The Start of a New Month: Fit Moms for LIFE!

Alright, so today marks the first day of the March: 21 Day Challenge using Dustin Maher's Fit Moms for Life program.  I loved seeing results the first time around, and am hoping to embark on another 21 days using his program.

I am currently just really understanding that as a woman who is going to be taking care of the home and family life--I need to really take time to have some "Self-care".  Exercise is one of the components of taking care of myself.  In order to get the energy and equip my body for the task of being a mom, wife, and me--I need to make sure that I keep moving and strengthening my body through exercise.

If I live life the way I have been--eating junk and being a couch potato and not strengthening my body--I will not be able to be the best for my family.  Also, I am finding that I need to lead by example.  My daughter is watching me...I need to show her how to take care of her body, by way of exercising and eating right.  There is so much to learn and teach, and am excited to participate in this 21 day challenge again!

*Disclaimer:  I received an Ebook copy and an exercise workout video of Fit Moms for Life by Dustin Maher in order to fascilitate and participate in this 21 Day Mommy Blogger Fit Moms for Life Challenge.  All opinions are my own, and I am not required to write a positive review.  I am however required to tell my honest opinions and experience using this program.

21 Day Weight Loss Challenge: Day 17

 

Yay!  Got my exercise in today!  I started with Dynamic Warm ups and then moved into Cardio and Core Training.  I feel a bit pressed for time, so I am splitting up the work out so I can still have time for my family.  I also like working out everyday.  It gives me some boost of energy, and accomplishment.  With only a couple more days left to this challenge, I am excited and very eager to finish out this week strong!

Dustin's Weekly Challenge:  Tell someone you appreciate them!  Different person each day.  
 -- I am working on telling my husband how much I appreciate him this week.  Also others whom I really appreciate I am making thank you notes and making some phone calls! :)

The End is Coming!

Well...the end of this challenge that is!
Day 17 of this Mommy Blogger Weight Loss Challenge.  I am fairly excited about finishing out strong in this weight loss challenge.  I embarked on this challenge and weight loss journey on February 1st, 2012 and am very glad to say that I have at least worked out 3 days out of the week and have begun to change  my eating habits.  A big part of Dustin's Fit Moms for Life program is Nutrition.  Exercising, Nutrition, Good mindset, and Environment all goes hand in hand in his program.  In this second week, I feel like I am beginning to see how Nutrition works.  I was sick for a few days, and really felt like it would be best to just rest, but continue to eat healthy and focus on Nutrition and eating the 3 Meals and 2 snacks a day.  I found myself shopping healthier options and planning out more vegetables and fruits into my meals.  I also felt good.  I did not cave into eating sweets and ultimately I think eating right helped me get over the sickness quicker! 

I find that eating for nutritional value is something someone must do intentionally and purposefully! 

Working to lose weight and gain a healthier body is not merely just a 21 day challenge for me, it is a life long change.  I have started to try Protein shakes to take the place of a daily meal.  Because of Dustin's Fit Moms for Life book, I kind of understand the importance of consuming and incorporating various foods into my diet.  Something like protein is detrimental for muscles to rebuild itself after working out.  Also good foods to eat after exercise are simple foods like fruits and vegetables!  I am finding myself trying somehow to incorporate a healthy does of green veggies into my meals.  Not only is this for my good, but for my family.  I know that I want my family to eat more healthy so...I find that I am cooking more meals at home rather than running through a drive thru!

Made for Someone like Me:

What I love about Dutin Maher's Fit Moms for Life program is that it is very realistic for me as a Real Mom.  One of those reasons is that he strives to make exercise short and sweet--after all Moms are Busy!  But in that time we do exercise he encourages us to challenge ourselves to work out intensely and to push ourselves.  Secondly, I really appreciate that he appeals to my mindset by educating me on the "WHYs" of Nutrition, Exercise, etc.  One of my favorite parts he talks about is exercise.  His program includes Cardio, Strength Training, and Core Training, and Flexibility Training.  As a young mom, I have no time to really do the research on what type of exercise to include in my work outs--and I am very grateful that Maher goes into details of the importance of each.  For example, Strength training is ideal for the woman because it not only tones our body but it increases bone density.  I had not known that!  And time and time again I hear about women dealing with bone density loss.  So I am very grateful for the invaluable knowledge and facts inundated throughout this book. 



