Runners Update:

I'm not usually a Saturday "poster" when it comes to my blog but running has been heavy on mind these days. I'm officially closing in on the end of week 4 of my training schedule for my second half marathon and wish I had all sorts of GREAT things to give you a report about. I guess you could say maybe I'm slightly disappointed and discouraged, but trying to focus on the positive at the same time. Is that possible? As I explained in an earlier post (Click Here) my feet are still somewhat  recovering from bi-lateral foot surgery that took place the end of last summer. I've been treating them like babies and anticipating this training for months now. How awesome it would be to run without pain in my feet? How awesome it would be to not have my feet ache for days after a run? How awesome it would be to just run and not be weary. These are a few of the things I've been looking forward too, unfortunately  I haven't been able to enjoy them just yet. (Like how I said just yet?) Part of the problem with having your feet operated on like I did is that fact that several bones were broken and then put back together, along with several of the nerves in each foot being severed  and so it's requiring adjusting to their new surroundings. (I don't think they're happy yet.) After nearly nine months since surgery,  what does this look like for me and my feet? Well a lot of charlie horses in between my toes, a feeling of being "zapped" when a nerve decides to make itself known several times a day, and a dull constant ache by the end of the day that often resembles the feeling of carrying weights on my feet. Why in the world am I running then? Well, not only because I love too and love how it makes me feel when I'm done, but also because it's actually good for my feet and what they are trying to heal from. In talking to my Dr. this week about it, she explained that if done the right way, this training and running a half marathon again would be just what my feet are needing to get back to where they need to be. I just need to learn to be flexible. (yep, I said it, I need to learn....)

So far, I haven't missed a single run on my training schedule but I did have to cut a 6 mile run last Saturday down to a 4 mile run and then a 4 mile run I had scheduled this week, I ended up walking some. (Shall I mention, I never walk on my runs!) So, needles to say, that part is a bit discouraging for me. I'm going to try slow things down a bit and not be so adamant about following my  training schedule to a "T". (Eek! I can't believe I just said that!) I'm a total rule follower when it comes to this type of  stuff - allowing my feet to be the one to do the talking and not my mind, will be a challenge in itself. Have you ever wanted to do something you felt like you could do, but realized you needed to take a detour or a longer route to get there than you had anticipated? Have you ever then sat back and watched people do something you love to do, but you were only able to do it just enough to make your mouth water for more? Yep, these are the kinds of feelings I'm experiencing and the relationship I'm in the midst of with with my feet at the moment. I'm not mad at my feet, just discouraged. I think I'm more so just wanting to make sure that they WILL be back! That they'll really be OK. That they WILL work normal again. In the meantime I will continue to carve away at my schedule, have more faith,  be ever so grateful to have two feet that can run and celebrate every run along the way - weather it be big or small. So here it is, Saturday morning and I'm off to see how far my feet will allow me to go. (I'm hoping between 5 and 6 miles.) I'm committed to doing my best and trusting God will do the rest! 

New to Quinoa? Me too!

Seriously, until just a few weeks ago I had never heard of it before - Quinoa?! Pronounced "Keen-wah." Then I started doing a bunch of research and have found out according to Dr. Oz and several other health conscious gurus out there, I really should be eating this stuff. It's a bit hard to describe but it's almost a cross between a pasta and a rice. Why is Quinoa so good for you? In doing some research this is what I found:

 With all the buzz about quinoa these days, you may be asking, "why is quinoa good for you?" Quinoa is very high in protein and has every one of the nine essential amino acids. These nine essential amino acids are the ones that your body cannot synthesize in quantities sufficient to sustain good health, so they need to come from food sources. Qunioa is the only plant-based protien to contain all 9 essential amino acids. Many people think that quinoa is a type of grain, but it's not. Quinoa is actually the seed of a plant related to spinach. Quinoa is also very good in sustaining and supporting cardiovascular health.
Other things I've heard in talking to people about this latest "super food" and why it is a preferred choice with their family:

-Gluten free

- Great source of protein

 - Served hot or cold

- It's used in both breakfast type foods and lunch/dinner recipes

- Cheap

- Easy to make (Like cooking rice)

To cook Quinoa? SO easy. Rinse it well beforehand. Then it's two parts liquid to 1 part Quinoa. For my family of four I usually have made 4 cups liquid to 2 cups Quinoa and it comes out with a perfect amount. Bring to boil. Turn heat to low and let simmer for 15 minutes. Fluff with fork and serve.

