My husband is starting on Isagenix! I'm not sure he'd be all that thrilled to know that I'm blogging about it, but he doesn't read this. ;) (I'm kidding honey! kinda) His order should arrive next week. He has a lot less weight to lose than I do, but he's a man, so he'll probably lose it all in one month while sitting around doing nothing and eating fast food. lol I'm kidding...kinda. I don't know why it's so much easier for men to lose weight than women. I think it must have something to do with our bodies being made to carry and nourish babies, while theirs is made to hunt and fight.
My 12 year old is in cross country. She's pretty fast. However, she's always bummed that there are a few boys that she just can't beat. On her last cross country team, she was the fastest girl on her team and she beat quite a few boys, but there were always a few that she just couldn't keep up with, no matter how hard she trained. I was discussing this with my husband today, wondering out loud why girls just aren't as fast as boys. I don't think it's sexist, it's just truth. For the most part, boys are made to be faster and stronger. I've decided that girls just aren't made for fight or flight. As women, we're made to protect our children. We aren't made to stand up and fight and we aren't made to run away as quickly as possible. If something were to happen, we are made to gather our children, carry some on our hips and get out, but not made to run on our own. We can't be fast if we want to stay with our children, so our bodies weren't made to be super fast. I think men are made to hunt, fight and protect, so their bodies are faster and stronger than women's bodies. Don't get me wrong, there are AMAZING women athletes, at the top of their game, who are extremely strong and extremely fast and I'd take them fighting and protecting me over the vast majority of men, but the male athletes who are also at the top of their game are stronger and faster. It almost pains me to think of these things because deep down, I'm really a feminist who wants to say that women and men are exactly equal because I feel like I'm degrading women by saying that men are stronger and faster, but I can't ignore something that stares you in the face! lol We're created differently and I think there are definite reasons. I'm not saying that we have to conform to those reasons. I certainly don't think that just because you're made to have babies that you have to, or that because you're made to protect, you're expected to be some amazingly strong guy, but I think, when it comes to basic biology, we have evolved (or better yet, this is probably part of us that hasn't really evolved at all) into creatures that were made for certain jobs.
Anyways, enough of that. My husband is starting! Yay for him! I keep telling him that I'm going to take his measurements and take pictures and he keeps telling me there is not a chance in hell that is going to happen, but we'll see. ;)
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Weigh Day!
So, it's Wednesday, Weigh Day on Friends and Families. Two more days and the challenge ends. My goals at the beginning of the challenge were to lose 15 pounds and to make it through my kettle bell workout. I'm happy to report that, as of today, I've lost that 15 pounds! Now, as for that kettle bell workout...well, I can make it through with modified exercises, but still can't do it the way it's supposed to be done. I'm pretty happy with that. I should have exercised more, but going from no exercise at all for years to kettle bell workouts several times a week, I'm pretty happy. Not ecstatic, but still pretty happy!
I'm on my second cleanse day in a row today. I'm doing something a little different this time around. I started my cleanse at night. So, I drank my last shake at 4 pm, then had my cleanse drink at 8 pm. I drank four cups of water between then and bed. So, tonight, being day two, I get to have a shake for dinner! The evening of day two is always the most difficult for me. My stomach is growling, I'm getting irritable...it's not pretty. I'm hoping that being able to end my day with a shake will be a good thing!
I'm on my second cleanse day in a row today. I'm doing something a little different this time around. I started my cleanse at night. So, I drank my last shake at 4 pm, then had my cleanse drink at 8 pm. I drank four cups of water between then and bed. So, tonight, being day two, I get to have a shake for dinner! The evening of day two is always the most difficult for me. My stomach is growling, I'm getting irritable...it's not pretty. I'm hoping that being able to end my day with a shake will be a good thing!
