Obligatory

I honestly cannot believe that 2014 is over. 

Like in less than 48 hours we will enter a new year. 

A new year with all the possibilities in the world. 

A fresh clean slate to mark however we want.

A year to continue what we started in 2014.

A  few weeks ago I was working out with my girls and it was just the 3 of us and we tend to chat because well to be stereotypical we are woman but more importantly we are friends. We discussed how we are no where near where we were weight wise during a different time of the year.

That got me thinking...

No I'm not where I was but I am not where I started. Cliche yes but it is true!

So bring on 2015 because I can only get better!

When You Miss the Gym

Again this week I am hooking up with the lovely Aubrey at ALG, Uninterrupted 

and her Friday link-up.

This week was a bad week in terms of getting to the gym. Usually I have no problem getting up at 4:25 every morning and heading to the gym for an hour sweat sesh on the spin bikes or total body.  Like I need that morning wake up to get me going and get through the day. 

This week though

I made it 1 day

Seriously, 1 day!

How pathetic right????

However, I am just going to chalk it up to a bad week and move on. There is a class tomorrow that **fingers crossed** Reagan has a good night of sleep which means I do and I get my butt to class!

I will say, old Megan may have crawled back in her hole until the first of the year because I fell off the wagon. Instead I just brush it off and move on. There is no point in dwelling in the past. What's done is done and we can't go back in fix it. 

So take that crappy week of not making it to the gym, you ain't got nothin on me!

Holiday Weight Gain

No no no Tiger not those kind of gains. I'm talking about the candy jar, candy platter, cookie and fudge kind of gains.

Ahh yes, the holidays. An absolutely amazing time of year where food flows like lava from a volcano and if grandma doesn't think you have eaten enough she will stack more on your plate amazing time of year.

But what do you do if you are on a weight loss journey?

Can we all go to an island where we avoid the holiday food stuffings and keep on going with out journeys?

Anybody out there have an island we can borrow? No, well there goes that idea.

So how do you make it through the holidays and not lose all the work you have put in the other 9 months?

MODERATION MODERATION MODERATION MODERATION

Oh and don't quit your meal plan and your work out schedule.

If you are looking for a structured plan the Advocare 24 Day Challenge is a great way to keep your meals in check and continues with the structure you have the other 9 months out of the year.  Shoot me an e-mail if you want more info, I would love to help you not have post holiday blues.

I'm participating in the boot camp at our gym. It is a you vs you challenge. No better competition than yourself.

So I will leave you with this parting thought.

Fitness Friday- 24 Day Challenge Completed

Fitness Friday Link Up with Aubrey

My challenge is over. Quite frankly I can of forget that I am on a challenge during the max phase because it is my normal routine. Once the cleanse is over I fall back into my routine of normal supplements. That isn't a bad thing by any means. The cleanse is where I see the most change because I tend to become lax in my eating and it jump starts me back on the train.

www.advocare.com/130638487

I haven't had a chance to do any measurements this week. Harvest has started so my nights and mornings are a tad more hectic. Plus being done with the challenge means I can get back on the scale.

Now that is a double edge sword...

I've done so good not obsessing over the scales movements up and down. The couple ounces here, a pound or two there. It was an obsession and quite frankly not one I am too excited about getting back on. However, I do want to check in and see where it is at. But I'm afraid if I step on it once it is all down hill from there. Kind of like when I have that one cookie...

I'm working tomorrow (yay harvest) and Sunday will be catch up day. Hope you all have a fabulous Friday!

How Did We Get Here

This morning at the gym, A and I were having a conversation about how we got to be where we were in our relationship with food, our bodies, weight loss etc.

On my way home then I thought more about it.

I thought about how I felt as a kid growing up. 

My relationships with food.

My relationship with my body.

They all stunk.

Sometimes they still stink.

I was overweight growing up. And it wasn't as common then to see an overweight kid (especially in my small town) as it is now (sad fact but true). I was always in sports but was still the big girl. I actually remember other coaches referring to me as "the big girl." Grown men calling me that. This is also where I learned to smile even though I knew it was true. I would be the typical girl who would be smiling on the outside while on the inside I was cursing myself for eating that extra cookie or drinking that can of pop. Talk about an unhealthy relationship.

Now though, I "try" not to beat myself up if I slip. Most days I can brush it off. Own up to it, and move on. As long as I acknowledge my slip up and don't allow myself to start down that slipper slope again I'm better than I used to be.

Do I beat myself up at times, absolutely.

Does it undo the bad choices, nope.

So does it pay to beat myself up, nope.

 Baby steps people baby steps. I celebrate the good choices, acknowledge the bad and continue to put one foot in front of the other. Because at the end of the day, sometimes that is an accomplishment all on its own.

Happy Friday! 

Weigh in Wednesday- GYSTS14

Seriously we are back at Wednesday already?!?! This month is flying by.  I'm going to venture and guess that working out 5 days a week keeps the week moving.

Slowly but surely, harvest is starting and my life becomes crazy so I have to make sure I budget the time to get my meals prepped so I am not relying on quick meals like fast food and pizza. I love using my crock pot during this time of year. I can throw something in and know that dinner is made when I get home.

Measurement check in

Right Arm- 16.5-    Same
Left Arm- 16.5-  +.5

Chest- 44-           -.5

Waist- 42-             -2.5

Hips- 54.5-            -1.5

Right Leg- 31.5-       Same

Left Leg- 29.5-     -1

So another 5 inches gone! I can definitely tell that I have been losing in my hips. I have been able to go to my closet and pull out 2 pairs of jeans that fit in the spring but as summer went on they haven't fit. The one pair is an old pair that I have kept around because I love how they fit and for the longest time didn't fit. Now they are part of my rotation of jeans! I can't wait till they can go in the too big pile.

