Setting New Sights

As hard as this is to acknowledge, Dec. 14th is just a week away and I do not feel that I reached my goal.  UGH!  I actually came to this realization while in FL, specifically while meeting with Blythe.  I just haven't been able to vocalize/write it until now.  I'm not someone that likes to admit that I didn't reach my original goal.  I know, I know, "practice what you preach, AA".  I will tell you that I WAS disappointed, I was beating down on myself, frustrated, a little blue and even a little angry.  All for about a day. 

Blythe and I discussed how in the back of my mind I had told myself that I wasn't really going to walk the stage on Dec. 14th.  That took a tremendous amount of pressure off of me and it removed the "urgency", therefore, I never felt the "pressure of the commitment".  My heart wasn't in it.  I knew in the back of my mind that there wasn't a deadline.  I'm the type of person that needs a deadline.  I need the pressure, I need the focus and the commitment.  I don't know what makes me tick that way, but it is what it is and I have to recognize that about myself.

So, I've committed to going back to FL in March and seeing Blythe, running a 5K with her (in 24 minutes or less...HOLY GUACAMOLE!) and showing her the physical progress I've made.  I'm devoting the next 12 weeks to eating Paleo as much as possible, lifting heavy and consistently, and running (sprinting and pick ups) 3 days a week. This gives me a date.  March 2nd, I see BLYTHE.  That's pressure, but in a good way.  I want to show myself and her that I can work hard (of course I can, I've done it before- while heavier, and less experienced!) and I want to reach my goal.  The "illusuion" of walking a stage wasn't a solid goal but now I've got a new sight and I'm ready!

Whew!  I feel better having finally expressed that.  I didn't fail, I just needed to find a better motivation. 

Blythe...No words to express my gratitude to this woman!

While in Florida on vacation I was able to connect with Blythe, my friend and personal trainer of the last 4+ years.  I could barely contain my tears when I saw her.  My relationship with Blythe can be thought of as unusual because although we chat and talk every single day, it's all via text and email.  Occasionally we talk on the phone, but we haven't seen each other since the day I walked the stage in 2010!  

Currently, Blythe and I are collaborating to create an amazing weight loss program and support group. It will be similar to what my Weight Loss Challenges are, but we're adding an informational/educational element that will give challengers the tools and knowledge necessary to make LIFE CHANGES!  I'm so excited about what we are working on that I could BURST!  

When I met with Blythe yesterday, we discussed the weekly lesson plans and program that we will introduce in January.  I think that this is another pivotal moment in my career and health and fitness journey.  With Blythe's experience in the fitness industry, her title as a Professional Women's Figure and Bikini Competitor and her passion and drive for health, I feel that she brings an invaluable element to the program!  Combine that with both with personal weight loss journey and the weight loss challenges I've hosted for the last 4 years and my own passion to lead others to a healthier lifestyle, we really have a great thing in the making!  I cannot wait to share it!

Here's a little blurb from Blythe, but I'm sure you'll learn more about her in the VERY near future!  Don't forget to check out her podcasts with Dr. Ray at www.cutthefatpodcast.com 

I am a 38 year old mother of 3, with the youngest now being 5 years old and my eldest is 18. I am in the best shape of my life and continue to raise the bar as new times and events in life continue to challenge me and keep the journey exciting!
I am a professional figure athlete and have competed (and won) in both bodybuilding and bikini competitions. I began competing back in 1999 as an amateur figure competitor and enjoyed it so much that I opted to promote a bodybuilding/figure/fitness competition of my own. After years of prepping athletes for competition, i decided to broaden my horizons and reach out into 'REAL LIFE' and work with anyone wanting to get into shape. I became a certified Personal Trainer, a Nutritionist, a Podcaster (doing tons of research into the science of health and fitness) and I have enjoyed every minute. 

I am a firm believer that EVERYONE is an athlete, but some of us need a little help focusing on that aspect of ourselves. Being a mother, i fully understand the issues with putting yourself first. My main goal is to each individual find their balance. 

With over seventeen years of personal experience and now over ten years of experience working with others, I have gained a wealth of knowledge on getting rid of body fat efficiently and effectively within the confines of a busy life and I am ready to share it all.
There are many not-so-secret ‘secrets’ I’m able to share with others that can motivate, balance, kick start and push past the point you at today. Keep in mind: It is not uncommon for men and women to reach peak fitness and health in their 20′s, 30′s AND beyond… why not start today? Everyone can get better as the years go on!

Feel free to contact me with any questions you may have regarding your health and fitness plan.

Blythe Alberg

www.CutTheFatPodcast.com

850-630-2657

email: blythe.alberg@gmail.com

Feeding the Soul

This week my family spent the week with one of my best friends and her husband on vacation in Florida.  Heather and I could not agree more that we definitely needed the time to connect and "feed the soul".  It was such a pleasant week and I miss having her in Annapolis.  Every time I'm with her, I love her even more and I'm so unbelievably thankful for her in my life!

I met Heather years ago as we were in the Junior League of Annapolis,Inc. together.  We had always been pleasant with one another, but I had this preconceived notion that someone like Heather, wouldn't need someone like me in their life.  In my eyes, she was the epitomy of health and wellness.  She was/is always put together, surrounded by friends and very busy in life.  I've always known that Heather was a runner, she's in incredible shape and she had invited me before to run with her.  I was telling her this week about a pivotal moment in our friendship.  

It was 2011 and Heather had casually asked me if I was going to an annual JLA Tea event.  I never miss it, so I told that I would be there.  She said, "Save me a seat".  I thought, "Isn't that sweet?  She's trying to be nice to me."  Well, the event day came and I met with my friends from my Provisional class and we had been seated at a table together.  I did not save Heather a seat because I honestly thought she was just "being nice".  Why on earth would she ask ME to save her seat?!?  She has a million friends in the JLA.  Right?  Well, she showed up to the event and there I was with my friends at our table and she came over to me and said, "I thought you were going to save me a seat?"  She smiled so brightly and was so polite, sounding as if she was almost joking about it, but I could see in her eyes she was truly disappointed.  I felt like the biggest asshole ever.  

2012 she asked me again if I was going to the Tea, and I said, "Yes!  I'll save you a seat!" and this time, I made sure to get there early, save a seat and her and I had the BEST conversation through the entire event.  I learned that she's super sincere, very friendly, takes 100% interest in what you have to say and not for one moment did I feel like she was "just being nice"  she was REAL.  My father had just passed away, and I had mentioned it to her at the event.  It had been a very sensitive time in my life, many didn't recognize the complicity of his passing and I think people didn't know how to give comfort and/or support, so they did nothing.  She recognized that despite the relationship and whatever turmoil or animosity that was between my father and I, a loss of a parent is devastating and the aftermath of his passing wasn't going to be easy for me or my family.   She invited me to join her for a run that week to just talk and get my mind clear, and I had enjoyed her company so much at the tea, that despite the fact that I was NOT a runner (at least not like she was) I just couldn't pass on the opporunity to spend more time with her.  

So, I met her for what she called an "easy" run.  27 degrees outside, ice on the ground and 6 miles later, I thought I was going to collapse!  I couldn't walk without pain for several days, but I was completely hooked!  I never missed an opportunity to run with Heather after that.  We ran together several times a week for over 6 months.  She and our friend Kathy trained me to run a 1/2 marathon together.  She came into my life at a time I needed a friend the most and she proved to be just about the best friend anyone could ask for.  I'm so thankful that I realized my mistake that first Tea and made the point to sit with her the following year.  I'm only sad that it took me so long to connect with her and build this friendship.  

I've never known anyone to love so openly and without reservation.  She's the friend that walks in when the rest of the world walks out.  She gives it to you straight, but also respects your perspective and feelings.  She's a sister in every sense of the word, other than by birth.  

