Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Work it Out Wednesday: Sharing a Success Story!

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Hi gang!

I have a treat for you today!

Colva, a friend of mine from grad school, shared her wellness story with me and I am so excited for all of you to read it! She is such an inspiration. Enjoy!

Take it away, Colva!
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When Mary asked me to write about my health and weight-loss journey for her weekly Work it Out Wednesday post I set about asking myself what I’ve learned from this experience and what I think is important to share.

I began the adventure I’m on now in February, 2014. It started after a visit to the doctor. In the moments before I got on that digital scale, I knew I was fat, really fat. I’ve been fat my whole life, I’ve dieted off and on since my teens, and sometimes I’d lose weight and sometimes I wouldn’t (I was a bad dieter, lacking the misery to make self-punishing starvation really viable). However, I’d learned to accept my body despite its flaws, and was grateful for how good of a fat body it was (well proportioned, pretty strong, pretty for a fat girl). 

I weighed in at over 400lbs that day. 



Despite being in, what appeared to be, surprisingly good health, I went home that evening and resolved to change my life and to lose weight, permanently, safely, the right way – no starving myself, no pills, no hating myself because of my body. 403lbs, to be precise, is a lot of weight, and even though on a 6 foot frame I didn’t feel like it was dragging me down, I knew, and had always known, it could eventually be a problem. I figured at 28 it was better to do it now than later. I resolved that day that this would be a part of my own long-term, self-love journey. I’m not doing this because I hate being fat (I don’t), or because my fat is killing me (it’s not). It’s because I like challenges, I like reaching my potential, and I care about myself and my body enough to do whatever it takes to let it be the best body it can be. Far from trying to squeeze my fat body into a social norm, or desirable category, it had, and has, nothing to do what what people think, this is about what I think. 

Four days later I joined a gym. It was terrifying. I felt exposed and vulnerable – previously I didn’t wear sneakers in public and I wasn’t seen out without make-up. After a lifetime of being a funny, smart, fat girl meant I wasn’t someone who played sports or worked out; that stuff was for other people. It wasn’t for me. But I did it anyway. I started personal training. Like all of the activity I was suddenly doing, it was hard and it hurt. The first week after my first training session was an epic wake up call – I could barely walk or sit down, and I realized that 30 minutes of moving my own body around had hurt me. I resolved then and there to stick with it. I changed my diet: I started counting calories, 2,300 calories a day in the beginning, which now seems excessive. I ate vegetables and less processed food. I got a cheat day each week (I invariably used it to eat pizza). I started to work out every day, and twice on Thursdays. 8 hours a week. I started losing weight fast. I made spreadsheets and kept track of every calorie, every meal, every step, every mile, every weight I picked up, and every pound and inch I lost.

Turns out the process of making endless spreadsheets appealed to me. It made me feel like I could control something that was so hard for me, and had controlled my life for so long. I celebrated my little milestones, 10, 25, 50 lbs enthusiastically. Weeks turned to months, the need for spreadsheets declined, my calorie requirements plummeted (I eat 1,550 calories a day now), struggles became habits, the workouts hurt less and helped more. Working out eventually became a way to clear my head, a personal time to think about my life and my goals. I learned to love the rush of beating myself, and value the rush of endorphins to manage stress. 

I’ve been doing this for over a year, I’ve lost over 100lbs, and I am much faster, stronger, lighter, and smaller than I’ve ever been. There are still struggles and I plan my whole life around my workouts and eating. I’m sure people think this is a drag. I stopped drinking alcohol, which makes me feel a bit spare in social situations. I don’t get to sleep in on Saturdays; instead I go to a grueling boot camp class. My body does weird things, fat redistributes itself, and some weeks I don’t lose weight, some weeks are great and some bad, but I keep doing it because this is what I do now. I get angry when I’m hungry because I’m at the point where I need very precise nutrition to be able to work out as much as I do (now about 10 hours a week). It’s not all flowers and rainbows and clothes that are too big, and bones I didn’t know I had (I can’t count the times I’ve laid in bed poking my body and wondering if it was always so bumpy under the fat, a whole physical architecture I didn’t know I had.)