Happy Wednesday!

Weekend Recap- GYSTS14

I've written a post before, about how I struggle with the weekends. You can read it here. They tend to throw me off track, I don't have the structure like I do during the week. That being said, keeping on track during the weekend is a goal of mine during this #GYSTS14

The first weekend, I did good. I stayed on track food wise, went to a Saturday morning workout and got my steps in.

This weekend...not so much...

Friday night Matt and I had a sitter. We didn't do anything wild and crazy, just some quality alone time. I love my daughter with all my being but it was nice to have a normal conversation and eat a hot dinner.

Obligatory Date Night Selfie

Saturday we went to the fair. Last fair of the season. Nothing crazy food wise but I did have some french fries and a milkshake. Well let me rephrase that, Reagan had a milkshake and I got some of it.

Then Sunday came... I was running around like a mad woman. So fast food for breakfast happened. Subway and a cookie for lunch happened. Oreo bomb cake for dessert happened.

Yea...

Then I remembered though, Monday I get a new day. A fresh start to the week. Today I kicked butt. I had a great workout. A good protein packed breakfast. My lunch was awesome. I don't have dinner planned but I know I have the choice to make it a god choice. So regardless of my weekend, I started fresh today. And I will win today. And tomorrow and heck the rest of the week. Then come next weekend, I won't slide down the slippery slope. Happy Monday!

A Day Late-Wednesday Weigh In- GYSTS14

Well I'm a day late and this isn't even technically a weigh-in. You could call it a measure in or a measure check-up. No weigh in yet, I have 2 weeks to go and it is getting easier to avoid the scale. However, you can bet your bottom dollar when the 24 days is up I will be hopping on the scale.

So I measured a day later as well which still I am darn proud of these results, in 8 days!

                                                                 Right Arm- 16.5
                                              Left Arm- 16
                                               Chest- 44.5
                                               Waist- 44.5
                                                   Hips- 3
                                            Right Leg- 31.5
                                             Left Leg- 30.5

 Now I will say I think my leg measurements were skewed and may have been measured too high up on my leg. However, even if you take those numbers out I still lost 8.5 inches! Gosh, it is crazy what eating good food, working out and drinking my water.

Why I ever got off track when I know what my body is capable of beats me (oh wait, smore's, adult beverages, fair food, snacking...)

This picture spoke to me this morning. Read it and let it sink in then go out have a great day!

The Scale Struggle- GYSTS14

I've linked up with ALG, Uniterrupted For her Fitness Friday. Amanda from Assignment Amanda had this and it fit in line with the theme I had in mind for today's post.




************************************************************

So remember back oh a few days ago when I mentioned how I was only going to measure once a week and weigh in at the end of the challenge. In case you forget, Go Here. 

Well let me tell you, as a former scale addict this is HARD!

I feel like my scale just looks at me from under the storage rack, taunting me, encouraging me to pull it out and see the little blue screen light up.

Yup pretty sure I've lost it!

However, I have remained vigilant. Even when I see the scale at the gym just begging me to step on it. I turn and walk away. Kudos to me I say.

I know that number does not define me. That number is simply gravity pushing down on me or something along those lines. I watch enough Big Bang Theory I should get it #amiright!

Yet that number on the scale still has such a hold on me. I get excitement when I see it go down, and disappointment when it doesn't move or worse, goes up! Even when I tell myself that it really doesn't matter. Even when I know I lost inches. Even when I know that my clothes fit better.

It still has a hold on me...

So I am going to break the addiction. I am not going to let myself live and die by what the scale says.

(Pinky Promise)

Speaking of pinky promises. 

My gym buddy and I made a pinky promise. And you don't dare break a pinky promise right A!

We are going hard 6 days a week (unless kids or work interfere) for the month of September. When we reach our goal we are getting a girls night!

Quick Checkin

Wednesday
Spin/lift

Steps- 8,212

Water- 158.6

Thursday
Circuit Training
Steps- 9,993 (seriously I didn't get 7 more steps!)

Water- 151.3

Tomorrow is a big day for our family, please say a prayer for us that our dream that we have worked hard for comes true!

Weigh In Wednesday-GYSTS14

Well this technically isn't a weigh in post more of an accountability post in the #GYSTS14

Yesterday I dealt with a sick little girl. I knew she didn't feel good in the morning. She was warm but nothing alarming and at this age it is hard to know what is teething related and what isn't. So we sent her on to the sitter.

J the sitter texted me about noon and said she hasn't had a wet diaper all morning which is unusual for my kid because like me she likes to guzzle water. So I called the doctor. I hate being one of "those parents" but dehydration scares me. The Dr. said that if she was still dry after her nap to call and we can go from there. Well sure enough she was so I called and they said to bring her in. Thankfully by the time we got their she didn't have a dry diaper anymore. When they checked her throat it was enflamed so he gave us a prescription for amoxicillian. She was such a cuddle bug last night and went to bed around 7:30.

Which allowed me time to get some cleaning done and make Oven baked chicken fajitas (I just didn't use the wrap part, no need for extra unwanted carbs!) I also cooked up some asparagus to put in the freezer for a quick and easy veggie.

Needless to say I didn't hit my 10k steps but I did get my workout clothes situated because this morning I woke up for 5am spin/lift.

Stats for 9/2
Steps-6,842
Water- 124.8

So today I will get my 10k steps and hit 150oz.