 I've made a couple things with Quinoa now and for the most part, I'm fairly happy. First, I stir-fried a bunch of vegetables in garlic and olive oil and served it over the quinoa like a stir-fy. It was tasty and I had cooked the quinoa in beef broth to add a little flavor. The other thing I tried was using the Quinoa almost like a spaghetti noodle. My red sauce was thick and full of ground turkey, served over the quinoa. (Not bad.) People keep telling me, "You can't go wrong with Quinoa. You can serve it with just about everything." Hmmm, anyone have any good Quinoa recipes? 

Look in the Mirror -Your Face is a Beautiful Thing!

one of the things that I noticed pretty early on in my weight loss journey, maybe 35 pounds down or so (Remember this will be different for everyone. I had a lot to lose.) that my face was changing. It's often been said that one of the first places people tend to lose weight or a place that seems to be most noticeable is in their face. I remember every time I would see my Mom she would often comment about this. In fact, now that I've lost all my weight it wasn't that long ago that I had a co-worker tell me 'Ya know, you've always had such a pretty face, but now it's absolutely beautiful." It made my day! I remember  thinking, "How very sweet for her to say that." It was the very next weekend that I knew I was needing a few new make-up products as I was nearly out and the thought came to me, instead of buying the cheap $0.99 make-up I'd used for years (often times going without because I was too lazy or felt blah) I'd spend a little more money (not much because I'm too cheap) and get stuff that not only would make me feel like I was investing something special into my skin but also the stuff that was probably much better for my skin. What a difference just that one little act did in giving myself a slightly different perspective on what I've done, where I am, and who I want to continue to become. Now, I look forward to putting on my make up each morning!

Have you ever thought about it? People are beautiful creatures, all created in the image of God, and all created so unique and individualized. Isn't it interesting when we are so overweight, unhappy, depressed and miserable, we lose sight of that beauty sometimes? We don't even want to acknowledge the beauty deep within us. It's almost as if when we look in the mirror at ourselves, we are disappointed and disgusted. The first thing we see is our face. I've thought about this often and it's something I've struggled with myself, but the reality of things is that we already have so many things going against us when we are heavy and depressed that the last thing our bodies need is for them to be tormented by are own thoughts when we look in the mirror. If anything we are the ones who need to be as positive as we can and giving ourselves a pat-on-the-back for making the change and moving forward. Even when we fall of the wagon, slip for a day or two, or have a bad week, month, year, what have you. Think about it this way... we certainly are better off now than we were the day the thought came into our mind to change our lives, right? (Even if we haven't started yet but the thought has crossed your mind- we're certainly better off  for acknowledging there's a problem. Now it's just a matter of getting to work.) Bottom line - We can do this! We can be our own cheerleaders. Do me a favor, look in the mirror. Study that face of yours, take a few pictures if you wish, and then in a very short time, come back and look at the beautiful image starring back at you in the mirror and just see how far you've come.

     

How Good of Friends are You With Water?

