So, it's been a while...

I know it's been a REALLY long time since I've updated, but #sorrynotsorry I have been SO busy working.

I'm still working both of my jobs, so I haven't really had a lot of free time and when I do have free time it's usually spent snuggled up to my sweet husband! I might be downgrading to one job in the near future, but for now... I am still going to be hella busy. :)

SO, for fitness updates, I have lost 32 lbs total. Woop woop! I'm getting closer and closer to that -37 mark. I have decided to go ahead and try to lose down to 140 instead of 145, so I'll actually have  12 more lbs to go. Oh well, it will happen.

I've started focusing more on running, and can actually hold my own pretty well. Each time I run I challenge myself more and I go further and faster. It makes me really happy to see this progress. I'm also noticing a lot more muscle definition in my legs and arms! Abs to come soon, I hope.. if I get ever get this last layer of chub off. :) I will admit it's a lot harder to get to the gym now that I'm working 6 days a week, sometimes 14 hour days between the two jobs. But, at least since I work at the gym I can work out at work!

So, for my life update...

Brad and I are doing very well :) Like I said, I'm still working at both places. Sunday night at our mandatory meeting at Tilly's they announced that I am employee of the month! Go me! I really love working there. It has it's challenges like any other job, but I am truly happy there. Things are the same at the gym, it's not a lot to do, but the people are nice and I love being able to give people advice and help with fitness. 

Bradley and I were blessed with our first niece this month! Little miss Kyleigh Braiden <3 What a doll. We can't wait to meet her (if we can ever get home!) this year. Not much else has really happened, because we don't have a whole lot of time to do things! We both work a lot.

Oh well, at least absence makes the heart grow fonder & we appreciate the time we DO have together.

Tomorrow I will try to remember to upload some pictures of the past few months! I work only a half day tomorrow, so maybe after I catch on some housework I will be able to do so :)

I hope everyone has a fabulous week!

xoxo

So, it's been busy...

I haven't blogged in a hot minute, and for that I am sorry. BUT I have been working like cray cray ova here. I got a second job at the Navy Gym (wooo Navy Fitness!) and it has been super buy since I started both jobs. I've done well balancing my working out with the job, but the past week in my laws are here and I only worked out twice. Oops. Back to normal again!

SO, I just wanted to share with you my little victory that I am proud of.

Yesterday I walked out of my house in a bikini for the first time with CONFIDENCE. Bradley and I went paddle boating and I wore my bathing suit. I was a little scared at first, but after I was all girly and took like 50000000 pictures of myself to see how "fat" I looked, I realized I didn't look or feel fat at all!

This is me in January 2012. Big & not so happy.

This is me, May 28, 2012. Lounging happy & proud in my bikini :)

hard work pays off!

SO,

the moral of the story here is that hard work does pay off. I am so happy with my results and cannot wait to see how far I go!

No more slacking!

Hey everyone!

So, yep, I didn't update last week! Oops!

I have only lost .8 lbs in the last 2 weeks. Sucks for me, but I'm not gonna lie, I got a big head and slacked a little. I have been taking advantage of the fact that my metabolism is very high for the first time in my life, and I've been snacking more and slacking on working out because I wasn't gaining. Well, that stopped this week. I'm back on my normal eating & exercise routine!

Hallelujah for good friends, family, and inspiration. 

So, we have an exciting weekend coming up!

Tomorrow is my 21st birthday!

Hayyy!

We aren't going out and getting drunk or anything crazy at all.

I think we are going to wait until Friday because Brad doesn't work Saturday and Dark Shadows comes out Friday! SO, Friday we will go to the movie tavern here & have dinner and a movie. :) So excited! I can't wait!

This is my motto for every day this weekend!

Hope you guys have a fabulous rest of the week and weekend!

xoxo

Weigh In!

Hey hey ya'll!

I'm pleased to announce that I have lost 1.2 lbs since last week, bringing my loss up to 25.2 lbs! Haaaay!

I am really proud and excited! :D I'm glad now that I took my deadline away and just changed my lifestyle to be healthy! My new lifestyle is awesome, and I love it.  This is going to be a short update, because I have to get my hiney to the gym!

I will try to update again before my next weigh in, but I won't make any promises!

Weigh In!

Hey hey ya'll!

SO, since last week I have lost (drumroll please) 2.6 lbs! Yeaaahh baby!
My total loss is now 24 lbs. Ahhh, amazing. I only have 13 lbs to go!

I have posted my results thus far on facebook, but why not post them here too?

 

- Jan 4               - April 17

So, this is like my last week of TF, and these are my results so far! I feel amazing, and cannot wait to continue on my journey.  For the next month, I am in BEAST MODE! Holllla!

xoxo

Weigh In!

Heyyy!

It's Wednesday, and you know what this means! Weigh in!

Since last week I have lost 1.4 lbs! My loss is 21.4 lbs. :) 

I am so excited! Only 15.4 to go, and I am going to knock it off fastttt. Or so I hope...

So, this past weekend we went to Alabama for Easter! I love my home town so much. I miss my family all the time. We had a great time seeing family! 

On the way down to AL

I got my belly button pierced too! It was my -20lb reward, and it was AWESOME!

Belly Button! Pierced by Silas Carroll @ Aces and Eights tattoo!

I love it. It wasn't as painful as I thought it would be, but boy does it itch now! I am supposed to clean it 5x a day, and even on the trip home I stopped and washed it a ton.

