3 reasons why we lose motivation

How can I go from being incredibly motivated to losing that motivation completely & gaining nearly 10 lbs in 2 months? In the big scheme of things, those 10 lbs are NOTHING. So you lost your motivation for a couple months? So what! You've lost 10 lbs. before (for some of us, even more!), & you know for a fact that you could do it again. Don't mope. Don't throw a pity party (you better believe I did when I got on that scale & saw 231. I was furious with myself). Just make the change & do it. Whenever I lose track of what I want most, which is to be fit, feel good & love myself, I ask myself these three questions.

1] Are you surrounding yourself with positive influences?
2] Are you lacking support?
3] Are you lacking confidence & how can you make it better?

By putting yourself into a situation where you're surrounded by Oreos & ice cream, you're kind of asking for it. Unless you have amazing self control, like my darn husband who could be placed in a room flooded by donuts & Mountain Dew, but still be thinking of broccoli & water.. Seriously?! I will NEVER be that person. Self control is one of my most difficult challenges. I never portioned any of my meals, I just ate. Portion control was completely out of the question 3 years ago.. Man, I wish I could slap my past self right in the face!

A few months ago, I bought a kitchen scale & it is now my best friend. You could probably say that I am slightly obsessed with measuring portion sizes. A full shelf of my pantry is dedicated to baggied, portioned snacks. I just love it!

Whenever I find that my house is slowly filling up with tasty, sugary goodies, that's when I notice that I'm gaining weight. & fast! I also find that I'm getting more restless & going to the gym less. It's no surprise that when you're eating like crap, you're less motivated to work out. It's also not surprising that when you're working out more often, you're more motivated to eat better. {So, get your butt to the gym, fool!} But seriously! When I have healthy food & snacks, I'm so much more motivated to log my food into my trusty calorie counting app MyFitnessPal & I'm way more motivated to earn more calories by going to the gym. Let's face it, that baggie of carrots didn't hit the spot...at all! Go to the gym & earn some calories so you can eat something delicious or so you can go out on the town that night.

Here are some of my favorite go-to snacks when I just need a little bit of a boost!

• 2 T Sabra Hummus & Stacy's Pita Chips (200 cals)
• Ritz Toasted Garden Veggie Chips & Low-fat cottage cheese (230 cals)
• 1 cup of red grapes & a Laughing Cow mini light babybel cheese (150 cals)

& we ALWAYS have cuties, bananas, apples, & strawberries laying around!

Losing weight is not easy...ever! Especially when you don't have a support system. I am EXTREMELY grateful for my husband who has been an amazing supporter & pusher! The only issue is that I'm that person for him as well. So when he's struggling with motivation, I also struggle. 

There are studies that show that you lose 3 times as much weight when you are logging your food & when you have a weightloss buddy. So, the easiest way to overcome the lack of support is by finding a gym buddy or even just someone to talk to about weightloss. I have girlfriends that are also trying to lose weight & I have found so many friends on MyFitnessPal who are an incredible source of motivation. I am part of a group of girls in their 20's who are in the 200 lb range. It is awesome to have cyber friends who are in the same boat as you who can you can exchange recipes with, concerns with, & successes with.

I can't tell you how many times I've laid in bed perusing the web on my computer getting down about myself....HUGEEEEE no no! First off, I worry about & over-think everything way more at night than I do during the day. Second, I waste so much time on Pinterest looking at workouts that are way more advance than where I am right now.

& then I find fabulous stuff like this!

& this!

& last, but certainly not least is this!

I once read a quote that said,

"When you look in the mirror & see no change, & still keep faith, knowing that in time you will get there if you stay focused & on track, that's the difference between those who succeed & those who fail."

I LOVE that quote. When it comes to self confidence, the only enemy is yourself. I have definitely struggled with this & I still struggle with this. When I'm feeling down about myself, I stop myself (with a little bit of my husbands help) & think of how far I've come & all of the wonderful qualities that I have. Then I think about why I want to lose weight. 

BECAUSE I DESERVE IT 

& I WANT TO PROVE TO MYSELF THAT I CAN DO IT!

I know this post was a little wordy, but I hope that it can touch someone out there who is struggling with motivation like I am. 

Feel free to message me on Facebook or contact me if you have any questions or would like any recipes or tips! I would LOVE to help you in any way that I can!

A Few Years in Review..

