All Aboard the Motivation Station

Charles Dubois once said, “We must be prepared, at any moment, to sacrifice who we are for who we are capable of becoming.”

BAM!! 

What motivates you? Quick, write down what came to your mind first.

It is fear? It is success? It is money? It is love? Is it your kids? Is it acceptance from other people?

There is no right or wrong answer. But there is an answer. And you need to figure it out...

For a long time, I was motivated by other people's approval. I was not doing anything for myself. I was craving acceptance, and love from family, friends and randoms. It was an unsettling, and never-ending cycle of disappointment, emptiness and loneliness.

One day I just woke up and thought to myself "ya, I am over living like this." And I will never look back.

I know for a fact I had that "take no crap from anyone" feeling the day I finally broke up with an ex-boyfriend. Show of hands, who has ever been in a draining, unstable, destruction relationship? You may think a relationship is worth the tears, the fights, the insecurities... it is not! No relationship should make you feel like that. And I had to learn my lesson...3x! Granted, I was as unstable as the relationship and any relationship is a 2-way street...(God knew what He was doing!) 

What motivated me to end it?? The feeling and sense that I deserved something better. That whatever I was currently doing was not right with my soul. I listened to ME. And I changed. I broke free!

It has been a lifetime of struggles and triumphs. A lifetime of personalities, really. I spent so many years trying to be someone's idea of perfect that I lost myself. I had no idea who I was. Less than 10 years ago is when I FINALLY felt like ME. 

Has anyone ever felt like that? It is an incredible feeling to finally find myself. I am full of life but also peace at the same time. No doubt that my recent relationship with Jesus has taken this relationship to a level that I can not describe. 

So what motivates me to never look back? What motivates me to keep pushing for greatness, to keep pushing for my destiny? It has to be a Higher Power. I have always felt, deep in the deepest parts of my body and soul, that I was meant for something amazing. AND SO ARE YOU! 

I get down on myself every once in a while. I get upset that I have not reached my idea of success in the time that I want. This week, especially, has mentally been a struggle for me. Not only with my fitness but with my business as well. I close my eyes and see my vision of success..and I am not even close. But I keep learning... I keep training... I keep working harder and smarter...I keep the path.

As you may know, I am in my fourth week of my fitness journey. Does my body have all the muscle and definition that I want? Not even close!!! It has been 30 days and I am nowhere near my idea of success. But success does not happen overnight does it? Wait, let me clarify, MY success does not happen overnight. My high expectations for myself WILL NOT happen over night. I want too much!! This mindset keep me alive. It keeps my body and soul energetic and loving and happy!!! 

Those who are fighters do not quit!  I do not have time to waste being upset or sad or pitiful... I have a life to live! You are a fighter, aren't you? 


Tips for motivation:
1. Take a deep breathe. Think of the thing that makes you the happiest---that fills your heart with the most love and life! Write that down.
2. Close your eyes, sit in silence, and imagine your life 5 years from now---what do you see? Where are you living? What is your career? What does your house/apartment/boat look like? Are your kids there? Write it down. Be specific. 
3. When you wake up in the morning, what do you think of first? This is your priority in life. It better be a good one. 
4. Keep your eye on the prize. Only you can control your future. Down the road of life, those little "hiccups" or "fails" in your life will not matter. Do not hold on to them. Successful people live for the future, not the past.

Day 30: This is a journey...not a weekend getaway.

This is day 30 of my journey!!! 

For this monumental day, I took "Day 1" vs "Day 30" photos. And I will be honest ( as I always am), I was pretty disappointed with the results. Let me explain why...

I feel amazing! I feel strong, mentally and physically. I am determined and dedicated to what I am doing. I feel such an electricity in side of me when I open my life up to people around me!

But it is because I feel so great that I also feel disappointment from the photos. See, I feel better than I look. I expected to see this ripped, toned body in the photo and all I saw was literally the same person from a month ago. WTF!

Granted, I have no attention to detail. Ok, so I have some but very little.---Like I do not put it on my resume that I am "detail-oriented." Nope, not me!!

I was so upset at the photos that I blamed my husband (who took the photos) for the fact that he took only one and that I wasn't even "flexing." Yikes!

