Just some classy outfits and quotes for your day:
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Have a good one!
Tuesday, January 6, 2015
Monday, January 5, 2015
Stacy's Story
Hi gang!
A college friend of mine recently posted this picture, celebrating reaching her goal weight:
Impressive, right?!?!
This is a weight I may never see, but I asked Stacy to share her story because I was curious and wanted some inspiration!
Take it away, Stacy!
..............................................................................................
Wow, life can really change quickly! A couple months ago I was a lost city girl in a small country town trying to adjust to a new life, gaining weight, and just wasting my life away. When I got on the scale in October, I was weighing about 138/139. That was the most I have ever weighed. To some that might not seem like a lot but every person is different. I felt like the pounds just kept piling on. I was feeling sad a lot of the time, I was eating like crap, and was very inactive. Mostly, I was SCARED that things were only going to get worse and I needed a way out.
I wanted to feel better about myself, to feel proud again, to be more positive, and to stop being such a bump on a log. I am not a big scale person so I wasn't really keeping track of my weight along this journey. I took my weight at the beginning of my journey because it was required. I didn’t plan on using it, maybe because I thought deep inside that I was stuck where I was since that scaled had not changed in years. But after just two months, I can say that my life has changed completely and I officially met my goal weight on January 3rd!!!
It all started when my boyfriend, Adrian, and I made the decision to move to his hometown because we thought it would be a better atmosphere to raise a family. We moved in May, after his graduation. While I loved living the quiet life, I was adjusting to a new job, a new life, training a new dog, and I couldn’t find a gym that I liked! Ugh, life was getting tough.
I was picky about my gyms because I don’t like to waste my time or my money. I have spent $1000’s on expensive monthly gym memberships in the past that I hardly used. I loved the gym I went to before my move, but to get the support I needed, I had to spend $100 a month! I spent months, even before the move, trying to find a gym that would work with my fitness preferences (high intensity interval training.) The closest was 30 minutes away and I seriously considered driving my butt 30 minutes away for the gym each day! I even tried to download workouts online to do at home but couldn’t get myself to do them.
After 4 months of not having a gym and trying to adjust to my new life, I started to feel pretty crappy both emotionally and physically. I felt like life was going in a downward spiral. I would either sleep or watch TV when I got home from work, we ate out a lot, and I just felt sad most of the time. My physical health and emotional health was taking a decline. I knew that I had to do something. I had to make some change.
I started noticing some posts on Facebook from an old grad school friend. She was posting pictures of her amazing before and after pictures from her fitness programs. I knew she was an honest person and knew she had legit program. After silently observing her progress over the course of a couple months, I got the nerve to ask her what she was doing. Based on our discussions, I signed up for Focus T25 and Shakeology. Along with my kit came free, unlimited, private, small 30 day support groups online with my friend as my coach.
It was immediately after I ordered my kit that my life did a 180. I finally had a plan that I KNEW would work. I believed in it and started to believe in myself. Nothing crazy and no gimics. No scary pills or supplements, just healthy, whole foods and honest workouts. I was given an easy meal plan to follow. All I had to do was push play on my laptop for 25 minutes a day and check in with my support group. No thinking, no driving, no worrying about the weather, no worrying about clothes or what I look like. I could work out in my PJ’s with crazy hair! I asked for 30 minutes of privacy and worked out in my bedroom. Sometimes the doggies would come sit with me but they knew they had to stay out of the wayJ Instead of coming home and sleeping at night, I was getting my workout done and checking in with my support group nightly. In between prepping dinner and relaxing with my boyfriend. I saw results after just one week!
I became incredibly motivated and had something to look forward to each night. I was working out daily and eating healthy to change my body. And oh my goodness I learned to actually cook! Real food! My mood improved, I was more productive, and talked to my friends and family more. I went from wanting to sleep all the time and feeling blue to active and energized. A lot of us women tend to focus on taking care of others and putting ourselves last. But it’s amazing how once you start taking care of yourself, once you start making yourself a priority, everything around you gets better, and everyone around you benefits. That old saying that “you can’t take care of others until you take care of yourself” definitely applies.
I also found a great team of ladies to work with and love the support that I can from them on a daily basis. I don’t think I could have been as successful otherwise. Having someone else to hold me accountable that it is going through it with me makes a difference.