While I am remaining vigilant on my once a week weigh in and measurements I can already say I feel better after 1 day of eating healthier, moving and drinking water. Amazing!

Get Your Sh*t Together September

I swore I wouldn't be one of those people. The ones who let a vacation get them out of their routine. That when I came back from vacation I would jump right back into where I left off, 4-5 days a week working out.

**Insert eye roll here**

Because it hasn't happened. Since the county fair ended at the end of July, we have been camping almost every weekend. (August is really our only month off all year between farming, fairs and work).  I don't know about you but camping wears me out and it takes about a day or 2 to get back at it (along with cleaning and catching up on laundry).

Excuses excuses.

I know but I just can't seem to drag myself out of bed in the mornings to get up and get going. I either roll over and shut my alarm off or don't hear it at all. Can you say, slacker!

So when I saw Ash (Ash's Right Direction) was holding a challenge called GetYour Sh*t Together September I saw this as the perfect place to start. With Labor Day, camping was done so I wouldn't have that messing with my schedule and fairs were done. Except for the one we go to for 1 day, no biggie. So now, starting today I am going to Get My Sh*t Together!

-Tomorrow I will workout in the morning. My goal is back to my 4-5 days a week. I will also be getting my 10k steps a day for at least 6 days.

-Tracking my food, making sure I am keeping my protein high, carbs and fat in check. Which if you follow me on IG I will also be doing #tracktember with Jess (Operation Skinny Jeans) so you will see lots of my food posts.

-Start and kick A$$ with a 24 day challenge. Want to know more, shoot me an e-mail and we can chat! This falls perfectly in line with getting my butt in gear and keeping me accountable.

-Hold myself accountable by sharing with everyone what I achieve and where I fall short (pssshh ain't gonna happen!)

Also for the first time in a long time, here are my day 1 pictures. Along with my measurements.

 Flattering, not at all but I do blame some of it on the way Matt was holding the camera, especially the forward facing one.

Measurements:

Right Arm- 17

Left Arm- 17
Chest- 47.5
Waist- 45
Hips- 59

Right Leg- 34

Left Leg- 33.5

I will not be stepping on the scale again till my 24 day challenge is over. I am going to be measuring every week.

Who else is ready to get it together with me?!?!

Support

I've been on this weight loss journey before. I've tried group meetings and doing things solo and every thing in between. What I've discovered is, I need support. I need people who are on the same journey I am on.

Going at it alone I have no one to talk to about it. I have no one who has the same struggles as I do about getting up in the morning to make it to the gym. No one to share my victories with and to help pick me up when I get defeated. Going at it alone hasn't worked before so I wasn't sure why I thought it would this time either.

Matt always supports me, he is always in my corner no matter what. However, he isn't on the same journey I am. While he is great for moral support he doesn't always get it.

This guy, my rock, my everything. Always in my corner

Once I swallowed the pill that I can't do this alone and opened myself up to allow others in on my journey I found some pretty amazing people. These people are there for me when I need a pick me up, to celebrate my successes and every where in between. They have become more than gym support, they have become friends.

These 3 ladies, #gymbuddiesforlife Always there for a pick me up, a check in and a kick butt workout.
Crazy how life brings people into your life or in D's case, back into your life just when you need them most.

This lady has pushed me far beyond what I ever thought I would be able to do. She has me doing leg raises while holding myself up, even running! When I have wanted to give up she pushes me to keep going. While I'm not where I want to be, I wouldn't be as far as I am without her!

These 2 ladies have been there through college, weddings, babies and boyfriends.

Having the right support makes all the difference. I have insecurities but my gym buddies and friends don't point them out. Now don't confuse that with being called out when you aren't putting 110% in because I need that from time to time. Like the text message that they miss me, or reading on face.book about the kick butt workout I missed. Gives me the push I need.

I encourage any one who is on this weight loss journey to find a buddy, through whatever means, face.book groups, IG, real life and use them. Find someone who you can count on but don't be just a taker in the relationship, you have to be there for them too. You have to encourage them, be there when they stumble, celebrate their victories even when you don't have anything to celebrate and push them even when you are finding it hard to push yourself.

So I thank my gym buddies, trainer and friends, family and of course Matt for being there for me.

The Little Things- Wednesday Link-up

I'm usually bad at this link up thing. I'm not blogger savvy by any means. However, I've been following this lady (www.assignmentamanda.blogspot.com) for a few weeks and her and I are pretty much at the same place in our weight loss journeys.

She is also holding a July arm challenge on IG #assignmentamandagunshow which you all should join in!

Anyhoo, back to the link up...

This link up (co-hosted by Candra from Camo and Lipstick) is about taking the negative situation and finding the positive. So here goes. Negative- I am no where near where I need to be on this weight loss journey. Positive- I have discovered so much about myself since beginning this journey. I've found a love for going to the gym or working out with my cute workout partner. I love finding ways to make my favorite foods healthier and cleaner. I've become such a better wife and mom since I have taken time for myself. I feel rejuvenated when I get done with a workout and I no longer feel like I'm on the sidelines while life is passing me by. Am I where I want to be, no, but am I doing things that I am supposed to be doing, absolutely! Taking time to enjoy the process because that is part of the process. As the old adage goes, take time to stop and smell the flowers.

Forgiving Yourself

***I apologize for the absence. My brother got married on Saturday, it has been a bit chaotic***

While this journey to becoming a better me has mostly been about weight loss and getting healthier there have been other improvements along the way. Areas of myself that maybe I didn't even know I was lacking in or never even thought of improving.