I teared up a little... and then used that disappointment as fuel for kick @$$ workout. I busted butt tonight. If I want more results, I have to work for them! I did not wallow in my lack of result...no no no. I had a great workout and shock it off!! (Darn it, now I have that Taylor Swift song in my head...PS which is a GREAT song...and I do "shake it off" ...every time.)

I expected more from my body. I have high expectations for my body. And I will get there. This is a journey...not a weekend getaway.

This post today was an eye-opener for me...but...

I will not quit. I will not settle. Change does not happen over night. And what I expect from  my body will not be done in 1 month...it may not be done in 2 months (it most likely with take A LOT longer than that.)  I will continue to have high expectations!!! 

What is Piyo?

I have referenced the word "PiYo" a lot in my blog. Some of you may be wondering "What is this PiYo that she speaks of?" or some of you may just think it is typo.

This post is to give more incite into my fitness program for these 60 days. Note: this is not to sell the program, but to educate and inspire!! 
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I used to be cautious of lifting weights in the past, or doing any type of high-intensity workouts. "I just want to be skinny." Boy, was I dumb!? That is probably why I have no muscle definition hahah (until PiYo obviously) Muscle is sexy!! 

PiYo is a low-impact, high-intensity body-transformation program by Beachbody. It uses the most effective Pilates- and yoga-inspired moves set to a fast pace to help burn fat while sculpting long, lean muscles. And boy, do I feel it! I tell you what, these workouts feel amazing after a long day of sitting at a desk..or any day actually. It is so rewarding knowing that I worked out HARD and never left my apartment. Since I want to stay really busy, I love being more efficient with my time by working out at home (the workouts are anywhere from 20 minutes- 40 minutes).

Low impact does not mean "low energy required"---these workouts kick my butt!!! My legs have never felt so toned and strong before!! Like pilates and yoga, I use a lot of core muscles through these workouts. I mean , A LOT. I have noticed that my stomach and back have really toned up through these 30 days (half way done! )

I had issues in the past with yoga and pilates. I know these fitness programs are amazing, do not get me wrong. But I have a need to always be moving and I just could not sit still long enough to finish the yoga workout! I enjoy these PiYo workouts because they are so fast paced. There are various times through out the fitness workout which I can do "down dog" and "up dog" (typical yoga poses; allow my body time to rest for about 30 seconds from the intense sweat storm that is happening!)

My fitness program came with 3 dvds of 8 high intensity-low impact workouts (and 1 bonus dvd!) * workouts allow for variety so I do not get bored with the program. Because I do get bored with things!! Variety gives my body something new to adapt to so I will actually see better results.

I have 30 days left. (That is the timeline I set for myself. People can do this for a year, people can do this for a month. But the program is designed for 60 days so that is what I am doing) I can not wait to see how this program has transformed my  body!  Note: that is not me in the photo...but that is my goal-!!!!

Halloween edition: why is eating clean so terrifying?

Halloween is nearing, the candy is lining the aisles of the grocery store, caramel apples are dropping from the trees and pumpkin donuts are lining the stomachs of every human in America (Gosh, I love this time of year!!)  

Inspired by this seasonal time of year, I want to address something that people find scary... it is called...eating clean (cue spooky music now!)

A few people have voiced their concerns regarding my clean-eating and fitness journey. They say things like "brussels sprouts? Is that all you are going to eat?" or "you aren't going to get too skinny, are you? You are already tiny" along with "you probably can't work out like you used to with your new eating plan." They almost have a nervous, cautious, righteous, scared sound in their voice yet also sound supportive at the same time. Most people bring up an after-thought that goes something like this " I have just heard that when people do these types of things, they do not eat and become really unhealthy..."

I am prone to the super-sarcastic and reactive statement "ohh that fatty hamburger? Is that all you are going to eat?!??!?!" but that is not what I am here to do. I am not here to judge people or condescend their lifestyles. I am here to inspire, motivate and educate! 

I use this as an opening to speak about what I am doing. People, I am not starving myself! That can not be farther from the point. I probably eat more often than most! I do not have the "starved" feeling. I am actually putting more nutrients in my body than EVER BEFORE. And it feels incredible!!!! My body is loving this. I am not depriving myself of anything that is not beneficial to my body. Am I depriving myself from chocolate chip cookies. Hmm, yes! But really, think the next time you indulge in a 500 calorie brownie...how do you feel afterwards? Do you feel good? Did that brownie fill that empty hole in your stomach or that anxiety about that test? 

