Oh man I have been off lately!!

I woke up this morning after a using my body yesterday knowing that this has got to stop in order for me to get out of a major funk. I weighed in today at 202. I cannot believe I have let myself get to this point again. I have been trying to talk nicer to myself but am in bad habits and need to get out of it. 

Today starts 4 weeks fresh with the fast metabolism diet. It is a group of support around the world as Haylie Pomroy has all things in place to support us. I even got a call today from her. It was a recording about how to support the adrenals. She also wants to see pictures of our food and encourage us to find lots of ways to enjoy food that nourishes our bodies. 

I must admit I'm a little nervous that I won't stick to the plan. I think I need to set up some acciuntability not only with myself or Adam but with others I respect and love. Maybe my cousin Lyndsi, Nikaela and Brie. I respect all these women and how they treat their bodies. 

So I'm off to eat my Phase 1 breakfast. I will choose egg whites with spinach over sprouted grain toast and blueberries. Have a great day. 

Human...

I'm human... Sometimes I pretend I'm not. I think I can float above the struggles caused by human weakness and frailty. The funny thing about this scenario is that reality ALWAYS brings me back down to earth and sometimes I crash hard. 

This picture was a month ago. I was trying to get to a certain goal weight for a dietbet I was part of. I basically starved myself all day and ran in the heat to lose 5 lbs in one day. Ha ha. Totally unhealthy I know. I signed up for the challenge and bet $100 that I would lose 4% in 4 weeks and after birthday celebrations (mine and Adams, which I didn't take into consideration when I signed up for the dietbet) I just missed the mark and was not where I needed to be. I was determined not to "cheat" but to really hit the weight. Physically I made the goal by the end of the day but mentally I think it set me up for a breakdown. I will get into this on another post but really what it came down to was that I wasn't taking care of myself emotionally or mentally so I dealt with life by turning to food for comfort. 

I have since gained almost 10 lbs (I say it's really 5 because I lost a fake 5 lbs in one day) I tried hard not to let this get me down and depressed but have just enjoyed my life the last while with my kids and summer fun. I do feel super uncomfortable in my body though. I am ready to change. 

Today I sit here and type with renewed determination. I am ready to hit my goal weight and give support to my mentality and deal with life's stressors in a positive healthy way. 

I'm starting FMD tomorrow. I will do two consecutive rounds and hopefully hit my goal weight by the end and before a business trip I will take. 

More importantly I am working through a book I found by Marianne Williamson called "A Course in Weight Loss" which gives me 21 spiritual lessons to become more in tune and connected with my highest power. It's heavy work but healing so I'm excited about it. 

I am excited to drive forward to a healthy Ashley. I recognize that where I am at right now is exactly where I need to be and I also realize I cannot and should not do this on my own. I do not regret the past only glad I get to learn from it. I have a great support system and desire to conquer but most importantly I have a loving God who will aid me and help me along my way. What support do you have in place to catapult you to your health goals?  I would love to hear what gets you motivated. 

Conquer

It feels like I'm starting all over again. I know that I'm not… Because I'm down 30 pounds but I definitely feel like I'm starting from scratch. I've let the last month go by without losing much weight or making much progress. In fact I feel that I've regressed. I have instructor program and when I've tried to I haven't been able to do it. I know this has to do with emotions. I must get control of it and figure out a way to real in the emotions. I'm so close to my goal weight do you and 30 pounds away I have to get this done I want to get this done I will feel so amazing when I get this weight off. The problem is I feel good. As far as my clothes go there fitting. Some of them are even baggie and I can make myself so cute because I'm 30 pounds down. But we can fill my belly getting bigger because of the sugar and the wheat and the snacks that just aren't good for me.I can feel my body losing energy because of the lack of fresh juicy vegetables.  I don't feel good emotionally either, I feel like things are out of control and I really despise that feeling. So here's my journey. Honest and true this is what I'm doing with and I'm sure you my reader has dealt the same thing. Let's work this through together. I'm going to start with small steps. Tomorrow is promised myself and my husband but most importantly myself because I am going to have to answer to, to not eat sugar. I'm going to try to eat healthy with no sugar is my goal tomorrow. I will also explore how to be more prepared for the next week.  I would like to also drive into what emotions are behind the feelings that I've been having and the need to eat. I will conquer this weight-loss thing I will conquer emotional over eating. It will be a daily struggle I'm sure but I will be able to implement things that help me move along. I want to be an advocate to the world for feeling healthier. 