One of those areas that never crossed my mind, learning to forgive myself

When I would eat foods I shouldn't (like a whole thing of Oreo's), go overboard at a buffet to the point of being uncomfortable, or simply not eat I would get mad at myself. I would criticize myself for eating foods I knew weren't healthy, for over eating on those unhealthy foods. I became mad at myself which would lead to more binge eating of crap food. It was a vicious cycle.

My unforgiving ways would also go to my workouts. If I overslept I would beat myself up all day. Like seriously, how could you not get out of bed, laziness, pure laziness. Then as I would be relaxing on the couch at night I would have this nagging voice that I needed to go do something. I needed to stop being a bum on the couch.

Yea, I was mean to myself. I was very unforgiving when I would slip-up.

I'm not sure why I beat myself up.

I obviously wasn't perfect before I started this journey.

Not sure why I thought that starting this journey I would never miss a workout or eat crap foods.

I knew I would, because I'm not perfect. If I was perfect I wouldn't be trying to lose the weight in the first place!

Source- pin.terest

Here lately though I've been forgiving myself.

Now this is not to be confused with making excuses. There is a HUGE difference!

For example, this wedding and helping my mom get everything around has made for some long nights and restless sleep.  There were times that I chose to sleep instead of doing my 5am workouts.

Old Megan would have beat myself up about it but not done anything on my own.

Improved Megan acknowledged that my body needed the sleep and then since I also knew that I needed to workout I pushed myself to do it. Alone. No gym. No coach. Just me and Reagan (usually). I didn't use the excuse I was tired to sit my butt on the couch at night. I used that as motivation, like hey I didn't work out this morning so now I have to use my evening to do it!

source- pint.terest

The same goes for eating.

I don't eat perfect. I try my hardest to be healthy 80-90% of the time. There's times I don't. Not beating myself up as I continue to lick the brownie batter but instead, stop eating the crap, acknowledge that I did and do some burpees to feel better!

It is just amazing to me how this journey is shaping me into the woman I always knew I was but had forgotten I could be.

Boot Camp Day 2

Day 2

Breakfast-
Advocare Chocolate Shake made into a muffin with 2tbsp peanut butter

Lunch-
Leftover Ham Steak & green beans


Supper-
Hamburger (no bun)

Snacks-
Blue Diamond Strawberry Almonds
Medium Honeycrisp Apple with 2tbsp peanut butter

Water intake-149.2oz

Steps- 9,024 not quite 10k but better than the day before at 6,849

Exercise- I slept in. Did not make it to the gym and the weather was nice so Matt was spraying so no gym in the evening. I decided to make my own and went up to the Shrine park with Reagan and we walked, did tricep dips, and 2 workout programs from Instagram. Ended up with a great workout in am hour and a tired baby.

Old Megan would have just walked or said screw it, new Megan voluntarily did burpees, crazy stuff!

Boot Camp

Today was the first day for the buddy boot camp at the gym. I have a pretty awesome buddy and we are ready to kick butt!

In order to keep myself accountable during this 8 week boot camp I plan on blogging about my daily intakes, exercises and whatever else comes to mind. This will be pretty similar to the posts I did about the 24 day challenge (starting here).

My buddy A and I are planning on heading to the store together on Saturday morning and we are going to be texting each other throughout the day to keep us in check. We both are usually at the gym in the mornings and we both want to get some 2 a days in. With the boot camp we get personal trainings and our hope is to be able to do them on Sunday mornings. That way I don't have to worry about a sitter for Reagan. Plus, I will get a good start to my Sunday which usually according to my fitbit is my laziest day.

Day 1

Breakfast-
Advocare Berry Shake

Lunch-
Modified "stir fry"- veggies and chicken no rice
Blue Diamond Strawberry Almonds

Supper-
Ham steak and a veggie

Snacks-
Best Life Peanut Butter Extreme Protein Bar
Medium Honeycrisp Apple with 2tbsp peanut butter

Water intake- So far today I am at 129.5. My goal is at very least a gallon but more along the lines of 150oz.

Steps- 10,000 so far today I am at 3,602

Exercise- I woke up late but still managed to get a 45 minute spin/lift in.

Goals for the bootcamp-
1. 30lbs total.
2. I'm bad at figuring out inches lost but lets shoot for 10 inches.
3. Run a mile without stopping
4. Full out burpee

Week 1 goal- 3lbs

Rewards-
1. Shopping for 2 new pair of jeans
2. Massage
3. Pedicure

There it is, all laid out for the world to see.

Bring it boot camp, you ain't got nothin on me!

Goals and Rewards

Goal- the result or achievement toward which effort is directed; aim; end.
Reward- something given or received in return or recompense for service, merit, hardship, etc.
 (source- www.dictionary.com)

I have goals. Non-fitness related such as paying off debt, finishing my kitchen, decluttering rooms and my life basically. Then I have health/fitness ones. Such as, weight goals, endurance goals, weight lifting goals and some days, running goals. The running one tends to sway some days but it is still there (it just isn't a priority at the moment and not exactly sure when it will become a priority).

Having goals is so important in anything you want to accomplish. Having goals in your head is one thing, but when you write them down and look at them every day, for me it makes them real. They are tangible. You read it every single time you walk by it. 

So my big goal that I have written down right now is to lose 50lbs so I can buy me a pair of legit Sperry shoes. I have a pair of the Kohl's knockoffs and they are fine but I want to reward myself and spending $$$$ on shoes (other than boots because that is always justified!) is a great way. 