We had some sleeeepy pups on the way back and the first day back in VA. They were so worn out but they LOVED seeing their puppy frans at grandma's house. :) 

So, I'm gonna finish this& hopefully I will blog again before next Wednesday!

Sweepy boys!

that's all I have for now, when I get more pics sent from fam I'll upload! :)

xoxo

HOLLLAAAAA

Who has lost TWENTY POUNDS AND HAS TWO THUMBS?

This girl. Right here.

I have lost .8 lbs since my last entry meaning I have lost TWENTY POUNDS EXACTLY.

Words cannot express the happiness I feel!

I have 18 pounds to go and I am at my goal! What up! I am so happy. So so happy!

Hard work pays off!

So, this weekend my husband and I are going to Alabama for Easter and I am very excited! My dad really wanted us to come celebrate Easter at his house, so we decided to take a mini vaca and go to Bama! We will only be there for a few days, and we have really only made time for family, so please don't be upset if we can't see you! We will be back in June, and for a little longer so that will be more time to see everyone! I have a job interview tomorrow right before we leave too! Pray that I get it, because I for reals need a job. Being a stay at home wife is fun, but not for me, haha. I need a job!

I am bringing my TF with me to AL and I will keep up with that, and try to run with B while we are there, but we will have no gym access. :( So, let's pray these lbs stay off while we're there!

I hope everyone has a wonderful Wednesday!

xoxo

Wednesday Weight

Happy Wednesday Everyone! It's the middle of the week, yay!

So, I have lost 1.8 pounds since last week, which brings my total loss to 19.2 LBS! Hay girl hay!

I am halfway! 19 was my halfway mark!

I am anxiously waiting this 20 lb mark,  because I want my second reward! I changed it, and am getting my belly button pierced instead! What up! I have always wanted it done, and I am finally going to do it. Self confidence is a beautiful thing. :)

I'm not going to post a long entry today, just wanted to update you on my loss :)

Hope everyone has a great Wednesday!

xoxo

Obviously I have no filter...

I'm about to do a hardcore rant.

I have worked very VERY hard to be where I am at right now.

None of it was easy at first. I miss certain foods, and sometimes I am complaining in my head the entire time I am working out. My body is always sore. I am exhausted by 8pm and ready to go to bed. I usually have to shower twice a day which makes my skin dry and itchy and no amount of lotion is a savior for that. I don't do some things I want to do because I make time to go to the gym and work out.

BUT YA KNOW WHAT?

 

It's ALL worth it. It's easier now to avoid nasty food and pick up something healthy to snack on. I feel amazing after I work out and I'm tired and sweaty because I know that I just kicked my body's ass, and am on my way to a healthier me. One day I won't have to work AS hard (still will work, though) to be healthy, thin, fit, whatever you want to call it. I am working my way to a healthier me, and even though sometimes it REALLY REALLY sucks, it doesn't matter. It's something that I REALLY wanted and I worked for it. I didn't take a pill, or starve myself. I learned healthy eating habits, and got active. I owe that to myself, my husband, my future kids and the rest of my family. I owe it to myself. 

 

So for all you people who complain and get pissed off because you're tired of seeing people who are HAPPY WITH THEIR BODIES show it off, you can plant a nice big one on my behind. DO something about it. Don't just complain. 

 

I did something about it, and I'm happier than I've ever been. No, I haven't made it to my goal yet, but I'm a lot closer than I was when I was sitting on the computer complaining and feeling bad and angry at myself.

 

It's YOUR life, make the right choices.

 

Goodies!

Happy Saturday! It's been what seems like a super long weekend, and I don't mind! :) 

I hope everyone has had a great weekend so far.

I saw the Hunger Games on Thursday night/Friday morning, but I will save that for another day :) Today is for my Mother in Law and  few other people who have asked me what kind of foods I have been eating..

SO, I am going to make a list of a lot of different things I eat and how I prepare them!

Breakfast foods:

Special K (Cinnamon Raisin Pecan)

Thomas Light English Muffin (100 cal)

Butterball Low Sodium Turkey Bacon

Land O Lakes Natural Brown eggs

PB2

Ezekial 4:9 Bread (Cinnamon Raisin)

I usually combine at least two of those things! Brad always reminds me a big breakfast is important!

Lunch:

 Nature's Own flat bread (with chicken/some kind of meat) (100 cal)

Salad (2 cups romaine lettuce, delifresh lunch meat, Sargento Artisan Blends Parmesan Cheese, Texas toast garlic and butter croutons, and light ceasar dressing.)

Healthy Choice Chicken and Rice Soup (with a "grilled cheese" flatbread.)

Dinner Main's:

Lean Steak (usually seasoned with Wildtree seasoning, grilled or broiled)

Tyson All Natural Chicken Breasts

Coleson's Catch Tilapia

Contessa Shrimp

Sides:
Success Boil in a Bag Rice

Asparagus

Broccoli

Corn

Busch's Low Sodium Black Beans

Salad (small version of the lunch salad)

Baked Potato (small russet)

(all produce is fresh except black beans)

Snacks:

Luna Bars

Yoplait Light yogurt

Protein Shake (with Almond Milk Unsweetened)

PB2 & Gala Apple

Banana

Orange

Carrots & Free Ranch

Special K Cracker Chips

Air Popped Popcorn

Sargento Light String Cheese

Kale Chips

 Odwalla bars

Skinny Cow Ice Cream Sandwich

Drinks:

WATER WATER WATER

Crystal Light Peach Tea Packet (add to water)

Unsweetened Almond Milk

Chocolate Silk

So, that's a little bit of what I eat! Obviously I didn't include the servings, but you can look them up or ask me and I will give you the info about them! My Fitness Pal is a great way to look up/scan foods to see their nutritional value and monitor your calorie intake! It has helped me so much!