Struggles

I have been struggling the last few weeks. I let something get me down and have been having a pity party ever since. Health wise this has been really difficult to navigate. I am a food addict and I turn to food to comfort me. Just as I was getting out of such a funk my birthday happened and then my husbands birthday and then some more personal drama. So needless to say I am searching for my solace to get me back on course. This is the start of what I believe will help each person I coach. If I can figure out how to get "unstuck" and move forward with my weight loss goals I can help anyone. Inspiration hit yesterday and this I KNOW for sure... Each day must start with the powerful 3

1: mindset meditation 

2: spirit connection 

3: movement of the body

Tapping into your inner soul and feeling your true self emerge is paramount to success. 

Let's call this your self care cubed. Just 10 minutes in each category will propel you toward your future which looks pretty bright from here. 

I commit to this tomorrow morning. 

IT'S MAY!!!

I love May... I just do!! Part of this reason is that it's my BIRTHDAY... all MONTH long :)... ok well not the entire month. My husbands birthday is on the 29th so he can have that day but all the other days are just to celebrate me... I wish, right?!? Being a Mom, your birthday changes to schedule around naps and snotty noses. I DO NOT LOVE snotty noses but...
 I LOVE doTERRA essential oils. These things make being a Mom (on my birthday) so much easier PHYSICALLY, MENTALLY and EMOTIONALLY. I feel so empowered to be able to stop a snotty nose in its tracks and help those kiddos of mine sleep so well.  If you haven't tried them, I can certainly help you out with that. One of the best ways to get started with essential oils is with a Wellness Advocate who will help you understand and best utilize these gifts of the earth (did you know the name doTERRA actually means gift of the earth?) and its best to start with a kit. The oil kit I want to highlight today is the Home Essentials Kit. I could explain it all to you but this wonderful lady has done so already.
Please enjoy.

Yummy cake

Last night I was 198.6. This is such an amazing feat for me. I am officially under 200 pounds and it feels liberating. While I still have a long way to go I feel like I can accomplish  anything. I started the fast metabolism diet again on Monday and the first two days were like riding a bike. I was swept right into it again and did great. I actually find it easier to eat on a plan because I know I'm giving my body the property nutrition and then I don't crave things that are not good for my body.

There is such emotional and mental component to this weight-loss journey. Mentally I literally have to envision myself at the weight I want. I tell myself that I am happily loving the life that I'm like living being 165 pounds and fitting into size 8 jeans by June 15, 2015. I see myself playing with the kids on the trampoline, going for a run with my friends, and looking amazingly attractive for my husband. I tried to tap into my emotions as well. I feel like it's going to feel, I try to  experience how confident and comfortable I am living my dream. I also envision greatly the amount of help I get to offer others who have been in my position and what satisfaction that gives me. For some reason The thought pops into my mind that I am starting a movement of emotional, mental and physical health. If you're sick in your body you give it health, you give it all that you can with proper food and exercise and supplements and maybe your body needs to see the doctor. If you have an unhealthy mind set you need to give it proper health. Limiting the words you say to yourself to only positive uplifting thoughts. Eliminating the word can't from your vocabulary because it never did anybody any good. Encouraging your mind to open up and expand to hire possibilities and expectations. And telling yourself that you can do it while also being physically accountable to somebody else. 

Emotionally feeling how it's going to feel when you reach your goal. This does not matter if it's financial, physical, or you're wanting to specifically target healthy emotions. When you focus your feelings on positive things and your goals you will overcome whatever is holding you back from achieving your dream. I am already experiencing that shift and change and I believe it's one of the biggest reasons that I've lost 28 pounds. 

