Birthday Blog and What's "Up" with Me

As some of you may or may not know, something is "up" with me. So, I will briefly share about it so people don't have to speculate or keep asking me. However, before I get to that part, I know everyone has also been curious as to how my big day (my birthday) went. :) So, I'll share the "happy stuff" first.

To sum it up, my birthday was AWESOME!! I picked up my BFF/sis, April, and we went to Fort Wayne. Before we went to The Forum for our scheduled spa day, we stopped by the mall to buy ourselves tiaras so we could wear them for our pictures later (BRILLIANT idea, sis!). :) Then, we went to The Forum and had an AWESOME time! First, a massage. Next, a facial. Then, a manicure/pedicure, followed by hairstyling. Then, as if that weren't enough, Steve offered to do our make-up. It wasn't part of our spa package, but everyone was so excited to be a part of our awesome birthday that they were just beyond generous! Steve did our make-up for FREE (though April tipped him generously)! Thank you, Steve! Thank you, Forum (and thank you to Lydia, Lisa, and everyone that worked with April and me!). You guys are AWESOME and made our birthday unforgettable!

Next, we went back to the mall. It was funny because we were all dressed up and wearing our tiaras and lots of people were staring at us lol. Pretty funny to be all dressed up and eating at Auntie Anne's before our photo session, but we were hungry after being at the spa for like six hours! LOL

So, the time came for pictures! The heat of the day took the curl out of my hair quickly, be we still looked pretty awesome! :) Despite having to wait a while, we got a free sheet of prints to make up for it (plus we had coupons for more) so we got a heck of a deal on some pictures! Awesome!

As if that weren't enough, April had made reservations at Baker Street for dinner. Oh my gosh, it was PERFECT! The place was BEAUTIFUL! Everything from the music, atmosphere, decor, food, etc. was AMAZING!! The food is worth every penny - and we got free birthday desserts! April got the cheesecake and I got creme brulee (my first time ever having it!). Oh my gosh, so good!! Delicious entrees, yummy soup and bread, and such heavenly desserts! Plus, we opened the gifts we got each other!! And, wouldn't you know it, we both got each other a musical card that played the SAME song: "Girls Just Want To Have Fun." Do we know each other or what?!! :)

As if that weren't enough, we decided to keep the evening going! After all, in just one more hour, it would officially be April's birthday. We didn't want our big day to end! So, we called up April's bro and we all hung out for a while and sang karaoke. Well, April and I did anyways (and so did our friend, Mikey, who sang happy birthday to us too lol). And, we had our tiaras on the whole night and got treated like the birthday princesses that we were! :) We had an awesome time and then finally had to go home - but not before having a ton more girl talk on the way lol. I love my sis!! OXOX

My birthday was definitely one to remember! Such a high point! Though, as we know, the highs can sometimes be followed by some lows (or in my case, a very BIG low!). Ok, so here's what's "up", people. To put it bluntly, the kids and I moved out (and moved in) with my Dad and Lauri the day after my birthday. Mitch and I are getting a divorce. Those closest to me know my situation and that this is something that I have never WANTED to do. However, I'm in the position where I HAVE to. That's ALL I will say publicly. I'm not a mean person, and I don't do character assasination (it only reflects poorly on your own). However, I can't speak for anyone else, so I don't know who has heard what and frankly, I don't care. Those that know me know my heart and my character and I trust that true friends will have the wisdom and discernment to see the truth and disregard any lies and junk that might possibly be out there. Like I said, I don't know that there is, but I'm just saying. As Dr. Phil would say, "I don't care how flat you make a pancake, it's still got two sides." So, if we are acting maturely, I would think that one wouldn't take one side of the pancake over the other and just truly look at the whole thing - if you know what I mean. I don't expect (or request) anyone to take sides. All I hope for is that anyone who has nothing better to do than examine hotcakes would at least have enough sense to know the pancake as a whole. Hard to cry out that one side is a little over-cooked when the other is burnt black. I don't know if this metaphorical jargon makes any sense, but you get the idea. I guess all I'm saying is don't judge either side too harshly (or at all) or take anything as gospel unless you know the whole truth. Unless you're prepared to serve up your own pancake on a platter for all to see, I respectfully ask for you to hold any servings of judgment, condemnation, rudeness, and self-righteous advice. Thank you! :)

