1 Month of Healthy Living Celebration & Goals For next Month.

Yes!! It is now the end of the month  and for the first time I have made it through without giving up. :)

It has only been a month but I am so so proud of myself. I have seen so many changes mentally and physically and it feels absolutely Amazing. 

And for those of you reading this I don't care if it's been a day, a week, a month , or longer ...Congrats on taking that first step to a Happier and Healthier You.  No  matter where you are in your journey you should be proud of yourself :).

**Tomorrow I will be posting progress pics and my beginning weight for March ..so keep a look out for that. ;)**

This past month has just been really good to me. Things in my life are far from perfect but the change in my mentality has helped tremendously. Waking up each morning in a positive mood is such a great feeling and I never want to go back to my old way of thinking. 

I haven't really seen any physical changes that I can tell other than being able to life heavier in the gym but I do feel much better and I know the changes are still taking place. I didn't put on this weight overnight so i understand I'm not going to physically see changes right away everytime i look in the mirror. But I feel so much more confident. I don't walk around in baggy t-shirts and sweats anymore and I no longer stay inside 24/7.. I go out grocery shopping, and to run errands (something I let my boyfriend do before) and I even went out to eat once this month. So things are definitely changing.

Things I'm looking forward to in March:

-My Brand New Blog design (I can't wait. I am so excited)

- Learning new tasty but healthy recipes 

-Hopefully gaining new followers

- Herbalife Success Training Seminar

Goals For Next Month:

- Lose 8-10lbs (about 2lbs a week) 

- Prep my meals in advance to ensure I'm eating enough

-Do Insanity without skipping days

-Continue studying for my personal training certification 

- Inspire someone :)

-Find a job.

-

Insane Confessions

Hello everyone :)... So I have a confession.........

I haven't been doing Insanity Like I should be..in fact I missed a whole week :(

I wasn't at home and I left my discs. But last night I went and got them and I am happy to say I am back on track and it feels good.

I was still going to the gym and doing weight training so I feel good that I was still being active but I started Insanity and I want to FINISH it. --no more quitting!!

Another thing I have been struggling with.....

It's my eating...

Yes my eating ....

I'm still eating healthy- I have my 2 Herbalife Shakes a day

But I'm struggling with making sure I am eating both snacks and sometimes my meal isn't so balanced... Last night all I had was a chicken breast -_- ..

So I really really need to work on that because as I've said before not eating enough isn't good for you either and I need to watch that.

So I'm going to go grocery shopping tonight and start weighing and prepping my meals for at least the next day .. I'm not working right now so it will give me something to do each day. But when I begin working again I will prep on sundays and Wednesdays because that really worked for me before..

None of us are perfect, sometimes we are going to make mistakes -whether it's not working out knowing we should, eating something we know we shouldn't, or not eating enough. --The IMPORTANT thing is that we don't let it get us down.

Address the issue, Accept that you are human and make mistakes and then go work out and make a healthy meal. :)

Brand new...coming soon& bloggers coast to coast

I'm so excited .. I just couldn't wait ... A brand new blog design is coming soon 😊😊😊😊 .... so keep a look out  ... Doing big things over here...so much greatness to come 😊

And I have joined bloggers coast to coast 😊

Your Future isn't dull..Believe in Yourself!

I had a post planned for today but because of a conversation with my best friend this morning I decided to talk about something else.

This blog is about so much more than just losing weight. It's about every change I am going through physically, mentally, and emotionally.

This time around when I decided I was going to live a healthier lifestyle, something changed in me mentally. As I continue to work out and make healthy decisions I continue to see changes in the way I feel and my outlook on life and knowing it's only going to get better is such an Amazing feeling!

For as long as I can remember I suffered from depression. As a teen I remember this feeling of sadness always surrounding me. I would sleep most of my days away just so I wouldn't have to feel the sadness. I went through some things that broke me down and left me so lost and confused.

I've been in and out of counseling and even was put on medication for bi polar disorder. The counseling had it's benefits and would bring back to focus all the goals I wanted to accomplish but I would always fall back into this depression.

Over the years I've kind of just existed. Slowly I began to gain weight and lose myself. this past year I no longer even recognized myself. I was a different person physically and mentally. My future looked so dull and I just figured that was my life. I couldn't envision a better future for myself. I couldn't see myself happier and definitely couldn't see myself in better shape.

But.....

