Here are my official results: (I'm using the same measurements I take for my fitness challenge.)
Chest: -1 in
Waist: -3 in
Hips: Smallest Part -1 in, Widest Part -2 in
Thigh: -.5 in
Upper Arm: -.5 in
Weight: -8 lbs
I'm not at all upset with my results! BUT, I was only .3 of a lb away from an entirely new set of numbers I haven't seen in I have no idea how long so that was like an "aw man, bummer"...for just a second. But that just means I'm really close and that's so exciting! I'm below pre-pregnancy weight and well on my way to finishing what I started 2 1/2 years ago!
Thanks again everyone! A few of you have mentioned wanting to try a Whole30 and, if you do, please reach out to me, let me know and if you need any check-ins or motivation boosters! I couldn't have done it without so much positivity and encouragement around me. I'm truly blessed.
Love y'all!
xo,
Meg
Friday, April 18, 2014
Day 30
Well y'all, it's here! It's the closing of my very last day on my Whole30 journey. I can AND can't believe it. I hate I had a few days in there where I couldnt stay fully compliant due to illness, but I feel like I stayed strong and, based on choices within my control, I made good ones. And I still cannot believe I haven't had sugar for 30 days! I never dreamed I'd be able to do that.
Here's where I stand on how my body feels and how my mind feels:
I don't crave sugar anymore. I used to get ansy and uncomfortable in the evenings when I was trying to talk myself out of a bag of cookies. And after all of that, I'd cave anyway. I don't remember the last time I thought about having a dessert while hanging out in the evenings. I think it was probably around day 15 or maybe even earlier. Of course, desserts sound wonderful, but the fact that I don't feel like I HAVE to have them is the accomplishment.
I feel stronger. My workouts are more effective, I'm doing more reps with better form. I'm concentrating on making that effort, but I can physically push through more now.
I don't feel that awful bloated feeling anymore. Even though my stomach didn't flatten out the way I hoped, I don't feel SO poochy anymore. (My husband did kindly reminded me that I had a baby just almost a year ago.)
I also just wanted to take a minute to celebrate a non-scale victory. I was in desperate need of some new shorts because mine were falling off. I took some time this weekend to go shop and I am officially down 3 sizes from where I started in January! I have gone from having a pair of size 14 jeans in my closet (though mostly 12s...so maybe only 2 sizes) to a size 8/Medium! I honestly cannot remember a time when I was in the single digits. Maybe high school?? I am almost certain I have been at least a size 10 since I was a sophomore in college, and it might have been before that. I still have room for improvement in many specific areas, but I know I'm on my way! I'm making real, measurable changes to my body and it feels amazing!
I guess my biggest discovery is what a huge difference there is in a body that's clean eating and strength training paired with cardio as opposed to a body that's "dieting" and only working cardio. I was doing the latter on my first weight loss journey and, though I am at the same weight right now that I was back then, I was a whole dress size bigger. I think there is a lot of merit in the latter. I mean, weight loss is weight loss and if it's needed to make a healthier you, that's all that matters. But the added benefits of adding in strength training and at least some focus on clean eating is absolutely imperative in my mind now. I may add back in things I've been without for the last 30 days, but they will be the best and healthiest versions of those things possible. And I may throw in a cheat day or enjoy a dessert on occasion, but that just means I may focus on stricter and cleaner choices the rest if the week.
I won't weigh in until the morning, and I'll do another post to let you know the results! But the way I feel is the best example of what some cleaning up can do.
Thank you for sticking by me and encouraging me through all of this. I know I didn't always keep it interesting or do as well as I could have, but I managed to get through and abide by the most important guidelines. So much of that success is because I felt someone was holding me accountable and relying on me to pull through.
It's become very apparent to me that I love a challenge and they motivate me unlike anything else. So...onto the next! I'm ready to implement what I've learned into a functional day-to-day routine and keep kickin more butt in my workouts! This body and my mentality are only going to get stronger!
xo,
Megan
Here's where I stand on how my body feels and how my mind feels:
I don't crave sugar anymore. I used to get ansy and uncomfortable in the evenings when I was trying to talk myself out of a bag of cookies. And after all of that, I'd cave anyway. I don't remember the last time I thought about having a dessert while hanging out in the evenings. I think it was probably around day 15 or maybe even earlier. Of course, desserts sound wonderful, but the fact that I don't feel like I HAVE to have them is the accomplishment.
I feel stronger. My workouts are more effective, I'm doing more reps with better form. I'm concentrating on making that effort, but I can physically push through more now.
I don't feel that awful bloated feeling anymore. Even though my stomach didn't flatten out the way I hoped, I don't feel SO poochy anymore. (My husband did kindly reminded me that I had a baby just almost a year ago.)
I also just wanted to take a minute to celebrate a non-scale victory. I was in desperate need of some new shorts because mine were falling off. I took some time this weekend to go shop and I am officially down 3 sizes from where I started in January! I have gone from having a pair of size 14 jeans in my closet (though mostly 12s...so maybe only 2 sizes) to a size 8/Medium! I honestly cannot remember a time when I was in the single digits. Maybe high school?? I am almost certain I have been at least a size 10 since I was a sophomore in college, and it might have been before that. I still have room for improvement in many specific areas, but I know I'm on my way! I'm making real, measurable changes to my body and it feels amazing!