I have a picture of the shoes on my mirror that I pull out of the drawer and look at while I brush my teeth/do my make-up/and do my hair (and by do my hair I mean usually throw it back). 

Source-Pinterest

 This allows me to see the end result while also looking in the mirror and seeing the progress I am making towards that goal. Now I know I said not to get hung up on the number on the scale but in reality my number needs to go down and pushing myself to get that number down with a goal is what I need to do. However, that number will not define progress that I am making in other areas.

That one is a more long term goal. Currently my short term goal is 10lbs for the month of May. Watch me rock it and when I do, I'm getting a massage! Again, a number goal but easily measured.

Source-Pinterest

This leads to another point, rewarding yourself for accomplishing your goals.  

I am all about rewards that are things I normally wouldn't buy for myself. Such as Sperry's, a massage etc. I've seen cool things like people putting money in a jar every time they work out and using that money to pay for their reward. However, I never have cash on me so I feel like I would always be owing the jar money. It will just be easier to go out and buy whatever it may be that I deem necessary. 

So basically, have a goal, write it down, read it every day and reward yourself (however you deem necessary) when you achieve it! 
 

#transformationtuesday

Oh IG and twitter and your numerous hashtags. Some that I don't even understand and have to google for an explanation (yup I am that pathetic at times). Well this one, #transformationtuesday has intimidated me for a long time. Why you ask, would a silly hashtag bother me? Well....

I was scared.

I was scared that my transformation wasn't good enough to use the hashtag. Lame yes but self-confidence issues don't just vanish overnight?  Seriously, past self-esteem and self-confidence and stuff doesn't just go away. I still see the Megan who was at her heaviest and I need to work on that. But that's another post for another day, maybe another hashtag????

But it's the truth.

That old feeling of what I have accomplished doesn't compare to what others have. 

That's not the point though.

The point is, I am darn proud of what I have accomplished as well as the friends I've made along the way and what they have accomplished.

So without further ado, my first post for #transformationtuesday

These pictures are about a year apart exactly. The one on the left, April 2013 at Reagan's baptism. I was about 4 1/2 months postpartum. The one on the right, taken this morning at 4:50am. Yup I look hot going to the gym.

Put these side by side and I am simply amazed at the progress I have made. I am no where near finished but seeing this gives me the motivation to keep going!

Non Scale Victories

The scale and I are not friends. I mean if we really want to get down to it, we hate each other. Almost as much as I hate burpees. I like burpees a little bit more than the scale because burpees make me feel good when I get them done. Like heck yea I just did 25 burpees. I never feel that way after getting off the scale. Even when it goes down I don't jump off and say heck yea scale I like you today. I think hmm what could I have done better to make that number even smaller?

Lately though, I haven't given a crap what the scale read. I've been more focused on other victories.

For example, pants that have been in the back of my closet that I couldn't get past my knees now go over my thighs and almost past my hips. Jeans that are getting too big. Shirts that look sloppy. I love all these clothes that aren't fitting, except, I gave up shopping for non necessities for Lent. So even more reason to keep pushing myself so I can have a good shopping spree this spring!

Another non scale victory is my energy. No longer am I trying to get as much sleep as possible. Well, except for the nights when Reagan doesn't feel the need to stay asleep all night. Or like the other night when we went on a drive to get her to fall asleep. So when she is back to being the great sleeper I can go to bed around 10 and get up around 4:30-5:00 go workout and then go about my day without getting the mid morning yawns or mid afternoon slump. I will say that spark has helped with that too. Eating better and getting all my vitamins and minerals from my MNS packets is also key. I know having more energy makes me a better mom, wife and person in general. No longer do I need my diet coke before I wake up and am functional. My early morning workouts are way better than that diet coke ever was!

Another victory is how much stronger I am getting every day. I've always been strong but now it is apparent. When I started working out I was grabbing 7's for my heavy weights. Now it is 10's sometimes 15's depending on what we are doing. I'm not afraid to lift heavy (no woman should be afraid to lift heavy, ever!), it is so empowering. I've done hanging leg raises, full out push-ups and wall sits for over 2 minutes. The strength I've gained isn't just in my muscles, I've also gained strength in myself. I know that I can do whatever I set my mind to.

No longer am I afraid of failing. I know that this time, I've made the change for good.

Weekends

Weekends are my favorite. Time to unwind, regroup and major family time. Weekends can also be hard on your lifestyle change. I refuse to say the word diet because this isn't a diet, it is a lifestyle change. Diets end and diets fail. This isn't going to end and these choices I'm making aren't going to fail, plain and simple!

Okay now that I've gotten that off my chest back to the point of this post.

Weekends are also a great time for me to meal prep. I can get my breakfasts (when I don't do a meal replacement shake), lunches and sometimes dinner made ahead of time so all I have to do is put it in the crock pot or warm it up. This has been huge in helping me stay on track health wise and financially. I would really hate to know how much money I have dropped on getting my lunches from fast food restaurants, pizza places, etc over the last 5 years since I've been working at my current job. Like, I think it would make a huge dent in my student loans if I were to add it up!

Meal prepping at first seemed expensive because I dropped a chunk of change at the grocery store but now I can go to the store, spend $75 and eat for a week and half. This has also cut way back on Matt and I eating out during the week, which also saves a ton of money.

Typically, my meal prepping starts with cooking my chicken breasts in the oven. Usually it is either chicken that my parents have raised or ones that I buy in the store, a pork roast or beef roast in the crock pot, sausage and eggs.