I needed this reminder today....WATER! I know we all know that consuming water is an important part of staying healthy, but water is even more important to those of us who are either trying to lose weight or exercising frequently. Why so much water instead of soda, juice, or any other beverage? Well, first off juice is loaded with sugar, even if you make your own fresh squeezed (which is much better for you).  You'll still need to figure in those extra calories for the day. Soda is carbonated so it adds a whole new twist to the mix and can cause bloating, water retention, and the urge to crave other types of sweets. If a soda a day is your treat, have at it. Just be careful and drink it in moderation. Then there is the water. The GOOD STUFF! Most people exist in a chronic state of dehydration, and this affects digestion, fat metabolism, and ability to accurately estimate hunger levels. Who knew?  Incorporating smart hydration techniques into your day can contribute to weight loss. Adequate hydration boosts your energy level so that you can move more and experience a greater calorie burn. Water and hydrating also helps you feel full and teaches you to eat when you are hungry, not thirsty. Staying hydrated maximizes your calorie-burning potential and even a 1 percent dehydration level can slow your metabolism. All the more reason to drink water, right? It is recommended that the average american drink 2.5 liters of water per day. Honestly, water hasn't been a huge issue for me and has often times been my beverage of choice. I do however sometimes struggle with making sure I get enough. I've even had to get creative. Take a look!

So this is what I drink out of when I'm at home and puttering around the house.

These are my choices for when I'm headed to the gym. 

How about this adorable drinking device?! I love it and it sits on my desk at work. 

Whatever it takes.....get creative! And on a side note - if your urine is not pale yellow or clear, it's a good indication you are not drinking enough water.

Another option is to add a little flavor here and there. (My Aunt Shannon got me going on this one when I was there for a visit last summer.) It's called MIO. It's a perfect water enhancer with flavor minus all the extra sugar. Not to mention it doesn't have all the "no no's"  other sweeteners like Crystal Light have. So, if you're up for spicing things up or just need that little extra boost to get your water in for the day, give it a try. I promise you won't be disappointed. My favorite flavors are the fruit punch and berry pomegranate 

Happy Hydrating!

P.S. I know you always seem to see me in workout garb, but that's a big part of who I am and who I've become on this journey. 

One of My New Favorites!

One of my favorite treats is Greek yogurt with granola! In the past, I've resorted to buying a low-fat strawberry granola at my local grocery store. It seemed to have done the trick and added that little extra crunch I so love in my yogurt. Recently, some good friends of ours had us over for dinner and Wendy, my friend, is an AMAZING cook. (She makes croutons, goodies, and several other things I've stole recipes for over the years.) We happen to get on the subject of granola and low and behold, she makes that from scratch too! Not only is it so tasty but it's much healthier than the stuff you'll find in the stores, and it has way less sugar. (I like this!) So here it is:
Wendy's Amazing Granola:

1/3 cup olive oil  (630 calories)

5 cups of oats (1500 calories)

1/3 cup honey (320 calories)

3/4 cup of brown sugar (580 calories)

1 cup almonds (953 calories)

1 cup craisins (340 calories)

2-3 Tablespoons of flax seed (90 calories)

1/2 teaspoon of salt

1 teaspoon of cinnamon 

Total 4,413 calories total. (Don't panic yet!)

It makes 9 cups of granola at 490 calories in a cup.

122 calories in 1/4 cup of granola

163 calories in 1/3 cup of granola

245 calories in 1/2 cup of granola

Put the brown sugar, honey, and oil in the microwave and melt together.

Add in your oats, almonds, salt, cinnamon and flax seed. 

Mix well and then spread onto a slightly greased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 10 minutes. 

Remove from oven and stir in craisins. Let cool. 

Thanks Wendy!

Honestly, this is SO easy and takes almost no time at all to make. I know you might think it has a lot of calories but no surprise, granola usually does. The benefit of this verses your store brand is that the calories are coming from a good source - nuts, oats, and grains. Not to mention, it has half the amount of sugar that most granola has. Also, you really don't need much to make a good filling snack or added crunch to your yogurt.

Not only has it become one of my favorites, but my family seems to like it too. My son likes to eat it by the handfuls!

