! I am only on day 5, but she said the first 7 are the hardest....so if that is the case, WOOT WOOT!

I go for my week 1 weigh in Wednesday morning before work. Hopefully all goes well :) I should be released to start exercising, fingers crossed! I can already tell a different in my mindset. I am starting to see that I should "eat to live, and not live to eat." I had heard this several times before, but it has never made an impact like I feel it is doing now.

In week 1, one of the goals is to send your body in ketosis. Ketosis signifies that fatty tissue is being burned and that stored carbohydrates have been depleted. The first day I was supposed to test was day 4. My test showed that I am! I did again this morning (this will be daily until the nutritionist says not to), and all is still well.

I am enjoying trying some different approved spices. Mrs. Dash Fiesta Lime seasoning is AMAZING! I urge you to try if it you have not. It takes chicken and shrimp to a whole new level.

Something else I am loving is meal planning. I like planning everything and packing my lunch. That way, I am not tempted to eat something not approved in this process, as I still have tons to learn and don't want to jeopardize anything or my progress. I am learning portion size, so that when I actually do eat somewhere other than my house, I will know how much. Don't judge me if I have my scale with me to weigh food...lol

I hope y'all have an amazing week and I will update again on Wednesday after my week 1 weigh in.

Love y'all and God Bless!

Wow!

Yesterday was amazing! I received so much love from my family and friends on my first post. I love you guys. Your comments, texts, and messages made me feel amazing and even more motivated to succeed in 2016!

I started the new eating program I am on yesterday. I am pleased to say, I was successful. I know that is only one day, but the nutritionist told me the first week is so hard. So, one down...6 to go!

I mentioned nutritionist. Yep. I have one. You see, I have tried many different methods to changing my eating style, and just have not found one that I can maintain. She has opened my eyes up even in the first week choices (when there really aren't many). But, she tells me different ways of cooking, spicing, etc. I LOVE having someone actually sit down and explain the food groups to me and not just try to shove salads and fruit in my face constantly. I am also on a couple of vitamins to help me get the nutrients I will be missing for a bit. That is very important to me as well.

My first weigh in is next Wednesday. I will go for weekly weigh-in's and meetings with my nutritionist. At first, I thought, seriously? Weekly? BUT...I quickly realized this was going to be very beneficial! ACCOUNTABILITY! I will know I am going to be weighed weekly, and let's just be real...who wants to see numbers go up? NOT ME! I have never been one to weigh myself all the time. I typically go by how I feel in my clothes, so this will be new for me. When I reach my goal, I will not be weighing weekly. Maybe monthly. I don't want to get caught up in strictly the numbers game if my clothes still fit how I want them to at that point.

I also ordered a cute chambray dress a size smaller yesterday. I will hang it in my closet so it stares at me every single time I open the door. I WILL wear it by March. I WILL post a pic of me wearing it when it fits :)

Here is the dress:

I hope you all have an amazing Friday and a fabulous weekend! I don't know if I will blog on the weekend, so...see ya Monday!

What 2015 taught me and how 2016 will be different

What has 2015 taught me?

Independence. Faith. Perseverance.

2015 has been one of the toughest years of my life. I was forced to start 2015 with my family of four crumbling to a family of three. Well, three when my babies are not at their father’s house. You see, the end of 2014 brought about something I was not ready for: emotionally, physically, spiritually, and financially. I wasn’t prepared for a year of major heartaches, hard talks, realizations, and begging God to bring my family back together. I wasn’t ready to start a new life for my precious babies and myself. How would they understand? How is this fair to them? How is this fair to me? How can one person’s decision dictate an entire family’s well being? How can I afford a home for my babies? Will I be a good enough mama?

These questions continuously filled my mind, and sometimes still do. As hard as this year has been, there have been some positives to come out of it. I am finding myself. I am learning to develop a tougher skin. I am learning how to do things on my own. I am learning that life will be okay. I am so much more appreciative of the amazing family and friend’s support system that I have. They have seen me at my highest of highs and lowest of lows. They have stood by me with no hesitations and no judging my decisions. They have been there to listen to me worry, to wipe my tears, and to help me navigate this new life. They have offered advice, love, prayers, and support. I will forever be grateful to them.