I guess my biggest discovery is what a huge difference there is in a body that's clean eating and strength training paired with cardio as opposed to a body that's "dieting" and only working cardio. I was doing the latter on my first weight loss journey and, though I am at the same weight right now that I was back then, I was a whole dress size bigger. I think there is a lot of merit in the latter. I mean, weight loss is weight loss and if it's needed to make a healthier you, that's all that matters. But the added benefits of adding in strength training and at least some focus on clean eating is absolutely imperative in my mind now. I may add back in things I've been without for the last 30 days, but they will be the best and healthiest versions of those things possible. And I may throw in a cheat day or enjoy a dessert on occasion, but that just means I may focus on stricter and cleaner choices the rest if the week.
I won't weigh in until the morning, and I'll do another post to let you know the results! But the way I feel is the best example of what some cleaning up can do.
Thank you for sticking by me and encouraging me through all of this. I know I didn't always keep it interesting or do as well as I could have, but I managed to get through and abide by the most important guidelines. So much of that success is because I felt someone was holding me accountable and relying on me to pull through.
It's become very apparent to me that I love a challenge and they motivate me unlike anything else. So...onto the next! I'm ready to implement what I've learned into a functional day-to-day routine and keep kickin more butt in my workouts! This body and my mentality are only going to get stronger!
xo,
Megan
Thursday, April 17, 2014
Day 29
Evening! Can't believe I'm headed into my last day! I went to the store today to get some of the things I plan on adding back in to my diet (Greek yogurt, almond milk-I could have had this if I'd made my own, but no...) and it felt strange. I DID find some awesome organic, no nitrates, nothing-but-meat-and-salt turkey and ham at the Commissary though!
I only got to have a Larabar for breakfast. We were on the go.
Lunch was leftover chicken tenders and collards from last night.
I snacked on cashews and a banana in the afternoon.
I made these Crispy Chicken Thighs again for dinner. I added the red pepper this time because I felt like a little spice. Paired it with a steam bag of veggies that had zucchini, carrots and peppers.
Had a great workout today that made me feel strong. I'm sore and I know it'll be worse tomorrow, so gonna make sure to get in plenty of water and stretching.
Have a good day y'all!
xo,
Megan
I only got to have a Larabar for breakfast. We were on the go.
Lunch was leftover chicken tenders and collards from last night.
I snacked on cashews and a banana in the afternoon.
I made these Crispy Chicken Thighs again for dinner. I added the red pepper this time because I felt like a little spice. Paired it with a steam bag of veggies that had zucchini, carrots and peppers.
Had a great workout today that made me feel strong. I'm sore and I know it'll be worse tomorrow, so gonna make sure to get in plenty of water and stretching.
Have a good day y'all!
xo,
Megan
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Day 28
Hi there! Hope everyone had a fantastic Tuesday. I'm super sore today. And it's so much worse at night, right before you want to get comfortable in bed. Why is that? My workout yesterday targeted my weak spots (arms and abs), and I am making it a point to really focus on improving my form so they were much more effective. I actually haven't had any muscle soreness in a long time, so this isn't cool. But I'm glad to know I worked hard.
My food day:
Breakfast-scrambled eggs
Lunch-chicken salad
Snack-Nakd bar and cashews
Dinner-Sautéed chicken tenderloins and collard greens
I truly can't believe I'm only two days away from the finish. I've been pinning Paleo recipes like crazy on Pinterest. I'm really looking forward to trying some clean recipes that aren't SO restricted. What I do love about having taken on this endeavor though is that I no longer question AT ALL if I could go Paleo. I've thought about trying Paleo countless times over the last 8 months or so, but it always seemed so impossible, so hard. Now I know that I definitely can.
I've also been fantasizing about what I'll eat when this is over. I've got to stop that cause crazy things are popping into my head (Jack in the Box tacos??? What???), but it's not like I ate those 28 days ago. I'm not new to watching what I eat. It's like my brain wants my body to go on a free-for-all in 3 days. Just have to remember that Day 31 shouldn't be much different from Days 1-30.
See y'all tomorrow!
xo,
Megan
My food day:
Breakfast-scrambled eggs
Lunch-chicken salad
Snack-Nakd bar and cashews
Dinner-Sautéed chicken tenderloins and collard greens
I truly can't believe I'm only two days away from the finish. I've been pinning Paleo recipes like crazy on Pinterest. I'm really looking forward to trying some clean recipes that aren't SO restricted. What I do love about having taken on this endeavor though is that I no longer question AT ALL if I could go Paleo. I've thought about trying Paleo countless times over the last 8 months or so, but it always seemed so impossible, so hard. Now I know that I definitely can.
I've also been fantasizing about what I'll eat when this is over. I've got to stop that cause crazy things are popping into my head (Jack in the Box tacos??? What???), but it's not like I ate those 28 days ago. I'm not new to watching what I eat. It's like my brain wants my body to go on a free-for-all in 3 days. Just have to remember that Day 31 shouldn't be much different from Days 1-30.
See y'all tomorrow!
xo,
Megan
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
Day 27
Evening y'all. It's been a busy day I feel like. The munchkin has decided to protest sleep apparently, so I was running on E this morning, but thankfully got in a nap late this afternoon.
Breakfast was eggs. Surprise, surprise. I did try them mug-style today though. They overcooked but I liked the ease. I am so tired of washing the same pan every day.
I had a Larabar while running errands since I wouldn't get lunch until after Gymboree class was over at 1. We actually ran to the mall after that though so I didn't eat my chicken salad wrap until we got home at 2:30.
I made these pork chops on a whim tonight. They were in the fridge and needed to be cooked so I went recipe hunting. They were very good. Not overdone and good flavor. I had a sweet potato on the side.
With my last days on the plan at my door, I'm trying to figure out where to go. I'm not sure if I should go back to calorie counting like I was doing before or just stay focused on what my body is telling me it needs. It's been nice not having to plug foods into an app every day. I know I'm gonna be doing a lot of Paleo recipe searching. I'll be glad to be able to add back in some things like honey and yogurt for cooking purposes.