I can officially say that life is good:) I'm happy, healthy, and feeling more satisfied in my life. I don't think I could have said that a few months ago. I feel so blessed to have come across my friend’s facebook page and this opportunity. I did meet my goal weight, but most importantly, I love how I feel now. I feel in control, hopeful, and excited for my future. I also love how everything else is improving in my life. My boyfriend is even more focused on his own health and fitness. He is not as committed as I am, but I am slowing rubbing off on himJ At least he eats a lot better!
I am still working towards my goals so my next journey is to conquer Insanity Max 30 which I will be starting on January 5th. It’s going to be tough but I can’t wait to see the results!
I have also made the commitment to pay it forward and help others reach their goals.
If you have any questions or want more information, please ask! I don’t bite, I promise. I just want to help J email me at stacymariefitness@yahoo.com. You can also check out my like page at https://www.facebook.com/
Sunday, January 4, 2015
Whole30: First Post
Hi gang!
On January 2 I started the Whole30 Program. Some co-workers are doing, it too, which is awesome. So far, so good! Granted, it's only been a couple of days and I haven't been in social situations, so I'm sure this will get tougher. Hopefully not, but it's probable.
I thought I'd share some of the recipes I'm trying in case anyone out there is looking for some good ones. I'll update about once a week and highlight my favorites on my Wednesday posts.
Sound good? Cool.
Let's get started.
By the way, I say "we" a lot. My husband, Andrew, is eating all of this, too!
So far, here's what we have had or have made for the upcoming week:
I've been loading my Healthy Foods Pinterest Board with tons of recipes that I know I'll try long after the 30 days are done!
So far the only things I'm missing are pop and caffeine. I don't like black coffee or tea, so this is the biggest issue for me. I love water, but only drinking that gets old quickly!
Are you doing Whole30? Have you ever done it? Do you have recipes that I should try?
Please share!
Have a good one!
On January 2 I started the Whole30 Program. Some co-workers are doing, it too, which is awesome. So far, so good! Granted, it's only been a couple of days and I haven't been in social situations, so I'm sure this will get tougher. Hopefully not, but it's probable.
I thought I'd share some of the recipes I'm trying in case anyone out there is looking for some good ones. I'll update about once a week and highlight my favorites on my Wednesday posts.
Sound good? Cool.
Let's get started.
By the way, I say "we" a lot. My husband, Andrew, is eating all of this, too!
So far, here's what we have had or have made for the upcoming week:
- My favorite recipe, Mexican Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas from Gina at skinnytaste.com. We luckily had this frozen so we defrosted it to have something quick knowing we'd be cooking a bunch. It's DELICIOUS!! So great over a salad with homemade guacamole.
- Easy Paleo Pot Roast (Whole30 Compliant) from I Breathe...I'm Hungry. We are having this for dinner tonight! I'm sure it will be amazing. Pot Roast in a crock pot is a no-brainer.
- Sausage & Egg Breakfast Bites from Mark's Daily Apple. I made this today and will eat it for breakfast throughout the week. I snuck a bite once it cooled and YUM! Delicious breakfasts are on the way! For this recipe I used spinach, onions, red pepper and Aidells Chicken and Apple sausage.
- Turkey Avocado Wraps from All Things G&D. This is easy enough to quickly put together for work lunches. I'm sure it's awesome, considering turkey and avocado are two of my favorite things. I'm using Applegate Naturals Roasted Turkey Breast.
I've been loading my Healthy Foods Pinterest Board with tons of recipes that I know I'll try long after the 30 days are done!
So far the only things I'm missing are pop and caffeine. I don't like black coffee or tea, so this is the biggest issue for me. I love water, but only drinking that gets old quickly!
Are you doing Whole30? Have you ever done it? Do you have recipes that I should try?
Please share!
Have a good one!
Work it Out Wednesday: Week 10
Hi gang!
I hope all of you had a lovely holiday with loved ones. I sure did! A recap of the holidays is coming soon for those who may care to read it, but for now let's focus on the flab.
I am so excited to reset starting on 1/2/15. My co-workers and I are doing the Whole30 Program to reset and get rid of the gunk for 30 days. I'm sad to say that I think it will be hard for me, which is ridiculous when you think about it. It's just food and drinks, after all! My social life just needs to shift for 30 days, and in January, one of the coldest and non-social months in Chicago, I think I should be OK. No, I know I will be OK. Plus, I have the help of my co-workers and the support of my husband and family so it will be just fine.
I've been running a few times while in Austin and it was delightful to hit the pavement in warmer weather. They were slow runs, but something is better than nothing!
One day over my little holiday break was too cold to get in my run but I had some dumbbells and a little bit of time to try a little workout. I started to do my own thing at first, got bored with my own ideas and sought out my Pinterest board. Here's what I did...