Monday, August 27, 2012
Ugh...but good at the same time
Let me preface this post by saying that I'm going to be talking about...ahem...womanly things in this post, so if you would rather not read about that kind of stuff, feel free to move on to a different blog entry. :)
I've never really been very "regular" when it comes to my monthly friend. I was always someone who detested the girls who said, "Oh, mine is really light and only lasts three days." That wasn't me. Mine was always really heavy and lasted two weeks. I was never a "every 28 days" kind of gal. It would show up whenever it darn well pleased. You'd think with being so "abnormal" I might have problems getting pregnant. I don't. I've been pregnant nine times and have six children. The last time I got pregnant was in November of 2009. Unfortunately, that pregnancy ended in a miscarriage. If you've ever had a miscarriage (and I'm so sorry if you have, I know what a terribly heartbreaking experience it can be) you know that sometimes your body reacts the same as it does after it gives birth. To put it bluntly, you bleed for weeks on end. Anyways, that happened after my last miscarriage, but I haven't had a period since. Yes, that means about two and a half years of no period. Yes, I know I should have gone to the doctor. I have the lame excuse that it's kind of nice to not have your period for two and a half years. lol
Anyways, guess who's back. Ummm...thank you, Isagenix?
Thursday, August 23, 2012
I DID IT!
So, I've been working with kettlebells a bit lately. They are totally kicking my butt! Who knew that swinging a big metal ball around would be so much work. lol On the Friends and Families weight loss challenge, one of my goals at the beginning of the month was to get through Lauren Brook's first workout on her The Ultimate Body Sculpt and Conditioning with Kettlebells DVD
. The first time I tried it, less than half way through, my legs felt like jello and I literally collapsed and just felt like I couldn't move anymore. I'm happy to report that yesterday, I made it through the entire workout! Granted, I had to modify two of the exercises, but still...I'm proud of myself! For the mountain climbers, my hands were up on the couch and for the Russian twists, my feet were on the floor. I think that by the end of the month, I'm going to be able to do it without modifications!
As I was walking to pick Allie up from school today (she's my youngest and just started kindergarten!), I marveled at how far I have come in less than two months. I'm embarrassed to admit what I'm going to admit right now, but I'll do it anyways. I live about two blocks away from the elementary school. My children all walk to school in the morning and those that stay all day, walk home together. Last year, my second to youngest, Sera, was in first grade. She got out early, so had no one to walk home with, so I picked her up from school every day. Remember how I said I live about two blocks away from the school? I DROVE to pick her up every day. Seriously. Two blocks. I was so tired and so sore and so lazy that I couldn't even walk four blocks a day. A couple of times, I decided I was going to lose weight and get healthy. I decided I would walk to the school to pick her up. By the time I got there, I was sweating like a pig and out of breath. TWO BLOCKS!!! My back hurt, my lungs hurt, I probably smelled bad. It was embarrassing. Then, I still had to walk home! Needless to say, I drove to pick her up the next day. Two days ago was the first day of school. Of course, I was going to drop my kindergartener off that day. So, I had to make a choice, drive them to school, or walk them to school. I was honestly going to drive. The memories of fat, sweaty, out of breath me, waiting for Sera in first grade, were fresh in my mind. However, the thought of that parking lot on the first day of school encouraged me to walk. I'm SO glad I did. As I walked my children to school, I was shocked...it wasn't that bad. By the time we got to school, I wasn't sweating. I wasn't panting. I was snapping pictures the whole way, laughing and chatting with my children. I got to my daughter's kindergarten class and I was able to chat with the other parents, encourage my daughter to go make friends, then happily send her into the world of formal education. I left and walked home. When I got home, it hit me...I wasn't dreading the walk home the entire time I was at the school. When I walked to pick Sera up from school the year before, the thought of, "Now I have to walk HOME!" was awful and daunting. I was so tired and sore just from walking there. It wasn't even a thought in my mind as I walked home that first day of school. The walk is trivial now. Of course, you're probably thinking, "It's TWO BLOCKS...of course it's trivial." It's not trivial when you're over 300 pounds. It's not trivial when that 300 pounds is resting on a knee that, at 135 pounds, couldn't always bear your. It's not trivial when you're so heavy and tired and lazy that, at 32 year old, you have to take a nap every day. However, take that person, add just under two months of Isagenix to them and suddenly it's trivial! Not only that, but I've been working out when I get home, then go walk to pick her up and it's STILL trivial!
I realize that to most people, this isn't a big deal, but to me, it's life changing. To me, it means the difference between watching my children grow up and participating in their lives. It means the difference between sitting on a park bench, watching my children play and being in the park, pushing them on the swings. It means the difference between sitting down with them and helping with their homework and waking up just long enough to maybe answer a question they have about their homework. I wasn't living before. I was existing...and just barely at that. I'm happy to say that I'm starting to LIVE again.