Have a good Tuesday everyone!
xo,
Megan
Breakfast was eggs. Surprise, surprise. I did try them mug-style today though. They overcooked but I liked the ease. I am so tired of washing the same pan every day.
I had a Larabar while running errands since I wouldn't get lunch until after Gymboree class was over at 1. We actually ran to the mall after that though so I didn't eat my chicken salad wrap until we got home at 2:30.
I made these pork chops on a whim tonight. They were in the fridge and needed to be cooked so I went recipe hunting. They were very good. Not overdone and good flavor. I had a sweet potato on the side.
With my last days on the plan at my door, I'm trying to figure out where to go. I'm not sure if I should go back to calorie counting like I was doing before or just stay focused on what my body is telling me it needs. It's been nice not having to plug foods into an app every day. I know I'm gonna be doing a lot of Paleo recipe searching. I'll be glad to be able to add back in some things like honey and yogurt for cooking purposes.
Have a good Tuesday everyone!
xo,
Megan
Monday, April 14, 2014
Day 26
It was a fairly simple day. When I make food in bulk, it's for convenience, which equals redundancy.
Breakfast: Eggs and coffee (I'm so glad my stomach feels like coffee again!)
Lunch: chicken salad with Paleo wrap
Dinner: last of the Garbage Stirfry
Snacks: Banana, Nakd Bar (Pecan Pie...yum!)
So, as the end approaches, I feel that I should fully disclose the second reason I did this (second to the sugar addiction). I feel awkward talking about it for some reason, I just don't like the word. But I did it cause I felt chronically bloated. Just poochy tummy, felt like a balloon, and I heard that one of the great side effects was a reduction in that. And then as you add things back in post Whole30, you might learn the causes. There's a chance I've figured out mine. I hadn't felt that way in at least 2 weeks from what I can remember. I felt lighter and just better. But I'm back to that blimp feeling. I got the stomach bug and lived off of soup (with noodles) and crackers for two days. I'm wondering if there's a correlation now with grains. I know that I could still just be healing from the bug, but it makes me very interested to see what effects foods have as I add them back in. I'm not going to lie, I'm really disappointed that I'm back to feeling "poochy" again, but at least I know what can help it.
Hopefully my body will catch up soon and I'll feel as great as I was pre-evil-monster-stomach-bug.
xo,
Megan
Breakfast: Eggs and coffee (I'm so glad my stomach feels like coffee again!)
Lunch: chicken salad with Paleo wrap
Dinner: last of the Garbage Stirfry
Snacks: Banana, Nakd Bar (Pecan Pie...yum!)
So, as the end approaches, I feel that I should fully disclose the second reason I did this (second to the sugar addiction). I feel awkward talking about it for some reason, I just don't like the word. But I did it cause I felt chronically bloated. Just poochy tummy, felt like a balloon, and I heard that one of the great side effects was a reduction in that. And then as you add things back in post Whole30, you might learn the causes. There's a chance I've figured out mine. I hadn't felt that way in at least 2 weeks from what I can remember. I felt lighter and just better. But I'm back to that blimp feeling. I got the stomach bug and lived off of soup (with noodles) and crackers for two days. I'm wondering if there's a correlation now with grains. I know that I could still just be healing from the bug, but it makes me very interested to see what effects foods have as I add them back in. I'm not going to lie, I'm really disappointed that I'm back to feeling "poochy" again, but at least I know what can help it.
Hopefully my body will catch up soon and I'll feel as great as I was pre-evil-monster-stomach-bug.
xo,
Megan
Sunday, April 13, 2014
Day 25
Hey hey! Not too shabby of a day. And I got out for an afternoon run! Felt good.
Breakfast was scrambled eggs with bananas, blueberries and raspberries.
Lunch was this recipe for a Garbage Stirfry that was recommended to me. It worked out perfectly because I had a half pound ground lamb and a half pound ground turkey I needed to use. It was really tasty and makes great leftovers.
Dinner was a Paleo wrap of chicken salad I've made before and a little more Stirfry when I got hungry later.
I had a Key Lime Larabar in there too today. Those are super yummy.
Feeling back to 100% and so glad.
It's late though and I need sleep.
xo,
Meg
Breakfast was scrambled eggs with bananas, blueberries and raspberries.
Lunch was this recipe for a Garbage Stirfry that was recommended to me. It worked out perfectly because I had a half pound ground lamb and a half pound ground turkey I needed to use. It was really tasty and makes great leftovers.
Dinner was a Paleo wrap of chicken salad I've made before and a little more Stirfry when I got hungry later.
I had a Key Lime Larabar in there too today. Those are super yummy.
Feeling back to 100% and so glad.
It's late though and I need sleep.
xo,
Meg
Saturday, April 12, 2014
Day 24
So...this could be very short.
My eating was identical to yesterday. Okay, goodnight.
I know...I'm so boring. The husband caught the sickness though and I was trying to limit the smells in the house, so I didn't want to cook anything too crazy. I did make chicken salad though, so you'll get to hear about how I've had that for lunch for the next 6 days.
To recap. Eggs for breakfast, Nakd bar and almonds on the go for lunch, leftover chicken thighs and steam veggies for dinner.
I know I'm not particularly inspiring, but this has just been an all around awful week. I know I hardly ate either, but I haven't been working out since recovering from the yuckiness and I haven't been very hungry. I make sure to listen to the hunger.
I'll be back at it again tomorrow though. I've missed my workouts and I'm recharged a bit now.
Hope everyone enjoys their Saturday!
xo,
Meg
My eating was identical to yesterday. Okay, goodnight.