Best friends are family you get to choose and I'm so thankful that God placed her in my life. I honestly don't know what or where I'd be without her!

The Relationship between Fitness and Business Success

On Monday I was invited by a dear friend, Monica Alvarado, to be a guest on her new podcast: REAL Successful Women.  I was so nervous to be part of this, but I was more excited to share my story and give advice to those struggling to make fitness a part of their life. 

The podcast discussion was very organic.  We spoke as if we were just a couple ladies meeting for coffee and talking about life.  The conversation was natural and I felt 100 times more comfortable than I had anticipated.  Once the words started coming out of my mouth, my brain turned off and my heart spoke.  As I spoke, more and more of my heart poured out and I felt that I could have gone on forever- I was so eager to share my experiences and offer support and hope to others!  Unfortunately, the podcast is only 20 minutes or so long.  Obviously, not enough time to share it all.  I hope you'll take a moment to listen to it, share it and contact me if you have questions.  I told Monica that I'd love to come back and answer any questions.  It was a lot of fun, and I completely enjoyed the format.  Thanks, Monica!  I'm so happy and honored to be part of your amazing journey!

http://www.spreaker.com/user/projectmoxie?code=AQCwk-YnCvh0JjQ-U8DnacYzpoaXJVjDMB8-jrq7HVGsvHXHr3fCEfHSe35g95GWAZq5yLvGBe6RLwmU8HPIG12BTLhf3kHUZCSBzUGOCJ4f2PVQ1PxZdwvgQYmeb1Ed4VsEz6khKme_Rn6fkRgl6YA9ugwLs_IkoVDX6aJdL3CKbrlaUlZyLjfOWRYab0z7tUr-5o_4CAUMCCWUp97kExedT_wlH7YQLZi-batdYiDT1uQ_3fmoGnm4UvY55-3h24F-brNPlrHAW5IfzY7oN5hrH_6ar3MJQeC9zDrYHZJzb1UwSFdpu8qGMzHoYR5gRLs

While thinking about the podcast, I do want to delve deeper into my journey for those that don't know me well, or even for those that do know me and didn't realize the magnitude of my transformation.  My story isn't a tale of a woman who struggled with her weight her entire life.  I had always been small.  In highschool I was the tiniest thing; always the smallest of my friends.  When I got married, I was small; after my first child, I went right back to my size 0/2 pants.  It wasn't until after my second child, I found myself really struggling.  The weight didn't just stay on, I continued to gain!  

Interestingly, the weight gain directly correlated with my daily struggles and unhappiness in other areas of my life.  My marriage was struggling, my business was on the brink of failure, I was feeling frustrated as a mother, a friend, and just about every other aspect of my life.  I was truly unhappy.  My outter appearance was a complete representation of how I felt on the inside.  

I lied to myself daily, lied to my friends and family and built myself a cocoon made of a facade that my life was exactly how I wanted it to be.  To the outside world, I was just busy.  In reality, I WAS busy being everywhere other than where I needed to be.  I neglected my family, poured myself into social activities (masked as community involvement) and gave every ounce of energy I had in creating an illusion that my life was wonderful and that everything around me was going just has planned.  Inside, I was spiraling out of control.  I was a miserable person that could not find comfort in anything.  I was tired, felt unappreciated, over worked, stressed, jealous, insecure and to be 100% honest and real here...my life was not my own.  I was living as an imposter that allowed myself to fall victim to my own excuses and misery.  

I've struggled with depression and in 2009 I found myself at my lowest low.  There were many factors that led to the tipping point.  Seeing a picture of myself and unable to recognize what I had become, a sales clerk asking me when my baby was due (I was NOT pregnant) facing the possibility of divorce, the list goes on and on.  We all have our battles, I won't try to persuade anyone that my life was any more or less difficult than anyone else's.  We each have our battles, wounds and scars; those experiences either break us or force us to stand taller and rise above.  Fortunately, for me, I had an incredible support system and I was able to claw myself out of the dark trenches.  

When I finally regained control of myself, my health and my fitness, EVERYTHING else just sort of fell into place.  My marriage grew stronger, my business flourished and went on to win awards, expand and be noted as one of the top programs in the county and state, and my relationships were deeper, more meaningful and well, healthier.   All my success was possible because I was finally focusing on my health and i was FINALLY able to give my best me!  

When I hear people say that they can't afford to take the time to take care of themselves (eat well, exercise, etc) well, my question is how can you afford NOT to make the time!?!?!  You cannot take care of anyone or anything if you cannot take care of yourself.  

I could go on and on forever about how my positive health changes affected the positive changes in other areas of my life, but all one would have to do is look at my life.  I live it the changes.  I'm going to meet with Monica again soon and answer specifiic questions, but my advice to all: Health begets health.  When you feel strong, happy and in control of yourself, you cannot help but feel strong, happy and healthy and completely in control of all areas of your life.  

I'm sure I'll talk more about this in the future.  :)

Move Forward to be the Best You

Often times when I talk to my challengers about their goals I get lots of answers such as, "I want my pre-baby body" or "I want to look like I did in my 20s".  It seems to be a standard goal/dream to go back in time and be where we were years ago when it comes to our health and fitness.  I will admit, that I too have longed for that 20-something body that isn't marked with the signs of motherhood; we've all wished to return to our youth.  We'd love to go back in time and give ourselves advice:  treat your body better, we'd say, learn to exercise early in life, eat your vegetables.  Ha ha!  It's a sad, and funny truth.

Last week, I was listening to the challengers tell me once again how they'd love to go back.  Back to what?  Back to pre-college, pre-wedding, pre-baby, pre-everything.  Hell, if we go back far enough maybe we can back to our original weight of 7lbs 3oz!  Suddenly it was like a light bulb went off!  Everyone's wishing the impossible!  We cannot go back.  No matter how hard I wish or work, I cannot go back in time!  The world is moving forward; seconds, minutes, hours...years.  Life keeps on moving.  Now, I have the choice.  I can focus on where I used to be and continue to wish to have that body back, or I can move forward and decide to have the best body and health I've EVER had.  

I've seen and experienced my 20 something body, guess what, I wasn't happy with it then (silly girl) but as I entered my 30s, I knew I worked hard, I know that I earned it, I know that it took focus and discipline and, well, my reward is to feel like I'm in the best shape of my life.  No going back, no wishing for what's gone and past.  It's time to look forward and say, "I'm ready to take a step towards my best me!"  

You can't be 40 with three kids and look like you did when you were 18 years old.  I mean, I guess you could, but how many botox injections, tucks, lifts, peels and heaven knows what else would you have to under go?  However, you can be a smokin' hot 40 year old with three kids and not just look good for being 40 with 3 kids, but just look and feel good.  Period.  Wear your age and your life well.  My body is not perfect, but it's gone through months of stretching, expanding and growing both my children.  My body endured labor and childbirth. I nursed both my children for a year each.   I spent many nights sleeping sitting up with an infant on my chest because that's the only way he'd sleep and I've bounced a little girl on my soft hips while navigating my way through life as a working mother.  I should be proud of what my body can and has done; not ashamed of it.  

Through my journey of health and fitness, each day I've pushed myself farther and harder than the day before, at least I've strived to do that, and I know that today I'm stronger than I have ever been.  I could run circles around my 20-something self and I certainly understand the value of good healthy habits and I'm definitely kinder to my body and my emotions.  I no longer look back and wish to rewind the clock.  I look ahead and wonder where I'll go next and how with each passing year, experience and challenge, I'm stronger, empowered and determined to be the very best me.  

Healthy Does Not Mean Without Flavor

 

 

Last night we hosted an early Thanksgiving with my husband's family.  We are traveling over the Thanksgiving holiday, so we decided to have a small dinner with our family here before we leave.  It was not a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, but it was an evening filled with good food, great conversation and quality family time.