I hope maybe you can get some ideas for some delicious food, and thanks to those who recommended some of the above to me!

 

 

 

Wednesday Weigh In!

Hello hello! I have good news today. I have lost 1.8 pounds this week! Yayayay!

This makes me super happy.

I've been spending a lot of my time reading this past week.. I am officially obsessed with the Hunger Games. Like, pretty much all I have to say is Edward Cullen who? Peeta. Peeta Mellark. I love him!

If you are also into the Hunger Games, you know what I'm talking about. Sigh. He's a dream boat when it comes to fictional characters. I'm happy too, because my husband likes the books as well. He is reading the first one, because I finished it in like 5 hours the other day. I finished Catching Fire last night and I am dying to go get Mockingjay today. I am sad though, because I know once I finish this it will be over. :(  I want to ration it. Sigh. We are def going to see the movie this weekend too. I'm thinking midnight showing? Yep.

Enough of that though, back to business.

I'm honing in on my last week of the second month of Turbo Fire, and I am still in love.

I got a little burned out this month because it felt a lot more routine than the last month, but I am still enjoying it. I've given my body a little bit of a break and I feel much better! I substitute time in the gym with some time walking in the park with the fam (hub & pups) or playing ball with Apollo. It's nice to be able to do outdoor sports again. As for the 5k I'm supposed to be training for... well, I haven't started. Haha. I'm a little scared to actually. I have had a lot of problems with my knees like my whole life, and I am pretty there is some little part of me that subconsciously makes excuses to not run so that I don't injure myself. I'm working on it though. :)

Anyway, I hope everyone has a great rest of the week & weekend! I will more than likely be back with a Hunger Games update after the movie! :):)

xoxo

Spring is in the air! (Finally, pictures??)

I LOVE SPRING!

Oh, do I love spring! It is all over!

It makes me happy to be able to wear shorts and skirts again. Sigh. We've been taking the puppies to the park and on long walks so they can "sunbathe". They are presh. I think today the hubster and I might rent a paddle boat and go out on the water for a bit! Yay!

So, down to business.
I have not gained or lost any since last week. I'm okay with that though! I went to the doctor the other day for a bladder infection (ew) and it was a surprisingly good visit! She was very interested in my weight loss and asked all kinds of questions and said all the things I needed to hear! I was concerned about my progress and if I was going too slow or not, but she said I was right on track for healthy weight loss! She also said because I am losing slower (normal, whatever) I have a better chance of it staying off! So that makes me super super happy. She also said not to freak out that my scale hasn't changed in a while because since I am doing a lot of weight training, I am gaining a lot of muscle which weighs more than fat. So, that it is quite possible that I have lost up to 20lbs of fat, and gained more muscle. Woohoo! I am a happy camper. One more tid bit of information that she gave me was that people often think that drinking protein shakes will make them gain weight (which I drink every time I lift weights), but in fact not getting enough protein will cause you to gain weight. She said drinking a protein shake everyday would help me lose (but I don't really like them enough to have one everyday) and that I should have at least 40mg of protein after a good weight lifting session. So, there's some food for thought for those of you who have been on the fence about protein shakes/bars. 

I am feeling pretty good.

For those of you who didn't see this on facebook (which I'm sure you all did) here is a picture of me from December 2011 and one from March 2012. I am shocked at the difference, and it has encouraged me to keep working my butt off!
Despite my gut and embarrassment I am  posting these pictures too!

There is obv some serious difference here, which was a good motivation for me.

I apparently deleted my "official" March picture, which is why you get the weird cropped, censored one, haha.

 

 

I feel good about my results so far, but I still have a ways to go. 
I better just publish this post before I change my mind and take my pictures off! Ahh!


Have a good week!
xoxo

Strength in numbers?

Hello hello!

Sorry I have been slacking. We've been really busy, and had company this past week... so, that's my excuse. Deal with it ;)

So, I am happy to say that (when I was supposed to update on Wednesday) my loss has grown to 15.6 lbs! Woohoo.

Now for the confusing part, because isn't there always a confusing part?

I was talking to a friend the other day and we were talking abut our "diets" and our calorie intake and she was literally astonished at how little I was eating a day, which I thought was normal for my activity level.. She is also a Beach Body user, and she directed me to the "calorie intake" portion of their website where I input all of my information and activity level and blah blah blah and it showed me that I needed to DOUBLE my calorie intake. My first thought was, "that will never happen, I can barely eat what I eat now." but I decided to give it a try. 

After the first couple days I felt amazing and would sneak  little peeks on the scale and see little ounces dropping off.. but then I started to feel similar to how I felt before I started this get fit thing. (Keep in mind I can't even come CLOSE to the doubling of my calories, I probably eat about 300 more a day than I was before) So, I started to get worried because I don't like that feeling. I've noticed that I've been adding ounces instead of steadily dropping them like I have been the past two months.. so, I don't know if this is my body adjusting to not "starving" or what, but it's making me a little uneasy. I am going to give it a little longer to see if things change. If anyone has any information or advice on this, I would really appreciate it! I am super confused and feel at a loss.