I know...I'm so boring. The husband caught the sickness though and I was trying to limit the smells in the house, so I didn't want to cook anything too crazy. I did make chicken salad though, so you'll get to hear about how I've had that for lunch for the next 6 days.
To recap. Eggs for breakfast, Nakd bar and almonds on the go for lunch, leftover chicken thighs and steam veggies for dinner.
I know I'm not particularly inspiring, but this has just been an all around awful week. I know I hardly ate either, but I haven't been working out since recovering from the yuckiness and I haven't been very hungry. I make sure to listen to the hunger.
I'll be back at it again tomorrow though. I've missed my workouts and I'm recharged a bit now.
Hope everyone enjoys their Saturday!
xo,
Meg
Friday, April 11, 2014
Day 23
Hey y'all.
Welcome to my last week!
I hate to have taken a little detour, but I seem to be just about back on track.
I still don't have a huge appetite, but I'm sitting here at 10pm waiting for some chicken thighs to finish baking because my tummy said, okay, enough is enough.
I managed to eat almost 2 whole scrambled eggs for breakfast.
I had some almonds and half a Nakd bar for a snack.
I didn't eat "lunch" until 3:45, but it was some veggie soup.
Now, my chicken thighs with some steam bag veggies. I know it's ridiculously late to be eating, but I figure I should listen to my body after these last few days. (Plus, I'll have leftovers.)
I've got a prep day planned for tomorrow. My resolve is weakening a bit so I'm planning on making some things do get me through lunches and blank spots I might need to fill in this last week.
See y'all tomorrow!
xo,
Megan
Welcome to my last week!
I hate to have taken a little detour, but I seem to be just about back on track.
I still don't have a huge appetite, but I'm sitting here at 10pm waiting for some chicken thighs to finish baking because my tummy said, okay, enough is enough.
I managed to eat almost 2 whole scrambled eggs for breakfast.
I had some almonds and half a Nakd bar for a snack.
I didn't eat "lunch" until 3:45, but it was some veggie soup.
Now, my chicken thighs with some steam bag veggies. I know it's ridiculously late to be eating, but I figure I should listen to my body after these last few days. (Plus, I'll have leftovers.)
I've got a prep day planned for tomorrow. My resolve is weakening a bit so I'm planning on making some things do get me through lunches and blank spots I might need to fill in this last week.
See y'all tomorrow!
xo,
Megan
Thursday, April 10, 2014
Day 22
Hey there.
It was another day of just chicken noodle soup and crackers. Sorry.
I'm feeling better, but definitely not 100%. I'm hoping tomorrow I'll feel like a real, and compliant, breakfast.
This thing stinks man. I'm so sorry for any of you who have been hit with the bug this year. It is ROUGH.
Hopefully tomorrow will be the day I can get back on track for these last 8 days. I absolutely hate that I can't honestly say I did a fully compliant 30 days, especially when I was so close and I knew I wasn't going to cave. But I know I can only do what my body allows, and I don't feel guilt over what I've had to eat the last two days. Just some disappointment.
Anyway, hope everyone is well and not suffering through sickness.
xo,
Megan
It was another day of just chicken noodle soup and crackers. Sorry.
I'm feeling better, but definitely not 100%. I'm hoping tomorrow I'll feel like a real, and compliant, breakfast.
This thing stinks man. I'm so sorry for any of you who have been hit with the bug this year. It is ROUGH.
Hopefully tomorrow will be the day I can get back on track for these last 8 days. I absolutely hate that I can't honestly say I did a fully compliant 30 days, especially when I was so close and I knew I wasn't going to cave. But I know I can only do what my body allows, and I don't feel guilt over what I've had to eat the last two days. Just some disappointment.
Anyway, hope everyone is well and not suffering through sickness.
xo,
Megan
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Day 21
This will be short today. I'm in the throws of an awful stomach bug that started in the middle of the night last night.
I hate this happened now. Though I haven't eaten but one thing today (just now), it's the only thing I could stomach...and it's not compliant. I got organic chicken noodle soup and did avoid the noodles, but I had saltine crackers with it. I also had some Vitamin Water this morning cause it was all that sounded good. It didn't stay down though (so did I technically not drink it???).
Anyway. I don't intend to start my 30 days over just because of something that's out of my control, but I won't let this keep me from staying strong the next 9 days.
I truly, truly hate this happened, but I've gotta do what I've gotta do too.
Hope it passes soon and the babe and hubby don't get it. I'm so thankful he was able to come home from work this morning to help me. I got some good rest and hopefully will tonight as well.
xo,
Megan
I hate this happened now. Though I haven't eaten but one thing today (just now), it's the only thing I could stomach...and it's not compliant. I got organic chicken noodle soup and did avoid the noodles, but I had saltine crackers with it. I also had some Vitamin Water this morning cause it was all that sounded good. It didn't stay down though (so did I technically not drink it???).
Anyway. I don't intend to start my 30 days over just because of something that's out of my control, but I won't let this keep me from staying strong the next 9 days.
I truly, truly hate this happened, but I've gotta do what I've gotta do too.
Hope it passes soon and the babe and hubby don't get it. I'm so thankful he was able to come home from work this morning to help me. I got some good rest and hopefully will tonight as well.
xo,
Megan
Day 20
Uneventful food day. Breakfast was an an accidental omelet (I.e. I got distracted and forgot to scramble the eggs) and blueberries. Lunch was the last leftover hamburger patty and a spinach salad from the Down to Earth store. Dinner was late and random because I didn't plan ahead. A sweet potato, half an avocado, and bacon. Yup. Surprisingly satisfying though. I got the Nakd bars I ordered, so I was anxious to try one! I had the Gingerbread flavor while sipping some coffee and it was awesome. Y'all should check them out here.