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.
Weekly Workout:
How I made it harder: I did some stuff before I did this quick little workout, including planks, sit-ups, Super Mans, squats, lunges, arm exercises, etc. Then I did the above workout at the max listed in the rep count. During the dead lifts I added upright rows. I should have done another round or two of the whole thing, but I just ate lunch and didn't want to feel sick lol! Hey, I didn't say I was committing a huge amount of time to workout over the holidays, but I wanted to do something at least four of the seven days! I'm happy to say that I did!
Overall impression: This was a nice quick way to feel like I did something.
Sweat factor (on a scale of 1-10, where 10 is when I look like I just got out of the shower): Since I was doing other things for about 10-15 minutes before I did this, I ended up at about a 3.
How I felt when it was over: Happy I did something, but disappointed in myself that I didn't do more.
Would I do it again? Absolutely, but this is something that I would do with other indoor workouts or after a run.
Weekly recipe:
Zucchini Spaghetti, Crispy Prosciutto and Roasted Cauliflower with Lemon-Parmesean Sauce
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I think I need to adjust the sauce for the Whole30, but overall it looks incredible. I'm excited to try many of the Whole30 approved recipes from the Inspiralized blogger!
My Mother-in-Law also got us a Spiralizer from Williams-Sonoma and the accompanying cook book. I need to give those a try as well!
Weekly motivation:
{via}
Weekly workout sass
Exactly!
Have any of you ever tried the Whole30 Program?
Do you have any spiralized recipes you love?
Please tell me!
Have a good one!
I hope all of you had a lovely holiday with loved ones. I sure did! A recap of the holidays is coming soon for those who may care to read it, but for now let's focus on the flab.
I am so excited to reset starting on 1/2/15. My co-workers and I are doing the Whole30 Program to reset and get rid of the gunk for 30 days. I'm sad to say that I think it will be hard for me, which is ridiculous when you think about it. It's just food and drinks, after all! My social life just needs to shift for 30 days, and in January, one of the coldest and non-social months in Chicago, I think I should be OK. No, I know I will be OK. Plus, I have the help of my co-workers and the support of my husband and family so it will be just fine.
I've been running a few times while in Austin and it was delightful to hit the pavement in warmer weather. They were slow runs, but something is better than nothing!
One day over my little holiday break was too cold to get in my run but I had some dumbbells and a little bit of time to try a little workout. I started to do my own thing at first, got bored with my own ideas and sought out my Pinterest board. Here's what I did...
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.
Weekly Workout:
{via}
How I made it harder: I did some stuff before I did this quick little workout, including planks, sit-ups, Super Mans, squats, lunges, arm exercises, etc. Then I did the above workout at the max listed in the rep count. During the dead lifts I added upright rows. I should have done another round or two of the whole thing, but I just ate lunch and didn't want to feel sick lol! Hey, I didn't say I was committing a huge amount of time to workout over the holidays, but I wanted to do something at least four of the seven days! I'm happy to say that I did!
Overall impression: This was a nice quick way to feel like I did something.
Sweat factor (on a scale of 1-10, where 10 is when I look like I just got out of the shower): Since I was doing other things for about 10-15 minutes before I did this, I ended up at about a 3.
How I felt when it was over: Happy I did something, but disappointed in myself that I didn't do more.
Would I do it again? Absolutely, but this is something that I would do with other indoor workouts or after a run.
Weekly recipe:
Zucchini Spaghetti, Crispy Prosciutto and Roasted Cauliflower with Lemon-Parmesean Sauce
I think I need to adjust the sauce for the Whole30, but overall it looks incredible. I'm excited to try many of the Whole30 approved recipes from the Inspiralized blogger!
My Mother-in-Law also got us a Spiralizer from Williams-Sonoma and the accompanying cook book. I need to give those a try as well!
Weekly motivation:
So true!
Weekly workout sass
{via}
Exactly!
Have any of you ever tried the Whole30 Program?
Do you have any spiralized recipes you love?
Please tell me!
Have a good one!
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
Let's Be Friends Blog Hop!
Welcome to the Let's Be Friends Blog Hop! This is my first time participating and I just love the concept. Tiffany and Chelsee are lovely ladies! Please read on and join in the fun!
A blog hop is a set time frame for current or aspiring bloggers to find new blogs and quality content. It is a great way to make new friends and find inspiration! It is also a fabulous way to promote your own blog and posts.