 

It wasn't too long ago when dinner parties would stress.me.out.  I used to really struggle to come up with a healthy meal that was flavorful and that I would feel confident sharing with others.  It would have been normal for me to put together a high fat, pasta filled, gravy/sauce drowned meal and everyone would eat until they were stuffed silly and then waddle out the door at the end of the night. 

On the menu last night was:

Balsamic Glazed Salmon

Grilled NY Strip Steak

Steamed Shrimp

Roasted Butternut Squash with Beets
Mozzarella, Tomato and Artichoke Salad

Some side items were a Raspberry baked brie and French Bread and we did end the evening with decadent Chocolate Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting and Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream.  Adding those little things in moderation isn't so bad, as long as the meal is clean and well balanced.  I will post recipes soon!
 

 

 

Celebrating Life

Since as far back as I can remember, I could not wait to be 30 years old.  I'm not sure what was so significant about that number, but that was what I looked forward to for most of my young adult life.  As I approached my 30th birthday in 2011, life took a devastating turn.  My father, at the age of 56, died very unexpectedly and tragically; it turned my life and my family's life upside down. 

His death occurred just days before my birthday;  What I had I hoped for was a big celebration, what happened was what I can only explain as complete turmoil and dismay as my family tried to cope with the situation and plan our father's funeral.  A birthday is just a day, I realize that truth, those days in our life were not about me, nor should they have been.  It was about my family's grief and inability to cope or understand with his untimely death.  It would be a falsity if I were to say that my birthday will ever be the same for me.  I watch my mother and brothers grieve, I feel my own guilt and my own loss, and I feel tremendously selfish to expect the people I love so much to celebrate this time/day of the year. 

Last year, was hard.  I tried to ignore that my birthday is Nov. 15th.  I decided to pick a happy day, a day I love so much, May 1st (MAY DAY! Who doesn't love a day with flowers!?!) to celebrate me.  I believe everyone should have their day.  A few friends played along (Thank You, Lolly B.,  Kathy W.  and Jennifer R.)  I think people tried to understand my want to disassociate my birthday with my father's death, but the change didn't go over as well as I had hoped.  It's actually a lot harder to change your birthday than you'd think! 

This year, was better, my mom actually took me to dinner on Nov. 14th, which considering that was the 2 year anniversary of his death, I felt very blessed that she was able to emotionally do that.  I was proud of her.  I know that every day is very difficult for her, not just this week/day in November. These days specifically, I know I feel a great deal stronger about his absence, so I can only imagine how she must feel. 

 

 

 

So here I am with my mom.  She's a pretty neat lady.  She's stronger than you think.  She chooses to celebrate life and show that even with loss, you have to get up and put one foot in front of the other.  She validated for me on Thursday, that it's ok to want to be happy on my birthday.  I know it's hard for her.  She and my father started a life together 33 years ago (in October), they became parents on this day 32 years ago and then she lost her partner 2 years ago.  It's a sensitive time of year. 

 

I think about my own husband and how much I love him more and more when I celebrate the birth of our children.  As a wife and mother, I know what her heart feels.  To mourn your life partner, but to also celebrate the child you created with that person at the same time...I'm sure feels very conflicting.  I worry that she looks at me and feels more pain, but if she does, she didn't show it.  She just celebrated me.  Maybe my birthday will get easier for me.  I don't know.  I know that I'm truly grateful for the people in my life that have given me support and love. 

 

Thank you so much for all the birthday wishes yesterday, it really meant the world to me.  Tell the people in your life you love them and never take a day for granted, for each day is a gift, that's why it's called the present.  

Schedule Time for Rest

In my weight loss challenge group today, I asked the participants to share with me how they rest and relax.  It was not a surprise to get responses like, "rest, what's that?" or "hopefully when I'm asleep."  It's no secret that life is moving and it's moving fast.  There are things to see, places to be, people to meet all.the.time.  I recently had a revelation myself...

I had been STUCK, I was working out HARD and eating CLEAN (100%) and just could not see progress. If you know me in real life, you know I go a million miles an hour 24/7. I am constantly bouncing from one activity to the next; between working full time with my business, being a mother of 2 very outgoing and very active children, running the weight loss groups, managing my home/family...well, I know I'm not alone.  I'm a busy chick.  Most people I know are BUSY BUSY people.  My trainer ORDERED a rest day. I couldn't even walk the neighborhood (she told me that my kids were old enough to walk the dog) and she even threatened to text my husband to tell him I needed a mental health day of rest and relaxation. I've been working with her 4 years...she knows me well.

Well, I took a rest day. It was super low key. It felt GOOOOOOD. It felt so good, that I took another. The next day after those two rest days. I was down 3lbs (that I just could not get through to save my life weeks before!) My body released water weight, I could immediately see a little pump in my arm muscles, and when I went back to the gym I was able to increase weight on all my sets. I had made MORE progress in 2 days of rest than I had in weeks of push push push, go go go.

Not everyone has the luxury of staying home, or being able to just "stop". I certainly tell myself that there are million and 3 things that need to get done and only I can do them and they have to be done right now. Guess what? I'm really not that important in the world. The world will keep turning, things will wait. FORCE YOURSELF TO REST and RELAX. DO IT.  I'm not saying be lazy, but learn to slow down. Learn to let things fall through the cracks and learn to just do what you can, without breaking yourself.

REST is just as important if not MORE important to the whole picture of health, fitness and weight loss than busting your hump every day in the gym, meal planning out the wazzoo, grocery shopping, cleaning house, prepping and planning, etc. Make sure you're allowing time for it.

Going Gluten-Free

I am not a fan of fad diets.  I've been honest in that I don't believe in crash dieting, lemonade detoxes, zero carb, drink my calorie crazes that result in quick weight loss and even faster bad habit binging.  My entire philosophy is not about weight loss, but more about healthy living. 

I have done Whole Food Detoxes, but not for weight loss, more just to see how the foods and routine would affect my system.  I've gained a ton of incredible recipes from http://wholehealthdesigns.com/  I love her 10 day detoxes!  She gives you fabulous recipes with REAL FOOD, tips and advice for healthy living.  I do a modified version of the detoxes every season and each time, I've come away with something positive (and it has never been about losing lbs)

Almost 3 weeks ago, my trainer Blythe and I decided to try going Gluten Free.  I will be the first to admit that whenever I read a label that said, "Gluten Free" my first reaction was, "ewww, gross."  I told you, I'm not very mature.  I was so scared to try this.  I was afraid that it meant I couldn't eat anything.  I feared that finding foods I could eat would be difficult.  What I learned is that I actually don't eat a lot of gluten anyway.  Modifying my diet wasn't as hard as I thought it would be and I have, to my surprise, completely enjoyed this experience! 

My skin has completely cleared up (I've had terrible bouts of Cystic Acne since entering my 30s), my energy level has increased, I'm never bloated, or feeling a "Carb Hangover" and I really enjoy all the experimenting with new recipes and dishes I've been trying.  Blythe asked me last week if I wanted to start adding gluten back into my diet.  Without even a blink of an eyelash, I answered, "No, I really like how I feel.  I'll stick with it."  I'm going to do my best to keep a Gluten Free diet/lifestyle, but I know that in moderation, I'll be ok with it every once in a while. 

I'm SO happy I tried it and loving the results I see from it.  I've spoken to many other people that have moved towards GF and they've all had similar results.  I think I need to do a little more research as to why this has been so effective for people.  Stay tuned.