On that note, I guess the only other thing I have to say is thanks!! THANK YOU to the people who have been with me now, and through the years, and have given me their love, compassion, and support! I appreciate the true friends that I have that truly understand what's going on and are supporting me 100%! It means everything to me (you have no idea!). Please, keep the prayers coming (for all involved). I'm a mixed bag of emotions; and having a really hard time managing them.

Also, for those of you that keep asking me how you can help me, my answer (in addition to my first request of prayer) is that you can help me by letting me help you! Most of you know that I'm a Team Beachbody Coach and aside from my main reason being that I want to help people get fit and healthy, I really need the income I get from it (obviously). So, if you're one of my customers, let me know how I can help you get the most out of Team Beachbody. It's mutually beneficial! I get to help you with your health and fitness and you are helping a soon-to-be single Mom provide for herself and her kids by purchasing Beachbody programs/supplements/Shakeology/etc. and/or becomming a coach yourself (all those interested in coaching, and all the benefits it offers, please let me know!!!). ALL NEW CUSTOMERS WELCOME!! I would LOVE to be your coach and have you on my team!! :) Check out my "before" and "after" photos here, and sign up!! This is more than a job/income for me. It's one of my passions and I am good at what I do and am meant to do it! It gives me purpose and it blesses me to give back to others and see people transform their health and their lives (just as I continue to do with my own!).

Ok, I guess that's it! Would have posted some pictures with this blog, but I'm not on my own computer. You'll have to check out my picture album (if you're on my friends list on Facebook). Grace and peace to all of you! God bless you all! Thanks for your love and support!

Progress and "Problems" ;)

Everyone knows that I'm not a "Monday" person. Furthermore, I am not a morning person either. However, I have learned to love and appreciate both in the last few weeks. 

Of course, today is weigh-in day and I am happy to report that I am down another 1.6 pounds. I now weigh 186 (and falling). ;) Praise God!! 

I am very satisfied with that loss. I didn't think I would have one at all because throughout the week, my weight showed that I was staying exactly where I was. Despite burning over 4,000 calories last week (I know, right?!) I knew that I would have trouble showing a loss. Why? Because I wasn't eating enough. 

The thing is, none of this was really intentional. I worked out the same as normal and usually burn 2,500 calories. It ended up being more because of a few spontaneous workouts (as well as pushing harder when I DID workout; partly because of wanting to get some frustration out). One of my extra workouts involved the the Shaun T's Fit Kids Club video (I was helping Casey learn how to do it - and it's a very fun and simple video! I highly recommend it for kids!!). Then, I had a short workout with Brandi when I was showing her how to Turbo Jam. And finally, I decided to run on Friday (my rest day) because the Swiss Days 5k is coming up and I haven't run in a while. So, I burned quite a bit last week! 

Everyone knows that exercise burns calories, so I should have literally burned my entire butt off with that kind of number. ;) However, what you may or may not know is that if you don't consume enough calories, your body freaks out and hold onto all that it gets - and I know that. Typically, this is not my problem. Usually, I would be blogging about the opposite issue: overconsumption. However, due to the Shakeology, I have not been craving food (including sweets). That is an AWESOME thing for me, but now I have to be very purposeful in my eating. I still got an amazing amount of protein (and for once, my carbs and fat weren't on the high end of the spectrum) but I still didn't get enough calories. I KNEW that I was sabotaging myself by not eating enough, but I just couldn't seem to make myself do it (especially on the days where I had a nervous stomach - and those of you closest to me know why). Heck, even when I gave blood yesterday, the thought of eating their cookies to replenish made me feel even more sick to my stomach. But, I did have a cookie (and a couple doughnuts). I wasn't craving them and surprisingly, they didn't really taste that good to me. I NEVER thought I would have to MAKE myself eat the kind of stuff that I used to think I HAD to have lol. I did feel better and more stabilized after eating it, but that's the only reason I ate it.