. The first time I tried it, less than half way through, my legs felt like jello and I literally collapsed and just felt like I couldn't move anymore. I'm happy to report that yesterday, I made it through the entire workout! Granted, I had to modify two of the exercises, but still...I'm proud of myself! For the mountain climbers, my hands were up on the couch and for the Russian twists, my feet were on the floor. I think that by the end of the month, I'm going to be able to do it without modifications!
As I was walking to pick Allie up from school today (she's my youngest and just started kindergarten!), I marveled at how far I have come in less than two months. I'm embarrassed to admit what I'm going to admit right now, but I'll do it anyways. I live about two blocks away from the elementary school. My children all walk to school in the morning and those that stay all day, walk home together. Last year, my second to youngest, Sera, was in first grade. She got out early, so had no one to walk home with, so I picked her up from school every day. Remember how I said I live about two blocks away from the school? I DROVE to pick her up every day. Seriously. Two blocks. I was so tired and so sore and so lazy that I couldn't even walk four blocks a day. A couple of times, I decided I was going to lose weight and get healthy. I decided I would walk to the school to pick her up. By the time I got there, I was sweating like a pig and out of breath. TWO BLOCKS!!! My back hurt, my lungs hurt, I probably smelled bad. It was embarrassing. Then, I still had to walk home! Needless to say, I drove to pick her up the next day. Two days ago was the first day of school. Of course, I was going to drop my kindergartener off that day. So, I had to make a choice, drive them to school, or walk them to school. I was honestly going to drive. The memories of fat, sweaty, out of breath me, waiting for Sera in first grade, were fresh in my mind. However, the thought of that parking lot on the first day of school encouraged me to walk. I'm SO glad I did. As I walked my children to school, I was shocked...it wasn't that bad. By the time we got to school, I wasn't sweating. I wasn't panting. I was snapping pictures the whole way, laughing and chatting with my children. I got to my daughter's kindergarten class and I was able to chat with the other parents, encourage my daughter to go make friends, then happily send her into the world of formal education. I left and walked home. When I got home, it hit me...I wasn't dreading the walk home the entire time I was at the school. When I walked to pick Sera up from school the year before, the thought of, "Now I have to walk HOME!" was awful and daunting. I was so tired and sore just from walking there. It wasn't even a thought in my mind as I walked home that first day of school. The walk is trivial now. Of course, you're probably thinking, "It's TWO BLOCKS...of course it's trivial." It's not trivial when you're over 300 pounds. It's not trivial when that 300 pounds is resting on a knee that, at 135 pounds, couldn't always bear your. It's not trivial when you're so heavy and tired and lazy that, at 32 year old, you have to take a nap every day. However, take that person, add just under two months of Isagenix to them and suddenly it's trivial! Not only that, but I've been working out when I get home, then go walk to pick her up and it's STILL trivial!
I realize that to most people, this isn't a big deal, but to me, it's life changing. To me, it means the difference between watching my children grow up and participating in their lives. It means the difference between sitting on a park bench, watching my children play and being in the park, pushing them on the swings. It means the difference between sitting down with them and helping with their homework and waking up just long enough to maybe answer a question they have about their homework. I wasn't living before. I was existing...and just barely at that. I'm happy to say that I'm starting to LIVE again.
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Been a little while!
So, I'm still moving along! The weight loss has slowed considerably, which I'm not totally thrilled with, but that's okay. I feel great, I'm happier, I have more energy and I look better. A little slow down isn't terrible.
My coach, Amber, went to the Isagenix Celebration (an Isagenix conference) last weekend. She said she had a blast! During celebration, they announced that they have changed the formula of the shakes and introduced a couple of new products. The shakes now have 100% more fiber, 50% more whey and fewer carbs. I'm a little wary of the taste, but I'm pleased with the changes. I get the new shakes with my next autoship, so I'll let you know then what I think of them!
Today marks day 50 on the Isagenix program and as of this morning, I am down 40 pounds! Not too shabby! I've set a goal of 50 pounds by the end of the month. With no cleanse days left this month, I'm not sure I'm going to make that goal, but I'm aiming for it! Did I tell you my super lofty goal of 100 lbs by Christmas? My realistic goal is 100 lbs by June 28th. That will be one year on the program. My crazy goal is 100 lbs by Christmas. That will be six months on the program. I think I can do it. I just need to exercise more. Wouldn't it be awesome if I could be at goal weight by my one year mark? I don't know that that's very realistic, but it would be really cool. lol
Did I ever share my vision board on here? I don't think I did. I will now!