Bountiful Bikram

I've been known to be a "Groupon hoarder".  I have a terrible habit of buying Bikram Yoga Groupons.  It sounds like a really great deal: 10 Classes for $29 or 20 for $49.   I figure that its so reasonable that even if I use it only twice, I've gotten my money's worth.  Well, the last time I went was back in February, I've since let one Groupon expire, leaving 15/20 classes unused, as well as purchased another Groupon that is nearing its expiration.  I know.  It's an illness.  I always tell myself I'll go!

So this weekend, the owner of the studio emailed me and offered to combine all my unused classes (totaling 35) to a 10 class card (yes, she talked me into buying another 10 classes! UGH!)  So I am now the proud owner of 45 Bikram Yoga sessions that I MUST USE BY JAN 18.  No pressure.  I think I'd have to go every other day to use them all- it's a lofty goal, but I will rise to the challenge. 

Naturally, I felt that I had some serious Mojo/Motivation since I had just purchased more classes.  I packed my tush, my yoga mat and towel, and headed to the 11am class yesterday.   Aaaaaaand then I remembered why it is so hard to get me to class. 

#1 It smells like a jock strap
#2 The 250lb hairy man/gorilla next to me
#3 The 250lb hairy man/gorilla's sweat is definitely going to hit me
#4 I am too immature to handle bodily noises that escape fellow yogis without at the very least a small chuckle
#5 I'm a major germaphobe.  Honestly, do they have to have the room carpeted?

 

 

Aside from all that, it's an incredible workout.  90 minutes in 106 degrees, 26 poses, 900 calories burned.  I know that it's worth it.  I know the benefits.  I feel fantastic afterwards.  Getting to class...still damn near impossible. 

I was really nervous about class yesterday too.  I know that missing for long periods of time, you're just not going to retain your flexibility, it's going to feel hotter in the room, and the poses are REALLY hard to hold!  My legs were shaking, I did have trouble breathing at different points, only felt light headed a few times, but overall I was really pleased with myself.  I definitely came out feeling stronger than I thought I would.  #1, #2 and #22 are still awful for me, but I got through it. 

So I'm making a proclamation.  I WILL GO!  NO EXCUSES.  I will not let these Groupons die in vain! 

Namaste

The Power of Laughter

I am someone who LOVES to laugh.  I'm probably one of the few people that actually means it when I type, "LOL".  I love the deep in your belly laughs that you just can't keep inside.  I try and find humor in every situation and I believe that there is always a bright side.  For me, that's the only way one can push through life. 

My "real job" is working with children, actually, working with parents and adults who live/work with children; working with the children is a rare luxury for me it seems these days.  However, try spending a day with a child and not laughing.  Honestly, if you can really do that, WHERE IS YOUR SOUL?!?!  Children have a way of just seeing a situation for what it is, they don't over think it, they don't apologize for their silliness and they don't even try to contain their emotions in most circumstances.  What a great way to view the world, right?  Obviously, as adults, we must learn to sort of tone that down and live within the constraints of what is acceptable in society, but I definitely allow myself some leniency to just laugh out loud and unapologetically release. 

Some of my best experiences/stories during my health and fitness journey have nothing to do with actual health and fitness.  Most have to do with some blooper I've made (like going through an entire 4:30 am workout with my pants on inside out AND backwards; only to realize once I got HOME. I will never ever forgive you for that Steph and Kelly...some friends you are!  I kid. I kid.) and just learning to laugh at myself.  I get through a lot of awkward and difficult situations that way. I'm not going to get better, stronger, or closer to goals by sulking or beating myself up.  Things don't improve when you focus on the negatives.  Things happen when you put a smile on your face and put forth the effort to push through. 

Last night, I was picking my daughter up from her very first "Skate Party".  Suddenly I felt like I was catapulted back to 80s and I was hitting sensory overload just as spotted my gorgeous tween in the middle of the big wooden floor.  There she was, tall, beautiful, laughing herself silly and so gracefully skating...while pushing a walker with tennis balls on its feet.  Yes, there she was in all her perfection.  I've written about my kiddo before.  She's a gem.  The girliest girl I know.  Completely and hopelessly uncoordinated and undoubtedly confident that she can do anything with style and pizazz.  Her friends were skating circles around her, cheering her on, and laughing loudly as she proclaimed, "I've got this!  I'm going Grandma Style!"  (I assume that was a spin on Gangham Style.)  Being that she had been at the party for nearly 3 hours, I can only imagine the jokes and fun these kids had.  She was unfazed.  She was having the time of her life with her friends and not giving a flying fizz that she looked utterly ridiculous.  Like I said, she's perfect.  As I drove her and a friend home, they continued to laugh and share stories.  No judgment from her friends, they love her because she didn't let fear or insecurity stop her from having a wonderful time at this party.  She has another skate party coming up and she can't wait! 

 

 

My point is, don' t take yourself so seriously.  I know that's easier said than done, but you'll be amazed how much easier it is to get through life if you just laugh.  Do your best with what you've got and trust that the people that really matter in your life, well, they're thankful for the comic relief. 

A current (and long standing) goal of mine is to actually do a pull up.  I'm currently a pro at an exercise I like to call the "dead fish" where I just sort of dangle there and pull with every ounce of might that I have and don't even raise myself a few inches.  Yeah...that's awesome.  How many of you can say you did 3 sets of 10 "dead fish" this morning?  I won't give up and when I do finally do that pull up, ya'll better get ready to party! 

So get out there, be great, and if you slip up, oh well, at least you've got a great story to tell!

Loving Me

Now before you go off thinking I'm some sort of egomaniac, I need to explain what it means to "Love Me".  Recently, on Pinterest (yes, I am addicted to that site!) I found a quote from Kaci Diane, who I actually have no idea who that person is, but I loved the quote, "I love the person I've become, because I fought to become her." 

How true this is for me!  Years ago, I was a really miserable person.  Overworked, overcommitted, overweight, over everything...marriage, motherhood, life, you name it.  I consumed my time with things that didn't matter and the things that did matter, but were too difficult to face, I chose to run away.  Story of my life.  Blame everything around myself and fall victim to my circumstances.  When I finally took a good hard look at myself, the truth was really hard to swallow.  I decided not to be a slave to life.  I owned my life; it didn't own me. 

I fought very hard to come out of the dark place I had allowed myself to fall into .  I dug my nails in deep to find the strength I needed to overcome my insecurities, fears, self doubts, and predetermined failures.  I worked with all my might to get to a place where I could finally face myself and say, "it's going to be ok".  I developed a routine, I told everyone I knew, and that would listen, my plan and goals, and I stuck with it.  There were certainly days when my demons would try and coax me back to my old life, but I would just remind myself that the old life wasn't much of a life at all.  I wanted to look in the mirror (physically and metaphorically) and be proud of myself.  I wanted to show myself that I could do anything I put my mind to and that I would not be a victim of my own demise.  I looked at my children and promised myself that I would be a good example, not perfect, but good.

I changed my patterns.  I changed my thinking.  I developed NEW habits, healthy habits and focused on being the most positive person I knew.  I stopped setting limits, I stopped telling myself excuses and I stopped allowing my life control me.  I took the wheel and took charge of where I wanted my life to go.  Now, realistically, we all know that life is going to throw us some curveballs.  There are going to be situations that we have absolutely no control over, but what we can control is how we react to them.  I tried to think more clearly and be more proactive than reactive.  I forced myself to calm down and trust that things would sort themselves out if I kept a level head and followed my heart.

I learned a new mantra, "Not My Monkey", meaning that I didn't have to carry everyone else's problems.  I realized that I didn't necessarily take on others' problems because I could even help, it was more of just a distraction from my own.  How much help could I truly be if I was completely broken myself?  Right?  So I learned to let people take care of themselves and I focused on me; I focused on "my monkey". 