FYI on my yogurt of choice. I'm pretty picky about my yogurt as I tend to like it thick and creamy. For the longest time I was hooked on Dannon's Greek yogurt. Now, it seems as though ZOI honey flavored Greek yogurt and I have become friends. (So good!) Oh, and shall I mention, I always try to eat my yogurt and granola with my U-Swirl (frozen yogurt shop) spoon. Not sure why, maybe because it's like having a treat!

I'm Now Good Enough?

I was thinking about something a while back that has really been bothering me for quite some time. I'm not really even sure how to go about addressing it in a way that makes sense to others, other than just telling you what is on my heart in regards to the matter.

 Have you ever felt judged? Have you ever felt like people are staring at you? Have you ever felt like people are making a snide comment about you as you walk (or waddle) by? Have you ever felt like people are embarrassed to be with you or seen with you because of your weight? What about the idea of you not being selected or picked to help with a function or maybe a job position because of being too fat? I can't answer "yes" to all of these things but I certainly can answer "YES" to most of them. The funny thing is, I really didn't ever even see it as a problem until I lost the weight and people started treating me differently. What's up with that?! It hurts me in a way and does something to my insides that I can't quite put a finger on just yet. Maybe part of that is the fact that I'm still in "recovery" mode and it all really hits home. The sad thing is, I'm still the same person. Fat Paige or skinny Paige, it's still me living in this shell and my spirit hasn't changed one iota. Well, maybe in some aspects it has as far as attitude and confidence but for what I'm getting at, I'm still the same Paige that has always lived in the same body. 

I find it interesting that now that I'm thin and maybe cuter in some ways, (I'm not trying to sound self-centered, but you know what I mean) people all of the sudden are starting to notice me. I'm approachable all of the sudden?  I'm asked to do things or participate in things more often. I get compliments on my clothes. They all the sudden have something in common with me? I'm now good enough?

I'm not really certain why this happens but it does. If you've never been fat you wouldn't have experienced such treatment. If you have been overweight, whether it's now or in the past, I'm sure you can relate in some way.  The good news is that most of the time this type of behavior is coming from individuals who are struggling with one of two things. The first being that they are lacking something in their own life and feel a sense of comfort by treating others in a poor way. It's almost as if they need to validate themselves and this is the only way they know how. The second thing is that maybe these people just don't know how to act around others who are different. I mean it's almost as if we're treated as having a disability.   Therefore people on the outside don't act in a way that is appropriate. In either case, it's really not worth putting your energy into trying to figure them out. Move on. Shake it off. (I know it's hard. I was terrible at it!) Continue on with what you are doing and stay focused. Do not let anything or anyone make you take a detour. Fill your days with those people who can help you and appreciate what you are wanting to accomplish in your life - the ones who want to love on you and see you for what you are becoming. It doesn't matter what's on the outside anyway. You're in transition, remember? It's what's on the inside that counts!  Regardless, you're as special as they come!

 

Don't Let Being a Mom Hold You Back

Meet one of my beauties! This is my beautiful 14 year old daughter, McKenna. She truly is one of the loves of my life. 

    One of the things I've noticed over the past year and a half while losing my weight was how much being heavy and carrying around the many un-needed and un-wanted extra pounds effected me in more aspects of my life than just my own. It effected me as a mother. It's sad to me to sometimes think I've lost some precious "active" years with my kids but the reality is, when your heavy, it naturally happens. You don't have the motivation, energy, or discipline to do what you need to in order to be apart of your kids life completely. And because every mother wants to be the best they know how for their kids, this may also lead to depression or other ailments that get you down and discouraged.  I know this may sound harsh in some ways but looking back on things, it's the truth. I can't tell you how many times I sent my husband off on a hike, or a bike ride, or an outing with the kids that I thought I was "too fat" for or felt "too tired" for so I didn't join in and let those precious moments slip away. Those are moments I can't bring back. The good news is, it's never too late to change and make things right. I not only changed things, but I changed it in a good way so that I CAN enjoy the fun, active moments of being a parent. It's crazy to think of all the things we take for granted in our lives. The funny thing is, we don't realize it until we start to change how valuable our example is to others, especially our own children. How "active" are you in your kids lives? Are there things that you don't participate in because or lack of energy or because your weight gets in the way?