Ok, so my goal for this week is to make sure that I eat enough. I'm still going to work just as hard and am excited about finishing this final week of the "push" phase of ChaLean Extreme. My fellow Beachbody coaches have told me, "just wait until 'lean'" so I am VERY excited to see a new surge of progress when I start that phase! I'm ready for it!! The "push" phase has been GREAT and I have really enjoyed it. Though, I can tell that my body is ready for a fresh change if it's going to continue to progress. No plateaus here!! Got to keep changing it up! 

Speaking of changes, I still can't help but do double takes whenever I look in the mirror. I am finally SEEING the changes in my body and for the first time, I am seeing and feeling the strength and definition in myself. Plus, there are clothes that I can wear that were tight only a few weeks ago (and now, they're not)! ;) Though, this also presents a very unique problem because there is going to come a point where I exceed the smallest size that is in my closet. Back in 2007, I got to 178. I am EIGHT POUNDS away from that, so anything beyond 178 (as I aim for my 150 goal) is going to mean that I'm seriously going to need a tailor! ;) And, I continue to have a frustrating shoe problem, because my size 11 shoes don't fit right anymore (but my feet still seem to be too big for a 10). So, progress is bringing its "problems". ;) Though, these kind of problems (while mildly irritating) are actually pretty welcome problems to have. ;) And, all of you KNOW that I'm tough enough to tackle it and will overcome!! (Philippians 4:13). 

Thank you all for reading and for supporting me in this!! Grace and peace to all of you! And, as always, if you have questions about Shakeology or ChaLean Extreme (or anything Beachbody) please feel free to ask! I'm an Independent Team Beachbody Coach and I'm here to help (sign up for FREE by clicking "sign up" on my page and I will be assigned to you as your coach!). God bless you all!! 

EXTREMELY Excited!

I have such a great update for you all!! I am so excited I can hardly stand it!! I have so many good things to report and I am just SO THANKFUL!! Praise God! What an answer to prayer!! 

Ok, first of all, I have an AMAZING loss to report! Last week, I was 192.2 but now (get this!) I am 187.6!! Can I get an AMEN?!! Woo hoo!! GLORY!! That means I lost nearly FIVE POUNDS this past week (nearly eight since starting Shakeology three weeks ago). I had been stagnant for far too long and I am SO EXCITED to finally be moving in the right direction! So glad to make it to the 80’s!! I feel like I am out of my own personal “fat” zone that I‘ve been lingering in for too long (if that makes any sense). I can’t wait for the 70’s! ;) The closest I got was in 2007 when I made it to 178. Getting beyond that is going to be one heck of a milestone accomplishment for me, that’s for sure! 

That’s not the only good news! My body fat is down by over 1% since the end of April! I am getting SO CLOSE to my goal of 150! I have been saying for YEARS that I was going to get there, but THIS YEAR is finally going to be THE year!! ;) 

Of course, I am super excited about my weight-loss, but maybe even MORE exciting is the fact that I am seeing the difference as well as feeling it (I got some curves!). Pretty soon, my clothes are going to be way too big (they are getting rather loose now) and my muscles will have even more definition as I continue building strength with ChaLean Extreme! Did you know I can actually do 1-2 pushups on my toes?! Ok, so I still do MOST of them on my knees, but WOW! Do you know how HUGE that is for me?!! I could NEVER push myself up before and I HATED push-ups! I scoffed when Chalene said that I would learn to love them. Dare I say it, I’m getting close to loving them! LOL That and I can lift up to 25 pounds (each hand) on some of the exercise! Count it, people! 50 pounds total (lower body exercises - like the squats). NEVER in my life have I been this strong - EVER! I feel so incredibly awesome! I’m getting strength and endurance! I am getting PLENTY of protein and Chalene is right, “your body loves muscle!” Finally, I’m making good choices and it’s all paying off TREMENDOUSLY! Thank you, God! 