Feb 3rd something changed in me drastically. I realize my future is so much brighter than I ever imagined it could be.

It's crazy how just Last month I couldn't even imagine myself where I'm at now. I never thought I would enjoy and actually looking forward to going to the gym. I couldn't myself turning down pizza, fast food, chips, and alcohol. I definitely didn't realize how negative my mentality was. I had such a negative outlook on life and was holding myself back in so many ways and I didn't even realize.

And I know there are so many others out there who are down and depressed and think that it's just the way it is. But you are sooo much stronger than you realize and YOU are in control.

You can have a happier and healthier life. You have to make the decision for yourself .

I have said it time and time again. It's not going to be easy, and at times it may be really hard but You can do it.

Positive thinking & Link to my weight loss video Blog

*Wake up each morning with a positive attitude**

Good Morning Everyone :). Yes most of us dread Mondays but why not embrace it. It's the beginning of a new week ... It's a new day.. A fresh start...

We should all wake up each morning with a positive outlook. I've read a lot lately that we cannot change what happens around us but we can change the way we react.

---- So wake up even on Mondays :) ..knowing you are going to have a good day and make it happen. From personal experience I know how strongly your way of thinking can impact your life.

Over the past couple of years I have slowly succumbed to negative thinking. I was even told that just by looking at my face I looked like I hated my life.

I would wake up each morning with no excitement it was just another day for me to get through... How fun is that?

Now I get up each morning smiling, knowing I am going to have a great day no matter what. are my days perfect? No but by changing my way of thinking from negative to positive most days are definitely great. and on difficult days ...I still end the day on a positive note.

This morning I'm walking on Sunshine !!! :) :) :)

I mentioned yesterday that I also Started a video blog, I will post the link below. I will update the video blogs every sunday. Yesterday by the time I got the video uploaded I was burnt out. you tube kept messing up and I had to record it over and over. So I apologize for the lack of enthusiasm :)

http://youtu.be/-j1WC0nVx_o

Tomorrow, Tomorrow, Tomorrow- Make a change!

I would like to start this post off by once again reminding everyone who comes across my blog that I am not an expert. These are just my personal thoughts and experiences.

And to those of you who enjoy reading my blog I just want to say THANK YOU :). If this blog even inspires one person to begin living a healthier lifestyle that would be an Amazing accomplishment for me. That is all I want to do is inspire others as I continue to learn and grow.

So with that said , For those of you who say "Oh I'll start Monday" tomorrow is Monday So why not start tomorrow. The choice is yours to make.

As I have said before it's not going to be easy, it's going to be hard. It's going to challenge you physically but mentally and emotionally as well. ---But coming from a person who has spent that last year (prob even longer) so depressed and no longer living I don't want it to be easy.

I'm glad I have to work hard for it and that it challenges me because the reward it so much greater.  In the past I would start working out and eating healthy but never continued for long.. I  would always have so many excuses of why I couldn't do it. This time around I realize the main thing that has changed is my mentality.

The way you think greatly impacts whether you stick with working out and eating healthy or quit.

I use to look at changing my eating habits and working out as this unenjoyable task that I had to do.  I would wish there was some easier way and was constantly always looking up different diets and pills I could take to lose weight fast (which of course didn't work)

Now I realize working out isn't the worst thing in the world. In fact now I actually enjoy it. I love pushing myself and knowing at the end of the workout I did the best I could. And to feel those sore muscles the next day or day after that feels even more amazing.

And changing my eating habits I can honestly say I feel so much better after each meal.

Remember these are changes you are making that you will be doing for the rest of your life. If you hate them how are you going to continue to do them?

You DON"T have to do Insanity or go to the gym to lose weight. You can start off just by walking or doing an at home work out routine. Anything is better than just sitting on the couch.

And eating Healthier doesn't mean boring. There are sooo many great tasting healthy recipes out there and I think Once a week I'm going to prepare one and post it here on the blog. So keep a look out for that.

I am available to talk anytime and help you stay motivated. Feel free to email me anytime. I am even a wellness coach on this Amazing website that will help you keep track of your goals. If you interested ..Email me!

So today really think about it...Will you be starting your new life tomorrow? There are so many reasons to do it--- So lets stop making up reasons as to why we can't . NO More Excuses!!!

Oh yeah..How could I forget?..But I am also going to start a video blog as well on Youtube..Will post the link later... I'm so excited!!!