Before this journey, I ate fairly healthy. But every Friday, I allowed myself to eat a Big Mac. Honestly, after stuffing my face with a Big Mac, Diet Coke and fries, I really did not feel that great. I actually felt pretty let down that it did not taste as good as I thought it would. 

It is not my goal to become stick-thin (hello, that is disgusting. And this girl likes to eat and loves her butt!!) My goal is to gain muscle and tone it up! I am working my butt off (literally..it is not so flabby anymore but still has that bubble) to be stronger.

And this journey is not going to last just 60 days. I already plan on doing P90x after this! I may not be as "hardcore" after these 60 days (I am almost up to the half way point... what what!!)  Disclaimer: I will eat what I want on Thanksgiving (but remember PORTIONS people! Eating a whole turkey and half a pie is not on my list) and you KNOW I will be enjoying some wine when these 60 days are up  (I will admit, I miss wine every once in a while). 

If you do not want to change your fitness program, ok! It does not hurt my feelings.
 If you do not want to eat healthier, ok!  I am going to keep sharing my journey and living a healthy and happy life. 

But I believe that we can always improve ourselves. It may be the ADHD in me but I love new challenges!!! 

**I will always be strengthening my relationship with Jesus.
* I will always be growing and renovating my body, my mind and my soul. 
* I will always be a devoted wife and work every single day on my marriage with my amazing and loving husband. 

I encourage you to reach out to me to find out exactly what I am doing! Beachbody gives resources upon resources to me so that I can do this in a healthy and inspiring way!! 

My only regret.... I wish I would have done this sooner.

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My next blog will be a deeper look into my fitness program (Piyo).
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Let me just point out that I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE! WHEN PEOPLE APPROACH ME TO TALK ABOUT HEALTH AND FITNESS. ( I can not say this enough about how blessed I am to have the opportunity from God to be a Beachbody coach. It is simply amazing, but is very, very hard work that just comes naturally to me! ) But honestly, the reason why I am doing what I do is to educate/inspire/motivate and hold people accountable for the positive changes in their lives. It is insanely  addicting and truly makes my soul smile.  

The big "F" word...failure.

Our reaction to failure separates the faithful from the faithless. 

Dictionary.com defines failure as a lack of success;  an act of failing or proving unsuccessful... YIKES. Kinda intense, don't you think? 

I am writing this blog tonight because failure came into my life today. I applied for a new job with my company about a week ago as an event planner. ( Please note: my absolute passion and true calling is an opportunity that God brought to me about 2 months ago. And while I am hard at work with that, I am blessed to be able to retain my full-time, normal job...I digress) I applied for another day job (reference first sentence of this paragraph) and got a call back! It surprised me because I really did not expect it. After a 10 minute preliminary interview with an HR rep, I was told that I would be contacted in a week for another interview.

"Heck yea," I said! I thought to myself, "I could enjoy this new job. I could be an event planner for a year or two, and just see where it goes." It sounded very exciting!! The more I thought about it, the more I convinced myself that this was my break. My break from the stressful, overwhelming, exhausting day job that I currently held.

Current day: I was on the phone with a customer when I saw  an email notification from the HR rep. I held my breathe, and told myself "No matter what this email says, remember that God has plans for me."

God had other plans. 


I was frustrated. I thought to myself "okay God, I do not see any reason why I did not get this interview. What is the reason for keeping me where I am now? I am so stressed out!"

I texted my husband shortly after receiving the email. He texted back... " well then it wasn't in God's plan".  

And that was that. 

I was not upset anymore. I was not angry at God. I shook it off and moved on. 

I do not understand God's plan. Nor will I ever! And why would I want to? God  has something big planned for me. For all of us. It never makes sense at the time. I can never see the point in "bad" things happening. But EVERYTHING THAT HAS HAPPENED TO ME IN THE PAST WAS PLANNED. IT WAS ALL FOR A PURPOSE. IT MADE ME WHO I AM NOW. My family. My travels. My ups and downs. My careers. My education. My eating disorder. My relationships...it all makes me who I am!!!

Have you ever wondered why God made you the way He did? I used to! I used to think to myself " why didn't God make me naturally skinny?"... You know those friends that are stick thin and can eat whatever they want and never gain weight? (arg) But think! If God made me stick thin and with a super- duper metabolism, I do not think I would be writing this blog and capitalizing on an incredible and awesome work opportunity.