Every body is different. The way you experience your weight-loss journey will be different than mine but the tools and principles that I've been using are universal I believe. Pick whatever program you want physically i.e. what food to put in your mouth and what exercise to do. Make sure that it gives you a very quick start to your weight loss so that you keep motivated and you can convince your mind to keep going. The slight edge principle is amazing that little by little we get to our goal, but it cannot be said enough that quick results motivate like a fire underneath you. Its helpful to give your mind a little bit of evidence to start with and then you let it run wild with the possibilities of awesome awesome success. Your emotions are happy an high, your cortisol levels are low because you're less stressed. I have so many people in my life who do not know how to handle stress properly. This is one of the biggest causes of health concerns today including weight. If we can manage our stress and focus on our goals through mind and emotions exercises our possibilities are endless. 

I believe strongly that everybody has a mission and goal in this life. If we let our bodies be bogged down by weight we are not living our full potential. You were put on this earth to help somebody else and to live a happy wonderful healthy life. This health journey that you embark on will be the catalyst to your amazing purpose filled life. Don't you want that? Do you want success in all areas of your life?  I am here to tell you that it is not beyond your reach. It is not beyond your reach to have all of the wonderful things you want. You can have your cake a eat it too. I want that for you but more importantly I want you to want that too. Remember you are worth it!!

One of those day...

I gotta say I'm pretty proud of myself. I went to bed before midnight which helped me get up earlier this morning to workout with a friend in her garage. I've been meaning to do this for he last 2 months and today was the first time I actually accomplished it. We did a T25 workout which was fun but I did a cardio workout yesterday and last night did my 5k training so my body is tired. When I got home I was contemplating doing some more of an arm work out but decided on scriptures instead. I am so glad I do. I learned so much and filled my heart with his word and recommitted myself to being more fully engaged in my faith. 

Isn't this the point of it all. Getting to bed early so I can work out, choosing to wake up early, choosing to put better thing into my mind and body. Choosing to read the word of God. BE FULLY ENGAGED in life. Show up for your goals. If you aren't reaching your goals figure out where the break down is. So you need to tweak something in order to make your goals achievable... Like getting to bed earlier so waking up to get that workout in isn't such a challenge. What is this life if we just continue to do the same things day in and day out because of habit or rut. Do the thing you've been wanting to do and then you shall have the power. You shall have the power to succeed in anything and everything because your mindset will be renewed and bright. 

We all have within us the strength to do whatsoever we want. Especially if you invite your higher power along for aid. I commit to being more alive and vibrant today. I have control over that and have set myself up for a very productive day. I'm lovin' life. 

Stuck...

With all I have been doing to lose weight I gotta vent just a little bit. I have seriously been stuck at 200 for so long. I have just been toying with dropping below it and I don't understand why I am stuck. I have been juicing the last 3 days and doing so well with my eating. The only thing I can think of is that my hormones are out of whack and it is inhibiting me. Now for some positive self talk. 

I envision my body being 195. I love been 195. My body has more energy and I am so glad I am that much closer to my goal. I feel energized and loved. I am a success and can do hard things. I emotionally do not need this extra weight anymore. I am happy healthy and free of this burden.  

Today I fit into my favorite skirts I have not been able to do this for at least two years I put it on and was so comfortable before so tight I could barely walk in and I would only zip it up halfway and put a shirt over the top of it to the cover it. It's amazing my body is responding to healthy eating and my mind is too.

One of the things that has helped me get over my plateau is visualization. I envision what it's like to be my healthy weight. I've been trying to reach small goals so one of the things I've done is envision what it feels like to be 195 pounds and said 200 so I think to myself I am enjoying being healthy and happy so hundred 95 pounds on or before Monday April 20th 2000. I envision what it feels like to have on my body and my pants. I envision what it's like to have as much energy as I want and to be able to play with my kids on the tram for hours. I envision reaching my goals with my diet but challenge. And today when I got on the scale I was 198.8 which is the first Weight loss I've  seen in a while.

I am supposed to be on a hormone cleanse right now but I cannot stomach the smoothie. I'm going to try putting a scoop of protein powder in tomorrow and see if I can handle a little bit better.