In other news, I'm in my second month of TF and after next month I am going to start a new program. I can't decide if I want to try P90X or Insanity. I need to also make time to train for a 5k. I'm a little nervous about running my first 5k, but I am a little excited because we are doing "Run For Your Lives" which is no regular 5k. It's a ZOMBIE INFESTED 5K! I am very excited about this!! 

So, yeah. that's about all for now.

I'll keep you updated! Thanks for all the views and encouragement!

xoxo

Here's to a new outlook!

Good Morning! It's Friday! Yay!

I have been doing some major thinking and contemplating the past few days, and I've come to a conclusion that I am happy and at peace with.

I am taking away my "deadline" to lose my weight.  I know some people won't agree with it, or feel like I'm slacking and getting lazy, but that's not the case. I am confident in my decision.

More times than not during the past two months I have gotten overly upset/stressed over not being able to make my deadline. I have lost sight of what this is really about. Of course it's about losing weight and feeling better about myself, but it's more than that. It's about living a healthier lifestyle, and maintaining it. So, that's why I am removing my deadline. I don't want to try to maintain this lifestyle stressed out and crying over gained ounces or obsessing over what I eat compared to how much I exercise. I am going to continue doing what I have been doing every day, and hopefully without the extra stress of meeting such a huge goal this will be a little easier on my mind.

When I started this, I had one goal on my mind. Skinny. Skinny. Skinny. All I wanted was to be skinny. I'm realizing now, that I don't just wanna be skinny. I want to be healthy and strong! Of course I do want to be thinner than I am, but that's not the only goal here. I want to continue to live a healthy lifestyle even after my goals are met, and I feel that if I focus more on the lifestyle part than the "oh my gosh am I losing weight fast enough" part, that will be easier for me. 

I'm still going to post weekly results but that won't be the main focus anymore.

Thanks for all the support that I've received so far, it really is encouraging.

Here's to a new outlook!

xoxo,

Weigh in!

Happy Wednesday! (For those of you not being bombarded by rain and storms!)

It's totally ick and rainy here. Ew. To make it better, I decided to go grocery shopping without B, and it was rainy and full of old grumpy people. :( Boo.

SO! On to business. dundundun I am at a loss of: 13.6 pounds! Yay! That's two pounds since last week! Seven this month! I still have until the 4th to lose the last three, even though that's not super likely, but I am very pleased with my loss this month!

I can't wait to see what I will lose next month! Woohoo!

Since I have gotten over my fear of the gym, I have been going every day! We are turning into old people with our routines! When B comes home we usually play with the dogs and take care of any errands we have until about 5, and then we eat dinner, go to the gym, come home, shower, and then go to bed! We are so old. Haha. Oh well! We love our life & routine.

I would like to ask for some prayers for mine and Brad's family. We have a couple members of our family who are pretty sick and need some prayer. So, if that's ya thing and you wanna spread some love, pray for us!

xoxo

 

All For You

So, today I would like dedicate this post to my sweet husband. :)

I have done really well so far with the weight loss journey, and I really don't think I would be as far as I am if it wasn't for him. He is SO encouraging, and so supportive of everything I have ever wanted to do, and he never fails to make me feel better when I'm slacking. It takes one single look or word out of his mouth for me to regain the confidence I have in myself. He's always right there to push me along, and let me know when I'm being silly. I love him SO much, and not many things make my heart warmer than hearing him tell me, "baby I'm proud of you". Sometimes I get super discouraged and down if I haven't lost, or don't feel like I'm making enough progress and he is right there to remind me how far I've come. He reminds me every day how far I've come, and how much farther I will go. Isn't he just amazing?

So, babe, I love you! I am thankful for you, and I don't know where I'd be without you in all areas of my life, not just this weight loss journey! Given the choice of you and anyone else, I'd always choose you. A million times!

to the furthest star and back!

xoxo

Weigh in, what up!

Hola! So, it's Wednesday again! Time for me to weigh in.

Since last week, I've only lost 8oz. Bah, I know. But, it's okay, because I am down 11.6 lbs! Yay! This month my goal was to lose 11 pounds. I've lost 5 so far, so I've done alright, but not as good as I hoped. I'm glad I gave myself an extra month to get complete these goals now!

I find it really hard sometimes when I don't lose (or gain), or I don't lost much (like this week) I get really sad. The other day I almost didn't get in a good workout because I was sad and depressed. But you know what, I have to keep reminding myself that everyone is different. Some people lose weight faster and some lose slower. I happen to be slower, and I'm okay with that. It's my body, and I am okay with how it works. I have lost 11.6 lbs. That's better than if I hadn't lost any at all right? I feel amazing about myself, and I won't let minor setbacks change that. So there, emotions!

Since I have started going to the gym, I am literally obsessed. I look forward to going every day now! Crazy, I know, but I do! I like the added energy (and lack of energy at night for sleep) that it gives me. Sigh. I am pretty happy with my life these days! All the changes are for the BETTER! :)

Anyway, it's afternoon snack time! See ya soon!

xoxo

Fear Versus DREAMS

So, before I talk about anything here I just wanna be excited and make something clear...

I MADE MY FIRST GOAL!

I have lost 10.8 lbs! 10 lbs was my first goal, and I FINALLY MADE IT.