Exercise & Nutrition + weight update

Today I'm going to talk about what exercises I've been doing and what I have been eating since I began to change my way of living.

Okay so lets begin with my exercise routine.

- I began doing Insanity I believe it was February 3rd. The first week I did it every day as scheduled. It's a really tough exercise program especially if you are out of shape. I have continued to do it but I must admit that I do miss some days. I have no excuses and admit I need to step it up and get back to doing it on all the days I'm supposed to.

-I go to the gym at least 3 days a week and Honestly would go 5-6 days a week if possible. I absolutely love going to the gym now and always feel great after pushing myself. I do weight training on all the days that I go because I get my cardio from the Insanity.

- Some women shy away from weights and only want to do cardio ... but I would say embrace weight training..Your body will look amazing and you will be happy you did later on.

As far as my eating habits:

- My eating habits have changed tremendously since I've began living a healthier lifestyle. I use to eat out a lot and eat lots of fried foods, chips, etc.

Here's a typical day for me

Breakfast: Café Latte Herbalife Shake
                  Herbalife Raspberry Tea
                 
Snack: Protein bar, or fruit, or greek yogurt

Lunch: Cookies n Crème Herbalife Shake

Snack: Same as am snack

Dinner: Lean Meats (Chicken breast, Ground Turkey, Pork chops) with salad or vegetables.

Sometimes I switch it up and have my shake for dinner and a balanced meal for lunch.

I know it may seem like I'm not eating a lot but I am never hungry. My meal replacement shakes keep me full and they have all the vitamins and nutrients you need in a healthy meal.

I can honestly say that I have never felt better. Since I've began working out and eating healthier I have tons more energy and I just feel better and happier overall.

And I allow myself a treat sometimes . Like last night I went out for dinner and it was delicious and the weekend before I had 2 drinks with a friend. I didn't over indulge and it felt good to know I've been working really hard and it's okay to treat yourself every once in a while.

Just be sure not to treat yourself too often and compromise all the hard work you have been putting in. It can be extremely difficult at first but that's when you stop and think about why you started in the first place. And turn to others who are on the same path as you so we can keep each other motivated and on track.

You can do this ..You just have to believe in yourself. It's not only about losing weight but also about being healthier and feeling good about yourself.

I started at 180lbs and now I am 167.8 lbs

Sorry I'm still here :)

I'm sorry I haven't posted in a little while but I'm still here :). I promise to keep this updated as much as possible. I have still been eating healthy and working out. I am now down to 167.8 lbs :).... I'm not at home right now but I promise to update in more detail once I get on my laptop.

Let's make healthy choices everyone :)

Day #9- Tired

I had a long day today ...but I wanted to hurry and post before I passed out for the night. I did Insanity earlier , laundry and went to the gym and did a leg workout .... I am EXHAUSTED !!!! :)... So yeah just wanted to let you know ..Goodnight !!!

Day #8- Week 2 of Insanity

Nobody said getting the results and the future you want would be easy but it damn sure will be worth it!!

Finished Day 1 of week 2 of Insanity today. I had to take it a little easy because I found myself getting dizzy a few times. Remember work hard and push yourself but ALWAYS stay SAFE. If you NEED to take a break than take it. Don't harm yourself trying to get results. Just do the best You can and stick with it and results will come.

Insanity is hard and it pushes you but it can be done. I screamed and wanted to cry but I pushed through. Please don't give up ..stay motivated and remember why you started and where you are going. No matter if you're working out at the gym, doing a workout program at home stick with it because if we keep giving up we are always going to be where we started.

It takes hard work and dedication. Listen/ Watch motivational videos on youtube, Start communicating with other positive people who can help keep you motivated when you are having a bad day. You don't have to do it alone... sometimes all you need is that little push from a friend...

Day # 7- end to a great week & Goals

What an Amazing week it has been. I completed my first week of Insanity (today is my rest day) I went to the gym twice this week and hopefully I am able to go today (Not making excuses, it's just I am somebody's guest and can't go without them. Once I can afford my own membership I will get my own) my goal  is to actually go to the gym 5 days a week but we will see how that works out.

My arms are so sore. From the armpit to the elbow. Everytime I move them it's agonizing pleasure :). In can really see a change in myself from all the other times I started working out and now. It's like before I was just going through the motions and I dreaded going to the gym.