 

I learned to love me.  I love me for who I am.  What does that mean?  It means that I looked at myself and told myself I deserve to be the BEST ME.  That I deserved my time.  I deserved my happiness.  I deserved to take care of myself.  The only person that could give me those things are ME.  I decided to invest in myself. 

The journey is hard.  I battle it every day still.  I wake up every day with the idea that I have another chance to make the day great.  I have another chance to take care of me.  Some days, I don't always succeed in the way I hoped, but every morning, I'm blessed with yet another chance. 

No one gives you your worth.  There's no magic pill to make life easier.  Everyone is given 1 body, 24 hours in a day, 1 life...but there are a million perspectives and attitudes.  You just have to choose which one you're going to use.  I choose to be positive, love myself, live my life to my fullest potential.  The only limits ahead are the ones I haven't broken yet!

Yes, I love me.  I love who I've become, and I really did work damn hard to become her!

You Do It or You Don't

So many many many times in challenges I get these excuses:

1. I was traveling
2. I had friends/guests visiting
3. We had family birthday parties
4. Work parties/dinner meetings
5. Weekends are hard
6. Sick kids
7. A hectic work schedule kept me from working out
8. My mother-in-law sent a cake over
9. Neighborhood party/cookout this weekend
10. Sunday Football games and all that food!

Well, guess what, you're either on track or you're not.  When it comes to sticking to your plan, you either do it or you don't.  Pretty simple.  

As I prepped for my weekend away, I said this to myself.  "AA, you're going away on a girls' weekend.  Lots of food, opportunity to indulge in drinks and desserts and very easy to get off track.  I'm either going to do it or not."  I knew that if I got home on Monday and looked back at a weekend of unhealthy choices, I would not be happy with myself.  I knew that if I went in with the mindset to focus on my health and fitness goals, I could come home without regret (or extra lbs)  I did it.  I stuck to my plan.  I ate what I knew would fit into my plan and I didn't for one minute tell myself that I wanted or needed anything different (I didn't need the pasta, or the bagels; I wasn't running a marathon)  

I am the queen of negotiations.  I will negotiate, trade, reason and bargain for just about anything.  I sometimes lay in bed before going to the gym and battle with myself.  More sleep vs. a good workout.  I either get up and workout or I don't.  Many times I've convinced myself that I'll get that workout in later, 90% of the time...I don't.  I know myself.  I need to stick to the plan or I won't stick to it at all. 

Living well doesn't work if you only live well when it feels good or it's convenient.  Birthdays come every year; weekends happen every single week, kids will get sick, mother-in-laws will literally SWEETLY sabatoge the clean eating plan, sports fans will always crave chicken wings and chips and dips.  Life is hectic and it's full of opportunity to fall of the wagon.  We can negotiate, reason, bargain and try and play catch up as much as we can, but bottom line, you're either doing it, or you're not.  When in moderation, yes, it's ok to let loose, but when the excuses become things that are just inevitably going to happen week after week, day after day, it's not longer an excuse, it's just a way of life, and not a healthy one.  

We can come up with a million and three excuses as to why we didn't do it, but my challenge to you is to drop the excuses and just get on the plan!  DO IT!  

Setting Obtainable and Reasonable Goals

Today I spent some time talking with a challenger about goals.  She admitted to me that she was fascinated by the fact that I so openly share my goals and  that I "put it out there" what I'm working towards achieving.  She asked with all earnest, "Don't you worry you'll fail?!"  Honestly, even if I don't necessarily reach the goal I had in mind, if I truly believe that if I put forth all my efforts and do everything that I know I can do...failing is impossible.  Does that make sense?  Here's an example...

My current goal is to train for a figure competition in December.  I haven't fully commited to the competition (as in walking across the stage) because competition day wasn't as glamorous or fun for me the first time I did it.  TRAINING was where all the magic happened for me.  I loved getting stronger and seeing my body change.  I loved pushing myself to the limit and doing things that I had always wanted to do but never believed I could.  Did I look like a girl that would enjoy flipping a large tire across a parking lot?  No, but I did love it once I told myself that I could and then actually got out there and did it.  So this time around, my goal isn't to walk the stage, but my goal is to be completely confident in knowing I COULD walk the stage.  My goal is something obtainable, something I enjoy, there's a time frame around it and what happens if I don't reach my goal by Dec. 14th?  Will I be disappointed, sure, but will I have failed...absolutely not.  I know what you're all thinking: Why train if you don't plan on walking the stage?  Well, because I like the discipline, I like the challenge and I needed a date in mind to keep me focused.  I know it sounds silly, but it's my goal, not anyone else's and it gives me a timeline and point of reference.  I know how and what I want my body to look and feel and I know that if I don't set a date...well, then how to you measure the training period?  

So back to Dec. 14th.  What happens if I don't feel that I would be competition ready?  Well, then I re-evalute and figure out what I need to do to get ready and I set  a new goal.  Can I get lean by Dec. 14th?   Absolutely, I know myself well enough to know that.  I'm disciplined and I really enjoy the clean eating and seeing the transformation.  Can I get the muscle tone and definititon I need to get ready?  Definitely, I understand the process and I've got a dynamite trainer that knows her stuff and I trust her to help me get there.  Will I have the muscle mass?  I don't know.  I'm going to try my hardest and honestly, this is the part of the goal that I think I may fall short, but that's OK because if I'm not there Dec. 14th, I don't throw in the towel and say "dammit, I didn't get my biceps big enough, I quit!"  No, I just set a new goal, recognize that I have to refocus and fine tune my goals and then try again.  Guess what?  I'm still better off than had I not set any goal at all and just got squishy stuffing my face full or s'mores.  :)

So how does that relate to my friend that just wants to lose weight.  Well, she's got a goal.  She wants to drop some weight by the end of the 8 week challenge.  Perhaps her goal was to lose 15lbs.  So she gets to end of November and realizes she only lost 10.  FAIL, right?  WRONG!  She's working towards her goal.  The timeframe is not the end all be all in every situation.  Yes, time frames are applicable in many situations, like if she said on Dec. 1st she was going to build a homemade rocket and fly to Jupiter...  I'd have to pull her aside and say that her goal was just never going to happen, but that's not the case.  She's working towards weight loss.  1 lb at a time, one day at a time, one bite or bite passed at a time.  These goals are flexible, we can re-evaluate, refocus, learn from ourselves and keep plugging on!  

Focusing on being kind to ourselves, recognizing our weaknesses and not invalidating our strengths is really the key in goal setting.

1.  Understand what you know you're capable of doing and then push yourself just a little bit farther than your comfort zone.  

2.  Do something that challenges you, but doesn't crush you.  

3.  Build a life that's worth living, and living well, don't surround yourself with rules, restrictions and impossible scenarios that you won't maintain or enjoy day after day.  

4. Be flexible.  Understand that just because something doesn't work the way you thought it would means it isn't working, you may just need to adjust or modify.  

5. Know when you've had too much.  Don't obsess; when you find yourself feeling trapped and reeling with anxiety and distress about it all.  STOP.  The goal isn't right for you.  

6.  Reach out.  Someone else is working on their goals too and you're not alone in how you feel.  It's hard.  Anything worth having is hard, so share the load.  Talk to a friend, listen to a friend and don't allow yourself to hide behind your frustrations and fears.  People care and they want you to succeed.  

I love that I got to talk to a friend today and that she trusted me to share her struggles.  I'm cheering her on and I know that she can achieve anything, one day at a time, one foot in front of the other, and if she takes a step back, well...it's not a failure; Life is a Dance and sometimes a Cha-Cha  

NYC Marathon Weekend Recap

It was simply amazing. I stuck to my diet plan (high protein, no gluten, and lots of veggies) I did have 2 skinny girl margaritas on Friday night, but other than that, I was SPOT ON!