My coach, Amber, went to the Isagenix Celebration (an Isagenix conference) last weekend. She said she had a blast! During celebration, they announced that they have changed the formula of the shakes and introduced a couple of new products. The shakes now have 100% more fiber, 50% more whey and fewer carbs. I'm a little wary of the taste, but I'm pleased with the changes. I get the new shakes with my next autoship, so I'll let you know then what I think of them!
Today marks day 50 on the Isagenix program and as of this morning, I am down 40 pounds! Not too shabby! I've set a goal of 50 pounds by the end of the month. With no cleanse days left this month, I'm not sure I'm going to make that goal, but I'm aiming for it! Did I tell you my super lofty goal of 100 lbs by Christmas? My realistic goal is 100 lbs by June 28th. That will be one year on the program. My crazy goal is 100 lbs by Christmas. That will be six months on the program. I think I can do it. I just need to exercise more. Wouldn't it be awesome if I could be at goal weight by my one year mark? I don't know that that's very realistic, but it would be really cool. lol
Did I ever share my vision board on here? I don't think I did. I will now!
These are the things I will do:
Join the 100 lb club by losing 100 lbs by June 27, 2013
Move on to Lauren Brook's second kettlebell DVD because the first one is too easy
Love yoga and look awesome doing it
Go kayaking with my husband and not worry about whether or not I will fit in that little hole
Go zip lining in Hawaii
Play with my kids without getting tired
Take a family picture where I'm happy with the way I look
Love healthy foods
Stick to the Isagenix program
So, there is my health/wellness vision in a nutshell!
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Weigh in
So, I started a challenge on a website I help run. For the month of August, we are challenging ourselves to start whatever diet/exercise program we've been meaning to start "tomorrow." It's not a competition, just a group of ladies trying to better themselves for one whole month, with the intention of it continuing after that.
Today is our first week's weigh in. For me, my weigh in is at 261! Yay! I'm not positive of my weight from last Wednesday when we started, but I think it was 267. Six pounds in a week...not too shabby!
Today is our first week's weigh in. For me, my weigh in is at 261! Yay! I'm not positive of my weight from last Wednesday when we started, but I think it was 267. Six pounds in a week...not too shabby!
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
WOOHOOO!!!!
A couple of years ago, I bought a skirt. As with everything, I didn't try it on before I brought it home. When I got home, it didn't fit...like, couldn't even get it up over my thighs kind of didn't fit. I'm really bad about taking things back, so it has just hung in my closet for years, taunting me, making me feel bad, screaming at me that I'll always be too fat to fit into it. (It was a pretty mean skirt lol) The other day, I decided I was going to try it on. I wasn't trying it on to see if it fit, I was trying it on to see how much further I had to go before it fit. The clothes I wear to church are becoming too big (my skirt literally fell off the other day as I was getting into the car...thank goodness no one was around!), so I was hoping to not have to buy a new dress (since it's my 50 lb. weight loss reward). I figured I could continue what I have now until this skirt of mine fit. I honestly wasn't even sure if this skirt would fit before I hit my 50 lb weight loss or not, but I figured it was worth trying on.
So, I grabbed the skirt. I put my legs through it. I pulled it up. It made it passed my thighs. So far, so good. Up to my waist. I saw that I could zip it at least a little bit. I zipped it. I zipped it some more. I zipped it even more. IT FITS! IT FITS! IT FITS!!!!!!!!
So, I grabbed the skirt. I put my legs through it. I pulled it up. It made it passed my thighs. So far, so good. Up to my waist. I saw that I could zip it at least a little bit. I zipped it. I zipped it some more. I zipped it even more. IT FITS! IT FITS! IT FITS!!!!!!!!
Monday, August 6, 2012
Mother in Law visit and camping!
My mother in law is here visiting from Hawaii. She arrived on Thursday (today is Sunday..well, technically Monday because it's 12:32 am, but whatever). She definitely noticed my weight loss! We talked about Isagenix and she looked over my shake ingredients (she's a nurse and my father in law is really into holistic health) and said that it looks like a wonderful product and it has obviously been working for me. I then told her a bit about the cleansing and she said that she thinks it is great because she believes that fasting is really important and so good for you. I was really concerned what she would think of Isagenix because she and my father in law are SO into health and wellness. I breathed a sigh of relief to hear her say what a wonderful program it seemed to be.