The good news is that I was a winner in my DietBet! I weighed in 2lbs less than my goal so that's great! I had to submit official weigh in photos so as soon as they are authorized, I'll find out how many ways he pot will be split.
I've got some new recipes I'm trying this week. Trying to really plan for these last 10 days.
xo,
Megan
The good news is that I was a winner in my DietBet! I weighed in 2lbs less than my goal so that's great! I had to submit official weigh in photos so as soon as they are authorized, I'll find out how many ways he pot will be split.
I've got some new recipes I'm trying this week. Trying to really plan for these last 10 days.
xo,
Megan
Monday, April 7, 2014
Day 19
Hey y'all :)
Not much to report today. It's my rest day so no exercise, though we did take the girls on a walk this evening. It was cut shirt by some rain though.
I went and got my hair done for the first time in 6 months, so I feel like a new woman.
Breakfast was two fried eggs, bananas and blackberries.
I had a Larabar at the salon because I was star ing. It took way longer than I'd planned for.
Lunch was two leftover hamburger patties and half a steam bag of broccoli, cauliflower and carrots.
Since I didn't get to eat until about 3:45, it's 9pm and I'm not very hungry. I just snacked on some cashews. It's times like this when I wish I could just heat up a quick can of soup or have a Laughing Cow cheese on a Wasa cracker.
Hope everyone had a nice weekend! And hope your Monday isn't too Monday-ish.
xo,
Megan
Not much to report today. It's my rest day so no exercise, though we did take the girls on a walk this evening. It was cut shirt by some rain though.
I went and got my hair done for the first time in 6 months, so I feel like a new woman.
Breakfast was two fried eggs, bananas and blackberries.
I had a Larabar at the salon because I was star ing. It took way longer than I'd planned for.
Lunch was two leftover hamburger patties and half a steam bag of broccoli, cauliflower and carrots.
Since I didn't get to eat until about 3:45, it's 9pm and I'm not very hungry. I just snacked on some cashews. It's times like this when I wish I could just heat up a quick can of soup or have a Laughing Cow cheese on a Wasa cracker.
Hope everyone had a nice weekend! And hope your Monday isn't too Monday-ish.
xo,
Megan
Sunday, April 6, 2014
Day 18-It's a doozie y'all!
It was a big day for me, and it sort of put me in that "Tiger blood" mode they talk about you getting in days 15-27.
Today was the 90th and final day of the fitness challenge I have been a part of since January 6th. I just really can't believe it's over. No, what I can't believe most is that I actually committed to working out 6 days a week for 3 months (minus 4 days I missed if I'm being completely honest).
The program came at a time when I desperately needed motivation and an answer to my biggest problem...I seriously couldn't go to the gym. I won't drag on the explanation but mix husband's work schedule, no gym daycare, not knowing any sitters, and Hawaii traffic, and, as hard I tried to figure out a way, there just wasn't one.
When I was told about this 90 day challenge by some amazing moms who had their babies right around the time I did, and they wanted to do it together, hold each other accountable, I said okay, no excuses. I've got a built in support system but I don't have to tell anyone in my day-to-day life in case I fall off the wagon. I had the weights, I had Amelia's nap times and I could start immediately. They were four days ahead, but I started that hour and I got caught up really quick.
I did suffer in the beginning. I truly thought I might be out after the first week because of such severe knee pain and inflammation. I went to the doctor and met once with a physical therapist, but we couldn't really make a regular appointment work (thanks to military office hours). I thought I was done if I couldn't do the PT because, how would I get any better? After rest, ice, and gentle walking on cardio days, I started to notice the pain decreasing. I wasn't having flare ups anymore, I was getting some of the extra weight and pressure off my joints and I was correcting my form on my strength training exercises. And now, I'm back to running and I have hardly any discomfort, ever.
I am just so grateful that the program existed and to the ladies who pointed me in this direction, who held my hand and struggled with me, who told me to hang in there and who celebrated with me today! (They got to see my before and after pictures.)
Round 2 starts on May 5th and I think she's either got a mini program for the month in between or I'll just start Round 1 over again for the time being. But I'm going into it 12.5" smaller and 20.6lbs lighter. I'm back to my pre-pregnancy weight, back in my pre-pregnancy size and I am so ready to continue where I left off almost 2 years ago. I have been on a weight loss journey since June 2011, losing 40lbs, but with a little hiatus there to have my beautiful daughter, then losing 20 of it again, and I am so pumped to keep it going! I beam on the inside over what I have accomplished, and not out of vanity, but because I have done things I never thought I could do. I have discipline and self-control the 2010, 183lb, classified obese (yep...puttin it all out there) version of me never dreamed possible.
So, I've still got 13 days left of this newest endeavor, my Whole30. As excited as I am to return to a "normal" eating life, I am equally excited to work these clean eating techniques and new habits into my new food life. Like I said, I have no intention of binging or celebrating on Day 31. I intend to keep up what has worked and work in a few of the better, "less Paleo" foods that I know work for me and how my body uses food as fuel. I've got a lot more to learn over the next 13 days too!
Today I didn't do so hot on eating enough. This really is a huge struggle for me. I forget to eat or I just don't get to it until I'm starving. That's no way to treat you body, I know. But here was my day...
Breakfast-Larabar...oops.
Lunch-Andouille sausage with steam bag broccoli
Dinner-hamburger patty, baked (in the microwave) sweet potato with a little coconut oil to smooth it, and the rest of my steam bag broccoli.