I know my sweet McKenna has always loved me for who I am and because I am her Mom, but what I do know is that because she's had a chance to watch first hand me go through what I have to get to where I am today as far as hard work, motivation and dedication, I know she is a better person today than she was yesterday. She's been nothing but a cheerleader, motivator, and a friend to her Mom during all of this. In turn, this has not only helped me in my life and on this journey but it's helped mold her into the beautiful young lady she is turning out to be. Maybe this was all part of God's plan? If so, regardless of what I had to go through, I am truly grateful she is becoming who she is. It's a beautiful thing.

This weekend it was my turn to cheer on Miss McKenna as she danced her little heart out at a clogging competition. This is something she has done for many, many years and is truly one of her passions. (Not to mention, she's amazing to watch and defiantly was born to be on stage!) 

                        Clogging competition 2 years ago.

Clogging competition this weekend! (Have I mentioned I love this girl?!)


So, if there is anything holding you back from being 100% in your kids lives, change it! You can do it. Not only will they be happier, but you'll be much happier too. I like to think that if God put His trust in me to raise these little people, I'd better make sure I was doing my part -living a healthy lifestyle being one of them! 

Food Friday - Fish Tacos!

Most people are either really going to like this post or they won't. Fish is one of those black or white foods. You either like it or you don't. As I like to think when it comes to fish, there really is no gray area.

So, this is probably one of the easiest recipes for fish tacos you can find. Not to mention, they taste wonderful, are full of flavor, are fairly cheap, and are VERY healthy. Here's what you'll need:

- "Mission" carb balance wheat tortillas (These are good. Very moist and fresh.)

- Fresh or frozen tilapia

- Red onion

- Cilantro

- Lemon

- Lime

Bake tilapia for 30 minutes at 350 degrees. While it's baking, I cut my red onion, cilantro, lemon and lime wedges. Once the fish is done and removed from the oven, I like to cut one piece of fish down the middle leaving me two decent slices of fish to make into two separate tacos. Place cooked fish on tortilla, add your onion, cilantro, and a little bit of lemon and lime to taste. 

It really is that easy! I call it the no brainer, no planning needed, healthy filling meal. The best part about it is that you can have two, that's right, TWO fish tacos for only 290 calories! (The tortillas are 80 calories a each, and the fish is 100 calories a piece. Slice it in half and it's roughly 50 calories of fish per taco. Add your onion and cilantro and your up to only 290.)

This really is a good one to have on hand if you're a fish lover. It's quick, it's easy, and really does hit the spot!

Hitting the Excuse Button!

I'd like to introduce you to someone who has become very familiar to me during my weight loss journey. In fact, we've developed such a relationship that some days we've spent multiple times a day together. Unfortunately, I'm not all certain this little friend is someone everyone wants to have a relationship with, but none the less I'm sure some of you already do.

Meet my excuse button! He's pretty cute, huh? My friend Tammy introduced me to him early on in my journey and was very good at often times pointing out to me that I was pushing the button. (Should raise her hand, pretend like she was pushing a button and make a beeping sound) I can't tell you how many times I'd make up excuses for things and half the time I really didn't even know I was doing it. A lot of times I think it's what naturally came out of my mouth because whatever excuse I gave for whatever reason, was giving me that sense of security and comfort I was thinking I needed in the moment. The reality of it is that every time I hit that excuse button it moved me further away from where I know I wanted to be. I think we are all guilty of this type of behavior in our own way. Especially if we are overweight and feeling insecure about ourselves and our appearance. It's almost as if it comes natural to those of us that fall into that category. Here is a list of the things I'm guilty of pushing the excuse button for:

- That won't fit me! 