The hormone cleanse is 10 days long and guarantees you can learn lose up to 10 pounds it would be nice to be down to 190 before I start FMD again. Then I could get to 175 pretty easily by my birthday

47 days...

Today marks the 44th day on the diet (minus the 4 days I was off and ate lots of old habit food)

I feel great. I have lost 20 pounds officially ( I say officially because I weighed in lower after phase two the other day but the 204.4 seems consistent going into this week)

My goal for this 3rd week is to make it to ONE-der land. I want to be at least at 199 this time next week. Outrageous goal would be 195 but I would have to be absolutely perfect for that to happen. I could do it though if I planned it all out a bit. 

I am learning to take FULL responsibility for everything I am and do. This awareness helps me not complain, blame or make excuses. I am the powerful creator of all things in my life. I have to be honest that I still don't totally grasp what that meas fully but I will be working on that this week. I'll keep you posted. 

Step it UP

The struggle is real. I have still been strict about what's going into my body but I have not been as good at portions, times to eat and water intake. I can tell with my weight loss progress as I gained weight on phase 3 again. I'm not stressed just a good reminder to step it up. Off to meal plan for the week...

Why yes we should have a party!!

Do you see that number?? And I'm on day 2 of phase 3... You know the phase where I usually gain weight!! I'm down 3 lbs since yesterday. That was inspire of the cake and the ice cream and the pizza and soda that I was surrounded by but didn't eat. In fact the only time I was tempted was when I literally had cake covered fingers from cutting the cake. I also realized the second time I had it on my fingers because I cut a piece for our neighbors that I was hungry so I hurried and choked a simple dinner of avocado toast with tomatoes and cucumbers with some boiled eggs. I was so excited this morning when I weighed in that I came to my husband he was sleeping in bed and made him have a happy party dance with me. When I told him my weight he was visibly excited but said sarcastically but that's not under 200. He is been a great support through this whole process and I know that he will keep me on course even when I want to go off.

Today is Lukes birthday.

I have started a new adventure with this second round of FMD. I Started dry brushing before my showers. Dry brushing is a technique of breaking up cellulit and toxin (which is basically what cellulite is) and cleansing them out of your system. When you hop in the shower afterward it increases circulation and encourages toxins to move out of your system. After the shower I have been combining doterra's slim and sassy with coconut oil and lotion and vigorously  massaging it into my trouble areas which are specifically my thighs, butt, stomach and arms. As I lose weight I am scared to still look unhealthy in a bathing suit. I am a bit terrified to have super lose skin on my stomach along with my baby stretch marks. This will probably happen and I'm not in denial about it but if I can do anything to avoid it, I'm going to try. So far I have noticed a difference in the depth of the cellulite which excites me. 

So back to my original point... The DNS diet combined with the dry brushing and slim and sassy massage have sparked a true cleansing process I don't think I was prepared to deal with. Conjunctivitis, swollen glands, sinus congestion and aches body have all been plaguing me. I feel like I have the flu but I'm pretty convinced that it's just the build up of toxins being released. So since I started lemon in my water and massaged on my lymph nodes I am starting to feel better. I grew up doing enemas when I was sick so I did do that as well. Not my favorite thing to do but I think it was good for me. 

All in all I woke up weighing 204 which is was exciting. My goal is to stay at 204 through phase 3. I plan to eat LOTS of veggies with my meals and snacks to help with the fat breakdown and usage in my body. Wahoo this is working!!

FINALLY FINISHED

Today is my last day on my first round of FMD. I feel great. I am hesitant going into this weekend as I have 4 days before I start the program again.  Hubby and I have talked a lot about what kind of eating plan I should stick to. I am not craving much but know that my mind might tell me I want certain foods. Anyway. I will weigh in officially tomorrow as then I will be compeltely done with the program.

Day 3

The first time I did this diet I thought the first week was a month long. Then time passed and all of a sudden I was done. So far this round is semi similar. I wish tomorrow was anything but phase 2 but as u told a friend tonight, I'm determined to learn to love it. 