For the past month or so, I've spent a lot of time pondering about what I want to become & what I want to strive to do for the next year & the years that follow. It's been an amazing experience to look back on the goals that I have accomplished & to truly see how far I've come. In, really, all aspects of life. As a wife, sister, future mother, & friend. I've learned so much about myself & I love it!

Looking back on those experiences & accomplishments has helped me set tangible goals for the upcoming year. I am not usually one to set New Years Resolutions, but this year, I want to keep track of everything! {{speaking of which, I bought a Polar FT7 Heart Rate Monitor Watch today, which will help me keep accurate track of all the calories that I burn. I am so pumped & can't wait to use it when it arrives next week!!}}

So, here is my list!

Body

• Reach goal weight {170 lbs.}
• Go to the gym @ least 3 times a week for @ least 45 minutes
• Build more arm & ab muscle
• Calorie count every day...No excuses!
• Complete a 5k

Personal

• Learn 20 new recipes
• Don't procrastinate. Don't be late with a photo, school, or personal deadline
• Read 5 books
• Get out of debt!
• Organize & build up food storage

& there you have it! I am so excited for this upcoming year! There are so many changes & challenges ahead, but I'm ready!!!

& just because I love Before & After photos so much. Here is mine from the very beginning up to this very day! I hope they can motivate you as much as they motivate me!!

{{Click on it for a larger view}}

What are your New Years Resolutions??

The Holidays are a Beast!

During the holiday season, there is always a struggle between loss & gain. Luckily, I have only taken one small step back. I gained a pound over Christmas break. I had to remind myself of how hard I've worked & how far I've come. Gaining 1 pound isn't the end of the world & I can still try to make my goal of 210 by Mexico, granted I may not reach my goal, but I could still lose 5 pounds! Heck! That's better than nothing!!

Now on to the good stuff! 

As I was perusing Pinterest, I found this awesome article! It's all of the reasons why you may not be losing weight.

http://www.fitsugar.com/Reasons-You-Losing-Weight-24882317 

It gives tips & ideas for staying on track & not letting yourself plateau! It's also ridiculously enlightening & gives you a mental checklist of how you can improve. 

Here is one of my favorite excerpts from the article!

You Never Indulge

In an otherwise healthy diet, eating a few french fries or a piece of chocolate cake isn't going to ruin your weight-loss goals. A study found that it isn't necessary to up workout intensity the day after a piece of cake and that a daily variance of as much as 600 calories won't reflect on your waistline, as long as you maintain a healthy diet in the long run. 

Don't forget to let yourself have a little fun in your diet & don't let the rules overwhelm you. My philosophy is that you can have it if you earn it!

Start 2013 bettering yourself & your eating habits! I've spent the last few weeks compiling a list of New Years Resolutions that I know that I can achieve if I set my mind to it. My next post will be all about how to achieve those goals, so stay tuned!!

Today is the Day!

I anxiously (but mostly hesitantly) stepped on the scale today, a little terrified of what I might see. I haven't done super well with my calories these past few days. I caught some lame cold on Halloween & spent a whole lot of time sitting on my couch & sleeping. It's funny how a few lazy days can make you feel like you've gained 20 pounds. & honestly, felt that I had.

Miraculously enough, 219.4! Two-Nineteen, People! I have reached my goal of "the 2-teens"! & A month & a half early no less! I literally lept for joy! Clint was a witness of this :] Then Clint weighed in & he had lost 2.5 pounds. I am so proud of him & so grateful for the love & support that him & I can share.

This goal was one that I created while Clint & I were dating. I got so close! I believe that the lowest I got before my wedding was 224. & then of course...marriage. That darned thing! :] 20 pounds heavier & then 25 pounds lighter! Here I am & I'm still truckin'! & now it's time to set another short term goal!

210 by Mexico! not to be confused with 310 to Yuma... I would much rather go to Puerto Vallarta, than Yuma, Arizona & I definitely don't want to be 310 pounds...EVER! So here it goes 210 pounds by January 18th! I'm up for the challenge, but man, the more I lose the more I become dependent on my calories for energy. & the more I lose, the "less" I can eat. When I started counting calories on September 10, 2012, I was at 1360 calories, now I'm down to an even 1200. At first, it was difficult to be okay with leaving the meal still feeling hungry, but now it has completely changed. My stomach has shrunk & I have learned that it is okay to be hungry! I have also learned to enjoy my food & eat slowly. Seriously a blessing.