- I can't run that far!

- He/she can do that because they are athletic!

- I don't have time!

- That won't look good on me!

- I could never wear that!

- You're just stronger than me!

- I can't climb that mountain!

- I'm too tired!

- I'm just big boned!

- I CAN'T!

- It's expensive to eat healthy!
- I'll start Monday!

- I've tried that!

- I'll never get there!

- I'm too sore!
- This is taking too long!
- It's too hot outside!
- And the list goes on......

Do you have an excuse button? Maybe you do and haven't even realized it? No worries in either case. Really one of the best things that has helped me overcome some of my struggles mentally on this journey is recognizing that this button exists and is very real. Is it a bad thing? Yes and no. I believe if you entertain the thoughts that the excuse button puts in your mind and don't realize it's a problem, you'll never really get to the root of why you're struggling in the first place. On the other hand, knowing that we all have a tendency to not want to try new things, hard things, or things that seem out of reach - It's nice to have someone there to help you recognize that you are pushing that button and only hurting yourself by slowing down your progress.The best part about all this is that I've been on both sides of fence on this one, and I can tell you it's so much better to have someone there to help you focus and realize you're making excuses when half the time you don't even know you're doing it. Whatever it may take, whether it's finding that friend, writing things down, or simply teaching yourself to not get intimate with the excuse button will only give you nothing but motivation, strength and the courage to get to your goal. 

Believe me, I've yet to master this one and still seem to struggle from time to time but the good news is, the excuse button and I are certainly not as good of friends as we used to be!

One Foot in Front of the Other

Well, now that I have recently told you I was going to begin training for my second half marathon, I should probably let you in on another piece of my journey. It was just 7 months ago that these were my shoes for nearly 8 weeks! 

Yes, I know.  It was not my idea of fun after working so hard to get the weight off and get to the point where I was, but it was something that had to be done if I was going to enjoy my new body and  be able to use the feet that were attached to my new looking legs.

Many might wonder what was wrong with my feet anyway?  I had severe bunions on both feet as well as some bone spurs that needed fixing. Not a day went by that my feet didn't hurt in some way. Blisters would come and go.

Some days were worse than others and towards the end, most days were very painful and I'd find myself trying to find cold to places to soak them so the pain wouldn't be as noticeable. 

Now, most people when having this type of surgery are encouraged to only do one foot at a time. In fact, it's hard to find a good podiatrist that will operate on both feet at the same time.  For some reason, God knew I needed to be with the doctor I was with. She was the BEST! She listened to my worry and concern about not being able to do any exercise and basically being sedentary for many weeks. She told me because of how far I'd come, and what my body was now trained to do, that it would be more of a mental battle than anything else.  She didn't want me to have to go through it twice, so she actually encouraged me to get them done at the same time. She thought that doing one foot, waiting six to eight weeks and then diving in and doing the other would only push my recovery process out by an extra 2 months.  It would be that much longer before I would be back to doing the active things I had recently discovered a love for doing. 

So all said and done, I've only been running on these new feet of mine for a few months.  It's been very sporadic as they have been trying to make a full recovery. I was given the okay by the doctor just a few weeks ago to run on them as I wish but with caution. I'll admit, this first week of my training schedule for my half marathon has been brutal. It's hard for me to even wrap my head around the idea that I've already done this once before. In some ways, it's like starting from scratch. Being out of breath, feeling like a 4- mile run was the hardest thing I've ever done, and feeling depleted as a runner were only a few of the things that went through my head this week. Then I can't help but think about my journey and what I've already been through.  I am comforted to know that I've already done hard things. Very hard things. And as long as I can continue to train my mind to only focus on what it should and not start catastrophizing on the things of the world or the tricks my mind so readily wants to play on me, I will be fine. I CAN do this! I WILL do this! One step at a time. One foot in front of the other. (Yes, I even had to sing that to myself while running down the road yesterday.)