The sausage and eggs I make into my breakfast wraps. Most of the time they are simply, sausage, eggs and cheese because this is all Matt likes in them. If I get ambitious I will cook up some onions and peppers and add those to another batch just for me! I put the cooked sausage and egg into the egg roll wrapper, roll and bake till golden brown. Then I put them in the freezer and grab out what I need. A minute or so in the microwave and voila, a quick hot breakfast packed full of protein.

I am by no means a food photog they are usually taken on my phone too so no fancy camera used

Another item I love to make on the weekends and have it for quick lunches are my buffalo or BBQ chicken roll-ups. So quick and easy and delish! The only way I could make them better would be to make my own sauces but I use what I have and that is Frank's Red Hot or any BBQ sauce. I shred up the chicken, put it in a zip lock bag, add the sauce and shake what your mama gave ya! Roll them in the egg roll wrappers, bake and enjoy.

I've also become a big fan of the frozen recipe ready vegetables that you can buy the onions, peppers, mushrooms all ready to go into the pan. Makes it so easy and there is no waste because what you don't use goes back in the freezer.

I used to think the weekends were for relaxing, catching up on house work and not cooking. Now, I've changed my thinking and try to keep the house picked up during the week and do a lot of my cooking on a Saturday or Sunday and I have more time to spend with my family.

Stumbling

These past 2 weeks have been rough. By rough I mean I feel like I have been pulled into a million different directions without a plan or time to even consider making one. Sounds like an excuse, yes it is but it is also real life.

The bootcamp challenge at the gym ended on Valentine's day. Just in time for my date with George Strait! Well, my husband had to go as well =). My results from that challenge included 19lbs gone (not lost because I don't intend to find them again) and 27.75 inches gone. With results like that, I came in third place! First time the last couple of boot camps at the gym I placed!

The following week I was at a conference. I was driving back and forth. I was able to plan some snacks (strawberry almonds, grapes, protein bars etc). However, lunch and dinners were hard. I took my MNS packets and had my carb ease and fibo trim, yet it didn't seem like enough. The nice part about driving back and forth was that I was able to keep up with my workouts. The eating probably wasn't as bad as a I think it was but I still didn't have complete control and I didn't really like that! If that week taught me anything, it shows that I love having control over my choices.

This past week, the sickness has hit our house. Reagan got sick on Saturday night. 3 or 4 baths and bed changes later we were finally able to go to sleep. Then Matt got sick. He of course was dying as most men do when they are sick. So far I have been able to avoid that end of the sickness. Then yesterday, Reagan tested positive for RSV. So today, I am home with her. At least I know that I am control of my choices today.

When things get stressful, I want to turn to food. Not because it will make the stress go away but because I think that it fills me. It gives me something to focus on. And that, that is the hardest part of my past to move on from. Eating when I am stressed has been my go to for so long and I thought I had conquered it until things like this pop up. I feel like it drags me back 10 steps.  I know no one is perfect and stress gets to all of us no matter how much we try to avoid it but somehow it doesn't seem to effect others like it does me. I feel kind of like an addict who has been clean for so long then you get one whiff of  your trigger and it drags you back in.

But this time, I won't be staying back here. I won't let this turn of events keep me from achieving my goals! I know what I need to do and like Scarlett O'Hara said in Gone With the Wind, "after all tomorrow is another day."

Results!

24 day challenge results

Megan
Total Inches Lost- 17.5
Total Pounds Lost- 11
Feeling- Amazing

Mom
Total Inches Lost- 14.5
Total Pounds Lost- 4
Feeling- Can't wait to do it again!

Want to feel better about yourself, get healthy and have more energy. The 24 Day Challenge is a great place to start. I would love to help you become the best version of you!

Source- Pinterest

Day 24

Last day! Seriously the last day! This challenge has been just that a challenge but I think I kicked butt. I will say having the accountability of this blog, tracking my food in MFP and having the team support made it possible.

Food Choices

Breakfast- Sausage links

Lunch- Chicken cutlets. I bought some on Saturday night and have been letting them marinade in italian dressing and pulling them out and cooking them as needed. So easy and so delicious.

Supper- Pork Loin with a few mashed potatoes.

Snacks- Peanut butter and I did have a few ready bake chocolate chip cookies

Water- 172 BOOM!!!

Exercise- The gym was closed due to weather (I had a snow day from work as well) so no 2 a day :( but I did play with Reagan and clean.

Will post results soon!!

Day 23

Today was a bad day. Like bad. But I wouldn't be honest with myself if I didn't record it.

Food Choices

Breakfast- Amazing Chobani strawberry bowl

Lunch- Almond crusted chicken. Broccoli, Then the down hill spiral started. I had some ranch with my chicken and I was still hungry so I had a scoop of peanut butter.

Supper- Matt wanted steak so we had steak and I had some potatoes. Along with an ice cream bar :(. Also for whatever reason, I got into the peanut m & m's and COULD NOT STOP!

Snacks- Strawberries, strawberry almonds and fun size m & m's and snickers. I was on a chocolate binge and just couldn't be stopped.

Water- 50oz yea like I said, crappy crappy day

Exercise- Spin sculpt in the morning. I should have gone to the evening class as well if I was going to eat like that!

I had a bad day. I could see exactly what I was doing and I did it anyways. However, one bad day does not take away from all the good that I have done so far. Life goes on and I just make better choices the next day.

Day 22

I feel like I should always give a preface to the day that I am blogging about. Sadly, I have nothing.