Snacks-grapes, cashews
Thanks for hanging in there for this long post. I'm feeling inspired and motivated. Most of all, I just want to be the absolute best version of myself for my daughter, my husband, my family and friends, and being healthy and confident in my abilities helps me do that.
I've still got a ways to go (and I'm not just talking about the number on the scale), but I am more confident than ever that it's just past my fingertips.
Love yall and your tremendous support.
xo,
Megan
Today was the 90th and final day of the fitness challenge I have been a part of since January 6th. I just really can't believe it's over. No, what I can't believe most is that I actually committed to working out 6 days a week for 3 months (minus 4 days I missed if I'm being completely honest).
The program came at a time when I desperately needed motivation and an answer to my biggest problem...I seriously couldn't go to the gym. I won't drag on the explanation but mix husband's work schedule, no gym daycare, not knowing any sitters, and Hawaii traffic, and, as hard I tried to figure out a way, there just wasn't one.
When I was told about this 90 day challenge by some amazing moms who had their babies right around the time I did, and they wanted to do it together, hold each other accountable, I said okay, no excuses. I've got a built in support system but I don't have to tell anyone in my day-to-day life in case I fall off the wagon. I had the weights, I had Amelia's nap times and I could start immediately. They were four days ahead, but I started that hour and I got caught up really quick.
I did suffer in the beginning. I truly thought I might be out after the first week because of such severe knee pain and inflammation. I went to the doctor and met once with a physical therapist, but we couldn't really make a regular appointment work (thanks to military office hours). I thought I was done if I couldn't do the PT because, how would I get any better? After rest, ice, and gentle walking on cardio days, I started to notice the pain decreasing. I wasn't having flare ups anymore, I was getting some of the extra weight and pressure off my joints and I was correcting my form on my strength training exercises. And now, I'm back to running and I have hardly any discomfort, ever.
I am just so grateful that the program existed and to the ladies who pointed me in this direction, who held my hand and struggled with me, who told me to hang in there and who celebrated with me today! (They got to see my before and after pictures.)
Round 2 starts on May 5th and I think she's either got a mini program for the month in between or I'll just start Round 1 over again for the time being. But I'm going into it 12.5" smaller and 20.6lbs lighter. I'm back to my pre-pregnancy weight, back in my pre-pregnancy size and I am so ready to continue where I left off almost 2 years ago. I have been on a weight loss journey since June 2011, losing 40lbs, but with a little hiatus there to have my beautiful daughter, then losing 20 of it again, and I am so pumped to keep it going! I beam on the inside over what I have accomplished, and not out of vanity, but because I have done things I never thought I could do. I have discipline and self-control the 2010, 183lb, classified obese (yep...puttin it all out there) version of me never dreamed possible.
So, I've still got 13 days left of this newest endeavor, my Whole30. As excited as I am to return to a "normal" eating life, I am equally excited to work these clean eating techniques and new habits into my new food life. Like I said, I have no intention of binging or celebrating on Day 31. I intend to keep up what has worked and work in a few of the better, "less Paleo" foods that I know work for me and how my body uses food as fuel. I've got a lot more to learn over the next 13 days too!
Today I didn't do so hot on eating enough. This really is a huge struggle for me. I forget to eat or I just don't get to it until I'm starving. That's no way to treat you body, I know. But here was my day...
Breakfast-Larabar...oops.
Lunch-Andouille sausage with steam bag broccoli
Dinner-hamburger patty, baked (in the microwave) sweet potato with a little coconut oil to smooth it, and the rest of my steam bag broccoli.
Snacks-grapes, cashews
Thanks for hanging in there for this long post. I'm feeling inspired and motivated. Most of all, I just want to be the absolute best version of myself for my daughter, my husband, my family and friends, and being healthy and confident in my abilities helps me do that.
I've still got a ways to go (and I'm not just talking about the number on the scale), but I am more confident than ever that it's just past my fingertips.
Love yall and your tremendous support.
xo,
Megan
Saturday, April 5, 2014
Day 17
Whew, busy day I feel like. Managed to eat well despite that though, which I'm proud of.
Breakfast was scrambled eggs(2 eggs, 2 egg whites), kiwi and coffee.
I snacked on almonds on our way to Gymboree.
Lunch was sautéed chicken breast (just salt and pepper) and a veggie steam bag (I had to remove the potatoes from it so it was actually the whole bag this time)
I had a Larabar as a snack.
Dinner was this salmon recipe that I found on a whim when I decided I needed to do something with what I had in the fridge. It was actually really great. Some of the best he's had, according to the hubby. I had some frozen butternut squash that I heated in a pot. Man, did I want some brown sugar and butter on it though.
I had some cashews after dinner.
Still feeling like I'm having cravings. We ran some errands tonight and had to go to the Sears next to Chili's. The smell of fried food about killed me. I don't think I'm feeling as strong a desire for sugar as I did though. Well, I know I'm not, but I'm not sure it's gone entirely. When I saw you could get a blizzard in a waffle cone now...well, I wished it was Day 31. I have no intention of having a "celebration" meal though. That would defeat the purpose of everything I'm trying to accomplish and teach myself through this process. Now, if the next weekend we want to go out to eat, I won't be so strict. And I am really looking forward to adding my Greek yogurt back to my mornings.
Hope everyone has a great Saturday!
xo,
Megan
Breakfast was scrambled eggs(2 eggs, 2 egg whites), kiwi and coffee.
I snacked on almonds on our way to Gymboree.
Lunch was sautéed chicken breast (just salt and pepper) and a veggie steam bag (I had to remove the potatoes from it so it was actually the whole bag this time)
I had a Larabar as a snack.