At the end of the day, even after losing 100lbs, I am fat. I am still 300lbs, I still wear plus size clothes. I still have miles and miles to go. I am happy about that. I’ve learned to accept this huge body and respect its abilities. I like feeling strong, and seeing even incremental demonstrations of progress; climbing stairs at work, being less stressed, more focused.

I’ve learned that a weight loss adventure is not about finishing. It’s not about being “done.” Life isn’t about being “done,” done with your workout, done with your calories for a day, done with your weight loss, it’s about process. Even a bad day is a good day when it’s part of a process. Every day is a part of a bigger picture now, and even as my body changes and is sometimes unfamiliar, and I am conscious of it in ways I’ve never been, I know my body and self better than I ever have, and have never felt more capable. 

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WOW, right?!?! I am so proud to know someone so strong and determined. Colva is such an inspiration and I love following along on her self-love journey. Her story is so powerful. She defines beauty, both inside and out.

Please share your support for Colva and I will pass your kind words along to her!

Have a good one!

Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Work It Out Wednesday: Week 21

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Hi gang!

Rough week for me. I just feel tired, which doesn't make sense. It's been tough for me to wake up in the mornings, and my workouts at night have been lackluster. Help me out of this funk, friends!!

As promised, I did try a new workout this week. I've actually been doing quick 10-minute morning workouts a few times this week. It doesn't do much for me, but it's better than nothing!

Weekly Workout:


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Weekly disclaimer:
Remember what I said about my lack of qualifications? Please keep in mind that I am aware that I am chubby and have no fitness/nutrition authority. I'm just trying to spread some wellness love as I fight the battle to live well myself.

How I made it harder:  Nada. No energy to add on, I just wanted to get it done!
Overall impression: I'm happy I carved even just ten minutes to do this. My head really hurt when I woke up, but I took a day off the previous day and NEEDED to do something to not hate myself entirely! I know it's a silly issue.
Sweat factor (on a scale of 1-10, where 10 is when I look like I just got out of the shower): Meh, a 3. It was 10 minutes. haha
How I felt when it was over: I knew I could have done more if I had time. But again, it was something
Would I do it again? Absolutely! I want continue to try a bunch of 10-minute workouts for late mornings and for after work.

Weekly recipe:

I'm excited to use the slow cooker this Saturday and I found this recipe on Skinnytaste.com that looks too good to pass up!


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Weekly motivation:



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So true. I need to remember this!
And I need to love my body! Someday? Maybe?



Weekly workout sass:



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TOTALLY.

Earlier this week I went for a run and it was awful. It was my fifth run outdoors this month and my absolute worst. My goal was to run four miles, and my knees hurt and feet cramped after 1.5. I was so ashamed and walk/ran for another mile before calling it quits for the day. I was so disappointed in myself and felt like a whale...but I at least got out there.

I have to remember how I feel when I don't do anything vs. when I do something and it doesn't work out the way I was hoping it would.

Anyone else have this issue? How do you overcome it?

Have a good one!

Tuesday, March 17, 2015

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Hi everyone!


This weekend I went out to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with some friends and it was a blast, as always. From a house party to bar hopping, I definitely enjoyed the day. I'll spare you the stories, but I must say that this festive holiday is actually so much more than an excuse to drink. It makes me miss my family even more than usual! And, because I'm a jerk and feel like re-purposing content, I am shamelessly plugging an article I wrote for HoneyGood regarding celebrating the day in ways aside from drinking. There's a good Irish Blessing in there, too.

How are you celebrating today?!?!

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

Work It Out Wednesday and My New Niece!

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Hi gang!

In very important news, I would like to introduce you to my new niece, Scarlett Susan! She was born on 3/3 and is just the cutest little thing!




I can't wait to meet her and squeeze those perfect cheeks!

I never review my weekends on the blog, but I have to today. My favorite part of this weekend was getting on Face Time with Scarlett and my other perfect niece, Lizzie! Being an Aunt is the best!