Dear Friends,
What a day to celebrate! This is the 97th week of the Let's Be Friends blog hop! Thanks for joining us on this special day. Chelsee and Tiffany are extremely delighted to see the way this hop has grown and love to see your faces each week!
Join us every Tuesday at 7am (MST). This blog hop focuses on content. LINK UP YOUR FAVORITE POST from last week in this fun content-sharing blog hop! I love the idea of blog hopping, but I love the idea of reading posts and quality content on new blogs I've never been to even more. Instead of simply linking up your blog button, you are now able to link up your favorite post you recently wrote. Have a delicious recipe to share, DIY tutorial, or heartfelt post? Share it with us! All hosts and co-hosts put up some unique and fun content from the past week. Make sure to check them out. P.S.- you may still link up your blog button and blog name, but it is encouraged to link up your favorite post instead. You will get more page views and interest if you do so! Some of the most successful blog hops I have participate in focus on content rather than just exchanging follows. You never know who will become a loyal follower or pin that delicious new recipe you posted!
The BEST part of this blog hop? Each week there will be a WINNER! That's right, each week we will choose one lucky blog to feature from the previous week's hop. This hop receives thousands of page views every week, so your blog will have the chance to be center stage for free. You must follow all the hosts and co-hosts in order to win. Only those who link up a specific post are eligible to be featured! *You must follow all the hosts and co-hosts in order to win.
The last exciting change is that the co-host spots will now be available to all sponsors of The Dwelling Tree or Southern Beauty Guide. If you are interested in co-hosting the blog hop, email Tiffany or Chelsee about sponsorship opportunities and how to co-host the weekly hop!
There are a couple of great giveaways going on right now at Southern Beauty Guide and The Dwelling Tree. Go check them out! :)
Let's Be Friend's Blog Hop Guidelines
1. Link up your favorite post from your week.
2. Follow your hosts and co-hosts.
3. Grab the button and post it on your blog so we can share the love.
4. Visit 3 other blogs, comment, and follow them along!
5. Tweet about this blog hop, using #letsbefriends
6. Pin the button on pinterest so we can spread the news!
***Once a week, one blog will be chosen to be the featured blogger from the previous blog hop.
Meet your hosts:
The Dwelling Tree: Blog, Bloglovin'
Southern Beauty Guide: Blog, Bloglovin'
Meet this week's co-hosts:
Penny @ Penny's Passion
Kelly @ Our Cone Zone
Jess @ Living on Sweet Tea
Ashley @ That Southern Mama
Ashley @ Keeping up with Ashley and Cody
***This weeks featured post from last week's hop:
Thank you all once again for continually linking up at our blog hop. It is such a fun time and I am so impressed each week with all the amazing posts. Please continue to link up an actual post instead of your blog. We want to keep reading your content and it makes it more fun to pick a winner!
Is there anything we can do differently or better? Please share in the comments!
... onto the winner!
Hello everyone! This is Tiffany!
I just loved this awesome idea for a simple and inexpensive gift. I am always looking for ideas for house warming gifts or hostess gifts, and this is so cute. There are lots of fun variations to do as well.
Winks and Eyerolls is an awesome blog with great posts. I really wanna try the Homemade Peanut Brittle. It looks SO good! Sierra and Faith both share the blog and are sisters. How awesome is that? Go check them out and follow them!
Thank all of you for your amazing posts each week. I love reading all that you share!
Keep posting awesome content! You make it so fun for us to read all your posts! If you can, please link up a specific post. It makes it easier for us to come and visit!
*Remember YOU can be next weeks winner! :)
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
Work it Out Wednesday: Week 9
Hi gang!
I can't wait for this week to be over! Anyone else?
I was too indulgent this weekend and feel like a blob.
Luckily, boxing was awesome yesterday and the workout I'm about to share with you was a sweatathon! I need these tough workouts to counteract the holiday season sweets and get on the right track! Anyone else? I've already purchased the Advocare 10-day Cleanse and other great products for immediately after the holidays, too, to help. This chub stops in December!
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.
Weekly Workouts:
How I made it harder: I added dumbbells to the lunges and squats and didn't go to my knees for the pushups. Otherwise, no need to make it harder for me!
Overall impression: This got my heart pumping for sure! I loved it!
Sweat factor (on a scale of 1-10, where 10 is when I look like I just got out of the shower): A 10! Total 10!
How I felt when it was over: Exhausted! I was so happy to sit and drink some water!
Would I do it again? Absolutely. It took me about 35 minutes since I took a 2-minute break before I repeated the round and in the second round I took 5-10 seconds in between some of the moves.