Dinner was this salmon recipe that I found on a whim when I decided I needed to do something with what I had in the fridge. It was actually really great. Some of the best he's had, according to the hubby. I had some frozen butternut squash that I heated in a pot. Man, did I want some brown sugar and butter on it though.
I had some cashews after dinner.
Still feeling like I'm having cravings. We ran some errands tonight and had to go to the Sears next to Chili's. The smell of fried food about killed me. I don't think I'm feeling as strong a desire for sugar as I did though. Well, I know I'm not, but I'm not sure it's gone entirely. When I saw you could get a blizzard in a waffle cone now...well, I wished it was Day 31. I have no intention of having a "celebration" meal though. That would defeat the purpose of everything I'm trying to accomplish and teach myself through this process. Now, if the next weekend we want to go out to eat, I won't be so strict. And I am really looking forward to adding my Greek yogurt back to my mornings.
Hope everyone has a great Saturday!
xo,
Megan
Friday, April 4, 2014
Day 16
I was starving today. I had a good run and the winds were so strong it became quite the endurance exercise so that could be why.
I had scrambled eggs for breakfast with coffee, hallelujah, because I got more filters. Little Bit had a rough night so I needed it.
I snacked on almonds and a banana before my run.
I didn't get to eat "lunch" until about 2pm but it was good. Corey made some chicken breasts last night with a recipe he found. No idea where he found it, but it consisted of smoked paprika, garlic and basil. He seared it in a skillet and it was quite tasty. I had two of those with a steam bag of broccoli and cauliflower (yep...the whole bag).
It was fend for yourself for dinner so I made kale chips for the first time. Not sure if I used too much oil, but they weren't as "can't eat just one" as I thought they'd be. I think I'd get sick if I ate too many. But I can see the appeal if done right. I had an andouille sausage with them. I snacked on some guacamole, carrots and peppers before dinner.
Since dinner wasn't as fulfilling as I hoped, I had a Larabar when I was still hungry.
It's Friday for all of you on the mainland! Hope it's a nice one :)
xo,
Meg
I had scrambled eggs for breakfast with coffee, hallelujah, because I got more filters. Little Bit had a rough night so I needed it.
I snacked on almonds and a banana before my run.
I didn't get to eat "lunch" until about 2pm but it was good. Corey made some chicken breasts last night with a recipe he found. No idea where he found it, but it consisted of smoked paprika, garlic and basil. He seared it in a skillet and it was quite tasty. I had two of those with a steam bag of broccoli and cauliflower (yep...the whole bag).
It was fend for yourself for dinner so I made kale chips for the first time. Not sure if I used too much oil, but they weren't as "can't eat just one" as I thought they'd be. I think I'd get sick if I ate too many. But I can see the appeal if done right. I had an andouille sausage with them. I snacked on some guacamole, carrots and peppers before dinner.
Since dinner wasn't as fulfilling as I hoped, I had a Larabar when I was still hungry.
It's Friday for all of you on the mainland! Hope it's a nice one :)
xo,
Meg
Thursday, April 3, 2014
Day 15
Halfway there!!!
Just another day. I wasn't great on breakfast (just a Larabar) because we had to hit the road to go to the commissary early.
For lunch and dinner I had leftover Tostados from last night. They were very good again. Not gonna lie, I had another Larabar thrown in there too. I needed a pick me up.
I guess I could take some time to reflect on how I'm feeling so far. I am very happy to have made it without any slip ups or cheats. I don't think I've lived without a cheat day for months.
I am completing more reps in my workouts and I find that I don't put in the half-effort on the last reps like I've done in the past. I push harder through them and enjoy it. My endurance seems a bit better as well.
I've noticed an increase in my flexibility lately and my stretches are deeper and more effective.
One thing I'm not experiencing that they say might be a positive side effect is joint pain relief. My hips still ache by nighttime and, though my knee pain is very minimal now, I still experience the tightness I've had in the backs of my knees. I am really hoping this is a side effect that comes up in this second half.
As far as weight goes, I will have to cheat and weigh in this weekend because my 90 day fitness challenge is coming to an end and I have a DietBet going to weigh in for as well (wish me luck!). I'll let y'all know how much I'm down then.
I'm recharging and trying to come up with new recipes that include more veggies throughout my day. I really need to focus on that.
xo,
Megan
Just another day. I wasn't great on breakfast (just a Larabar) because we had to hit the road to go to the commissary early.
For lunch and dinner I had leftover Tostados from last night. They were very good again. Not gonna lie, I had another Larabar thrown in there too. I needed a pick me up.
I guess I could take some time to reflect on how I'm feeling so far. I am very happy to have made it without any slip ups or cheats. I don't think I've lived without a cheat day for months.
I am completing more reps in my workouts and I find that I don't put in the half-effort on the last reps like I've done in the past. I push harder through them and enjoy it. My endurance seems a bit better as well.
I've noticed an increase in my flexibility lately and my stretches are deeper and more effective.
One thing I'm not experiencing that they say might be a positive side effect is joint pain relief. My hips still ache by nighttime and, though my knee pain is very minimal now, I still experience the tightness I've had in the backs of my knees. I am really hoping this is a side effect that comes up in this second half.
As far as weight goes, I will have to cheat and weigh in this weekend because my 90 day fitness challenge is coming to an end and I have a DietBet going to weigh in for as well (wish me luck!). I'll let y'all know how much I'm down then.
I'm recharging and trying to come up with new recipes that include more veggies throughout my day. I really need to focus on that.
xo,
Megan
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Day 14
Well, I fell off the wagon today...
April Fool's!! ;) Sorry, had to.