Oh, and this isn’t all!! The other pleasant surprises I have gotten through drinking Shakeology every day is the fact that it really does what it says it does! My cravings are GONE! I am NOT kidding!! My sweet tooth has disappeared and I am not insanely hungry and consumed with thoughts of food and eating all the time! Actually, quite the opposite! I have to pretty much make myself eat! I do “feel” hungry, but I am not really hungry “for” anything. You know what I mean? So, that’s nice because then I can actually choose nutritious foods on purpose because my body isn’t demanding that I eat pizza or something else that is bombarding my brain. I think it’s because the nutrition in Shakeology is so perfectly complete that my body is saying, “Hey, we got the essential nutrients we have been telling you to feed us. We won’t bug you with food now. Thanks for giving yourself what you need to function! Anything else is bonus! By the way, we‘re getting rid of the extra fat now that we know we are getting a steady supply of the right nutrition. We don‘t need this ‘cushion‘ anymore!” 

Another pleasant surprise that I started noticing is the fact that my eyes aren’t itching like crazy. This time of year, my allergies are HORRIBLE! I can’t remember the last time I itched and itched at my eyes! Could it be? Is this awesome and delicious nutrient packed shake helping with how my body copes with my allergies too?!! Oh my gosh, no way!! This is HUGE for me!! 

The verse that is on my mind right now is this: “Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?” - Matthew 5:25. 

You know what that verse means to me? It means that for the first time in my life, I know the relief of what it’s like not to think about food all the time. I truly have better things to do! There is more to life than food and I am LIVING it! I feel so incredibly free! Food is now just that: food. I eat for the purpose of fuel and nourishment and that is it! I’m not binging or craving insane amounts. I am satisfied; so incredibly satisfied! This may sound cliché, but Shakeology has been such a miracle for me! I only wish I had tried it sooner. If I had only known that I would feel so much better, truly have more energy and not be so tired (oh how I battled depression and fatigue!) and gotten more….um…..”regular” I would have done this a long time ago! Well, I can’t get back lost time, but I’m sure making up for it now! Praise God! 

I feel like I’ve gotten my nutrition and exercise straightened out so well! Now, I can focus on other things now that I don’t have to try so hard with this! I am so grateful! Now, I am free to help and inspire others and be a better and healthier me now that I can function better! I’m so excited to continue on this journey!! I feel like I am living life now and I LOVE being a coach and helping others to achieve their goals too (click here if you want to sign up for a FREE Team Beachbody account and join my team!! I would LOVE to help you! Just click "sign up" at the top of the page). 

Grace and peace to all of you! Thanks for all your support!! God bless you all!! 

Finally! An EXTREME-LY Awesome Update!

Three words best sum up this week‘s update: “Thank you, Jesus!” After being stuck at about 194ish for what seems like FOREVER, the scale finally moved today!! And not just by a tenth or something miniscule either! No. Today, it read 192.2 which is a loss of (get ready for this!) 3.2 pounds!! Ladies and gentlemen, can I get an AMEN?!!! I'm almost to the 180's and well on my way to my goal of 150! Wow! It’s about time!!!! Oh HAPPY MONDAY (did I just say “happy” and “Monday” together? Hey Daryl, make a note of this! LOL!). 

Even though I was hopeful that this week would be “the” week for change, I wasn’t holding my breath. So, I actually feel a little surprised by today’s awesome numbers! Though, it shouldn’t really be TOO surprising, because I have been doing well (much better than what is “typical” for myself). The past couple weeks, I have had very few calorie binging days (if any). I have been much more self-controlled. I attribute that first to Christ and the fact that I am really trying to listen to His guidance when he nudges me towards (or away from) a food choice. I have also been trying to stay consistent with reading some specially selected food-related verses every morning to get my head in the right frame of mind for the day. I do much better with my choices when I do. 

