The results are in....

Today was the last day of my cleanse.  I, by no means, was perfect.  I tried and for the most part I was successful.  There were days that I stuck to the plan and then there were days,,,well, I didn't!  But what I can say is that I lost weight.  I have lost inches. And more importantly, I feel better.

I still struggle every day at every meal.  I struggle on the way to work.  Do you know that I pass 2 McDonald's, 1 Starbucks, 1 Sonic, 1 Dairy Queen, 2 Shipley's, and a handful of mom and pop restaurants on my way to school? It is a constant battle just in the 30 minute drive to work.  

I have learned that meal planning is the key.  I tried both ways.  I meal prepped all of my lunches and snacks the first week.  Things went smoothly.  There weren't as many temptations compared to the second week.  The second week I did not plan or prepare for the whole week.  Most days I made my lunch that morning. One morning I woke up late.  My thought process on eating went out the window.  I rationalized what I could eat that day.  I will get a salad from across the street.  That is not too bad except I will get Ranch dressing and there is cheese.  Then I thought for breakfast I will stop and get fast food.  The moment I thought of stopping tI thought about getting a frozen coffee.  Then I thought about me snacks.  I had none ready.  It was the first time that I could see how this spirals out of control.  I stopped and reassessed what I could bring from home.  I made good choices and made it through the day with minimal damage.  

I have learned that I am not great at blogging every day.  I tried.   But life got busy.  Here is my last comment before I give you my results.  I was not perfect.  I had days that I made huge mistakes and others that were flawless.  I have even started learning about macros.  But every day I got up and tried again.  I didn't wait for Monday to "start over".  I started over the next meal.  It made it so much easier having a group of people that working towards to the same goals.

So with that being said here are my results.  After cheats and no exercise.  Here is it is:

Starting Weight: 168.2
Final weight: 162.8
Starting Pants size-14
Ending pant size-12

Arms-.5 inches gone
Waist-1.5 inches gone
Belly(across the belly button)-3 inches gone
Hips-.5 inches gone
Pounds-5.4 pounds gone.

I saw a quote that said, "They are not lost.  They are gone. I have no desire to find them again."

I know as a society that we look at the scale to see what our number is.  I know that I do.  But we need to start looking at the whole picture.   I lost pounds and I am excited about that.  But I can't help but to wish for the number on the scale to be smaller.  But to see the inches gone, my clothes fitting better, feeling better, and all of the compliments makes it all worth it.

My husband said, "I'm gonna have to start loving less of you."  After figuring out what the heck he was talking about and having a good chuckle, I felt good.

So, wherever you are in your healthy lifestyle journey keep going.  Find a friend and keep going.

If you would like to know about Advocare leave me a message on here or on my Facebook page.  If you would like to order or look around you can go to my site.

I gotta go.  The doorbell just rang.  My Advocare order just got here!!!

Get Up and Dust yourself Off-Day 3

So, if you read my post from yesterday you will be relieved to know that I am doing MUCH better today.  I have stuck to the plan.

Today is the last day of STAAR testing and that makes me happy.  The students have done a great job!  The amount of pressure that is put on this test is a little crazy!  We had students coming in sick to their stomach, because they we worried they wouldn't do good.  We should have kids that stressed out over a test.

Anyway, here is how today went:

Weight:167.2-This is what happens when you eat everything in sight!  You gain a pound that you lost the day before.

Breakfast-
      I had another Meal Replacement Shake.  I really enjoy them and they are super convenient.  When I don't get up early these are really helpful.  

Snack-
     Cucumbers

Lunch-
     chicken, broccoli and cauliflower, and sweet potatoes.  I also had raspberries. Today was day 3 of this meal.  Kind of glad it is over.  It was good but ready for a change.  Tomorrow's will be wonderful.

Unplanned Snack-3 chips with buffalo dip, mini butterfinger.  Thank goodness those are gone.

Dinner- I made Turkey Taco Bowls.  You can find the recipe here.  

The day was not perfect but sooooo much better!

Oh STAAR test...you messed up my day-Day 2

Weight: 166.2

 I started off with all of the normal stuff: water, Spark, Probiotic pills, fiber drink.  On my way to work I stopped at McDonald's for our free teacher breakfast for the STAAR test.  I knew I wasn't going to eat it.  I really wanted the apple slices though.  I went in got my free breakfast and continued on to work.  I gave my Egg McMuffin and apple juice away and had my Meal Replacement shake.  Everything was going fine. 

7:50-Breakfast:Chocolate Mint Brownie Shake

9:15-Nature Grain Breakfast blueberry biscuits.

  

These little guys are 230 calories for the whole package.  Not a good choice for a snack.  The test started stressing me out.  I ate it all.  

9:45 1 mini Butterfinger.  What is wrong with me?  I did it without thinking.  

10:45- 1/4 cup of raspberries.  There is one good choice for the day.