It was a fine day. Actually, identical to yesterday up until dinner.
For dinner I made this dish, Plantain Tostados with Cilantro Lime Chicken and Ranchero Sauce. Overall, I'd call this one a success despite some mistakes on my part and some missing/slightly different ingredients. I forgot to sauté the onion and garlic for the ranchero sauce and just put them in to purée raw (you know, distracted by a screaming kid who gets mad when I baby gate her out of the kitchen). In my opinion, the sauce recipe calls for much garlic, but my cloves were rather big. My plantains were not very ripe but after reading the comments on the recipe, it didn't seem as though it would hurt. I really like these as an alternative to tortillas. They had good flavor and resembled a corn tortilla. I'll probably make mine thinner next time and mine didn't brown the way the picture shows. I might make double chicken next time. Since, for right now, I can't have beans which is usually what I have on the side of a taco, I used a whole chicken thigh on my one tostado and it doesn't leave much in the way of leftovers, or enough for all six Tostados. The chicken would taste great over a salad with salsa too. I didn't have any guacamole, but that would have been great on top.
Hope everyone had a good Tuesday. See ya tomorrow.
xo,
Megan
April Fool's!! ;) Sorry, had to.
It was a fine day. Actually, identical to yesterday up until dinner.
For dinner I made this dish, Plantain Tostados with Cilantro Lime Chicken and Ranchero Sauce. Overall, I'd call this one a success despite some mistakes on my part and some missing/slightly different ingredients. I forgot to sauté the onion and garlic for the ranchero sauce and just put them in to purée raw (you know, distracted by a screaming kid who gets mad when I baby gate her out of the kitchen). In my opinion, the sauce recipe calls for much garlic, but my cloves were rather big. My plantains were not very ripe but after reading the comments on the recipe, it didn't seem as though it would hurt. I really like these as an alternative to tortillas. They had good flavor and resembled a corn tortilla. I'll probably make mine thinner next time and mine didn't brown the way the picture shows. I might make double chicken next time. Since, for right now, I can't have beans which is usually what I have on the side of a taco, I used a whole chicken thigh on my one tostado and it doesn't leave much in the way of leftovers, or enough for all six Tostados. The chicken would taste great over a salad with salsa too. I didn't have any guacamole, but that would have been great on top.
Hope everyone had a good Tuesday. See ya tomorrow.
xo,
Megan
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
Day 13
Truckin' along over here.
Breakfast was leftover Pumpkin Breakfast Pudding (I'm becoming more of a fan of this as the days go on) and two fried eggs. I can't make coffee right now because I'm out of filters. I could have really used it this morning.
Lunch.was.just.awesome. I used this recipe for Chicken Salad, with a few modifications. I only used about 1lb of chicken (just boiled boneless, skinless breast), I left out the pecans (not on purpose), the red onion (on purpose), I used less of everything to remain proportionate to the chicken, and the only seasonings I used were salt and pepper (and significantly less than she recommends). I put it in one of these Paleo Wraps that I found at out local whole foods store. It's essentially just coconut meat made into a sort of square tortilla. I am a wrap fiend. If there's one on a menu at a restaurant, you can almost bet on me ordering it. So, it was really nice having that option. It didn't taste too coconut-y and gave it an extra texture that I miss not having breads. I had my wrap with Brussel sprouts, almonds and a mix of cantaloupe and honeydew.
It was so good I had it for dinner too...
I'm excited for the dinner I'm planning tomorrow (so long as I find a whole roasted pepper).
xo,
Megan
p.s. I'm well aware that the chicken salad isn't "healthy" per se. I mean mayo is mayo, Paleo or not. The difference in Paleo mayo and real mayo is the use of olive oil instead of vegetable oil and no added sugar. I'm sure it's not terribly lighter as far as fat and calories go (though I haven't looked into it). I used as little light mayo as possible on a sandwich or wrap before starting my Whole30 and only used regular if I felt a recipe deserved the full flavor. So, why am I even bothering making it now and adding it in to my diet more frequently...it seems? Well the majority of the Paleo mayo went to the ranch dressing I made, which I ate a lot of (light versions), before going clean. It also just helps me have some semblance of normality. So, I felt I needed a type of comfort food to keep up my positivity about this endeavor and the chicken salad helped. As I was standing over the bowl with a fork in my hand at 9:30pm, I realized I need to watch myself with it. One of the points of this journey is to come to terms with the fact that food shouldn't be used as a reward or to make me feel better just because I'm tired, irritable, sad, happy...whatever emotion. I just wanted everyone to know that I'm keeping my emotional relationship with food in check as well.
p.s. I'm well aware that the chicken salad isn't "healthy" per se. I mean mayo is mayo, Paleo or not. The difference in Paleo mayo and real mayo is the use of olive oil instead of vegetable oil and no added sugar. I'm sure it's not terribly lighter as far as fat and calories go (though I haven't looked into it). I used as little light mayo as possible on a sandwich or wrap before starting my Whole30 and only used regular if I felt a recipe deserved the full flavor. So, why am I even bothering making it now and adding it in to my diet more frequently...it seems? Well the majority of the Paleo mayo went to the ranch dressing I made, which I ate a lot of (light versions), before going clean. It also just helps me have some semblance of normality. So, I felt I needed a type of comfort food to keep up my positivity about this endeavor and the chicken salad helped. As I was standing over the bowl with a fork in my hand at 9:30pm, I realized I need to watch myself with it. One of the points of this journey is to come to terms with the fact that food shouldn't be used as a reward or to make me feel better just because I'm tired, irritable, sad, happy...whatever emotion. I just wanted everyone to know that I'm keeping my emotional relationship with food in check as well.
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