This time around I'm excited and pumped up. I feel better than I've ever felt. It's amazing what you can accomplish when you change your way of thinking. Thinking negatively doesn't get anywhere it's positive thinking that's going to help you succeed in life.

I know this is only the beginning of my journey and I know it's not going to be easy but I am READY!!!

Long-Term Goals: What I want to accomplish this year

1) Participate in Tough Mudder
2) Feel comfortable in a bikini
3) Inspire Someone Else

Short Term Goals: What I want to accomplish each week

1)Complete Week #2 of Insanity
2) Go to the gym atleast 3 days
3) Get my Now pictures & measurements up before I start seeing real progress. ( my phone is broken so i have to borrow someones)

I weighed myself yesterday at the gym and my weight was 175 lbs

Day #6- Pushing Through & week 1 of Insanity Complete!

That's right Week 1 of Insanity is now complete! Sunday is my rest day for Insanity so tomorrow I don't have to see Shaun T's face lol. I really had to push myself today because my armpit area was so sore from my gym workout yesterday that everytime I moved them i just wanted to cry. But feeling that fat bouncing around on my stomach kept me going. Remember the fat and lbs are not going to just melt away without any effort. You have to work for it!

It can be a little discouraging working so hard and not seeing results right away but remember That weight didn't just appear overnight so the results aren't going to appear just after one week of working out and eating healthy. You're going to have to work hard for it but just think about how proud of yourself you will be. If it was easy it wouldn't be as rewarding.

So when you feel like giving up keep pushing through. #NoExcuses - Giving up and not doing it is no longer an option.
                                                                         

Day #5- Positive Energy

I feel Absolutely AMAZING right now. Positive vibes running all through me :). I haven't done my Insanity workout yet but don't worry I will .. I actually went to the gym and had great workout. I really pushed myself and got the most I could out of it. Afterwards I sat and talked with a very good friend of mine who is also really into fitness. And as I was talking I just realized how much my mentality has changed since I decided to change my life around. It's so EXCITING and I know there are only more positive changes to come.

I am on a high that no drug can compare too. So keep at it and stay positive .. your best days are ahead of you :)...

Only moving Forward from here!!!

Day #4 - I Will..I Will...I Will

Today was probably the easiest day of the Insanity workout but it was still hard for me :/. It consisted of mostly stretching and I'm about as flexible as a pencil. So In addition to the Insanity I'm going to try to get in at least 10 minutes of stretching a day.

Yesterday a friend asked how am i staying motivated this time around. Well it hasn't even been a week yet, so I still a very long road ahead of me but my answer is:

I have goals I want to accomplish, I envision a future of happiness and being in shape and healthy. The only way I will be able to accomplish those goals is to get up each day and make healthy eating choices and work out.

I tell myself each day:

 -Not doing it is not an option.
- No Excuses
-You can and will do this!

My break up gave me the kick in the ass I needed. I honestly do not think I would have made the changes I needed to make if it wasn't for it. Not saying I'm glad it's over or that it wasn't important enough to me because it was. The problem was I was stuck in this rut. I couldn't see clearly. I didn't realize what was right in front of my face.

I forgot there was once a time where I use to have fun. I forgot I use to go hang out with friends. I forgot I use to walk around my apartment nude or in lingerie. I forgot how sexy and confident I use to feel in my own skin.

I actually at some point started to believe that I always stayed in the house alone. i convinced myself that i actually enjoyed being alone. Yes i knew i was unhappy with my body but I didn't realize how much.

I will NEVER let myself get to that place again ..EVER!!! - I will spend the rest of my days becoming a happier and healthier me and helping others who reach out to me.

I want to be an Inspiration to myself and to others.

Day # 3- No Excuses

Hello Everyone :)... Today is day 3 of me making the decision to change my life and start working out.

I just finished Week 1-Day 3 of Insanity and I'm sitting here trying to catch my breath :).

During my workout I was having a hard time keeping up and even had to take a few breaks because I was feeling dizzy. All these negative thoughts started creeping in.
                                             - You can't do this, just give up
                                              - Who are you kidding, you'll give up like you always do
                                               - You probably won't even make it past 2 weeks -you never do
                                              - It's just too hard..etc.

As you see today I was really struggling with myself. But as I continued to work out with all of those negative thoughts crossing through my mind something else caught my attention- The fat bouncing on my stomach as I was doing my workout. Immediately I told myself Giving up and Quitting is not an option. No matter what I will get up each day except for Sundays and do my workout - without any excuses.