Scarlett wasn't too happy there, but all of us sure were! Distance truly sucks but God Bless technology so I can at the very least spend some face time with those gorgeous girls. I'm counting down the days until we're all in one state again for Scarlett's Baptism (approximately 79 days!!!).

I could talk about my nieces all day, but for now I'll go back to our regularly scheduled programming.




However, I hate to say it, but I didn't try out any new workouts this week. Oh I worked out, but I just did Piyo and actually ran outside twice! What?!?! It's over freezing which means it's finally outdoor running weather again!!! I'll try a new workout next week. Promise. ;)


Weekly recipe:

I made the prettiest little skinny shrimp scampi on Friday. I adapted this recipe and added more veggies. It was SO filling and downright tasty!



We made SO much food on Sunday that we probably won't cook again until this Sunday. Not sure what we'll make yet!

Have you made any awesome healthy recipes lately? I would love to hear about them!

Weekly motivation...and Weekly workout sass, too:

Thanks again to everyone who likes my new Facebook page! I think I made my favorite image so far for it. It serves as both motivation and sass for the week, don't you think? Enjoy!


Have a good one!

Thursday, March 5, 2015

Little Bit of Sass Thursday!


Feel like a laugh?
Read on, friends, read on.

First of all, I don't understand how this isn't in my possession:

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Next up:
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I mean, it makes sense!



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Boom.


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Just go ahead and try!

Did you try? I did and couldn't help but smile! Hope you did, too!

And here's one relating to my Facebook page:


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My favorite workout!


Have a good one!

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Work it Out Wednesday: Week 19

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Hi gang!

Thanks to everyone who likes my new Facebook page! I really enjoy having it as an extension of the blog where I can focus more on wellness than I do on here. I accept any constructive feedback, so please let me know what you think and what you would like to see from me!

My silly migraines are back with a vengeance, so waking up this week has been tough. What do you do when you don't feel like getting out of bed? What motivates you?
When I wake up with a pounding head I quickly assess whether or not I have plans after work or if there a potential to work late. If not, I then quickly assess the likelihood of me working out after work. For me it's harder than in the mornings, but everyone's different. If exercise after work is a possibility, then I reset the alarm. Otherwise I get up, grumble and at least do something.

Here is one of those "somethings":

Weekly Workout:


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Weekly disclaimer:
Remember what I said about my lack of qualifications? Please keep in mind that I am aware that I am chubby and have no fitness/nutrition authority. I'm just trying to spread some wellness love as I fight the battle to live well myself.

How I made it harder:  Not much, just added dumbbells to the squats and lunges.
Overall impression: I'm happy I carved even just ten minutes last night to do this. My head really hurt during the day, so I made sure to do this quickly during a migraine break!
Sweat factor (on a scale of 1-10, where 10 is when I look like I just got out of the shower): This was pretty impressive for bringing out the sweat, even for only ten minutes. I give it a 5.
How I felt when it was over: I knew I could have done more if I had time. But again, it was something! It also helped me feel relaxed.
Would I do it again? Absolutely! I think I want try to a bunch of 10-minute workouts for after work. It was a nice way to unwind. Are you interested in any 10-minute workouts? I can keep this up and review them for you!

Weekly recipe:

We tried a new recipe over the weekend and it was pretty "meh." Not impressed. It was tasty and all, but the title of "The Best Pork Chops Ever" was a lie. A lie, I tell you!! Oh well. It was fine. Can't win 'em all, right?

I have my eyes on many recipes this week, and I'm feeling like an easy one is going to win. Having "one pot" in the title of the recipe is definitely appealing. Here's what we may try:


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Meat, spices, potatoes and a little olive oil. No brainer!

Weekly motivation:



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I love this! Don't let anything hold you back!
I made one, inspired by one of my reader's favorite quotes. I adjusted the quote, since I love how it feels to be strong, too!




Weekly workout sass:



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This would be so much better than being invisible or flying.
Well, maybe not. I feel pretty good after a workout and flying would be freakin' cool.

Have a good one!

Tuesday, March 3, 2015

Little Bit of Class Tuesday!



Just some classy outfits and quotes for your day:


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And here's one I adapted to use for my new Facebook page!



Have a good one!