Disclaimer: This post is in conjuction with the 21 Day Mommy Blogger Weight Loss Challenge with Dustin Maher. I am doing the Fit Moms for Life Program. I have received the program for free and have not been paid to write this post. All opinions are mine. For more information on the program please learn more about it here: Fit Moms for Life

21 Day Challenge: Weight Loss Challenge Day 10

Update:  

Exercised today!  It was at the last minute too.  It was so hard to get my hour in today, because there seemed to be interruptions and I was needed as a wife and mom.  I drank hard today and got in 8 glasses.  I ate right, and was glad to take a break from cooking with a "lunch date" with my  husband, Andy.  It was relaxing.  I was able to sit down and enjoy life and food.  I was amazed that everything I ordered was really just the right amount of food.  Normally I felt like I ought to eat ALL that I can and order to make sure I am full, but this time I ordered what I wanted to eat.  I ordered Half a Sandwich with Fresh Veggies and a cup of soup.  I did not get to eat the soup--little one got it, but I got the rest.  I was satisfied and happy.  Took a bite of dessert too.  Packed the rest home, and was again satisfied and not craving more than a bite or two.

It's been a Week!

It has been about a week since I started this Fit Moms For Life Weight Loss Challenge.  My initial weight was 176.8lbs.  In the beginning I was hesitant to start anything, but knowing that if I commit myself to this 21 day challenge then I will be accountable to other women!  Here's more about the challenge--http://www.mommybloggerweightlosschallenge.com/ and I'd love it if you emailed me if you are interested in joining up for the next challenge starting in March! 

So what do I have to say after a week? I am feeling good.  I feel healthier and my jeans do not feel so snug on me.  In short, I feel more alive.   The first couple of days of working out was hard.  I will not lie-I felt sore.  But it felt good to be sore.  It made me feel like I accomplished something that day. I believe that my perspective on who I am is changing.  Instead of "I can't" I do feel like "I can accomplish".  Even if it is just one day at a time, one push up at a time...inside I feel more confident. 

Beginning the Journey of Weight Loss is never easy.  For so long I never liked exercise.  Some of my reasons for not taking time out of my day to exercise was the fact that I felt uncomfortable.  I felt like it was too hard.  I know it's going to hurt!  But I have to encourage you that though exercise is not pleasant at first...it gets better.  I did not like it at first, but committed myself each day to make right choices food wise, and then to take each exercise with a deep breath.  After a couple of days I found myself accomplishing little things like doing a push up, or holding a plank position.  You find yourself losing some inches here and there and for me my biggest amazement and amusement were my biceps!  I got biceps hiding in my arms!  I love it.  It drives me to do that last set of push ups....Anyways I just wanted to encourage you:  Beginning the Journey of Weight Loss is never easy, But is definitely worth it.  

I also wanted to add...that I really appreciate not being alone in this journey.  During this challenge I have been encouraged when I was discouraged.  I love hearing and reading about their journeys and stories and experiences.  It's been a good week.  I am enjoying this Weight Loss Journey :)  If you want to, remember shoot me an email, and next month you can gear up with other women and moms and take the first steps of your own journey!  But you will not be alone!

Food Log:
Breakfast: 2 Cage free Eggs and Blueberries
Snack: Apple, Blueberries, Banana
Lunch: 1/2 Reuben Sandwich on Rye with Raw Vegetables
Snack: Toast and Peanut butter
Dinner: Green Salad and Chicken



Below is a collection of other Mommy Bloggers who are taking on Dustin Maher's 21 Day Challenge.  Hop around and see their progress and their input on the Mommy Blogger Weight Loss Challenge! :)





Disclaimer: This post is in conjuction with the 21 Day Mommy Blogger Weight Loss Challenge with Dustin Maher. I am doing the Fit Moms for Life Program. I have received the program for free and have not been paid to write this post. All opinions are mine. For more information on the program please learn more about it here: Fit Moms for Life 

21 Day Weight Loss Challenge: Day 9 Food!

Breakfast:


I also took a picture of what I made my daughter. I love that her food doesn't look pale yellow all the time. Have you ever noticed that the easy bad foods like pancakes, waffles, crepes, fries, etc(CARBS) are pale yellow? I am finding that the more I prepare healthy food for myself the more color on our plates!  2 Cage free Eggs with 1/2 cup fresh blueberries with a pinch of Parmesan cheese.  Super yummy and filling!  My daughter tried to steal my blueberries. 