We went camping this weekend. Normally, my family eats really healthy...organic, whole foods, no candy, no sugary drinks, etc. However, there are five times I let that go...Easter, your birthday, Halloween, Christmas and CAMPING. So, I loaded up on chips, Rice Crispy Treats, Goldfish, S'mores stuff, peanut butter cups, etc. I would usually be enjoying all of that right along with my kids. This time, however, I watched my children binge on things they never get and I didn't even really want it! (Okay, I'll admit to eating a peanut butter cup, but as usual, the taste wasn't even worth it...I should really stop thinking it will be. lol) While camping, I still make organic, whole foods for all three meals. I feel like I spend the majority of my time cooking, but that's okay because I know I'm doing what is best for my children. I made big, hearty breakfasts to get them through the day, of sausage, eggs, hashbrowns and lots of fruit. I had a shake. I made a proscuitto, mozzarella and basil sandwich lunch, and had chicken, mushrooms and asparagus. I made pesto chicken and pesto new potatoes with leeks, artichoke hearts and peas for dinner, and had a shake. My mother in law kept saying that she felt bad eating in front of me and having me cook these amazing meals, only to not be able to eat them myself. I assured her it was fine and it didn't bother me. Oddly enough, I was being truthful. I keep expecting to resent drinking a shake while everyone chows down on food I spent hours preparing and love to eat. However, I can watch them eat it, be happy that they're enjoying the food that I prepared, and fully enjoy drinking my shake. I don't resent not being able to eat it. I keep waiting for it to, but it doesn't.
As my family ate pizza (from my favorite local pizza place!) tonight, my mother in law asked my husband if he felt bad eating in front of me when I can't have the foods they're eating and if he felt like he should hide from me while he ate. He said, "If I had to hide while I ate, Katie would not be following this plan." I think he meant it from a purely selfish standpoint because he doesn't want to have to change the way he is with food just because I'm on a "diet." If he wants to eat ice cream, he'll buy ice cream. Then, he'll eat the ice cream in front of me. If he wants a burger, he'll get a burger, and not think twice about eating it in front of me. If he wants brownies, he'll ask me to make him brownies, then proceed to eat them in front of me. He doesn't feel as though my "diet" should impact his "diet." He may have meant what he said for selfish reasons, but in reality, he's absolutely right and it's the most helpful thing he can do. It's not "real life" for my husband to not eat the things he enjoys. It's not "real life" for me to not be around foods that I shouldn't eat. It's easy to stay away from "bad" things when they're never around you. If no one in your house ate anything but lean meats, fruits, vegetables and a few nuts all day in front of you, you'd get used to eating that way and it wouldn't be difficult. However, once you're off your "diet" and your family goes back to eating what they normally do, or at least not hiding the other stuff from you, and you go out with your friends who are ordering fast food or chowing down on a huge steak, slathered in butter and a loaded baked potatoes, it's going to suddenly get REALLY difficult to stay away from those things. If, however, it's always been around you and continues to be around you, but you find the will power to not partake of it yourself, THAT'S when it becomes a lifestyle rather than a diet. It's when you learn from the beginning to just say no to those foods and eat your 3 oz of chicken and huge salad when your husband is eating a filet mignon and lobster tail slathered in butter, that you succeed on a "diet." You can lose all of the weight in the world, but if you don't learn how to eat properly and how to be okay with not eating the things that you shouldn't be eating, you're going to gain all of the weight back after you go off of your diet. So, while he may not realize it, my husband is my biggest support and biggest enabler all at the same time and I love him for it.