 

As spectators of the marathon, my sister-in-law Jessica and I traveled all over the city trying to catch our friends at different mile markers. Her and I did over 15 miles, 3500 calories, and over 30,000 steps (coming out to about 167 VIGOROUS/ACTIVE minutes) That does not include the cab rides, train rides, bus stops and just normal tourist walking; 15 miles of WORK! We worked our BUTTS off yesterday! I came home weighing less than I did Friday; which is pretty impressive considering it was a full on girls' weekend and I roomed with 5 women who were carb loading; yes, room filled with bagels, pasta, breads, bananas, apples, etc...all things I LOVE and cannot eat right now!

We ate at amazing restaurants and passed yummy smelling street vendors and temptation was everywhere...but I held strong. I did not for one minute feel like I deprived myself or that I did not enjoy my time, i'm training for MY LIFE. I did what I needed to do for me and recognized that they were doing what they needed to do to fuel themselves and their goals. Watching the marathon and being there for my friends was probably one of the greatest experiences and don't be surprised when you see me training for mine next year...I've got the marathon bug!

So there you have it...one of my greatest weekends ever! Life is all about choices folks; being fit and healthy does not mean sacrificing what you enjoy in life, in fact, I think I would have pooped out and not been able to keep up with the weekend had I not gone in with a plan and healthy mindset!

Solemates

I love this picture (Sweaty Betty and all); these are my girls...my besties, my solemates.  This picture was taken at mile 8 of the Annapolis 10-Miler this past August.  Today, I am up early, eating well, and packing for my Girls' Weekend in NYC...Jessica and I are going to support Kathy and Heather, as well as a few other friends, as they run the NYC Marathon!  I think it's going to actually happen this year!  I can't wait to see my dear friends cross that finish line.  I've done so many runs with them, talked about hurt knees, hurt hips, sore feet, the latest running fashion trends, carb loading, running shoes, compression socks, shock blocks, jelly beans, and hills (OH THE HILLS!) over the years that I could not imagine not being there as they finish this race.  I am so fortunate that I've made such amazing friends through this love, or rather obsession, of running!

Sharing a passion, supporting one another and cheering each other on; that's real.  That's friendship.  I've learned so many life lessons through running, and from my dear friends.  Life really is a marathon.  Not every mile is going to feel great, but it is an experience.  We can either let it slow us down, break us, or push us to do better on the next mile.  Every fellow runner has a challenge they are working to overcome and every person is on their own journey and as friends and fellow runners, we get to catch of glimpse of their journey while we travel along side them on our own.  Some days it feels near impossible to lace up, but we do.  When we finish a hard run, we aren't disappointed we did it, we're just glad it's over and we're thinking about our next one.  When we finish a good run, we could shout from the rooftops and our friends are beaming too because they are proud of you.  Being a runner isn't about being the fastest, or the strongest, or winning races or breaking PRs, at least not all the time, it's about feeling something deep in your soul and knowing that no matter what, every step forward is a step worth taking.

I love you, girls!  More than you'll ever know (and yes, I really do use the word LOVE)

NEW YORK CITY HERE WE COME!!!!

Putting the Pieces Together

Yesterday morning while at the gym (do you see a pattern?  I do LOTS of thinking in the quiet hours at the gym) I saw the "usuals"; the elderly man who always wears a red shirt tucked into his shorts and can barely stand up straight, but he can surely crank out some chin ups; the heavy set woman who could probably bench press my body weight; Mr. GQ with his fake tan and I believe his biceps have biceps and I can't forget the guys and gals that don't really know what they're doing but they are there and they are trying...All the early morning regulars.  I looked around and thought, "what brings us here this early?  Day after day?"  You'd think we'd all be pretty healthy right?  We're committed, we're getting up, lifting weights, pounding away on the cardio machines, we've got a routine! Right?  But we don't all "look" healthy.  Let's go back to the heavy set woman.  That woman knows her way around the weight room.  She's got the form down, she's pushing heavy weight, she's huffing and puffing and really really REEEEEALLLLY working hard.  So why doesn't her physical appearance scream, "Hey...I work out!"  My guess is her nutrition needs a little attention.  I'm not invalidating genetic issues or hormones, kids, age, etc.  We all know MANY factors can contribute to body fat, but you'd think you'd see SOME progress for this lady, right?  There have been times when I see her and I wonder what she's going to eat for breakfast...ugh, my brain just wanders!

I know for my own weight loss struggles, I dropped my first 25lbs just by adding exercise to my life.  The first 25lbs came off relatively slowly, but it came off and I was still eating the same way I'd always eaten I had just gotten a bit more active.  However, once I tweaked my diet...BAM  the weight was falling off and my clothes were LITERALLY falling off.  Once I had added a clean diet AND exercise to my life things started to come together for me. 

When I talk to my weight loss challengers, I can feel their frustration.  They are working so hard.  They are running, training, lifting, crunching, planking, jumping...you name it.  So much effort...only to be washed away with a soda or beer, or a weekend of pizza, snacks, and unhealthy habits.  It's like a scale (pardon the analogy) that's trying to balance.  You have to put forth the same effort into your diet/nutrition as you do into that jumping jack.  By fueling your body for the activity you have in your life and balancing the health aspects of diet and exercise you can and WILL achieve results, but you can't do one without the other.  Just like you can't expect to be strong, fit and muscular unless you're working those muscles and toning yourself up; you can't expect to get lean and drop body fat when you're stuffing yourself silly with processed, empty calorie food!

I've seen the light bulb turn on for many; some it took longer than others.  Finding that balance is a real struggle.  How many times have we said, "I worked out today, I deserve that cupcake"? unfortunately, for most it just doesn't work that way.  Understanding the marriage of diet and exercise and how they together make up your overall health it key.  You can be strong, but "fat" and you can be "skinny" but weak.  If you want to be healthy, you've got to get in that zone where you're moving AND eating well. 

Motivation vs. Habit

Well, I am four weeks into my training and I will be honest...this morning was ROUGH! It was cold, I am sore, I had a busy busy busy weekend, and when the alarm went off at 4am I just could have thrown the biggest adult fit humanly possible. I DID NOT WANT TO GET UP. But, I did. Unfortunately, I had a mediocre at best workout, came home and crawled back into bed and finally peeled myself up again to get kids ready for school.

But then as I started to get ready, something magical happened.  A pair of pants I just bought last week were too big, I feel lean...I looked in the mirror and my skin looked so fresh (I get terrible cystic acne when I don't eat clean) I didn't have any blemishes, my face looked radiant. I put on a sweater and I could see tiny little caps on my shoulders showing that I am becoming more defined. I noticed RESULTS today.

Normally, on sluggish days, my go to is XL coffee and some sort of heavy carb; which is totally the WRONG thing to grab! Instead, I grabbed my XL coffee (hey, don't judge!) and a protein shake followed by my favorite egg white omelet (spinach, chicken, feta and onion). I'm on track today. I'm sooooo glad I got that workout in and now I won't feel so guilty when I sneak in a nap later.

My point. It's hard. It doens't always feel good in the moment, but if you want results, you've got to put forth the effort! My workout wasn't great, but it happened. I let my body move through the motions and sometimes THAT IS OK!  Motivation leaves you at times, but developing healthy habits will sustain you!

Make this week GREAT!!!! xoxoxo

Here we go again...

We are now in week 3 of the fall challenge and I think I've been pushing pretty hard.  I can tell that my attitude this challenge is more focused and I've been very driven.  With the lackluster attitude I've had in the past, what could be driving this sudden burst of energy?  Well...it may have something to do with the fact that I'm training for another Figure Competition.  Yes, after years of saying I would never do another one, here I am... 