Sigh. I am so relieved, and so much more motivated now. 

I also am very proud of myself because last night I went to the Gym and worked out in public... for the first.time.ever. I was so scared to go and work out in front of people, and now I am already itching to go back! I am so happy. I did the stationary bike, and I loved it. Happy happy day!

So, I wanna share a couple things that have really helped me with snacking and managing to stay within my calorie ranges..

I just recently discovered PB2, and let me just say it is AMAZING!

It has only 45 calories per serving. It's a little weird at first, because it's powdered and you have to mix it with water, but there is no difference it the taste or texture once it's mixed. Delicious. I can't wait to try the chocolate.

These are simply amazing. I could not find Luna bars ANYWHERE in my part of Virginia, so my wonderful friend Whitney mailed me some and I LOVE them.  I eat one every other day as a snack during the day.

 

When I first started this I had salad pretty much everyday for lunch, and it wasn't super filling. So, I found this deli meat. It's 45-50 calories per serving (6 slices) depending on the type. I LOVE to cut this up and put it on my salad. it adds a little more substance and I found it makes me feel fuller longer. I also love to put it in wraps! Yummo!

So, I am just still on such a high from my weigh in this morning. Such a happy camper.

I've gotta go do some TF now. It's a HIIT day, so I gotta get a ton of energy!!

Thanks for all the support!

xoxo

Happy Valentine's Day!! :)

Yay! It's VALENTINE'S DAY!

I am so excited!! I love Valentine's day. I'm happy to say that I am NOT getting chocolate or icky fat treats! :)

But, I did get something equally as amazing for this special holiday,

  Wooo! My husband got me this beautiful Volkswagon Rabbit for Valentine's day. My heart melts. <3 He is so amazing!

Tonight we are going to go eat Mexican (taco salad for me, and I'm gonna take it light!) and then we're going to the movies! I wanted to see the Vow, but I have heard from like EVERYONE that is stinks big time. SO, I think we are going to see Safe House. Woop woop!

 What are YOU doing for Valentine's Day?

Onto other things,

I have lost 3lbs this month so far! Woop woop! 9.4 down! Only .6 til I get to my first goal! I am PUMPED!!! Go me, go me! I really must say though that I would never be this far without the support of my friends & family. Thank you all SO MUCH. I love you!!

Okay, I just wanted to do a quick update. I'll update again tomorrow with me weekly weigh in, which might not change too much since it's just a day, but whatev!

Have an AMAZING day today! Tell someone you LOVE them! 

Weighing in on Wednesday!

Why  HELLLOO bloggers & friends! 

I am SO SO proud to announce that I have currently lost 8.4 POUNDS! Yeah baby!

That means this week (since last 

Wed) I have lost 2 pounds!

Hellooo, results! Now THAT is what I am talking about. Totally glad that I started Turbofire.

THANK YOU Whitney Tomlin for talking me into it & being an AMAZING accountability friend! You are awesome! :)

I've had a great past week. I feel amazing about everything! 

My goal was to lose 11 (now 9) pounds this month, 10 in March and 10 in April. That would put me WAY ahead of my finish line, and give me time to decide if I need/want to lose more before summertime! I already feel so much better about myself, I can't even imagine how I'll feel at the end of this month. Can I get a woohoo?

I can't even stress enough the mindset that you have to have to be able to accomplish your goals! I thought I could do it all by myself in Guam, but I couldn't! MyFitnessPal has helped me with my calorie intake SO much. You wouldn't believe how easy it is to slip up and not pay attention, and MFP has helped me so much. TurboFire has straight up kicked my ASS! In a GREAT way! Which btw, has gotten so much firmer since starting TF, haha. I LOVE waking up and working out now. I tried to do it at night, but I just didn't have the energy. I do it at 8:30 am now and I feel great all day. If you want a SERIOUS workout, and you are ready to get FIT I seriously recommend you try TurboFire. :)

So, over the next few days I am going to compile a list of recipes, and post them in another tab on my blog! Keep an eye out!!

I love this saying. I saw it on pinterest, and this is def what Operation Make Yourself is all about!

I have taken charge! Have you?

xoxo

Love is in the air!

Hello bloggies!

So, I've decided to not just make this blog about my fitness. I'll update about that, and just life. Since I'm getting a little better at this consistency thing why not, right?

So, I'm still LOVING turbofire. Love love love it. So amazing. It's hard, and I have had to push myself really hard, but I love it! I've decided to make myself do it in the morning, because I have a harder time making myself do it at night. I leave myself notes in the morning with consequences like no computer all day if I don't do it in the morning. It def is a motivator! My total weight loss for the first month was 6.2lbs. Can't wait to see what happens this month! :) Woop woop!

SO! This month love is def in the air! We're not too sure what we're doing for Valentine's day this year since we don't totally know the area. I told Bradley to just surprise me with whatever he wants to do! Last year on Valentine's day I was in a NyQuil coma with a 102 temp! :( It was sad! Hopefully this year I won't catch anything but the "love bug" (cheesy mc cheese pants over here.)
What's everyone else doing for Valentine's day?

I'm trying to figure out how to add another page to tell you a little bit about me & my fam, so keep an eye out! :)

xoxo

Turbo Fire!

Goooood morning! :)

I got my TurboFire the other day! Woop woop!

Lemme just say, it is NO JOKE. I CRIED! Chalene Johnson shows no mercy, but man do I love it.