Snacks:
1/3 cup Apple, 1/3 cup Banana, and 1/3 cup orange slices (Dustin's recommended snacks in 1/3 cups)

Lunch:


2 Cups of shredded Napa Cabbage, 1/2 cup Lemon-pepper seasoned chicken, Orange slices, and Sesame dressing.  Today my husband came home from work because he sprained his ankle.  I made him this salad too.  He liked it!  He said it would be better with more chicken and oranges.



Snack:
I don't know for some reason it was just half an apple, a slice of Whole grain bread and peanut butter, and a 2 spoonfuls of brown rice.  Sorry, I have not had rice in a LONG TIME and rice is usually my staple.  :)

Dinner:
Chinese Chicken in a Crockpot
It did not turn out that great. Ah well, we ate it with a lot of veggies! :)

EAT TO LIVE OR LIVE TO EAT?
I have to say that once I can grapple with the reason as to "why" I eat--I can have more control over my weight.  While cutting up some veggies and fruits for a salad yesterday and today the thought  popped in my head, "I'm eating this because it is nutritious and is what I need to have in my body."  It was not until today that I realized I just understood the difference between Eating to live or Living to eat!  Quite enlightening to me.  God created us not to live to eat, but to eat to live.  Yes we can enjoy food, but I'm finding that the joy of food can really cause us to go south.  So ladies and gents--are you Eating to Live or Living to Eat?

Cheat Meals and Wiggle Room.
On another note, reading Fit Moms For Life there is grace and the flexibility that I do appreciate.    I like Dustin he gives us "wiggle" room when it comes to food.  Meaning, once in a while it is okay to treat ourselves to something.  Indeed it is realistic dieting--because I know that I cannot deny myself some good delectable sweet treats.  Like that Superbowl day, I really wanted a cheesecake bar--I had it.  The next day I was back and ready to hit the weights and cardio.  To be honest I felt gross working out after eating some junk....I enjoyed it but I know that later I will pay for it.  I believe in Moderation--not Perfection.


There's Freedom in eating right.
After doing my shopping, I was a bit worried at how much it cost initially.  I still have not bought everything we need that was on the shopping list.  But you know what?  I find that I am eating about 5 times a day--feeding my family for about $150!  With the food we have bought, I can mix and match meals with some adjustments for the things we could not shop for.

Freedom.  When I portion out the amounts I need to eat, I feel freedom to eat without feeling guilty that maybe I am eating too much.  And what's more my husband is also unwittingly eating about the same portion as I am eating.  I feel satisfied after eating my meal and drinking water.  I'm loving it.


Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead.
Tonight as a family we sat down and watched Fat Sick and Nearly Dead. I thought it was encouraging and wished I had a juicer!  This show really got my husband thinking too.  I thought it was enjoyable and amazing.  Have you ever watched it?  I love it, it's on Netflix if you guys have it! :)

Disclaimer: This post is in conjuction with the 21 Day Mommy Blogger Weight Loss Challenge with Dustin Maher. I am doing the Fit Moms for Life Program. I have received the program for free and have not been paid to write this post. All opinions are mine. For more information on the program please learn more about it here: Fit Moms for Life 


 

21 Day Weight Loss Challenge: Day 7---A Little Discouraged

Today I went to kind of weigh myself and take some measurements just to get an idea where I am at.  I am a little discouraged because either I am bloated or have gained a belly.  My stomach seems to stick out more and it gets discouraging when I go to measure and it seems like I am getting bigger.  I have been exercising and been eating right.


One week is going by, and was super encouraged by the energy I felt by moving.  Now it seems like my off days I need to be sweating it out and pushing hard core or else I'll just gain weight!  What do you guys think?