I just have to stay faithful, thankful and listen to Him.

On that note, I want to tell you a story ( I know right, another story). This one is love story.
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It was approximately 3 years ago. It was July something or other. I just started a new job as a manager with a gigantic retailer in New Albany, Ohio. Specifically, I was working at the head quarters, or home office. I had just started, maybe a few days into it. I was doing something on the computer in the back of the store. I was surrounded by my manager at the time, and maybe a few associates... Not quite sure of the details. But what I do remember is this: my manager was talking to someone who did not work in my store. It was a guy. She introduced me to him. "This is our new assistant manager Andrea." I turned around (because obviously I was too busy to turn around prior to this moment)... and time stopped. 

As I shook this guy's hand, a voice in my head said "stop... you will want to remember this."

That man is now my husband.

It brings tears to my eyes just remembering how amazing it is. I love that moment. I remember his smile. And the voice. 

I have no doubt that God was speaking to me. I did not know it was Him at the time. But Andrew is my indescribably perfect match. God created this love between us. That is the only explanation for how wonderful our love is. 
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The point is, do not give up hope and faith. Failure is not that big of a deal. We move on. Life goes on. Do not waste your time wondering and wallowing in your self pity. Failure is not a lack of success. Failure is an attempt at a certain activity. You did not fail. You just did not succeed like you wanted to. 

Romans 5:3-5
More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

You have no idea how disgusting Taco Bell smells while you exercise.

I reached the 21st day of my journey yesterday.

It is so insanely crazy how fast time goes. I feel great. I feel challenged. I also feel that there is a long way to go in my fitness journey. And that is the exciting thing about fitness... I can ALWAYS improve. I can ALWAYS develop and strive to reach my goals!!!

There are a few things that I have learned throughout my journey that I would like to share with you---

1. Just because other people eat poorly, does not mean you have to eat poorly as well.
    I was doing my Piyo workout on Saturday morning when my lovely husband comes home with "fresh" Taco Bell... and I almost vomited. You would think that it would upset me that he came home and rubbed this fast food feast in front of my face. Just the contrary, it made me happy that I was not putting that *hit in my mouth. Literally, it made our apartment smell like a dirty, sweaty Mexican rice bowl ( I am not knocking Taco Bell...but the mix of it and my sweat from working out just did not please my senses)

 There are two positives to this story:
1. He did not bring any home for me.
2. He called me first to make sure it was okay that he brought some home for himself.  He knows that I am doing this clean eating challenge so he wanted to make sure that I approved of this delivery. I can handle the temptation, but I was not thrilled that he was eating it.

I am dedicated enough to this challenge that I will not stray from it. I am stronger than someone else's temptations. Do not let other people tempt you with their non-nutritional food--- you tempt them with enjoying your nutritious food. If you want to be different... eat a salad for lunch, not a Big Mac. 


2. Stay motivated and inspired
1. Our motivation must come from inside ourselves (see my video on Youtube titled "My Story")
2. You must have a big enough reason "why"
3. You need to believe your goal is attainable.
4. Your environment is a BIG influence on motivation. Surround yourself with support!
5. Inspire others, and they, in turn, will inspire you. (THIS IS FACT AND IT IS HAPPENING TO ME NOW!)

Let me clarify... I am NOT doing this for people's approval. This is alllll me! This is my desire to take my body where it has never been before (yikes... did not see quotations about space coming into play tonight but let's just roll with it, shall we?)  But it is pretty incredible to know that I am strong enough to do this.

And people are supporting me. My amazing husband understands what I am going through and gives a lot of positive reinforcement for me! What is even better is that people are changing their lives because of something I said, posted, or talked to them about. (Eating a healthier lunch is a big step people so do not down play the little things you do!)

3. Portion control is a shocking revelation
This is the biggest part of my eating plan and holy smokes is it important!!!! My portions are very specific regarding lean protein, healthy fats, veggies and fruits.

Look at this interesting graph about obesity and large portion sizes (www.nature.com):

4. Take photos

If it was not for my stomach, I would not be able to tell any difference in my body. I just do not see it! It is probably because I am not nearly as chiseled as I want to be. But I took "Day 1 vs Day 14" photos and it really motivated me! I also took my measurements in the beginning on my journey so that I can see specifically how my body was influenced by my dedication.