Today I had a hard time staying full and satiated. I was working and did not prep well. This is another thing I am learning to alter for this diet to work. I want to have crockpot meals in while I am working so dinner is not a headache or rush. 

I had a lot of beoccoli today which I enjoyed raw and cooked. Lots of chicken  and eggs too. I did complete my water intake goal and I learned to the fmd book again tonight where I specifically focused on phase 2 and the reasons behind the food for this phase. I am more dedicated now and excited for tomorrow. 

Weight this morning was 210.4 period is done. 

1/2 dose vitamins and dry brush and body massage with slim and sassy completed. 

I couldn't help myself

I didn't write yesterday... I worked all day and had a fiasco with the girl child at the end of the day that wipes me out. I  however back in the saddle today. I have learned something about myself today. I don't like getting up early to workout by myself. If I get to be with someone else or I have someone waiting for me, I'm all in... Ok sometimes I'm super reluctant and try to find an excuse to bail but you get what I mean. 

So yesterday was supposed to be 20 minute body for life areobic work out. I chose not to get up to do so. I was supposed to do the same thing this morning with a little Jillian michaels but... It's a no go so far. Tomorrow morning is weight lifting with others at sonnets house which I will fully commit to by telling Sonnet to expect me. I don't believe this will always be how I am. I think once I get into working out my brain will remember why I should wake up early. Hopefully. 

I had a great day as far as eating goes yesterday. I'm nervous about today because it's phase 2. I planned it out last night but I'm still unsure about how it will all work. I want to enjoy what I eat because that helps me lose more. Wish me luck. 

Day 1 weigh in

Day 1 round 2

Today went well. I'm ate my breakfast which was phase appropriate within 30 minutes of waking. I was able to get out and exercise with two of my friends and do some moderate walking. I on purpose stayed in my workout clothes in order to walk again later this evening which I did with two more of my friends. Both walks were enjoyable, I got my heart rate up and savored the outdoors

The only thing that I would' have changed about my eating today was a little more preparation before I got so hungry at lunchtime. As it turned out my choice of an Apple proved to be the perfect filler before my main main meal was ready. 

This morning on the sixth day of my period I weighed in at 212.6 and tonight my weight was 214.6. This time around I will choose to weigh in on the 1st day of phase 1 each week. 

As per my outlined goals, I did my dry brush before my shower and my slim and sassy massage after my shower. I took my vitamins this morning but forgot this afternoon hence the need for a nap today. I am committing to waking up 30 minutes early tomorrow in order to get a workout in before the children wake up. This means I can do the body for life 20 minute aerobic workout then jump in the shower and be ready to make the kids breakfast. My hair can be drying and ready to be styled before my first client gets here at nine. Sometimes the hardest part about working out for me is my stupid hair schedule. I want my hair to be fresh for my clients and I don't like hair if my hair is dirty when doing my job. 

Dinner tonight was one of my favorite meals so far. I will really wanted to use the chicken sausage in the chicken sausage fusilli recipe from the fast metabolism book, but all of the chicken sausage at the deli in sprouts had evaporated cane juice in it. Why do they have to put sugar in everything. 

My other goal while doing the second round is to make sure that I'm taking some time to meditate and study the Scriptures. I want to be strong mentally and spiritually as well as physically. I am feeling so excited and I'm ready to tackle this challenge of mine. I was contemplating where I would be on the scale if I lost another 15 pounds on this second round... I would be in what we sometimes call ONEderland where a one would be in front of my weight. This would be the first time since before having Luke that I would weigh in the 100s. It's fun to see how easily I can get there. Consistency and persistence is the name of the game.This goal of ONEderland is totally doable and I'm excited to be there. 

