Keep On Keeping On!

At what point do you want to give up? What keeps you motivated not to? For me, I used to want to give up if I hadn't lost my goal weight for ONE week, but I've learned (what everyone has been telling me!) it does take time! My goal is still to be at my ideal weight by the end of June, but my priority is to be the healthiest me I can be and that means not losing the weight as aggressively as I would probably like. I only lost 1/2 a pound this week and I'm surprisingly not discouraged! I am loving the Push phase of ChaLEAN Extreme and can't wait to see how far I've come at the end of the four weeks. I have lost 46 pounds to date and have 30 more to go to my "ideal" weight; but just 16 pounds to reach my pre-pregnancy weight (same with both pregnancies).

Last week I was feeling inspired (or maybe inspiring) and I created a Facebook group "Fit For Life" to encourage everyone I love to be fit for themselves! Take the time for YOU! This is your year to get healthy!!

Burn, Baby, Burn!

The past month has had its ups and downs but it sure ended on a high note! I managed to lose 2 1/2 pounds this week, the hard work paid off!! I did not update you the last couple weeks but rest assured I was working hard... the last four weeks I have completed the Burn phase of ChaLEAN Extreme which enabled me to lose a total of 4 inches and 4 pounds in 4 weeks (yes, all those 4s are a coincidence!)

Before ChaLEAN After Burn Phase

Big Effort Little Reward

Watch them Grow!

Thane turned 6 weeks old yesterday and as always, we're amazed at how much he's changed and grown! His little life has been such a blessing to us and we're grateful for each day we have with our little family. Everyone has their own opinion of who he looks like but we think he just looks like THANE :-) His name means Warrior and we pray that we are able to raise him to be a Warrior of Christ.

Shae is Mommy's little helper and has become very attached to her own baby :)

Ups and Downs...

We all have our ups and downs in life and if you've ever tried to lose weight this is something you may know too well! About mid week, I made the mistake of being over confidant in my weight loss and allowed myself too many "cheat treats", reversing my progress a little bit; oh when will I learn??! I am proud to say that I did reach my goal of losing 2 pounds this week but that additional pound I gained back still haunts me, motivating me to make next week a better week! I was able to start ChaLEAN Extreme this week, a 3 month DVD program of cardio and strength training that I will do 6 days a week. It shouldn't be long before I start seeing results and what better motivation?

Going Down...

Well this week wasn't quite as successful as last, but considering two sick children, a day of grocery shopping, and many late nights, I am still proud of my measly 1.5 pound weight loss. I managed to get 30 minutes on the treadmill on Monday, 25 minutes of a dance workout on Tuesday, and another 30 minutes on the treadmill on Thursday; it wasn't a great week for exercise but I am very anxious to get started on ChaLean Extreme on Monday!! It's gruesome but sure to bring change!
I wanted to share with you a couple of tools and aids that keep me going! First off, my new best friend, Truvia- Truvia is a calorie free, natural sweetener that is made from the stevia plant. I add it to my morning coffee, oatmeal for breakfast, and mixed berries for a sweet treat. If you like and/or try Truvia I would love to know how you like it! The number one tool I use to keep on track is www.MyFitnessPal.com I log every bite I eat and it keeps track of my calories, fat, protein, and carbs for the day, it's a great way to know just what you're eating! It makes you think twice about that chocolate chip cookie when you realize just one cookie has over 125 calories!!
Despite coming in under my weight loss goal I am very excited to be back into another pair of jeans! Something must be working :-)

Taking a Jump!

How many of you are determined to lose weight and get in shape? Make dietary changes? Total lifestyle changes? Well, I’m jumping on the wagon and I’m determined to stay on! As part of my plan to achieve physical fitness, I am going to make my weight loss journey public; how much more motivating can ya get? I am going to give a weekly update on my achievements and struggles alike, mostly reflecting my weight loss. I will also be giving monthly updates on my overall fitness. I am looking forward to hearing from any of you that are on your own fitness journey! It makes such a difference when you have someone to be accountable to! I know I couldn’t have made it back down (finally!) to my pre-pregnancy weight with Shae if it hadn’t been for the support I received from my amazing husband!

With my second baby, Thane, being one month old, I now officially re-start my weight loss journey, and I’m taking you all with me! My small goal is to lose 2 pounds each week and my long term goal is to lose 45 pounds by the end of June. So, for my first official update- I have lost 5 pounds this week by cutting out sugar, cutting back on calories, and spending 30 minutes on the treadmill 4 days this week.