Food Choices

Breakfast- OMG let me tell you about the amazingness that is my breakfast. A, a girl I work out with shared this awesomness with me and I just have to share it with you! Her version of the power bowls from Panera. This one has a cup of Chobani greek yogurt, 3 sliced strawberries, 24 almonds (I put mine in the bullet mixer and ground them up) and a drizzle of honey. This amazingness has 356 calories, 17g of fat, 25 grams of carbs and wait for it, 29 grams of protein! Ahh so freaking delicious!

Lunch- 2 of my BBQ chicken wraps and broccoli.

Supper-  Breakfast for supper. 2 fried eggs, ham and a slice of cheese. Hit the spot on this cold night!

Snacks- Blue Diamond Strawberry Almonds, where have you been all my life?

Please ignore the dirty dishes in the sink, bleh I need a maid!

I also had my trusty apple and peanut butter

Water- 135oz Another great day!

Exercise- Monday 2 a days!

Day 21

Super Bowl Sunday! But...we didn't have a party to go to so there was no food to prepare myself to avoid which is always way easier.

Food Choices

Breakfast- I made french toast for Reagan and myself. I also had sausage to get protein in so it wouldn't be a complete carby meal.

Lunch- 2 smoked sausage links

Supper- Another nice part about going to my parent's house for supper, mom is on the challenge as well so she was going to make something good! Chicken tacos it was. Delicious!

Snacks- On the weekends I struggle to get my snacks in since I'm not usually on a structured schedule like I am at work.

Water- 114

Exercise- Reagan and I played and played and I chased and chased

Day 20

We had an amazing advocare mixer today. I was a tad worried how my day would go because I wouldn't be home to eat at a normal time but everything worked out! The mixer was a success and I have a great girl starting her challenge soon!

Food Choices-

Breakfast- 3 sausage links

Lunch- Buffalo Chicken wraps, 3 of them

Supper- Chicken breast and a side salad with celery seed dressing.

Snacks- I had a VO2 prime bar at the mixer, holy yumminess. I am for sure adding them to my next order!

Water- 157 BOOM!

Exercise- Total body class

Day 19

5 more days. Bring it!

Food Choices

Breakfast- Berry Shake

Lunch- We splurged at work and got Chipotle. I'm sure I've mentioned it before but this is one of my favorite places to eat. The food is good, clean and the french fry temptation isn't there. Although their chips, oh their chips. I got my usual, chicken bowl with a little brown rice, extra veggies, corn salsa, a little cheese and guacamole.

Supper- We had a girls night at J's house (gym owner J). So there was a ton of snack and finger food. I took my broccoli but I mixed it up and had broccoli, green beans and peas. Yum! I had a bowlful of that and then a ton of fruit. So stinking good!

Snacks- Apples and peanut butter

Exercise- Spin/lift in the morning

Water- 123.5

Day 18

Less than a week to go on the challenge.  I can do this I can do this I can do this!

Food Choices

Breakfast- 3 of my breakfast eggs rolls. I'm almost out and I need to find some time to make some more!

Lunch- Matt had put ham in the crock pot the night before so I had leftovers and some of my broccoli.

Supper- Swim lesson night so I got an antipasta salad from a local pizza shop and got Matt pizza. They make their own dressing which is so darn good! It is an oil and vinegar but so delicious. In college, I would want this for Friday night suppers on the weekends I came home because nothing compared to it!

Snacks- Good ole apples and peanut butter

Exercise- Thursday morning spin/lift along with parent child swim.

Water-  98oz eh

Day 17

Only 1 week left of this challenge. Seriously, I feel so much better in general. I'm excited to see my numbers this week. I won't know them until Friday due to having to move my personal training around.

Food Choices
Breakfast- Berry Shake

Lunch- My BBQ Chicken Egg Rolls. These things are so dang good and easy! I also had a spring mix salad with Olive Garden dressing.

Lunch today

Right after I made them.

Supper- I came home from working out to ham in the crock pot. Matt also made mashed potatoes, gravy and texas toast. I took my fibo trim and carb ease and indulged a little in the potatoes and texas toast. He knows I don't eat a lot of potatoes and bread anymore but he was being sweet and was so proud of himself. Plus, he also did laundry, folded it and put it away.

Snacks- Apples and peanut butter

Exercise- Wednesday two a day!!! Total body in the morning and total body at night. J pushed us hard at the night class. I can tell I'm getting stronger because of things I couldn't do before I can do now. Plus I've been taking the Bio-Tune supplement to help with my knees. Volleyball, basketball and softball were not kind on my knees. Neither is being overweight so this supplement helps with reducing inflammation.

Water- 123oz

Day 16

Downhill slope continues on this challenge.

Food Choices-
Breakfast- Berry Shake. Everyday I think about adding some of the frozen fruit to the shake but I am usually running behind so I just grab my shaker cup and go. Someday I will remember, hopefully.

Lunch- The last bit of chili that I made Saturday that didn't make it into the freezer bags. I think chili is one of those things that gets better over time. It is good when you first make it but leave it in the fridge for a few days and yum yum. I also had a knocker from supper the night before. If I would have been thinking I could have done a chili dog sans the bread.

Supper- Usually Tuesday night is the only night (besides Friday but who counts that as a weeknight?) I come straight home from work. I have class on Monday and Wednesday till 6, Thursday is swim lessons so Tuesday is the day that I get some cleaning or just hang with Reagan time. Well, since I have been losing weight and inches (because the inches come off faster than the weight) I have accumulated a bunch of clothes that don't fit and I just don't wear. I had sold some and planned on meeting the girl in the nearby town. I knew I wouldn't have time to cook because I also had a nail appointment so I grabbed Wendy's on the way home. I had a cheeseburger deluxe without the bun and Reagan and I split her kids french fry. I was even worse and had a diet coke. I am not beating myself up over this. I could have at something better but I needed easy and this was easy.