I have loved this journey so far. I love having a blog and being able to share my story. Thank you all for your love and support! <3

Warning: Stay Clear on Wednesdays and Thursdays till 12pm

Do you ever feel helpless? Do you ever feel like other things in your life are controlling you, not the other way around?

That is how I felt today.

Work was extremely stressful. We are insanely busy and, sadly, there seems to be no light at the end of the tunnel. (As some of you may know, I am positive and happy 99% of the time. I love bringing good energy and having a smile on my face! Because LIFE IS GREAT! LIFE IS A BLESSING....)

But sometimes, my face hurts from smiling and all I want to do is say profanities every other word..this seems to happen most Wednesdays and Thursdays before 12pm.


It takes me a little while to calm down after work. Thank goodness I have a 30 minute drive to blast my music, talk to myself and say a prayer so that I get home safely.

 I walk in the door, and most of my stress goes away once a little fur ball named Cooper runs to me with his favorite toy....

I take some deep breathes... and all my frustrations from my day go away.

I have breathe in my body! I have energy to work out! I have food in the fridge! The Lord has SAVED me!

I am human. I get frustrated. I get impatient. I get sad. But I do not wallow in my sadness. I do not walk around with my head towards the ground.

I try to never make excuses. NOT UP IN HERE!!!! Do not give me any excuses. I literally can not stand them. If I want something, you darn well know it is going to happen one way or another. If I want something, I do it myself. More or less, it is just me being impatient and wanting things NOW. But I have a serious drive when I set my mind to something. My dad always told me to "visualize"...visualize the foul shot going into the basket, visualize the "A"...I do not underestimate the power of visualization.

I will not live my life and look back one day and wish I would have done something differently. Not anymore. (see a video that I posted at facebook.com/60dayjourney-- "My Story") I understand that somethings will not happen as soon as I want them to (for instance, my body will not be as "ripped" as I want it in a 2 week period... it will take some hard work, dedication, and time!)

It is very easy to get caught up in the "woo is me" way of thinking, i.e. "My job is horrible" ;"I have no new clothes" ;"My hair is too brown."  " I want to be skinnier." SNAP OUT OF IT!!!

The point is, I can get mad or, I can breathe, pray and be thankful for what the Good Lord has given me.

And I can yell...yelling helps too.

(Insert "Devil Wears Prada" joke here)

We all have our vices. For some people its alcohol...for some its chocolate...for some its wine...for some its all of the above! I am a coffee lover... there I said it! Are you happy now?! 

A cup of warm coffee in the morning brings such comfort and happiness to me. It is like the world stands still, I am the only person awake (this is clearly and obviously untrue), and I have a feeling that I can take on the world!...





Then I hit traffic going into work.... sigh....

You may be wondering what this blog is about tonight. I will not bore you with my love for coffee...

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I have reached the 2 Week Mark for my clean eating and fitness journey. Boy, did those 2 weeks go fast! Oddly and surprisingly enough, this journey has been pretty easy so far (the eating part... the workouts kick my ass). This eating plan ( 3 meals, 2 snacks; lots of lean protein, veggies and Shakeology...ohhh and I am allowed endless amounts of black coffee) provides enough NUTRITIOUS energy to keep me going all day! Not once have I felt like I was going to faint or pass out ("Well I don't eat anything, and when I am about to faint, I eat a cube of cheese"....Devil Wears Prade joke...NAILED IT!) My body just feels better because there is nothing but clean fuel going into it. It is a pretty addictive feeling. Food just tastes better now. My taste buds go wild over sweet potatoes now. Since I can not have much sugar (2 servings of fruit a day), the sweet potatoes taste even sweeter. I am telling you what, sweet potato is like a dessert to me now..but better!

I exercise 6 days-a-week with the Piyo workout plan (Beachbody). The workouts are approximately 30 minutes each. I workout right when I get home (There is better success rates for those who stick to schedules) These Piyo workouts are specifically designed to push my body's limits and to really, REALLY work my muscles by strengthening and stretching them. And they fit perfectly with the eating plan. My body's flexibility is getting better and better.

I posted Day 1 vs Day 14 results in a photo yesterday. I can already see a difference! But I am no where close to wear I want my body to be.