Weekly recipe:
{via}
This looks too good to not give it a shot. I'll probably add some chicken. Yum!
Weekly motivation:
{via}
Weekly workout sass
Yep, I need this tank!
...and now all I want to do is watch Elf and eat pasta.
Who's with me?
Have a good one!
I can't wait for this week to be over! Anyone else?
I was too indulgent this weekend and feel like a blob.
Luckily, boxing was awesome yesterday and the workout I'm about to share with you was a sweatathon! I need these tough workouts to counteract the holiday season sweets and get on the right track! Anyone else? I've already purchased the Advocare 10-day Cleanse and other great products for immediately after the holidays, too, to help. This chub stops in December!
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.
Weekly Workouts:
{via}
How I made it harder: I added dumbbells to the lunges and squats and didn't go to my knees for the pushups. Otherwise, no need to make it harder for me!
Overall impression: This got my heart pumping for sure! I loved it!
Sweat factor (on a scale of 1-10, where 10 is when I look like I just got out of the shower): A 10! Total 10!
How I felt when it was over: Exhausted! I was so happy to sit and drink some water!
Would I do it again? Absolutely. It took me about 35 minutes since I took a 2-minute break before I repeated the round and in the second round I took 5-10 seconds in between some of the moves.
Weekly recipe:
{via}
This looks too good to not give it a shot. I'll probably add some chicken. Yum!
Weekly motivation:
So true! We can do it!!
Weekly workout sass
{via}
Yep, I need this tank!
...and now all I want to do is watch Elf and eat pasta.
Who's with me?
Have a good one!
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
Work it Out Wednesday: Week 8
Hi gang!
Ugh. What a week. Well, what a few weeks. I feel like I'm running on fumes. Anyone else just going through the motions? I'm struggling.
Luckily I'm still powering through my workouts and am trying to eat healthy. I've been doing much better than I was in November, but I know I can still improve. Baby steps?
Alrighty, let's kick our glutes in gear, shall we?
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.
Weekly Workouts:
How I made it harder: I didn't change anything. This was pretty tough for me, especially the "serve the platter" exercises as well as my nemesis, push-ups.
Overall impression: So tough, especially since I was really sore from boxing the day before. I think, though, that the planks with tricep kickbacks are my new favorite exercise!!!
Sweat factor (on a scale of 1-10, where 10 is when I look like I just got out of the shower): About a 5, but my shoulders and biceps were screaming at me!
How I felt when it was over: Exhausted! It was only 15 minutes and I was so ready to be done!
Would I do it again? Definitely, but probably not one day after boxing. I think my upper body needed a day's rest.
Weekly recipe:
{via}
Gina continues to amaze me with her skinnytaste.com recipes! How on earth is this One Pot Cheesy Turkey Taco Chili Mac Weight Watcher-friendly? I don't know but I am excited to find out!
Weekly motivation:
{via}
Weekly workout sass
...because I typically justify eating more...
As I said above, my new favorite move is tricep kickbacks while in a plank. Have you tried anything new recently with your workouts that you've loved (or hated)?
Please share!
Have a good one!
Ugh. What a week. Well, what a few weeks. I feel like I'm running on fumes. Anyone else just going through the motions? I'm struggling.
Luckily I'm still powering through my workouts and am trying to eat healthy. I've been doing much better than I was in November, but I know I can still improve. Baby steps?
Alrighty, let's kick our glutes in gear, shall we?
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.
Weekly Workouts:
{via}
How I made it harder: I didn't change anything. This was pretty tough for me, especially the "serve the platter" exercises as well as my nemesis, push-ups.
Overall impression: So tough, especially since I was really sore from boxing the day before. I think, though, that the planks with tricep kickbacks are my new favorite exercise!!!
Sweat factor (on a scale of 1-10, where 10 is when I look like I just got out of the shower): About a 5, but my shoulders and biceps were screaming at me!
How I felt when it was over: Exhausted! It was only 15 minutes and I was so ready to be done!
Would I do it again? Definitely, but probably not one day after boxing. I think my upper body needed a day's rest.
Weekly recipe:
Gina continues to amaze me with her skinnytaste.com recipes! How on earth is this One Pot Cheesy Turkey Taco Chili Mac Weight Watcher-friendly? I don't know but I am excited to find out!
Weekly motivation:
So true!
Weekly workout sass
{via}
...because I typically justify eating more...
As I said above, my new favorite move is tricep kickbacks while in a plank. Have you tried anything new recently with your workouts that you've loved (or hated)?
Please share!
Have a good one!
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