Secondly, I have completed the first week of the “Push” phase in ChaLean Extreme. I have adjustable weights now (which are making a BIG difference) and I am super proud of the fact that I can lift more than what I ever thought I could! Also, dare I say, I am enjoying the Push circuits! I typically hate strength training, but something about lifting really heavy (and seeing how strong you are) and only having to do 6-8 reps in these circuits, instead of 10-12, is a LOT more fun!! Furthermore, the fact that I see an ever so slight definition in my arms is encouraging (I am now a typical dork flexing in the mirror lol). Watch this short video clip if you want to see what ChaLean Extreme is like!

Last but not least, I have been drinking Shakeolgoy every day for two weeks now and I’ve got to tell you something: Shakeology, combined with the other things mentioned above, has made a BIG difference!! I’m just as skeptical as the next person about nutrition/protein drinks and the like, but this stuff is 100% different and 100% delicious! Not chalky, TOTALLY chocolatey, and TOTALLY good for the body! I laughed at the claim that it actually satisfies and reduces your cravings, but after drinking it for two weeks, I can honestly tell you that they’re not lying (this is coming from a gal with the world’s worst sweet tooth!). My “sugar monster” has been tamed TREMENDOUSLY and I don’t battle insanely ravenous hunger anymore! Food isn’t on my brain as much as it used to be, I don‘t crave sweets as much, and I truly do feel less tired and like I have more energy! Though, you could always say it’s a placebo effect, but even if it is, it’s STILL worth it (and, hello, it tastes good and is good FOR you!). Plus, the scale is SHOWING it! Still aren't convinced? No problem! Take a minute to watch the following video. It shows you just how many fruits and veggies you would have to eat (and how much it would cost) as compared to just one glass of Shakeology! It’s an eye opener! I don’t know about you, but I’m not a big vegetable eater, and even if I was, I could never eat all that food (or afford it) each day in order to get the same nutrition! Even Chalene Johnson loves her Shakeology (you've gotta read her humorous blog entry: "My Shakeology Apology" LOL). 

Now that you've seen the video, be sure to visit my Shakeology page so you can view more information; including nutrition content, recipes, and how to order some! You won’t be sorry! You even have a 30 day guarantee (you can send it back, even if the bag is empty, and get a refund). You got nothing to lose - except the weight! (By the way, Team Beachbody Club members save 10% on all orders and coaches get a discount of 25%! Let me know if you want more information on either of these options! At the very least, please visit my profile and click “sign up“ at the top to get the basic FREE account!). 

Grace and peace to all of you! Thank you, everyone, for continuing to be supportive! I love all my cheerleaders out there that keep me going (and accountable). I’m doing well! All things through Christ (Philippians 4:13)! I can’t do it without Him (John 15:5). 

Accomplishment Isn't Future Tense

“Ok, take a deep breath and let it out slowly. Just keep remembering to breathe and maintain good form.” This is what I had to tell myself yesterday; and it had nothing to do with working out. I was trying desperately to be calm, composed, and steady in my breathing. That’s because I finished the first phase of ChaLean Extreme and my results are nothing like what I expected. 

This month, I only ended up losing a total of 1.6 pounds. Yep, that’s it…..for the MONTH! My measurements have also remained the same and I couldn’t be more agitated. I’m especially perturbed because I actually did really well this week (and it looked like I had a loss earlier in the week). Aside from Sunday, I didn’t royally screw up my calories and was a “good girl”. I even worked out on Friday (one of my rest days). Yet, what do I have to show for it this week (and this month)? Yet, I know that really blowing it Sunday (especially since Mondays are my weigh-ins) isn’t smart. So, that’s my own fault. 