11:45- Chicken, sweet potatoes, broccoli and cauliflower mix.  I also had a few of my strawberries.  

12:10-I went to the STAAR spa that is hosted by the Kindergarten team.  I had a few carrots and 5 chips with dip.  I bypassed the cake, but ohhh the dip.  

12:45- 2 bites of BBQ(I told you my day was messed up)

4:00-the rest of my strawberries

6:30-spinach salad with chicken and raspberry vinaigrette.

7:30- 2 bites of ice cream and one bite of Reese's peanut butter cup(I threw the rest away...it hurt)

 I MESSED UP TODAY!  It is kind of embarrassing to write this all down, but I am.  I am using this blog to help others (not that today was helpful) but to also help myself.  I am trying to get out of the mind set that if I mess up once in the day that the whole day is ruined and I can eat what I want.  I am working on it.  I did better today than I have in the past.  

I have one more day of STAAR testing.  I am using it to prove to myself that I can do this. I don't have to let stress and other factors of life rule my diet.  The day is over.  Tomorrow is a new start.  I will own tomorrow!

So it begins...One month of marriage and day 1 of the cleanse

So, one month ago today I married my best friend!  It was along time coming but it finally happened.  We got hitched!




One month later I have decided to start the Advocare cleanse.  I almost waited and started tomorrow because he wanted to go out to celebrate making it a month!  LOL!  But I didn't postpone it.  I started today.  There will always be celebrations and get togethers. I am choosing to start the cleanse today and if we go out tonight or go to a movie I will make wise choices.  If we go to the movies I might sneak some fruit in.  I will be the first to admit that I will "cheat" (on food, not my husband).  I know I will.  But as long as I have that meal and then get back on track I will be ok.  So happy one month anniversary to us!



Advocare Cleanse
First weigh in 168.2
Pant size 14

Eating
Day 1
6:20-AM packet of pills

6:45-Fiber drink(soooo much better than before.  It has no flavor, it doesn't thicken, and is not gritty)

7:50-Apple; In the past the fiber drink has made me so full that I didn't eat a lot for breakfast.  I will be changing that tomorrow.  I got pretty hungry around 9:15.

9:30-1/4 Cup of nuts

11:30-chicken, broccoli and cauliflower, sweet potatoes and strawberries

2:30-Apple

Here is where it could have gone south, quickly.

My sweet husband wanted to go out for our 1 month anniversary.  He decided to take me to the Cheesecake Factory and then to see The Fast and the Furious 7.  ARE YOU KIDDING ME? I was fairly good.

6:00-1 Chicken Samosa-DELICIOUS!  I could have eaten all four of them and then some.
         Chicken BBQ Salad.  The only truly bad thing on there was the ranch.  Everything else was in check.  I did have the ranch on the side so I ate way less, but over all I was proud of my choices so far........
and then there was the dreaded question.  Did you save room for dessert?  Well of course I had room...I just had a salad.  But, believe it or not we did not have any cheesecake. Epic moment!

I still had one more hurdle....POPCORN...from the movie theater....with butter.  I DID IT!  I didn't get anything.  No butter, no popcorn...nothing!

10:20 Herbal pill.

It was a great day!  I drank my water and then some.  I had some self-control and I got to spend the evening with my husband!  One to day two...

Leave me a message for tips or encouragement or just to tell me to shut up!  Have a great day!

3 Day Eating Plan

So starting on Monday, I am going to really try to watch what I eat.  To do that I have to have a plan.  Now, you may look at this and think, "How boring!  She eats the same foods over and over."  I do!  It is easier for me. I want to use my left overs and not let food go bad.  I usually plan for about 4-5 days.  But making a list makes the grocery store easier and meal planing easier.  I have also made my choices and it is a lot easier to stick with those choices if I have planned it out.  For a list of foods to choice from, you can find it here.

Advocare Cleanse

This is what you will need for the Advocare cleanse.  

It is $36.95 and you can order it here.  

People are very curious about the cleanse and how it works.  

1. First and foremost, it is a VERY MILD cleanse!!!  There is no running to the bathroom every few minutes (ain't nobody got time for that!)
2. This is an EATING cleanse.  The food that you are putting into your body is cleansing you!
3. There is a fiber drink, a probiotic pill, and herbal cleanse pills involved.  Those, along with the food you put into your body, will help you clean out your body and help you lose weight.  

Most people's goal when doing the cleanse is to lose weight.  But, in all reality the ultimate goal is change how we eat.  

Now, onto the important question, "What can I eat?" 