So, since my last update I've lost 1.6 lbs! A total of 5.8lbs :)

Ahh, does it feel good!

I love this feeling! It's a good feeling.

Yesterday was my break from TF, and I'm not gonna lie.. I'm nervous about doing it again tonight. It hurt me in places I didn't know I could hurt. 

Zumba was so not as hardcore as I thought. No wonder I wasn't seeing any results! 

I feel TF, and  I feel it BAD! I recommend it, haha.

I am so so ready, and I am so close to my first reward! :) Yay!

Thanks for all the support :)

Week 3 :)

So today marks week 3!
I am proud to say I've lost 4.2 lbs so far. Not as much as I hoped for, but that's at LEAST a lb a week, which is fine with me. It's 4.2 lbs that I will never see again, right? Right. :)

That ^^ amazes me. Not the picture, but the truth in the saying. When I started out, it was insane hard to do the things I can do now. Sometimes now, I don't even think about how hard it is. The way your body gets stronger is so cool! It's only been 3 weeks, and I am blown away by what my body can do, and I love it.

In a week from today I will have reached my four week mark, and I think then I will post the pictures I've taken along the way. So pray for some dramatic changes this week! :)

I just wanted to post a mini-update before my day today!

I hope everyone has a fantastic hump day!

xoxo

Slacking thanks to Sickness!

Sorry I haven't been around much lately, I've been down for the count being SICK! Ughhhh.

I hate being sick. I had a massive cold, and was straight up knocked out.

It's been about 3 days since I was able to work out without feeling like I was going to pass out, so that sucks. :( Pffft. So I had to rely on my diet to help me stay on track and oddly enough, I LOST WEIGHT! Woop!

I am REALLY excited about getting mail this week because I ORDERED TURBOFIRE! Woo!

After hearing some advice from a friend, I did some research, and while Zumba is good for cardio and keeping active, it's not a reliable source for long term weight loss. So, instead of being down and out about not losing weight, I yet again switched schedules! I am determined to find what works for me! It makes me really happy to be this motivated and every time I get upset I see those little ounces fall off, and it reminds me how I am accomplishing my goal! Little by little, and maybe slower than I wanted,but I AM losing weight. I am reaching my goal. I am so thankful for my husband for being so supportive during all of this. He is SO amazing and thoughtful and encouraging. I love him :)

So, this week am I so impatiently waiting for  my TF to get here.

I can't wait. Sigh. I think I might change the name of the operation to Operation: Sex Kitten. Haha.

Oh well! I promise to update more, and maybe even not just about fitness! Woop Woop!

Day 13 & 14! TWO WEEKS!

YAY!! Today is has been TWO weeks since I started this journey, and honestly my daily routine is already SO different. I can't imagine not working out every day now!

So, total I have only lost 3 lbs, but hey, 3 lbs is 3lbs of NASTY FAT gone! :)

I didn't get to try my tomato & egg combo yesterday because I had no tomatoes :( But, I bought some today, so I will def. try it tomorrow! I am excited! I'm hoping for more LBs lost this week, so keep your fingers crossed and PRAY! 

I honestly can't believe how much easier I can do certain things now. I almost DIED the first night I did situps and leg drops, and tonight (only like a week and a half later) I did 50 situps no sweat and 25 leg drops with minimal error!

I feel AMAZING when I wake up in the morning and I can't WAIT to get my body rocking to Zumba.

I love it. I may get discouraged when I wake up and don't see the numbers drop, but at least they aren't going up right? ;)

I feel like tonight I want to light a few candles, and take a relaxing bath. Tomorrow is a new day, full of new possibilities!

I am thankful for those of you who are encouraging me along the way, and I am blessed to have you in my life. :)

xoxo,

Jordan

Day 12!

Hola!
Today was day 12! Woop woop!

Today was a fantastic day! I have created a DELICIOUS breakfast smoothie. It keeps me full until lunch and it makes me happy! 149 calories of Banana, Raspberries, Spinach, Kale (which I am experimenting with), Milk and a little creamer for flava. Mmm! I do love it!

For the past week or so I have had the same lunch, and I think I will stick to it. It's super filling, and really tasty. (Salad w/deli turkey, cheese & croutons.)

Tonight we started (dun dun dun) weights! AHHH! My arms are on FI-YAAA! But, it was totally worth it because I'm going to have jiggle free arms here in a couple months! Woop woop!

I increased my situps by 20 (40 tonight, ouch!) and did some more leg drops (increased to 20). I am feeling the burn all over. Let's hope my weigh in tomorrow morning is worth it!! :) Bradley has been measuring his waist so I will start doing that too! Woohoo! I am SO EXCITED.

This summer, I will be rocking my beach bod at VA beach, and Water Country USA. Yeah baby, yeah.

I am pumped.

Well, it's almost 10 here, and after this 4 day weekend (thanks MLK for all you did!!) B has to go back to work tomorrow so it's shower & sleep time.

Tomorrow morning I am going to try THIS for breakfast:

A tomato, with the top sliced off, gutted and an egg cracked inside. You bake it. Uh, delish.

Let ya know how it turns out ;)

xoxo,

Jordan

Day 10 & 11

Well, I'm honing in on two weeks and I am super excited!! Yay!