Till tomorrow

Tchau

Off the wagon

It's Sunday night March 1, 2015. I am excited to write this post and explain the way my body feels at this moment. I have had four days off of the fmd plan and I feel like crap. It's crazy how gross I can feel and yet I still decide that I want to put bad food in my body. It started out on Friday night with a hamburger that was so greasy and unsatisfying that I felt a strong urge to purge. I didn't. I wish I wouldn't of spent the money, the energy or guilt on such a meal. I thought that I would enjoy it. My brain told me that I would. But if I'm honest my body was repulsed by it. Saturday I did well besides the lack of an eating plan which was hard (a lesson for the future). Saturday night we had girls night and I baked an amazing chocolate cake. Once again had I really taken the time to listen to my body rather than my brain it would've told me that I didn't really want it. I thought for sure that the girls at the party with ravage my beautiful chocolate cake. But in the end I was left with more than half of it to take home to my family. Big mistake!! Today has been a more or less free for all and now that it's three fourths of the way gone Adam and I both feel disgusting. This is in addition to the pizza I ate yesterday and today from Barros. 

Why oh why do we do this to ourselves. There must be an emotional component to this there must be something pulling us towards sugar, fat and processed food. However, while on the diet I didn't feel much inkling to cheat. There is more to this emotional process which is a post I will explore for another day. 

Tomorrow is the start of my second FMD program. I have to say I am so excited. I have a friend that will be starting it with me, she knows nothing of the diet only this success and excitement that I have shared with her. Her name is Brie and tomorrow we will go on a walk and I will help her understand what the diet is. I am strongly considering not having any processed sugar or processed foods until my birthday in May. I really feel like this will be a great birthday present to myself and help me get down to the weight that I want. I'm concerned that I have ruined the progress I've made my first FMD program but I know This is just the guilt trying to get the best of me. I'm hoping my newly revitalized metabolism kicks in somewhat to make up for what I've done.

The main thing I want to take away from this weekend is a renewed sense of dedication coupled with more control over my mind body connection. The habits I have with food are embedded deep in my mind. They convince me of untruths  and persuade me to think irrationally. No more!! Today is the last of the uncontrollable days. 3 months without sugar starts now. 

The positives of my bing weekend 

I didn't have diet coke which was one of my goals

I didn't have additional cake at the function for primary tonight

I only had one bowl of ice cream today. 

I had a good breakfast every morning. 

I played volleyball and got outside several times. 

My goals for this next round are as follows

Exercise the exact amount she calls for in the diet. Give it my all. 

Self care

Dry brush daily, slim and sassy daily

Three more days to go including today. I am so excited about the success I've had on the FMD. I weighed in this morning at 2:10 .0 this is a total weight loss so far of 14.6 pounds. I am so excited I could scream

It's the simple things that make me happy while losing weight. I think it's important to focus on those small things because altogether they add up to a very big change happening in your body. One of the things that I'm noticing is a little bit looser seats in my pants and my pants not digging into my skin at all. The one I've been noticing since yesterday is how loose my wedding ring is. It was like this when I got married so I don't believe it'll ever be too small but it definitely slidesaround on my finger more then when I weighed 15 more pounds  I'm excited to see what else losing weight brings awareness to. All these changes are alright with me. 

I meant to write more...

Today marks the 17th day on my fast metabolism diet. I have learned a few things and feel so accomplished. I can't believe that it's already more than halfway through.

On Thursday which would mark me start of the third week I weighed 217.4 which is weird because four days prior I would weigh 215. I've learned that my body does not lose weight during phase 3 or at least it has in the past. I believe this is because my metabolism truly is repairing itself and I will see great results as I do this more and truly get down to the bottom of way I have gained so much weight.my body loves phase 1 and the aftermath of phase 3 because I always lose two or 3 pounds in that time. Phase 2 is my hardest phase. I am not a huge proteins girl and find it a bit challenging to get as much protein in as she suggests in the book. One of the other major things that holds me back from loving phase 2 is my love tomatoes and I cannot have them during this phase. To survive phase 2 I have learned a few things. They are....

*Hard-boiled eggs are my favorite snack. With a little bit of salt on them I can really enjoy them.

*If I cook a whole chicken in the crockpot for a few hours it is a perfect rotisserie type snack. I enjoy this a lot. 

*jicama is a great sweet type vegetable that I am allowed to have. I never knew that I like Jicama, until now. 