Let me clarify though, I'm training for one, not sure if I'll actually walk the stage, but I'm going to push myself, train hard, eat clean and get myself to a point where I know that I COULD walk the stage.  My body isn't transforming quite as quickly as I had hoped (although I'm really trying to trust the process; Lord knows patience is NOT my forte) The first time, I was already going through a huge transformation as I had lost a substantial amount of weight, exercise and clean eating were very new to my life and the physical changes were completely obvious.  This go around, I've remained physically active, I've maintained a comfortable weight (although I'm about 10lbs from competition weight) and the two years I've spent running have really eaten much of my muscle mass.  Now that I've been training and trying to really grow muscle while drop body fat, I haven't been running and I'll be honest, that was the hardest thing to give up as my running has always been a social and mental outlet.  Truly, it's a catch 22.  I'm actually running a 5K as a fundraiser this morning with my daughter and because I haven't really ran in weeks, judging by my nerves, you'd think I was getting ready to run a half marathon!

 

 

So how does this transfer to my fall weight loss challenge?  Well, I'm not accepting any excuses from myself, and that puts me in the mindset that I'm not accepting any excuses from the challengers.  I'm not asking them to do anything I wouldn't do myself (no alcohol; no fast food; lots of exercises that really push the limits of comfort; and a clean healthy diet) I've got a goal in sight and I'm focused.  I think the challengers can see and feel the change in me and I've had many many many comments that this challenge is a little harder; I've upped the ante, I'm pushing harder and even for those that have been in several challenges with me before, they are learning new things and I think they like it! 

I've got a great energy with this challenge too, it seems that there's a good balance of varying levels of fitness and it's a very positive, motivated and good hearted group.  We've hit the ground running hard and I'm so excited to see how the next 6 weeks unfold.  Stay tuned! 

Focus on Form

The gym is one of the most interesting places to "people watch".  I was assigned by my trainer to warm up with 18 minutes on the stair climber, which is at the back of the cardio room, so that gave me ample opportunity to observe the sea of cardio creatures at 5am this morning.  I couldn't help but notice this one young lady literally SWINGING off the elliptical machine a few rows ahead of me.  I feared for her safety!  She would swing back and let go of the machine with one arm and flail around like she was casting a fishing line!  I was terrified she was going to rip her shoulder or arm out of socket!

I thought to myself that there was no way that form was helping her.  I would be shocked if she didn't develop whip lash.  She was expending a lot of wasted energy and really to be honest, looked like a goober while doing it.  I'm normally a cheerleader; I am so proud of ANYONE that gets their booty up and to the gym, especially at 5am; but come on folks...let's do work!

Time and time again, I see people cranking out bicep curls or rockin' out with their bad selves on some resistance machine and I just want to walk over to them and say "work smarter, not harder!"  I'm no pro, but I can definitely tell when someone is completely wasting their efforts. 

FOCUS ON FORM; if that means you lowering the weight, resistance or speed, well...so be it.  Do it right.  Isolate muscles, put every effort into working exactly what you're supposed to work and be deliberate in your exercise.  I could probably lift a 30lb dumbbell and curl it too, but I'd probably arch my back, turn out my elbows and strain a neck muscle...how's that helping my bicep? 

I am not discouraging anyone from lifting if they aren't sure about their form, but I am encouraging you to ask for help, do some research and work SMARTER.  Don't be the cowgirl lassoing her bull on the elliptical; be deliberate, have a plan and put every effort into working out with a purpose. 
 

Support Systems

My Fall Weight Loss Challenge/Group started yesterday.  A challenger posted something that really struck a chord with me and the sound wasn't pretty.  I'm not calling her out, or saying she did anything wrong, but I am saying that message and experience she shared has always frustrated me. 

So we're on our first day of the challenge and her husband baked cookies and brought them to her.  On one hand...awwwww, what a sweet husband!  On the other hand, ummmmmm hello!  This woman has just committed to herself to lose weight!  She's participating in a health and fitness challenge to get herself in a better place!  What the heck are you doing giving her cookies!?!?!?!  Want to do something sweet for your wife?  Go on a walk with her; offer to workout with her; search for some yummy healthy recipes for her; SUPPORT HER!

 

 

I would NEVER EVER EVER be successful if my husband wasn't 100% on board with being supportive and vice versa. When he and I set personal goals, we really count on each other to be the support, to help keep us on track and to do everything possible to make home comfortable with removed temptations. Throughout the challenge, I'm always telling you all to surround yourself with people that support you (that should be a general life lesson!) Fill your life with the people that are going to lift you up; obviously he's your husband and I'm not saying kick him to the curb because he baked cookies, but I am saying to everyone, talk to the people that are most important to you and let them know you're doing a challenge for YOURSELF and that you need their support to be successful. Having a strong support system (that doesn't mean THEY can't eat the cookies) just means that they understand you're working towards something and they will try to either refrain or remove obstacles that may prevent you from reaching your goals. 

Lesson:  When you want to support someone, look for ways that support THEIR goals, otherwise your nice gesture can hurt more than it can help!

Fast Food: On the Go and Around the Waist

I recently bought a new car and of course I'm living in the disillusion that I can prohibit food and drink from my clean ride. As I was running errands around town yesterday I was wondering how much longer I'd have the patience for this lofty endeavor to save the interior of my "mobile-office".  I sat outside of the Wegman's watching my children eat their snacks and then proceeded to dig out the wet wipes from my purse, because let's face it- kids wear more than they actual ingest.  I thought to myself, "This is easy, almost pleasurable now, because the weather is gorgeous and we aren't in a hurry, but how much longer can I endure this?!"  Living in the fast lane is my M. O. We are always on the go, flying from one thing to the next and always rushing to grab snack or pick up dinner. I doubt I'm alone in this scenario. 

So a few minutes later, I find myself sitting in traffic (thank God we had a snack before getting stuck!) I'm looking around at the other drivers and passengers in the sea of bumpers and I notice something HUGE. Most of the people around us are EATING. They are eating in their cars. One man has an Arby's sandwich, 2 large bites chased down with a big gulp from a 20oz Mountain Dew, a woman in a soccer mom suburban looks like she's eating some sort of fried food out of a bucket...  Yum?!!  I look around and count 8 drive thru choices easily accessible from the highway. Fast Food. Mobile Food. Pull up to our window and we will fill your vehicle with thousands of calories for you to consume while you sit in traffic. Ugh. 

I'm not a big supporter of fast food. I will under rare circumstances find myself in a drive thru lane. I broke that habit years ago when I made my big healthy changes. I am, however, a huge snacker in the car. We used to always have snacks in the car, and what the kids wouldn't finish, I would for them. Tisk tisk!  Not typically unhealthy food, but even mindless snacking on healthy foods can be excessive. Especially when you do not need the calories... You're just bored.  A handful of almonds quickly becomes a bag devoured.  Why?  Well, because I'm just sitting there. 

I found that through this goal of not eating in the car, I'm planning better snacks, slowing down to make time and not rush to the next activity, giving myself the time to eat a healthy snack as well as removing the opportunity to graze on the go.  Brava!

I fully admit that I'm not sure I can keep this up, but I'm certainly going to try!  Aside from having a clean car, I'm developing some healthier habits... Sounds like a win to me!

Fall into Fitness!!!! New Challenge!

The time is NOW! Registration for my 8 week weight loss challenges is OPEN!  

 1)Paypal me $40 to aliceanneloftus@msn.com ; I do NOT accept cash or check.

2)I’ll add you to a private Facebook group

3)First weigh in is Friday, October 4th

a.Scale Picture- Must use SAME DIGITAL SCALE (no exceptions!) throughout entire challenge! Change your batteries now, get your pedicure, and always always ...always weight yourself wearing the same exact clothes (or nothing!) and at the same time of day! First thing in the morning is best!

b.Before Picture
i. Men- Sports shorts
ii. Women- Sports bra and shorts of swimsuit

4)Each Week I will post nutritional and physical challenges. There is a Monday Check-In, that’s when you let me know how you’re doing and what your weekly goals are.