Now go out & share your goals! The people around you can be amazing motivators & can help you...so much! Also, feel free to ask me questions! I want to be here to help, inspire, motivate & enlighten :]

Yours Truly,

Embrace It

Come what may & love it.

Some days are may be more difficult than others.

This season will pass, & a new leaf will turn.

Commitment & Portion Control...A Valuable Lesson

Guess who has officially dropped below their Wedding Weight?! Who knew that just a few weeks of persistant calorie counting & healthy eating could kickstart weight loss? ;] I only find it fighting to post one of my favorites from my bridal session & then one of Clint & I of course! One of the most incredible days of my life...Seriously...

Now onto the good stuff! :]

If there is anything that I have learned over the past five weeks (& ever since I committed to lose weight) is that the sacrifice is always worth it. I have never gone to the gym & regretted it. I have never chosen a healthy meal over an unhealthy one & regretted it. 

The time you take out of your day to go to the gym or to exercise may seem like a large amount of time, but think about the time you spend watching TV, cyber stalking (who are we kidding...we all do it! :]) & sitting on the couch. A mere 45 minutes set aside at least 3 times a week is not a difficult thing. The hardest part about exercise is committing! The last thing I want to do after a long day at work is go to the gym. The moment I walk in the door, I make the decision to immediately put on my gym clothes. As soon as I'm dressed, that is my commitment & I'm out the door!

Clint & I love going on double dates with our family & friends. Therefore, we spend a lot of time researching healthier restaurant or meal options. Our philosophy is if you work hard, save your calories, and earn them, you can eat what you want in moderation. We both have a terrible habit of eating everything that is on the plate, so what I do is split the food into correct portions (because one portion in America could feed a whole tribe of African children!) & then I pack up half of the meal before I even eat anything. That way, I don't feel like I'm wasting half of a plate or food, or feel even the slightest bit of obligation to eat it. Everyone has their own tactic of portion control, but that is by far the easiest way for me, especially when eating out.

What helps you control your portions?

Chicken Avocado Sandwich

Well, here comes the first of many recipes! This has easily become my favorite home made chicken sandwich! I am so thrilled with how all of the ingredients just blended together. &....drum roll please....it was 423 calories! No sides necessary, because it was so filling and had amazing flavor! No mayonaise or any other condiment. Only 5 ingredients! Here they are! {minus the avocado}

Ingredients:

+ 2 Chicken Breasts {purchased @ Costco, freezer ready 2 breast packages}

+ McCormick Zesty Herb Marinade

+ 2 Small Brown Mushrooms

+ 1/2 Avocado

+ Torta Sandwich Roll {purchased @ Costco}

Directions:

First prepare the marinade {All it takes is 1/3 cup water, 3 T. Olive Oil & 3 T. White Vinegar} in a large ziplock baggy, which I find is the easiest, cleanest, most disposable way. Pour about 1/3 cup of the marinade into a separate ziplock baggy to marinate the mushrooms. Cut the mushrooms into thin slices and put into 1/3 cup separated baggy. Then prepare the chicken by thawing & rinsing. Slice the chicken horizontally & then down the middle vertically. This should make 8 relatively even pieces. Place all chicken in the larger ziplock and marinate for at least a half hour. 

I grilled on our George Foreman {which has recently become my best friend since being recently discovered in a pile of wedding gifts from a year ago...who else can resonate??} & it only took about 6-7 minutes! No turning over necessary. After the chicken was done, I threw the mushrooms on to grill for about 4 minutes {my husband likes them nice & crispy, but they're amazing either way}. 

Cut the torta rolls in half and broil in a toaster oven, or just toast them until they're a little crispy. Cut the whole avocado in half & use 1/4 of the avocado for each sandwich. Cut the avocado into small pieces and spread on the top half of the bun. Place 2 chicken pieces on the bottom half of the bread and put half of the mushrooms on top. & that's it! 

The best thing about this sandwich is that if your really low on calories, you can use a much lighter bread, but honestly, the bread made the sandwich for me! 

Here's the calorie lay out!

Chicken Breast {4 oz} -- 110 Calories 

1/4 Avocado {Medium} -- 75 Calories

1 Torta Roll -- 220 Calories

Mccormick Marinade -- About 15 Calories

1 Brown Mushroom -- 3 Calories

Total: 423 Calories