Breakfast usually brings an egg white scramble with spinach and other vegetables in it. It's not my favorite but it is doable

*since I'm not allowed to have tomatoes I'm also not allowed to have salsa because it has tomatoes in it. So I figured out a different type of salsa that works for me. It's poblano peppers, orange peppers, cilantro, green onions and garlic salt. I use this on my eggs and lettuce boats. It gives it a bit of flavor and distracts from the dryness of some vegetables. 

I'm proud of myself for not cheating. I feel that I can do this time to get the results that I want. I feel the next step is to really bust out the workout program. I have not really done that and I'm sure I would get greater results if I did. 

Phase 2 lunch

Jicama, taco turkey, asparagus and onions with my green salsa. 

I have lost several inches in addition to lbs. 

Phase 3

Here we are... Finally!! I'm so glad to be out of phase 2. I really missed tomatoes fruit and nuts. What a wonderful way to teach me control over food. 

This was the scale this morning. I have to say I'm pleased. This is so fun to lose weight like this. I wonder what another week will bring. 

Today I have my meal plan all mapped out and it's much needed since I'm starting to potty train luke today. I am going to prep dinner while he is napping. Then when the kids get home dinner will be prepped and I can enjoy being with them. 

I want to stick to this plan but keep a relaxed beautiful view of my journey. Each day means something and will affect my ending outcome. I can handle this. 

Beginning of day 4

TW: 220.2

GW: 160

Yesterday was my first day of phase two. I have to say it's not my favorite phase. If I could go my whole life without eating chicken again I would. I'm just not a huge fan of meat. I could eat veggies all day long but protein makes me gag a little. I'm sure I'm just not prepping enough or flavoring it right cuz sometimes I love meat. Now that I think on it, I usually like to eat meat with a carb or dressing of sorts. 

Cafe rio beef with tortilla and tomatillo dressing

Roast beef or turkey with gravy and potatoes

Chicken with rice and veggies and a cream sauce like Hawaiian Haystacks. 

This has been a great learning experience for me.
1. Food is good.
2. Food is sustenance; not always pleasure.
3. Food should taste good sometimes. I'm not saying you should always love everything you eat but you should like it and sometimes have endulging food.
4. I am used to too much salt. I rely a lot on garlic salt to make my dishes yummy and I miss it. I'm hoping my pallet changes and I get more experienced with spices and herbs. 

5. Long term success is TOTALLY worth short term sacrifice. There are times that I am tempted to eat something not good for me. Like the m&ms Adam ate late night or the party food at the reception dinner we went to on Friday. Or the pita chips on the counter. The only way I make it through and stick to my plan is realizing how strict her rules are and how much I want this to work, not just for me but for my friends and family. Also when I think of that long term goal I know that I would regret cheating in the long run because I would still be overweight by my birthday. I don't want that so I focus on my goal and it pulls be through. 

5. The last thing that sticks out to me so far is the realization that all food in the grocery stores is either super processed or has wheat or sugar in it. Or it's fresh from the earth where it's best. I'm might have to forgo grocery stores and just do farmers markets from now on. 😁

The fact that I am down 4 lbs makes me happy. I am excited to see what the next 4 days bring. One pound at a time right...??!!

Phase 1 yummy bowl (this was really good) quinoa and brown rice with chicken broccoli tomatoes and black beans. I drizzled a little lemon, cumin and salt on top. 

Phase 2 lunch

Phase 2 dinner

FMD start

Ok here it is. I am being real right now... Today starts my first 28 day metabolism boost. I'm feeling more hopeful now than I have in a long time. I know it will be "hard" but I was planning on juicing for 30 days anyway so this will be easy in comparison.

This number is scary. It's hard to admit that I've let myself get so far down an unhealthy path. I'm at that lowest point and am determined to overcome this weight and its affects. The funny and even sadder thing is this is not even my all time high. In September I weighed in at 237. That feels so Huge. I didn't even know I was that big. This weight is NOT welcome in my body and it must go.

I will be posting a lot. My food, my movement and my thoughts and feelings.

I am hoping to help all others who have a desire to release weight. It is so daunting but this program sounds like its exactly what I need. Here I go...