I would be particularly furious, and tempted to throw in the towel completely, if it weren’t for the fact that I KNOW that progress isn’t confined to the scale and measuring tape. In my heart, I KNOW that I have made a lot of improvements; many of which are still in their infancy and might take another week or two to show their fruit. The first one being is that I am more focused and concentrated on the spiritual aspect of this whole journey; which is why I did much better (for the most part) nutritionally. I’m still working hard physically, and have just started the second phase of the program. The new change in exercises will be a big help because I know that I was reaching a bit of a plateau and was ready for the change. Furthermore, I hadn’t had heavy enough weights until now. I just got my new adjustable ones this past Friday and worked out with them for the first time on Saturday (and am truly feeling the soreness now). So, this is a good thing. If I had had adequate weights to begin with, this past month’s progress could have been a lot better.

Additionally, I  know (and have been told) that sometimes you gain before you lose. That’s the whole “muscle weighs more than fat” stuff. So, that’s ok with me. I can honestly tell you that after a month of doing this intense training (and sweating like I’ve never sweat in my life!!) that I feel stronger and my endurance is improved. I’m a lot stronger than I thought I was and can lift more than what I used to! Whether the scale says so or not, I feel that I am starting to look leaner. My body fat is down by like 0.4% this month (better than nothing). I know that I can (and will) continue to improve as I continue to have the kind of “good weeks” that I have had this past week. 

As some of you may now, I have also been drinking Shakeology for a week now (and I’m loving it!). I look forward to drinking it every day and it’s just as fun to drink as it is to think of new concoctions in order to enjoy a variety of different tastes. As I continue to drink it, I think that I will continue seeing even more improvements. It really does taste good and with all that’s packed into it, it seriously does keep me satisfied until the next meal. I was skeptical about how it says it can help reduce food cravings, but I can now vouch for the fact that it does. Anyone that knows me knows how I have an impossibly bad sweet tooth. However, I have been craving sweets a LOT less (I‘m not kidding! It‘s a miracle lol!). It is becoming easier to say “no” to overeating when the Holy Spirit tells me to “stop” because the “sugar monster” has been tamed a little more. ;) Praise God for that! 

My level of fatigue has also decreased. I feel that my energy level is starting to improve. While the amazing vitamins, fruit/veggie powders, enzymes, anti-oxidants, and pro-biotics from Shakeology do factor into that, I attribute all my success to Christ and the fact that I am really focusing on renewing my mind in His Word. After all, you could be doing everything “right” (as I have been doing for the most part) and still have poor results if your spiritual self isn’t in check. That’s why I have seriously refocused on that core aspect (and it‘s truly helping!). In fact , my small group is reading “Battlefield of the Mind”, by Joyce Meyer. I read it in High School and it helped me greatly! Once again, re-reading it is helping me to be more aware of my thought life and helping me to choose different thoughts and behaviors in order to overcome my bad habits and choose better ones. Your life is the product of your thoughts. If you’re expecting positive things, it has to start in your mind. You can’t have positive results if all you have are negative thoughts. 

So, despite the disappointments, I remain hopeful and optimistic. I’m learning and improving and I will be patient with myself. Everyone loves rapid progress and immediate gratification, but it doesn‘t always work that way. I will celebrate every victory; even if it doesn‘t look the way I think it should. This next week (and month) will be better. All three aspects (spiritual, nutritional, and fitness) have been, and will continue to be, improving. I don’t care what the scale says right now because I know that I have much to be proud of! Every recent investment that I have made to further my progress has been a worthwhile one because I am a good investment. Whatever the cost, it is worth it because it not only benefits me, but will benefit my family in the long run. I am a better me when I’m taking care of myself and I also have the confidence of knowing that the kind of battle I’m fighting won’t be passed on to my kids. My kids see me eat my salads, measure my portions, drink my water, take my vitamins, and drink my Shakeology (though, of course, they think it’s a “milkshake” and are constantly asking me for one). They also see me workout and Gianna often mentions the word “healthy” and “taking care of my body” (though, I think some of that is due to “Sid the Science Kid” lol). Both of them already have a good head-start, and have always been at the right weight for their age (and actually lean towards the skinny side). This is good because they have a lesser chance of being an overweight adult if they aren’t an overweight child. I will continue to make sure that this stays true for them and that they learn how to take care of themselves as they continue to grow. 