We went camping this weekend. Normally, my family eats really healthy...organic, whole foods, no candy, no sugary drinks, etc. However, there are five times I let that go...Easter, your birthday, Halloween, Christmas and CAMPING. So, I loaded up on chips, Rice Crispy Treats, Goldfish, S'mores stuff, peanut butter cups, etc. I would usually be enjoying all of that right along with my kids. This time, however, I watched my children binge on things they never get and I didn't even really want it! (Okay, I'll admit to eating a peanut butter cup, but as usual, the taste wasn't even worth it...I should really stop thinking it will be. lol) While camping, I still make organic, whole foods for all three meals. I feel like I spend the majority of my time cooking, but that's okay because I know I'm doing what is best for my children. I made big, hearty breakfasts to get them through the day, of sausage, eggs, hashbrowns and lots of fruit. I had a shake. I made a proscuitto, mozzarella and basil sandwich lunch, and had chicken, mushrooms and asparagus. I made pesto chicken and pesto new potatoes with leeks, artichoke hearts and peas for dinner, and had a shake. My mother in law kept saying that she felt bad eating in front of me and having me cook these amazing meals, only to not be able to eat them myself. I assured her it was fine and it didn't bother me. Oddly enough, I was being truthful. I keep expecting to resent drinking a shake while everyone chows down on food I spent hours preparing and love to eat. However, I can watch them eat it, be happy that they're enjoying the food that I prepared, and fully enjoy drinking my shake. I don't resent not being able to eat it. I keep waiting for it to, but it doesn't.
As my family ate pizza (from my favorite local pizza place!) tonight, my mother in law asked my husband if he felt bad eating in front of me when I can't have the foods they're eating and if he felt like he should hide from me while he ate. He said, "If I had to hide while I ate, Katie would not be following this plan." I think he meant it from a purely selfish standpoint because he doesn't want to have to change the way he is with food just because I'm on a "diet." If he wants to eat ice cream, he'll buy ice cream. Then, he'll eat the ice cream in front of me. If he wants a burger, he'll get a burger, and not think twice about eating it in front of me. If he wants brownies, he'll ask me to make him brownies, then proceed to eat them in front of me. He doesn't feel as though my "diet" should impact his "diet." He may have meant what he said for selfish reasons, but in reality, he's absolutely right and it's the most helpful thing he can do. It's not "real life" for my husband to not eat the things he enjoys. It's not "real life" for me to not be around foods that I shouldn't eat. It's easy to stay away from "bad" things when they're never around you. If no one in your house ate anything but lean meats, fruits, vegetables and a few nuts all day in front of you, you'd get used to eating that way and it wouldn't be difficult. However, once you're off your "diet" and your family goes back to eating what they normally do, or at least not hiding the other stuff from you, and you go out with your friends who are ordering fast food or chowing down on a huge steak, slathered in butter and a loaded baked potatoes, it's going to suddenly get REALLY difficult to stay away from those things. If, however, it's always been around you and continues to be around you, but you find the will power to not partake of it yourself, THAT'S when it becomes a lifestyle rather than a diet. It's when you learn from the beginning to just say no to those foods and eat your 3 oz of chicken and huge salad when your husband is eating a filet mignon and lobster tail slathered in butter, that you succeed on a "diet." You can lose all of the weight in the world, but if you don't learn how to eat properly and how to be okay with not eating the things that you shouldn't be eating, you're going to gain all of the weight back after you go off of your diet. So, while he may not realize it, my husband is my biggest support and biggest enabler all at the same time and I love him for it.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
One of the things I hate the most about me
Something that really bothers me about my body is my stomach. At 300 pounds, it stuck out further than my boobs. :( Seriously. I would look down, see boobs, then see stomach. You're not supposed to see your stomach when you look down. You're just not. Many times, I would look down and just cry. You're supposed to see your TOES when you look down, not your stomach...unless you're pregnant, of course.
Well, guess what?!?!?! Today I looked down. I didn't see my toes, but that was only because my boobs were in the way. However, can you guess what else I couldn't see?!??!? MY STOMACH! Yay! My boobs are officially bigger than my stomach. It's the little things in life, isn't it?
Well, guess what?!?!?! Today I looked down. I didn't see my toes, but that was only because my boobs were in the way. However, can you guess what else I couldn't see?!??!? MY STOMACH! Yay! My boobs are officially bigger than my stomach. It's the little things in life, isn't it?
Lunch Today
YUMMY lunch today! I usually do 3 oz. of chicken breast with goat cheese, sun dried tomatoes, pea shoots and mushrooms. I decided to mix things up a bit today and have pizza!
PIZZA?!?!?!?! Hear me out, here!