Food Friday - The Clif Z Bar!

Okay, even though I have another "Food Friday" post ready to share that consists of feta, I decided to hold off and give you all a break from my feta fetish! (I realize not everybody enjoys feta.)

So.....onto something else this week.

Are you ever in a hurry or on the go and aren't home to eat one of your normal snacks? Even though I try to plan ahead and take snacks with me, (even it it requires me bringing a little lunch bag with an ice pack) there are inevitably those times when I'm not prepared. This is when I fall back on the Clif Z bar. Now, why this bar opposed to others?

Each bar is 95% organic, lower in sugar than your average health bar, and made with 11g of whole grains. What you won't find in these bars are all the "no no's."

- No high fructose corn syrup

- No hydranated oils

- No preservatives

- No Trans Fats

- No artificial flavors

- No artificial colors

They do make the regular version of the Clif Bar but in my honest opinion, as a snack we don't need that many calories. Therefore, sticking with the "kid" version is perfect. Each Z bar is only 140 calories which is a bonus, as most average bars are anywhere between 190-240 calories or more. 

These really are a perfect pre or post workout snack, afternoon snack, and good source of protein.  Just to have them around handy to fall back on is much better than buying that candy bar. Not to mention, they are very similar to eating a cookie! I like to keep a couple of them in the glove box of my car, so that if I'm ever in a bind, I've got something quick and easy.

My favorite Flavor: CHOCOLATE BROWNIE!

Where to buy them: Not all stores carry the Z bar. Most just carry the actual Clif bar so you may have to look around. They usually run about $1.00 a bar or you can go to Costco like I do and get a box. I find it much cheaper. You get a box of 24 bars for around $13.00 and it comes with three different flavors - honey graham, chocolate brownie, and chocolate chip. 

Again, I know everyone has a personal preference when it comes to these sorts of things, but for me, the Clif Z bar  has helped me on my journey and has provided me with not only the satisfaction I need when I'm on the go and in need something quick and healthy, but also the feeling of having that treat we all need with a lot less calories and sugar than maybe my old way of doing things.

What do you say?  Ready to try a Clif Z bar?

The Power of Ground Beef!

I find it interesting that when people only lose a half a pound to a pound a week, they are complaining! This is so crazy to me for several reasons. Funny thing is, I used to be one of those people!

1. You're making an effort! Effort = difference (over time)

2. You are far better off than you were just a week ago.

3. If it's going to become a lifestyle, the slower the better (Studies show that when people lose weight slowly, they are more apt to keep the weight off.)

4. We need to remember, we aren't on The Biggest Loser working out 8 or 9 hours a day. (That is not realistic when we have a family, work, and other daily obligations.)

5. It's going to take us longer to get the weight off than it was to put the weight on.

6. Every person and every body reacts differently when we try to change things.

Believe me, I wish it came off faster too but in all reality, I'm glad it was slow. Slow and steady wins the race. Sometimes too, I think our bodies are holding out to see if we're going to do our part, if we're going to hold true to our end of the bargain. When our body can TRUST that we are going to feed it what it NEEDS, not what it WANTS, and give it proper exercise, this is when it starts to respond to what we are wanting it to do. 


The next time you are feeling discouraged about how slow things are going, try the following that was suggested to me by my trainer, Jacob. Go to the store and pick up a pound of ground beef. Literally! You'd be surprised at how much a pound weighs! Even try picking up more. Five, ten, whatever you need to help visualize your progress. Carry it around the store for that matter. (In your arms, not the cart!) It really was amazing to me to do this. In the big picture I couldn't recognize how my body was changing but yet, when I made it into a reality it made me visualize what I was doing and how far I'd come. (Even if it were only a pound or two.) So, next time you feel like your efforts and hard work aren't paying off, take a field trip to your local grocery store and carry around some ground beef, and visualize what you've already taken off your body! It will amaze you!