I can’t even begin to tell you the relief I feel that I’m going to be the one to break the cycle in my family! My battle will NOT be theirs! My children will have better habits and choose good things for themselves because I’m trying to live the example and teach them to do the same. Food isn’t always on their brain. They aren’t eating constantly. They eat when they’re hungry and stop when they feel full (and when they do, they say that the doctor needs to help their tummy because there’s too much food in there lol. So, they don’t fill it up too full very often because they don’t like that feeling). They are a big inspiration to me because, like Jesus said, we need to be like little children. I want to be like them; eating when I’m hungry and stopping before I’m full. I want to be self-controlled and not have food on my mind. I notice that my kids usually only mention food when they’re actually hungry. Apparently, they already understand the simple fact that there are better things to do than to think about food and your next meal all the time (especially when there are starving people who really are forced to think about it all the time. We are so blessed to not have to worry!). I heard someone say once (can’t remember what country they were from) but they were talking about how Americans don’t savor and enjoy their foods. We are thinking about our next bite and not even enjoying the one we are working on or we’re already planning in advance when and where we’re going to have our next meal. So much of our lives revolve around food and we don’t even know it. Then, we wonder why we are the fattest nation in the world. 

Grace and peace to all of you! Thank you for your support! Thanks for celebrating every victory with me and encouraging me (especially in these “slow” moments of progress). Accomplishment isn’t future tense; accomplishment is NOW! Through Christ, I am accomplishing things RIGHT NOW (Philippians 4:13)! HE is my immediate gratification and He will continue to see this through to completion (Philippians 1:6)! Amen!

The Key to Consistency

For this week's weight-loss update, I don't have any weight-loss to report. I stayed exactly the same this week. I wish I would have worked out on Friday's "rest day" by running on the Greenway, but I didn't have time (and I really did need the rest). I walked plenty on Sunday (my other rest day) as we were out and about, but that was also the day where my eating wasn't the greatest (though I did pretty well the rest of the week). 

I wasn't expecting a loss this week anyways. It's that "time" again, plus I figure I'm at a plateau. Though, that is about ready to change as well because I am finishing up the first phase of ChaLean Extreme and will be starting the next one soon. So, the change in exercise will get me going again. Plus, I just ordered some new weights. All I've had to work with are 5's and 10's, which aren't heavy enough for many of the exercises. Even though I still sweat (and feel it) decently enough, I KNOW I am capable of more (which would give me better results too). 

At this point, I'm content with the fact that I'm a little stagnant because I know that I've got momentum and that the new changes will payoff as soon as I start the new phase and get the weights that I need. Add to the fact that I've also started drinking Shakeology on a daily basis and I'm absolutely SURE that I will start seeing more changes (I will blog about Shakeology in more detail a little later). 

I feel like I'm on the right track and that I'm making the "extreme" changes that I need to make in order to get results. The one thing I am still lacking is the fact that I'm always needing to pay more attention to the spiritual aspect. As I've always said, if that part isn't doing well, then nothing is going to go well. Have Christ; have success. If that's lacking, then your success will be lacking. It doesn't matter how much you "will" it or want it. If you're doing it all on your own, you aren't going to get very far (and if you do, it won't be for very long). I need to constantly remind myself of this because I know that without Christ, I am nothing and can accomplish nothing (John 15:5). I NEED to stay attached to the vine if I'm going to bear good fruit! Otherwise, all I can expect is up and down progress and lots of frustration! 