I am absolutely in love with the process so far. I feel dedicated and empowered. I went out to eat with my husband and did not cheat (so long Max n Erma's Tortilla soup). I am keenly aware of what an appropriate and healthy portion should look like. I am training my mind to see what a correct portion is so that I will not over eat in the future.

I can not express how inspired I am to talk to you guys through face-2-face conversations, Facebook messages, Facebook comments and texts. It makes so me crazy happy to hear your support, or how I am inspiring you to change for a more healthier lifestyle!!!

Inspiration---my coach's personal story of how her life was changed!

It's Friday night. I am happily sitting in our home office,drinking some coffee, working and listening to Carrie Underwood's "Something in the Water" on repeat. 

I am so incredibly moved by this song. Like "driving home in the car, crying, goosebumps all over the place, could not wait to listen to this song again."  This blog is not to preach or to sway you in any sort of way towards what or who you believe in. But I will openly tell you that I believe in The Lord...and He is GREAT!!!! 

....

      I am a new coach with Beachbody. But tonight, this blog is not about me...this blog tonight is about the woman who the Lord used to bring this amazing opportunity to me... Her name is Tammy Glann.       Tammy and I have not known each other for long. But she has known my husband for most of his life. Tammy is married to Jeff Glann (our officiant at the wedding!) and their son is Jeremy (our best man!). These are some incredible people!
....


This is Tammy's story about how Beachbody has changed her life:

"I used to weigh 330 pounds. I was a diabetic for 20 years, had high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and had severe IBS. I was on heavy doses of med’s for all of these conditions. My diabetes was out of control and my diabetic medicine was not working any longer. The doctor wanted to put me on insulin.

Then, a friend introduced me to Shakeology. I started drinking Shakeology and I lost 22 pounds my first month. After just 30 days, my doctor took me off all the med’s except for the diabetic meds. 

After 6 months of drinking Shakeology, I am no longer a diabetic and am med-free.I have more energy than when I was in my 20’s! I am not skinny yet….but I will be! And it’s all due to Shakeology, the various Beachbody workouts, and the amazing support that I have from other Beachbody Team members.

Because of what Shakeology did for me, I decided to become a full time Beachbody Coach. I am now helping others to overcome the bondage of obesity. I am helping people become healthier, more fit, and even helping them with their goals to be debt free. I am very passionate about Shakeology and what it has done for me. I tell people, “Jesus saved my soul….but Shakeology saved my life!”

...

If you are moved because of this story, GOOD! Message me, comment on my page, send a text to me, mail a letter to me...whatever you want to do!!!  If you do not really know what to feel or if this is not the right time for you.. you are wrong. This is the perfect time <3

Maybe you want to be more active? Maybe you want to lose baby weight? Maybe you are "fit" but you want to take it to another level? Maybe you want to be a Beachbody coach yourself?? Maybe you just need some support and love in your life...

Not everyone has the same story. Actually, no one has the same story. That is why YOUR story is the most important on your life.  " Do not waste the life that the Good Lord gave you"

"Well, have you tried lifting weights?" -anonymous

1 WEEK COMPLETE!!!


I am openly talking about this journey at work.

 As people stuff a 600-calorie-packed fried donut hole down their throat, they ask me why I do not partake in their pre-diabetes treat. I simply decline and state I am on a restricted eating plan. That is the best way for me to put it! I will not tell people I am on a diet (which I have said in another blog) because I feel like diet has NO staying power.

So I was at lunch today, just chatting it up with a couple colleagues. I was talking about how I am not eating as much food in one sitting anymore. One, the eating plan has a restricted daily caloric intake. And it is stressed that those calories are spread out within 3 meals and 2 snacks. This allows me to stay fueled the whole day (and it does!)

I am not stuffing salad down my throat since, to put it bluntly, salad isn't that good. Do not get me wrong, I love salad. Heck, I have eaten it 7 days in a row. But to be honest, if I had a cake and a salad in front of me, I would most likely eat the entire cake and 3/4 of the salad= segway to this article about Leptin levels and Americans becoming leptin resistance (http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2012/05/26/sugar-affects-leptin-signals.aspx) I.e. Sugar causes overexposure to high levels of the hormore leptin. Leptin resistance occurs when your body is unable to properly hear leptin's signals (aka "put down that brownie batter fat ass")

A colleague asked me 'why can you not eat cake right now'.
I stated that 'I am on a restricted eating plan'.
He asked 'why?'
 I stated that 'I really want to take my body to another level so I am eating a lot of lean protein, veggies and following a specific workout plan.'
Then he asked 'well, have you ever tried lifting weights?'