1 soft taco size whole wheat tortilla 120 calories
1 T. pesto 70 calories
3 small balls of fresh mozzarella (the kind that comes packed in water) 70 calories
3 slices of a small heirloom tomato 7 calories
3 oz. grilled chicken 132 calories
First, I pounded the chicken breast flat, then grilled it with some Himilayan salt and rosemary. Then, I baked the tortilla in a 350 degree oven for 4 minutes, flipped it and baked it for 4 more minutes. I spread 1 T. pesto on the baked tortilla, cut the balls of mozzarella into small slices and put those on top of the basil. Next came the heirloom tomato slices, cut into 1/4's, then it was all topped with the diced chicken and baked for 5 minutes. All this for 390 calories!
On the side, I had about 4 cups of raw spinach and 1/2 cup of sliced mushrooms, fried in about 1 T of pesto. This added about 100 calories to my lunch.
So, TWO plates of food for 490 calories! Not bad!
PIZZA?!?!?!?! Hear me out, here!
1 soft taco size whole wheat tortilla 120 calories
1 T. pesto 70 calories
3 small balls of fresh mozzarella (the kind that comes packed in water) 70 calories
3 slices of a small heirloom tomato 7 calories
3 oz. grilled chicken 132 calories
First, I pounded the chicken breast flat, then grilled it with some Himilayan salt and rosemary. Then, I baked the tortilla in a 350 degree oven for 4 minutes, flipped it and baked it for 4 more minutes. I spread 1 T. pesto on the baked tortilla, cut the balls of mozzarella into small slices and put those on top of the basil. Next came the heirloom tomato slices, cut into 1/4's, then it was all topped with the diced chicken and baked for 5 minutes. All this for 390 calories!
On the side, I had about 4 cups of raw spinach and 1/2 cup of sliced mushrooms, fried in about 1 T of pesto. This added about 100 calories to my lunch.
So, TWO plates of food for 490 calories! Not bad!
Water
When I first made the commitment to drink more water, I literally had to write down every ounce that I drank and what time I drank it. I kept a paper and pen on the fridge. When I filled my bottle, I would write the start time. When I finally finished it, I would write the end time, at which time I would fill my bottle again and it would be my new start time. The first day, it was a struggle to even get that first four cups down! Eventually, I could see a pattern of when I wasn't drinking that much water and forced myself to drink more water during that time.
Now, a month later, I drink my entire bottle upon first waking in the morning. So, 4 cups down! Then, I have breakfast. I try to drink another bottle full between breakfast and lunch. 8 cups down! Then, I drink my entire bottle before lunch. 12 cups! I try to drink another bottle full between lunch and dinner. 16 cups! Then, another bottle full before dinner. 20 cups! Then, between dinner and bedtime, I'll drink my last bottle full, for a total of 24 cups, or 192 ounces. I don't always get the full 4 cups between each meal, but I always make sure to start each meal by drinking the full 4 cups of water. My reason for this is two fold. First, water aids in digestion. It helps break food down, making it easier for the body to digest. Second, it makes me less hungry, making it so I don't eat too much at each meal.
Before I started drinking enough water, I had headaches EVERY.SINGLE.DAY. I was miserable. Since I started drinking enough water, I've only had one headache and I didn't need to take anything for it. I was dehydrated, plain and simple. Also, I often felt hungry, but now I realize I wasn't hungry. I was just thirsty. It's amazing how different my appetite is now that I've been drinking more water (and putting the right foods into my body
).
So, drink up, buttercup! Your body will thank you!
Now, a month later, I drink my entire bottle upon first waking in the morning. So, 4 cups down! Then, I have breakfast. I try to drink another bottle full between breakfast and lunch. 8 cups down! Then, I drink my entire bottle before lunch. 12 cups! I try to drink another bottle full between lunch and dinner. 16 cups! Then, another bottle full before dinner. 20 cups! Then, between dinner and bedtime, I'll drink my last bottle full, for a total of 24 cups, or 192 ounces. I don't always get the full 4 cups between each meal, but I always make sure to start each meal by drinking the full 4 cups of water. My reason for this is two fold. First, water aids in digestion. It helps break food down, making it easier for the body to digest. Second, it makes me less hungry, making it so I don't eat too much at each meal.
Before I started drinking enough water, I had headaches EVERY.SINGLE.DAY. I was miserable. Since I started drinking enough water, I've only had one headache and I didn't need to take anything for it. I was dehydrated, plain and simple. Also, I often felt hungry, but now I realize I wasn't hungry. I was just thirsty. It's amazing how different my appetite is now that I've been drinking more water (and putting the right foods into my body
).So, drink up, buttercup! Your body will thank you!
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