My Protein Shake Day did not work out as planned.  We went grocery shopping last night and well just did not have enough money to pick up some things like Wheat Germ, Almonds, Fiber/Chia Seeds/Flax, Pork, and Beef among other things.  With what we did get were a lot of Veggies and Chicken, Yogurt and other essentials.  It was about $150-$160 grocery run.  I think I have to just figure out a different recipe for the protein shake.  So today I just kind of kept going with real foods.  I might find a smoothie recipe by tomorrow! :)  I am trying be positive today and this next week.  I am nervous for weigh in tomorrow.

Food Log/ Menu Planner:
Breakfast:  2 Cage Free Eggs with 1 cup of Veggies sauteed and 1/4 cup Soy Cheese. 16 oz of water
Snack:  1/3 cup sliced banana, 1/3 cup apple slices and 1/3 cup orange sections mixed. 8 oz of water
Lunch: Veggie Burger Patty with a protein shake.  Messed up on the protein shake and drank only half. 16 oz of water to wash it down.
Snack: Carrots 12 baby carrots.  Serving size on the bag said about 12 carrots, Raw 8 oz of water
Dinner: Hefty Chicken Salad with Whole Wheat Spaghetti. 16 oz of water
8oz before bed.

Water Intake: 9 Glasses of water.

Make little Goals:
Water is hard to drink during my off days, so I try to space it out.  I don't feel thirsty, so on Off Days these are my mindsets to keep me drinking Water.  One thing I do to encourage myself to drink more water is I have a glass that holds 16oz of water.  Having a Visual Goal of how much I need to drink helps me greatly.  My goal is to do my best to drink until I see half of it gone (8oz)--and then the next goal is to gulp more until I see the bottom of the glass.  Sort of like a game?  I fill it up after that.  But I always have this glass around me wherever I sit down so I remember to drink.

Another "water game" that helps me mentally, is knowing that with each glass of water I drink---the Less hungry I become.  Water takes up that food space in my stomach.  I try to make sure to drink water after a meal because I do get really hungry and want to eat more food than I need!  Same with snacks. 

Just little things that I think about to help me chug down the H2O.



Below is a collection of Bloggers who are taking on Dustin Maher's 21 Day Challenge.  Hop around and see their progress and their input on the Mommy Blogger Weight Loss Challenge! :)



Disclaimer: This post is in conjuction with the 21 Day Mommy Blogger Weight Loss Challenge with Dustin Maher. I am doing the Fit Moms for Life Program. I have received the program for free and have not been paid to write this post. All opinions are mine. For more information on the program please learn more about it here: Fit Moms for Life

21 Day Mommy Blogger Weight Loss Challenge--Day 6

Exercise Day:
Planning on working out during my little one's nap this afternoon.  This will be a full work out consisting of Cardio, Weight Training, Core Training, and of course my favorite Flexibility/Cool down.

Working out was great..sort of!  Sore and feeling a bit sluggish most definitely.  One thing that I realize is if you eat bad like yesterday I ate a cheesecake bar-I believe you feel it in your work out.  You feel like your legs are heavier and your stamina is not that great.  That's just my feeling.  I may be wrong, but I am now more determined not to eat sugar.  I do not like the feeling of working off bad junk food.


The workout kicked my butt today.  
Hardest parts to push through were the Push Ups, Backward Lunges, Planks, and High Knee Punches.  I had to pause the video for the first time to catch up with Jodi on the Backward Lunges!  I have been stepping farther back, but still feel like I'm falling behind!  I hope that I am not losing progress and going backwards!