The past few days have been good since I corrected the issues I had last week. I've found way better ways to stay under my calorie goal, and different food substitutes. Also, I am OFFICIALLY coffee free. I've started substituting my coffee with Black Tea! Woohoo! So, I think I can handle 36 calories for a K cup and some creamer in the morning to get me going. :)

I got a HRM the other day which I was SO excited about, and it turns out I was burning MORE calories than what My Fitness Pal was telling me! So that is really exciting! I've been really focusing the last couple days on my stomach. I've done my Zumba Flat Abs, and situps and some exercise that I like to call leg drops. Haha, I dunno what they are really called, but my husband (as I'm laying flat on the floor with my legs extended) throws my legs to the ground and I have to stop them from hitting the floor. Talk about some pain! Ouch!

Tomorrow we're going to look into buying some weights cause I am a wuss! I can't even do ONE push up. Talk about NO upper body strength. Sigh. SO, let's pray that works out well! If anyone has some upper body exercises they would like to suggest to me that would be AMAZING!

Last night we stayed up late, and I am feeling it tonight. I'm TIRED! So, I'm hitting the hay.

Tomorrow is going to be AWESOME!

Thanks for all the support. :)

xoxo,

Jordan

Day 8 & 9 & Prayers!

I'm pretty much a slacker when it comes to writing in this every night! OH well at least I make up for it!

Anyway,

the past two days have been good! I haven't seen any more weight loss which is sad, but I think I figured out my problems! I am trying to consume less sodium, and I've added more veggies to my daily intake! I actually had the best day (calorie wise) that I've had so far today! I was SO full all day, without going over ANYTHING, and still being within the healthy range! YAY! It takes a lot of organization, which I think I lacked a little, but am getting on track now! Let the pounds begin to melt away!!

It's been super cold here so the working out outside has been a little slow. Running in 35 degree weather with a wind chill of 31-32 is a little harsh, haha. So, I think Zumba and strength training will have to suffice for now!

I got a HRM tonight, which is exciting! I'm excited to see how much I'm actually burning! Woohoo!

In other news, I have a job interview tomorrow! Yay! I will update more on that tomorrow night, so that I don't jinx it! But, please cross your fingers and PRAY FOR ME!! I really hope I get this job :)

I'll leave you with this tonight! (I don't really like Eminem, but I like this pic!! It's how I feel when I go running!)

xoxo

O:MY Day 7!

Gooood morning!

Sorry I didn't update last night, I was just super tired. So here I am this morning!

Yesterday was a FANTASTIC day!

I did 300 minutes of Zumba Sculpt & Tone, ran two miles (one AM one PM) and walked a mile!

I was VERY proud of myself last night!

I am really looking forward to Friday when B is off, so we can go grocery shopping and get lots more healthy nummies! 

I am going to buy a blender so we can start having shakes too! Sounds like a plan, huh?

Well, I just wanted to post that I burned 734 calories total yesterday, and was UNDER my calorie goal for the day! Wooohoo! :)

See ya later tonight!

xoxo,

Jordan

ps, I can't stop listening to this soundtrack. I love this movie. I wish they would just get married in real life!

O:MY Day 6 :) & WILDTREE!

I'm baaaaaaaaack, like I promised!

So, today was MUCH better than the past few days workout wise.

I completed my Zumba Cardio Party WITHOUT STOPPING! YUSS!! 

I am so proud of myself! It makes me happy to make small goals like this for myself.

Next week my goal is to do the 20 min express workout, plus the forty five minute Sculpt and Tone without breaking in between. Woo!

My foot started hurting toward the end up of Zumba, and I was debating on running tonight. Well, it rained anyway, so I think that was God's way of saying to cool it so I don't jack up my foot again. So, we'll try again tomorrow! I am still excited about the progress today! I burned 612 calories in Zumba today. Woohoo!

I found this picture on Pinterest today (obsessed), and it's totally screams OPERATION: MAKE YOURSELF!

So, side note, for those of you trying to watch the calorie intake like me...

WILDTREE!

If you have never heard of it, you need to. It's ah-mazy. Most of the herbs and blends can be used as dips, or seasonings & have VERY few calories, if any. My favorites are the Garlic & Herb and the Scampi Blend. MMM! So good on chicken & steak w/ a little "I Can't Believe It's Not Butter". They have home made spaghetti, alfredo, sloppy joe, and pizza sauces you can make too! There is so much variety! They even have baked goods!Thanks to Wildtree, I also only cook with grapeseed oil, and they have GARLIC grapeseed oil. Yummo, right? Right. They have all KINDS of flavors, so if you LOVE eating healthy, and want to try something new, please try Wildtree.

My friend Christina is a Consultant, so mosey on over to her site and check it out.

www.mywildtree.com/cookingwithChristina

Well, I guess that's it for tonight. I'm going try to (and I say try because it's going to be HARD) to make myself go run in the morning when I wake up after breakfast. I love being up in the morning, but I am not so into going out into the cold Virginia air at 6:30 am, so pray that I have the strength to get out the door!

xoxo,

Jordan (future sex-kitten!)

O:MY Day 4&5 (sorry for slacking!)

Hey hey!

Sorry sorry sorry!!

I know I've been slacking with the updates the past couple days, but I've been trying to get over my foot & have had some "personal issues". But, we're a-okay now, and I promise to be better! :)

So, the past two days have been "meh" for me, because of my foot. I've only been able to do walks w/the pups, no running or Zumba :( It stinks, but I still managed to stay under my limits and lose 1.2 lbs! Yay!