Today I could of also made the excuse that I was too sore to work out ..and believe me my legs are on fire... but I didn't. Instead I smiled at the fact that my legs are sore even as i winced because it reminded me that I'm taking the steps to get my body where I want it to be.

It's so easy to make excuses believe me I know. I've been making them for the past couple of years and it's easier for me to make them now. I'm depressed, I'm tired, I'm confused, I'm scared but this time I'm not letting anything hold me back. and 9 times out of 10 the only thing holding you back is yourself. So if you haven't already  get up Go to the gym, Go for a walk, Begin one of the challenges I have here that you can do at home for free. Whatever your choice is don't think about it just do it!

Day #2- Insanity & Fitness Challenges You can do at home.

So I completed Week1-Day 2 of Insanity :). I honestly felt really tired when I awoke this morning and was so close to using it as an excuse to put off my work out until later. But I knew that would probably lead to me not doing it at all and the only person I would have been letting down is myself.

So I dressed and made my herbalife shake drank it waited a little and then began my workout. I am very out of shape so I'm still not able to keep up with the whole routine but it's an intense workout and to be expected. So even if you cannot keep up pace with whatever workout you have started don't feel discouraged just DON'T give up..That's all that matters. Push yourself and stick with it. If you gave it your best be proud of yourself :).

I decided to also begin the 30 day squat challenge. It's something you can do at home with no weights or equipment.

Just remember when starting out don't take on too much, it can be discouraging and cause you to want to give up. Take baby steps, start with what you are comfortable with. everyone is different. That goes with your eating routine as well. I've heard lots of advice from different trainers as well as read a lot and most always state " Ease into it"- don't feel you have to be perfect and make a complete change at once.

You can do this ..WE CAN DO THIS!! ...

**Also please remember I am not a professional in any way. I'm just a girl sharing her journey and hoping you will share yours as well. If you have Any health or medical questions please seek guidance from a proffesional**

Beginning Weight-Goals & More.

I already did my post for day #1 but I also wanted to include my beginning weight and my goals etc.

Beginning Weight: About 180lbs. - The heaviest I've ever been and if I continue down the path I was on I would probably have hit the 200lbs mark.

I never thought it was even possible for me to put on this much weight. Growing up and as a teen I was always really skinny and sometimes even underweight.

So I calculated my BMI and is 30

What does that mean you ask?

30 and above = very overweight/ high risk
^^^-- that is not good.

I'm not going to dwell on it though only use it as motivation to be healthier.

Goal weight: 130 lbs

That would bring my BMI to 21.6= ideal weight rannge

I just want to feel comfortable in my own skin again. When you are unhappy with yourself it has negative effects on so many different areas in your life and sometimes without you even noticing how badly it's affecting you. I know I didn't. I knew I didn't like how i looked but I didn't realize it was having a negative impact on my relationship and my friendships. When you are unhappy with yourself it changes you and before you know it you just depressed walking around in big t shirts and sweat pants, never leaving the house unless you absolutely have to.

But today is a New day, a fresh start, the past is the past and today we are moving forward :)

Day#1- New Beginnings

I have said time and time again, I'm going to start eating better and working out and even some of those times I actually did start but I never continued, I never made it part of my life and now here I am more unhappy with myself than I ever been. And yea a lot of it has to do with the weight I have put on over the past couple of years but it also has a lot to do with Me. Way to often have I started things and not finished and that is not how I want to be. I want to follow through with the things I commit to. I dont want to be lazy and insecure  anymore. I want to feel comfortable in my own skin.

I recently went through a breakup. We had been together for 6 years but things just weren't working out. It didn't end on bad terms but it still hurts like hell. Now at first I just wanted to curl up and just fade away but I knew I couldn't do that. It would be so easy to just continue to let myself fall apart.

- Continue eating unhealthy

-Continue not working out

-Continue staying home everyday because I don't feel comfortable with how I look

- Continue holding myself back & staying stuck in the rut I was in.

But NO!!!!- I don't want easy, easy didn't lead me anywhere but to a world of unhappiness. So starting today I did my first day of Insanity and have started Herbal Life- which my ex started me on and he has seen some great results. 

It's going to be Hard and I'm going to have to push myself each day to make sure I continue bettering my eating habits as well working out 6 days a week. But it can be done and I will Do it!