Egg Substitute?
The only places I have used Egg Substitute was when I was working in a Family Coffee Shop so I looked into it more.  Egg Substitute is primarily Egg Whites.  Most nutrients are found in the yolks of eggs so in Egg Substitute the vitamins and nutrients are added.  Be careful to check what exactly is in your Egg Substitute.  What have they added? Is a question one might want to ask themselves before purchasing just any Egg Substitute.  Some of them might contain Vegetable oils, others may be low in cholesterol or no fat.  Keep an eye out for Unsaturated fats.  More info here's the website: Egg Substitute

I am a bit mixed about Egg Substitute.  For on thing I like that I can control the amount I want knowing approximately how much nutrients I am getting out of it.  I like that control part, but I do not like that I lose out on the nutrients of the egg yolk itself.  Right now I am trying Cage/Grass free Eggs from a local farm.  I love it!  The first time I cracked open an egg was today, and low and behold two egg yolks came out!  I counted it as two eggs today, and I have to admit it has a richer flavor.  2.50 a dozen.  Not bad!  For now, I am keeping my real eggs and leaving Egg Substitute for when I make quiches. 


Excited about Green Peppers:
I feel very full and ready to take on the day.  I was surprised 1/2 of Green peppers and onions and eggs would be filling and taste good.  I hate green peppers, but this was really nice and tasty.  I used coconut oil too. 

Food Log/Meal Plan:
Breakfast:  Cage Free Eggs sauteed with Bell Pepper and Red Onion and a 1/2 glass of Milk 16 oz water

Snack: 1/3 cup sliced banana, 1/3 cup apple slices and 1/3 cup orange sections mixed 16 oz water
Worked out: Drank 16 oz of water total.

Lunch: 1 cup whole wheat pasta topped with 1/2 cup pasta sauce and 1/3 cup low fat Cheese. Serve with 1 cup vegetables sauteed in 1 teaspoon olive oil 16 oz water
Snack: 1 cup raw veggies
Dinner: Turkey Fajitas with Whole Wheat Tortillas and Veggies {Check} 16 oz of water

Water Intake 10 cups of water 
Milk: 1/2 cup

**Working out makes me drink ALOT!**

Below is a collection of Bloggers who are taking on Dustin Maher's 21 Day Challenge.  Hop around and see their progress and their input on the Mommy Blogger Weight Loss Challenge! :)



Disclaimer: This post is in conjuction with the 21 Day Mommy Blogger Weight Loss Challenge with Dustin Maher. I am doing the Fit Moms for Life Program. I have received the program for free and have not been paid to write this post. All opinions are mine. For more information on the program please learn more about it here: Fit Moms for Life

21 Day Mommy Blogger Weight Loss Challenge--Day 5

Day off Days are a Challenge in themselves:
Alright so today is my day off of the exercise.  Sundays are always hard days for us as a family.  Our schedule and meals are always varied depending on what plans start cooking after church.

So I tried to do my best to plan for the worst today, because I know junk food was going to be present either at the Church snack food table or other unplanned events we were going to be invited to.

 I started off the day right with breakfast consisting of a 16 oz glass of water and 2 eggs scrambled and sauteed with onions, cheese and 1/2 a cup of black beans.  To church I packed 4 servings of Carrots.  I went right with my Breakfast, Snack and water intake--as planned.  We were going get together with a couple after church--planned.  They invited us over to their parents' house for a Super Bowl Sunday Get together--unplanned.    Lots of delectables at their parent's house!  One decadent dessert was homemade Cheesecake bars drizzled with white chocolate.  I put up a good resistance for the first 4 hours being at the house.  {We ended up staying at their place for a LONG time and by the 5pm I caved in and tried out her cheesecake bar.}  I chose to eat Taco Salad and some Phad Thai.  I had a hard time figuring out how many servings or nutritional values each would equate to.  I don't think going to this party with measuring cups and a scale would have been appropriate--but I think next time, I just might have to!  So I estimated the best by just using my fist--something somebody told me to help with portions.   I did not want to overeat on the Phad Thai, and really increased the vegetables in the taco salad so I could maximize my veggie intake.
What was a planned 2 hours of visiting ended up being a 10 hour day. 
Sigh I think Sundays are going to be my biggest challenge days to keep my food in control. All in all I wished I had planned for an a whole day and evening for this so here's my battle plan:

My Battle Plan for Sundays and Unplanned Adventures:

• Packing a water bottle is a must if one wants to hit their water intake goals.
• Pre-pack snacks in the fridge of healthy snacks that can save me from Sweets!
• Write down goals/ affirmations/encouragements  on a 3X5 card and place in my bag--I need something to help my mind stay focused on what my long term goals are and to encourage me to do the right thing if a day like this happens again!
• Not sure what else, but if I think of anything I will add more to it!