5)Every Friday you weigh in using a link through Google Docs (I will provide you with the link) YOU MUST TAKE A SCALE PIC EVERY FRIDAY! The top 5 losers will be requested to submit their picture to me I will also do a random selection of people that need to submit picture. If you cannot produce picture that matches the weight you submitted, you are automatically DQ’d.

6)At the end of the 8 weeks, the top 3 losers (based on % of weight loss) split the cash pot! 1st place- 60% cash, 2nd place 25% cash and 3rd place 15% cash.

7)Challenge goes from October 4th to November 29th! I do realize that the final weigh in is the Friday after Thanksgiving. The object of this challenge is not to starve yourself on Thursdays so that you have a lower weight on Friday. This is about living a healthy lifestyle that finds balance. Eat well, exercise and enjoy life! This is about sustainable weight loss, with a little friendly competition while gaining knowledge to improve your lifestyle and maintain healthy habits!

8)Private Message me with any questions! Looking forward to it!

Summer Bootcamp

This summer I decided to take a different approach to my challenges and just have a sort of "bootcamp" event.  It was a $25 buy in, but there's not an actual cash prize at the end.  Basically, the $25 covers the cost of my time and the cost of any prizes I give out throughout the challenge.  I'm thinking this first week, I'll give out a $25 gift certificate to Charm City Run or perhaps just reimburse the winner their $25 buy in cash. 

I only took on 30 challengers for the summer; the 125 challengers from the spring was really taxing and I just needed a smaller group for this season.  I'm taking a no excuses approach and really pushing hard to encourage people to get their head in the game and give it their all for the next 8 weeks. 

Challenge Rules:

1. 100% Participation. Only miss 1 weigh in and you must participate in the weekly check in posts. Don't make me call you out! :o)

2. Absolutely NO fast food this challenge.  
3. Unless you puke, pass out or die...you better get your exercise in for the week.

4. Set reasonable goals. Reach out to the group, a friend or me and HAVE FUN! Learn new recipes, try new workouts, grab a buddy and share what has worked and/or what's working for you with this group! We're here to support and encourage each other.

 

I figure if I only allowed a handful of people, they really need to show that they wanted in this challenge and that they are going to work for results!  Hate to be so hardcore, but a lot of energy goes into coming up with workouts, nutritional support and motivation/inspiration.  They get what they put into it and I'm not here to waste time or have my time wasted. 

 

So here we go!  I have my own goals I'm setting out to achieve this summer (moving to Sherwood has not been kind to my waistline!)  I've given up alcohol for the remainder of the summer and I'm going to really hit the workouts HARD.  Stay tuned...

Humor

With all this rain, I had to get new running gear!  Here I am with flippers and goggles... I hope I'm prepared!

BLTs

BLTs?  Like the sandwich?  Not exactly.  BLTs are "Bites, Licks and Tastes" and they have a sneaky way of sabotaging your daily nutritional and diet plan!  When logging my daily food on www.myfitnesspal.com I'm pretty diligent about tracking everything I eat at my meals.  I'm NOT however, very good at tracking all the BLTs and I have found that they can add up pretty quickly.  The other day I started to track them just to see how many extra calories I was really consuming and I was SHOCKED and quite honestly disappointed in how naive (or rather how deep I was in denial) to how these little samples and "meaningless" nibbles were truly affecting my health and fitness goals!

These little indulgences, when logged, paint an entirely different picture as to how your diet really is!  Don't leave them out.  Every bite counts and before you know it, you probably consumed more empty calories in all the BLTs than if you had just added another meal to your diet plan.  

I have to be honest, I don't want to obsess about every single thing I put in my mouth, so I can't say that I'm necessarily going to start logging every thing I taste, but having done so for just that short period of time gave me a very clear understanding as to what is REALLY happening.  It will definitely make me think twice before I say, "oh just a small taste" or "really, it's just a bite of a cookie".  Being at least AWARE is half the battle.  So if you're in maintenance mode like I am, have your BLTs, but keep in mind that they are part of the BIG picture too and if you find yourself having samples and tiny nibbles throughout the day...don't be surprised if your pants and your scale give you a not so gentle reminder to perhaps pass on the sneak taste test!

Samantha's Story

"On December 19, 2012, my primary care provider told me that I was morbidly obese (not her first or even second time telling me that) and that at the rate I was going I would be on dialysis at 60. She told me you are 33, you can change this for good. At that point, I was facing a 8.1 a1c, elevated blood pressure, and high cholesterol. I got in my car and I called my mom (RN) and read her my test results and said I need to be held accountable. My mom said, "it's a choice." I changed how I eat that day. It was a turning point for me. 12 days later I prepared to go to New Year's Eve service and as I dressed I told the girl in the mirror that I loved her but that clearly she was suicidal (because self-neglect is slowly killing yourself) I was leaving her in 2012 and that when the year struck again I wouldn't be in that century of weight ever again. I made a goal that day that I would lose 55.1 lbs by the time the year struck 2014. Also that night, I got engaged, so some people think this was wedding weight loss, but this is me saving my life. A few weeks later I began my first weight loss challenge (after being referred by the best nurse practitioner on the planet) where I thought I’d get some accountability maybe win some money. I did win but not any money. The challenge was where I learned how to eat better, have confidence in my athletic ability and where I gained the support of some amazing men and women. Prior to that challenge I lost 14 lbs on my own. After that 1st challenge, my total was up to 38 lbs. Since then I have worked hard and my goal got closer faster. I began a second challenge where the weight loss was slower and I struggled to maintain my high because of less gratification but I pressed on and I had off scale victories like shopping in new stores, hiking and kinda jogging outside. As of today, I am 55.3 lbs lighter than I was just under 7 months ago. I was so proud that today at the final day of my second challenge I met what used to be my goal weight. See what I thought was insurmountable is now attainable so in a week I will start my third challenge lighter, wiser, healthier, and with a new goal. Also I will start it with an A1C of 5.9, steady blood pressure, and desirable cholesterol levels. Thank you to people I’ve watched and gained inspiration from the tenacity and weight loss even when they didn’t know I was looking.  Thank you to those who pushed me and even some who pissed me off and were so tough on me that I cried, but you knew I could do it when I didn’t.  You have helped save my life. Thank you to my amazing fiancé who cooks almost every meal for me on Sunday evenings so I have no reason to eat the wrong thing and who loves me so well that I couldn’t help but be better."

Challenge Party Part 2

MORE PICTURES from the Party!!!  Here's Tracy!  She really rocked it!  She not only hit her weight loss goals, but also found that she really loves running!  She's doing great, did her first 5K and has plans to do more!  Work it, mama!

  Christina and I take the best SELFIES!  ha ha ha!  She is such a fun girl!  I'm absolutely thrilled that we've gotten to know each other and I must say that this lovely works her ass off, literally! 

 

Here Leah, Michelle and Wendy ham and cheese it up!  I just love the connections people have made!  Such a fabulous group of ladies!

Here's Karen...such A DOLL!!!!  Karen brought her whole family into this challenge and I think what inspires me most about her is just how family oriented she is!  She does the challenge mostly with her daughter, Brittany, who is not here at the party, but she has brought her sisters, friends, family, father, patients, etc.  She is such a motivator and good person to have in your corner!  xoxo

 

What can I say about this woman?!?!?!  She's incredible!  Here's Michelle.  She's lost over 115lbs in the year she's been with me in my challenges!  She's working hard and is a true testament that anything can be achieved if you work hard and push yourself to the limits!  Way to go, chicky!  I'm so proud and honored to be part of your journey and thank you thank you thank you for being part of mine!  xoxo