Proteins
• Muscle Gain™
• Pro 20®
• Chicken Breast
• Eggs
• Game (bison, buffalo, elk, etc.)
• Ground Beef or Turkey (≥ 93% lean)
• Lean Fish (tilapia, red snapper, cod, etc.)
• Lean Beef or Pork Loin
• Salmon
• Tofu
• Tuna (fresh or packed in water)
• Turkey Breast

Vegetables (Lightly cooked, grilled, steamed or raw)
• Asparagus
• Broccoli
• Brussels Sprouts
• Cauliflower
• Celery
• Cucumber
• Dark Leafy Greens (spinach, kale, swiss chard, collard, etc.)
• Eggplant
• Green Beans
• Onion
• Peppers
• Salad Greens (spring mix, romaine, etc.)
• Tomato
• Zucchini/Squash

Complex Carbs
• Beans
• Lentils
• Oatmeal
• Quinoa
• Potatoes (any variety)
• Whole grains (rice, pasta or bread)

Fruit
• Apple
• Banana
• Berries (strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, etc.)
• Cantaloupe
• Citrus Fruits (orange, tangerine, grapefruit, etc.)
• Grapes
• Kiwi
• Mango
• Melon
• Pear
• Pineapple

Healthy Fats (In moderation)
• Avocado
• Nut Butter (no added sugar, oil or salt)
• Nuts or seeds (raw or roasted – no added sugar, oil or salt)
• Oil (extra-virgin olive, canola, sunflower, safflower, flaxseed, coconut, macadamia nut, grapeseed, etc.)

Limit or Avoid
• Soda (including diet)
• Alcohol
• Creamy sauces
• High-calorie salad dressings
• Sugar
• Candy
• Fried Food
• Processed food
• White flour
• Partially hydrogenated oils

If you look at the tabs above you will see one for recipes.  As I find new ones I will place them on there.  So, check it out and come back often.  

I Really Like to Eat!!!

Food!  I love food!  I fell in love with food so many years ago.  The problem was my obsession with food.  I wanted to see a friend, we went to dinner.  If we wanted to celebrate something, we ate.  I was bored, I ate.  I remember at a young age, maybe 8 or 9, waking up in the middle of the night to go get something to eat so no one else would see me.   I still struggle with food.  But I have learned (and am still learning) that I do not have to base my life around food.

Whether you are doing the 24 day challenge, just the cleanse, or just on here for some support and meal suggestions we need to look at the food we eat.  Listed below are foods that we can and should not eat. 

Good Foods to Eat:

We have toxins in our body.  Our job this week is to starve those toxins.  

• Fresh/Raw Fruits and Veggies-think of an SOS scrubbing pad.  fresh/raw fruits and vegetables scrub the toxins out of our body.  
• 100% Whole Grain Rice (Brown rice, Wild rice), Quinoa
• Oatmeal
• Chicken, Fish, Turkey Breast, Ground Turkey
• Almond Milk, Rice Milk
• Healthy Fats: Avocado, Olives/Olive Oil, Raw Nuts/Seeds-the key here is unsalted and without any coating.  
• Peanut or Almond Butter (no sugar or oil added)
• Beans, Lentils
• Chicken or Vegetable Broths
• Hummus (without the oil)
• Fresh Diluted Juices, Herbal Teas
• Garlic, Spices, Herbs, Fresh Salsa, Taco Seasoning (low sodium)
• For cooking, use water, broth, lemon juice, or the non-stick spray with no calories/fat.  Oil is NOT your friend.  

Foods to Avoid:

Remember those toxins that we talked about that live in our body?  These foods keep the toxins alive.  Close your eyes.  Wait open them, you can't read with your eyes closed.   Imagine a fire.  Now, throw fuel on a fire.  That is what these foods do to the toxins in our body.
• Alcohol-If you are a teacher I know it will be hard, but you can do it.  Give me 10 days!
• Coffee, Sodas, Energy Drinks-If you need energy drink Spark or Slam.
• White foods/Starches (e.g. white pasta, bagels, white bread, white rice, processed foods, crackers, chips)
• Sauces
• Cooking with Oils It is best to cook with Water or Broth.  Remember oil is NOT your friend. 
• Sugar, Honey, Desserts – except for fresh fruits – these are good sugars on the 10-day Cleanse)
• Cheese & Mushrooms-Both are considered molds and will help keep toxins alive.
• If at all possible, avoid Dairy Products-cow’s milk, yogurt, butter, etc. Dairy products contain lots of sugars and will feed the toxins in our body.
• Fatty Foods, Fried Foods, Fast Foods, Meat with skin or breading
• Ground beef or fatty meats. Turkey meat is much better and you can season it to taste!
• Salad dressings-Dressings have fat and oil.  And what have we learned?  Oil is NOT our friend.  You can use salsa or fresh squeezed lemon juice and spices instead.
• Canned fruit or vegetables
• Dried fruit coated with sugar
• Instant rice or oatmeal

The following items are optional because they are not a low glycemic carb. For best results, hold off for 10 days:

• Sprouted Grain Bread or Tortillas (Ezekiel is a great brand)
• 100% Whole Grain Pasta
• 100% Whole Wheat Bread-Make sure it says 100% or else it’s just white bread in brown clothing.