Below is a collection of Bloggers who are taking on Dustin Maher's 21 Day Challenge.  Hop around and see their progress and their input on the Mommy Blogger Weight Loss Challenge! :)



Disclaimer: This post is in conjuction with the 21 Day Mommy Blogger Weight Loss Challenge with Dustin Maher. I am doing the Fit Moms for Life Program. I have received the program for free and have not been paid to write this post. All opinions are mine. For more information on the program please learn more about it here: Fit Moms for Life

21 Day Mommy Blogger Fitness Challenge--Day 4

Today's Exercise: Warm up, Weight/Strength Training, Cardio, Core Training and Flexibility/Stretching
I have to admit I was not looking forward to exercising.  I was a tad bit grumpy and tired by the time I started working out with Jodi and Dustin.  When I started, I felt my hamstrings and quads felt sore and tight.  My little one was a being cute and trying to warm up with me by lifting her legs us as I was doing the stationary skipping.  Boy did I wish I had Dustin's Mamatone Fitness DVD when our little one was a newbie!  I think I would have loved to stayed fit back then!  Anyways she stopped being cute and started signing "more-more".  She was hungry.  I had to run around to get her dinner while trying to get daddy to take care of her.  All in all it was a bit chaotic before getting to focus in on working out. 

The hardest part today that I dread the most was the weight training.  Those backward lunges with 8lb weights at my sides is super hard!  The muscles in my leg feel the burn quite well, and I force myself to make that 90 degree angle he talks about.  I often pause the video to make sure I do them right.  The second part about weight training is of course the push ups.  I find it difficult to go down low and up again...the positive part though is that I followed through and finished without cutting down the reps.  I really want to push myself these 21 days...I want to feel like me again!  I am super pumped tonight too for some reason.  I did one extra run through of the cardio.  I truly truly truly want to look the way I feel inside.  I feel like a young woman.  I feel like a happy person.  When I look in the mirror I see a very different person.  Oh it is so encouraging to know that with each day we exercise, eat right, choose healthy options---we are taking steps in the right direction.  I know that with each step, back lunge, high-knee punch I do--I will be that much closer to seeing that person I feel like inside.

A New Take on Photographs and Pictures:
Tomorrow my husband Andy asked a friend to take a family photo of us three.  I was already thinking I should wear some sort of Shapewear tomorrow to look somewhat good.  But I was really blessed by someone on facebook to share this with me: ... I finally decided that they (pictures) are for us only and my kids will want pics of me one day and they don't care how I look - they love me no matter what. I say just be you! :)

Those were the most encouraging words I have heard about pictures--ever in my life!  A big thank you to you for what you said.  It means a lot to me.  Some new things I've learned today:  I know that my daughter loves me no matter what I look like, and I know my husband sees me the way I see him.  Through the eyes of love I find that the outer man does not matter at all. 

Also, loving reading all those posts in the 21 Day challenge!  You guys are the reading material I've been enjoying this week.  Well, I've written my food journal down on paper today.  Nothing too crazy or special!

Food Journal:
Breakfast: Peanut Butter on Whole Grain Toast (Seems to be my favorite) and Egg over easy cooked with Olive Oil
Snack: {1/2} Peanut Butter on whole Grain Toast

Lunch: Chicken Salad with black beans and carrots, arugula
Snack: Banana and a Banana Organic too!
Dinner: 2 Eggs.  1/2 cup of Black Beans. Sweet Chili Sauce  I know...it was a fend for yourself night.
Water Intake: 7 cups of water.  


Below is a collection of Bloggers who are taking on Dustin Maher's 21 Day Challenge.  Hop around and see their progress and their input on the Mommy Blogger Weight Loss Challenge! :)



Disclaimer: This post is in conjuction with the 21 Day Mommy Blogger Weight Loss Challenge with Dustin Maher. I am doing the Fit Moms for Life Program. I have received the program for free and have not been paid to write this post. All opinions are mine. For more information on the program please learn more about it here: Fit Moms for Life