Christ is the key to consistency!! Even if my exercise, nutrition, and everything else is spot on, I know after YEARS of doing this that Christ is the only thing that is 100% effective and the source of any true success (the best part being that He truly wants you to succeed and all that He offers is FREE! No cost, no shipping and handling, nothing! He already paid the price!). Satan would like nothing more than to distract me and help me forget that (and sometimes, he succeeds). However, my spirit knows what works and if I'm led by my spirit, it will conquer the flesh that says "I can do this myself" every time! If at any point I'm not doing well, I should examine my heart and face the glaringly obvious reality that I'm slacking spiritually and then pump up my spiritual muscles like I would my physical ones. The spiritual strength I get from Christ will give me the strength for everything else. The Holy Spirit is the one that nudges me when I'm about to make a bad food choice, ignore a workout, or get prideful in myself. If I listen, I can prevent any mistakes I might make. If I ignore it and go with my flesh, thinking that I'm somehow "above the law" and that I can escape any negative consequences, then I deceive myself. 

Christ keeps me balanced and I desperately need Him if I'm going to succeed! My progress would be a LOT better (and I would get to my goal quicker) if I stayed completely dependent on Him! I am forever praying that I would better understand what it means to be reliant on Him. I could stand to review the stuff I learned in "The Lord's Table", that's for sure!

God bless you all! Thank you to all my family, friends, sparkpeople peeps, and my new Beachbody family for all the encouragement and support that you offer! I appreciate it! Thanks for walking with me on this journey!! Grace and peace to you!

Extremely Rewarding!

Well, I'm half-way through the Burn Phase of ChaLean Extreme! It's intense, but it's getting more tolerable as I build strength and endurance! Though, about the time it gets tolerable is when it will be time for the next phase (and fresh pain lol). That is a good thing, though (yeah, it is!). It may be tough, but it's worth it! Anything worth achieving takes hard work and a lot of blood, sweat, and tears. Thus far, there has been a lot of blood-pumping action, profuse sweating (oh my gosh, you have no idea!), and yes.....I have cried lol. 

It's all paying off, though! Even though I'm not progressing as well as I think I should (or maybe I am, I just don't realize it) I did lose 1.6 pounds this week. All total, I've lost almost 3 pounds since starting ChaLean Extreme 2-3 weeks ago! I'm also inching closer to the 180's (I'm at 194.6 right now). Praise God! 

I would probably have a little bit better number if I didn't have a few days, here and there, where I have really blown it. Last Saturday was one of those days. I had a day out with my kids and we had a blast! We went to Chuck E. Cheese because we had a ton of unspent tokens from Casey's birthday party and some coupons from the management for free pizza and drinks (there were a few glitches in his party and they were more than happy to make it up to us!). So, I had pizza.......um...quite a bit of pizza. Good thing I decided to ditch my rest day the day before and hit the Greenway instead! ;) 

Oh and it didn't stop there! We went several other places; including Toys "R" Us (which the kids call "Toy Rugs" for some reason lol). I even took them to Baskin Robbins for some ice cream and then to the mall where they rode the carousel, shopped with me (and behaved relatively well), and we all shared an Auntie Anne's pretzel. Yeah, I know. To quote my friend Jama: "carbalicious." All things considered, it was a miracle that I lost anything at all this week! I guess the strength training really does pay off because muscle is a fat-burning/metabolism boosting powerhouse! Not that I should be eating like that anyways (at least not often or to that extent) but it's obvious that maybe my body is starting to be less harsh on me when I DO mess up! ;) Thank-you, Lord!

That's my update for now! I'm doing pretty well! How about all of you? Are you reading this and thinking/wishing that you could be kickin' some butt right now? Well, you can! Trust me, if I can do it, ANYONE can do it!! I push through it even when I don't want to and somehow, God gives me the endurance to give it my all even on the days where my back/neck is hurting more than normal. You can do it too, and I'm here for you!! Click on my link to shop for ChaLean Extreme (or P90X, Turbo Jam, Slim in 6, etc.); whichever program fits your needs best! If you have any questions, feel free to ask! Check out Shakeology too (oh my gosh, I gotta get me some more of that! It's awesome!). God bless you everyone!! :)