Today I will start back Zumba, and see how my foot is doing, and then if it's still not hurting I'll run tonight!

I'm excited about finally seeing a lower number on the scale! It really shows how your hard work pays off! I'm still working on drinking a crap ton of water, and it's def making me feel better.

One thing I am proud of for this week is my coffee intake! See, we got a fancy shmancy Keurig for Christmas (thanks you know who you are ;)) and we LOVE it. We LOVE coffee at my house. I used to drink 5-6 cups a day.  I have only had ONE cup per day the past week! :) Plus, instead of drinking "coffee with my cream and sugar" I'm actually drinking a TON less sugar and cream in my coffee. Yay simple goals!

Today I have a long day ahead of me! Being married to someone in the military can be a headache with paper work and stuff. I have to go to "check in" at the hospital here, so that they know I am here and I can go to the doctor and whatnot. Sigh, I hope it's a short process! I'm ready to come back home and ZUMBA ZUMBA!

Time to scoot! I'll be back later with my update for day 6!

xoxo,

Jordan

O:MY Day 3!

Hey hey hey!

This is going to be a short post, so I'll get down to the nitty gritty..

I didn't get to do my Zumba today, because I'm pretty sure I may have started to re-injure my left foot! Last year (around this time) I pulled the muscle in the bottom of my foot, and it hurt all the way up to my ankle. I was in a "cast" and crutches for a few weeks. So, I decided to stay away from Zumba today and get things done around my house. I got a lot of unpacking done, and still managed to eat properly, and not get off track.

Tonight my husband and I ran a mile, and I burned 132 calories. I did my mile in 2 minutes faster than I did last night, which is exciting, but my foot is KILLING me. I am about to go soak it and then ice it for the night. :\ Boo! Please pray that my foot will NOT become injured and I can continue with my regular routine.

Thanks for all the support!!

xoxo,

Jordan

O:MY Day Two!

Hello bloggies! So today was day to of O:MY (operation:make yourself) and it was a fantastic day!

I figured out how to solve my water crisis!

If I carry this around all day, how am I NOT going to get my water fix? Oh I will!

Today I did the 50 minute Zumba Cardio Party (split into two sections) and it was a blast! I get so distracted listening to the people talk and joke on there I forget to focus on the "pain!" I burned 617 calories!! Whoa!

For my lunch I had some delicious Select Harvest Creamy Tomato Bisque soup. I LOVE soup, and most of the select Harvest ones are 100 or 120 calories. I also love the Mexican Tortilla Soup one! That ones amazing too!

Dinner tonight was crazy amazy! It was steak, marinated in 1 TBSP of grape seed oil,  1 TBSP of Wildtree Garlic & Herb Seasoning, and a tea spoon of "I Can't Believe It's Not Butter" spread. Mmm! We cooked them slowly on medium (too cold to grill tonight!) and each had a cup of beans, baked for me and black for the hubs. I had a salad for us too, (2 cups romaine lettuce shredded (I use my chopper), 1 cup shredded cheese and Italian Dressing (low fat). It was straight up DELICIOUS. I LOVE cooking, and cooking healthy makes it better!

When my husband got home, we took our dogs for a short (but brisk) walk for 18 mins burning 101 calories, and then tonight we ran a mile, walked 1/3 mile burning a total of 248 calories. I am FEELING THE BURN! I almost stopped mid run, but I am very thankful to have my husband by my side to push me when I want to quit. He's awesome!

My friend Whitney (xothelandofsunshine.blogspot.com) is also working on weight loss, and she helped me come up with a pretty cool idea of creating rewards for myself when I reach certain weight loss goals. So, since I want to lose 37 lbs, here are my goals:

-10 lbs, New running shoes

-20 lbs, New Scentsy warmer & scents

-30lbs, Gift card to Victoria's Secret for smokin hot bikinis for summer!

-37 lbs, a new camera!
Thanks, Whitney!!

I am so excited! Now, however, it is time to shower and GO TO BED! I am exhausted! 

Thanks for all the support! See you tomorrow!

xoxo,

Jordan

OPERATION: MAKE YOURSELF DAY ONE!

Well well well, it seems the time has come to start OPERATION: MAKE YOURSELF! Today was day one! It has been a hectic week here in my world. We just arrived last Friday in our brand new home of Newport News (Yorktown, whatev.), Virginia. It has been a whirlwind of things happening. Yesterday we got our shipment of household goods from Guam in, so it has been unpacking & organizing non stop for me! BUT! I did not let that get in the way of my New Year promise to myself! SO, down to the nitty gritty...


So, since today is day one I guess I should start with my dreaded beginning weigh in? Sigh, here goes! As of today, January 4th (but not for long!!) 2012, I weighed in at 183lbs even. My goal weight is 145. Also, since today was day one, I decided to take it easy, but not too easy. I use MyFitnessPal on my iPhone, and I LOVE it! With the plan I have set up on that app, my goal is to workout (at least) 4 times a week, and lose 1lb per week. So, daily I will consume 1,540 calories. :) So, for today I did 20 minute Zumba express, and burned  218 calories! Woo! I still had calories to spare today! So, I feel fantastic. I cooked a great meal for my husband and me, and we are just super ready to get this weight loss started.

My goal for the weekend is to be able to complete my 60 minute Zumba cardio party without stopping, and drink MORE WATER!!! I have not been drinking enough water.

Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers as I continue my journey to MAKE MYSELF!

xoxo,

Jordan