I literally almost punched him in his face....

In the most sarcastic tone ever, I really wanted to yell "Yes. I have tried lifting weights. I have been playing sports my entire life. I have gone to the gym at least 3x every week for the past 3 years. Do you think I am an idiot??!?!?"

(And this is true. I have been trying to get my body to a certain point for YEARS now. I have tried elliptical machines, running half marathons, dumb bells, medicine balls, spinning classes, you name it. And for years I have seen my body look the exact same. Now, some people beg to differ. My husband says I look perfect and he can notice that I have "tightened up." (He is the most loving person in this whole world...love ya baby!) But this is not good enough for me. Finally one day, I just decided to take myself to a different level. )

Sorry about my ramble, ok back to my story...

Instead of yelling at this man in public, I smiled, and said "why yes, I have tried lifting weights. I go to the gym on a regular basis. But I want to get toned and I really want to take my self on a journey and see what happens after these 60 days."
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This is a PERFECT conversation and deep thought for today:

Some people will not understand my story. Hell, most people will not understand my story "But you are so tiny already!"-they say. "You do not need to lose weight"-they say. "Try lifting weights"-they say...Listen bitches, I am doing this no matter what! 

My journey is for me. No one else. I am sticking to this eating plan and Piyo program! It will be tough. And after those 60 days, I will take on another journey. My life is my journey! I am not living unless I am growing..mentally, physically and spiritually with our Lord. 

Try something new, take on a new challenge. It is your life, no one else's!!!!

Those fries strike again!

4 days into my journey~ Since my clean eating plan started, I have been smelling everything!!

No no no, I know what you are all thinking. That is NOT the reason that my sense of smell is heightened! But if someone at work brings in McDonald's for lunch, I can smell it from a mile away. Darn you McDonald's! ...Those fries are the tits.

I am actually very surprised about how dedicated I have been to this restricted eating plan. I will try never to use the word DIET because it just has such a negative connotation around it. I do not feel shaky, weak, or foggy. I feel energetic, level-headed and clean. I will be honest,  I have been drinking more coffee than usual. I put a sprinkle or 2 of cinnamon on it to sweeten it up. It smells incredible in the morning...especially since it is getting colder out, it get me in the mood for fall. I finally got my shake powder in the mail today so I will be looking forward to dinner!!

(PS. Low of 30 tomorrow. Who is getting her Bath n Body Works fall candles tonight??? THIS GIRL.)





I posted a photo of my breakfast this morning so that you guys can see how easy preparation is! This morning I had:
1 hard boiled egg
1 green apple
1 cup broccoli (I thought broccoli would be hard to stomach in the morning. It was actually delightful. I am eating good and feeling great too.)

I cut up the apple, the eggs were already boiled, and heating up the broccoli took all of 45 secs. Now that is fast food.

I have worked out 3x this week. I tell you what, pilates/yoga is NOT easy. This program allows me to do cardio, strength training and stretching at the same time. I am slowly feeling my body's flexibility increase. It allows me to be at zen with the universe but also have sweat dripping down my face. Touché ! But by no means are these workouts easy. I can not wait to see how my body is going to change!!! 

This weekend will be a test! During the week, I am on a schedule. I arise at 615am, eat breakfast by 645a, work by 800a, snack at 10a, lunch at 12p, snack at 3p, workout around 6p, dinner at 730, night night by 10p. I am always busy during the weekdays!The only time I watch tv is right before bed.

On the weekends, I am a homebody. I LOVE being home. Either reading a book, watching movies, working out, cleaning...I will have to work at staying busy at home so that I do not "get bored" and just eat.

Another thing. I figured that Friday would be my "cheat" day. Maybe a small glass of wine, maybe some carbs (WHAT WHAT) But I do not have any cravings for any of those things...(hmmm maybe the wine.) But really, I figured I would be like "I MUST EAT A WHOLE PIZZA!!" But I do not. Not very fun.

Here is a useful article to help stay on track on the weekend!

10 Tips for a Healthier Weekend