As 2015 began to unfold, I was starting to understand some of my new “normal.” I try to be so tough in front of my babies and keep it together and constantly remind them that I love them.  My oh my, how many nights I spent crying myself to sleep, snuggling my angels. I was so mad at God for a while. Why is He letting this happen? Why is He letting my family fall apart? I had to learn to control my anger and frustration at God. You see, He knows I did not want this to happen either, but what is a marriage if only one person wants it? I would pray every single night for my family to be put back together or at least work on it. I have come to understand through many tears and whole lot of prayer, that He may be protecting me from an even bigger heartbreak that could have been happening down the road. I am still working on accepting that. I know I should just be able to accept it, but it is so hard when someone has had your heart for 12 years.

Some incredible instances come to mind on this journey of my new life. They were placed there by God. Shortly after the New Year, I picked my verse. The verse that I read every single day that so perfectly fits with my life. It is Isaiah 40:31 “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.” This verse stuck out so clearly to me. I will persevere with God on my side. I will soar. I will be okay. Now, here is God stepping in. A few days later after I had claimed my verse (and not told anyone), I received an anonymous letter in the mail. It was so encouraging and uplifting. At the end of this incredible letter, was the verse Isaiah 40:31. Out of all of the verses in the Bible, she chose that one to end her letter with! I started crying. I knew God was watching over me and I was going to be okay. To whoever sent that to me, thank you will NEVER be enough. 

Another powerful gift from God was when one of my friends gave me a new devotional book and journal. She came over late one evening and we chatted until the wee hours of the morning while I made a million cake balls for my kiddos to take to school. I was exhausted before bed, but decided to open my new book. Y’all, Streams in the Desert is incredible. It literally fits, day by day, with my life. I was floored. God KNEW exactly what I needed to hear on exactly the day I needed it. The journal kind of made me nervous. Do I really want to write down how I feel? That would make it more real. Well, little did I know, that is exactly what I needed. Getting my thoughts out on paper has proven to be extremely helpful. Not only for getting frustrations out, but praising God and acknowledging all He is doing and will continue to do. When I am having one of my rough days, I can pull out that journal and instantly feel the love and warmth of God surrounding me. You see, I always considered myself to be a Christian and God follower. I mean, I was baptized at 7… BUT, let me just tell you, I can now fully understand what it feels like to be a child of God. I am a new person. I have such a greater peace about life. I love Him and I know He loves me. I talk to God. I find myself not being able to wait for my daily devotion. I needed all of this. God brought ALL of this to me in the midst of a tragic situation. I AM SO GRATEFUL.

While this journey has been filled with the presence of God, I cannot lead you to believe it was always an eye opening revelation type of day. There were many days I struggled. I just felt like my babies were the only reason to continue on this journey. I struggled to get out of bed, to get dressed for work, to function, and go home to a house that would never be the same. It is easier when my babies are with me. The house has life. The house has love. The house has a contagious spirit and laughter that will engulf anyone who enters. My babies bring me an incredible amount of happiness and strength. On the days they go to their father’s house, it is unbearable. The house is a deafening silence. The little pitter-patter of their feet on the wood floor is not there. I try to keep myself busy and remind myself they will be back in a few days. I miss them so much when they are gone. They are my heart.

The days they come back home are the greatest days of my life. I get the tightest hugs, the sweetest kisses, and the most “I missed you mama” that I can handle. And not to mention, the sweetest little cuddle bugs who don’t want me out of their sight. I can deal with that ;) As I tuck them to bed, that is when some tears usually happen (when I walk out of the room of course). Why do such innocent little souls have to be away from either parent? They want our family back together just as much as I do. Why can’t I fix this for them? Does this make me a failure?

This is the part God always steps in. He brings me peace. He gives me the right words to explain to a two and a five year old the situation of our lives.

....

So now that is 2016, it is the year for change. The year for Joy. The year for Happiness. This is the year I am going to find myself. I don't typically make New Year's resolutions out of fear of failing, but I am. I WILL persevere. 

My resolution is a bit broad: This year will be the best year of my life!

What I mean by this is I am going to focus more on happiness, joy, love, forgiveness, and being positive. I am going to make changes that make me a better mother, child of God, woman, daughter, and friend. 

So, here is how I have started. I am on a journey to lose weight. I know I had a previous blog about this, but what better time than now?? I am doing it for me and for my babies. I have also started a happiness jar. Each day I write something that made me happy or made me smile for the day. At the end of the year, I will take them all out and read them. I will be able to see a year of happiness. :)

If you read this far, thanks ;)

Have a great day!