Snacks- Apples and peanut butter. I'm pretty sure I couldn't live without peanut butter.

Exercise- Non existent today besides some steps while watching tv. I had planned on getting up and going to spin/sculpt but slept through my alarm. I miss the gym, I miss my friends at the gym and I miss the way I felt when I would get done with a workout. This cold crappy weather needs to exit pronto!

Water- 102oz

Day 15

After being snowed in for 2 days I have never been more excited to actually go to work on Monday. I had cooked most of the weekend so I had plenty of meals ready for the week.

Food Choices-
Breakfast- 2 of my breakfast egg rolls (sausage, egg, peppers, onions rolled up in an egg roll and baked)

Lunch- Whole wheat spaghetti pasta with sauce and 2 small chicken breasts. I was dying for some pasta and this tasted so good!

Supper- Matt was at the local grocery store and they sell homemade all beef knockers. So stinking good!

Exercise- Since the weather and roads still weren't the best the gym was still closed. I was tired of not getting anything in so I went to my parents and walked on the treadmill and climbed their stairs to get my floors climbed. On my fitbit app it says I need to climb at least 10 flights of stairs a day. This is hard to do because I don't have stairs at work and home. So anytime I get the opportunity to climb stairs I jump on it!

Water- 120oz

Day 13 & 14

I have been really good about doing each day. However, this weekend was so uneventful since we were snowed in. Exciting events did happen this weekend as I did some awesome cooking and made some great items that I could throw in the freezer and grab quick. I will be sharing the recipes. The best part, they are so easy!

Food Choices
Breakfast
Saturday- Berry Shake
Sunday- Family breakfast of Eggs and sausage

Lunch
Saturday- Brats and Green Beans
Sunday- Chili

Dinner
Saturday- Homemade chili. I made a crock pot of chili, nothing better than filling the house with the smell of chili on a day when you are snowed in. It was so delicious!
Sunday- My baked egg roll chicken wraps. (Another thing I made this weekend, super easy and super delicious!)

Snacks- Apples, peanut butter, chocolate shake muffins

Water intake- 100oz each day.

Exercise- Chasing and constantly picking up after my very active 1 year old. Best.Exercise.Ever

Being snowed in this weekend was a bit rough. I could have put more effort into working out but it also felt good to relax and give my body a rest.

Day 12- Halfway

I know this day is technically halfway but I count halfway as being when I am done with the cleanse phase.

Food Choices-
This day was a huge struggle for me. I took the day off work because I wanted to get some cleaning done at home (ie take down the Christmas tree, don't judge!) Then because I was in the cleaning mood I didn't take the time to snack or eat at normal times. Excuses, yes but I'm just putting it out there that it does happen.

Breakfast- Berry Shake

Lunch- We were told we were going to have a nasty snow storm so I wanted to get to the store. Since I was out I ran through McDonald's quick and grabbed 2 hamburgers. I ate just the hamburger part. I wanted to be able to eat on the run and Subway is just too hard to do that. Well for me anyways!

Supper- We had friends come and visit. Matt braved the cold and grilled hamburgers and bratwurst. I made some of my green beans in the oven and we also had french fries. Our friends loved the green beans! I had 2 bratwurst and green beans. I did have a few french fries but not before I took my carb ease. Seriously, there is always a bottle in the bathroom and one in my purse. I never leave home without it.

Exercise- Does the cleaning count? I missed spin/sculpt in the morning because I was exhausted from the week.

Water- 80oz

Day 11- Starting Phase 2 Max Phase

Done with the cleanse. Done with the fiber drink! Ahh I feel so much better! It is amazing how much better you feel when you really focus on not shoveling crap into your mouth and eating only good clean, whole, unprocessed foods!

Before I started this challenge I was using the MNS packets. I had opted to try the MNS C for the maximum appetite control. Let me tell you, this has been huge in helping me not piece between meals (well besides my snacks!) There are times that I forget to take my snack because I'm not hungry because of effect of these packets. I will probably go back to the MNS 3 when I start another challenge and continue in that rotation until I get to where I don't need the maximum appetite control.

Food Choices- I know you can start adding in a few of the items back into your diet but I still limit my carbs and dairy. Limiting carbs works for me and with my PCOS it actually is recommended.

Breakfast- Berry Shake

Lunch- Our operations manager decided to buy pizza for everyone. Believe me the pizza sounded good but I knew it would make me feel blah so I ordered a salad instead. I still got to smell the pizza but didn't have to mark down those calories!

Supper- Well supper brought the same temptation of pizza as lunch did. I ordered the boneless wings and a side salad. However, I wasn't able to resist the breadsticks and had 2 of them. I did take my carb ease before eating the meal so I felt slightly less guilty.

Snacks- Apples and peanut butter along with the cuties clementines. Love those things because they are so easy to peel and help satisfy the sweet cravings I get.

Exercise- Spin/lift in the morning. Then we are doing parent child swim lessons at the YMCA. Holding my chunk of a child for a half hour sure is a bit of workout. This was also the reason we had pizza for supper!

Water intake- 99oz.

Day 10-Cleanse Results

After 9 days on the cleanse, I was down a total of 5lbs and 8 inches. Any weight loss during the cleanse phase is a complete bonus.

Last day of the cleanse. I feel so much lighter. My belly doesn't feel so bloated. To put it simply, I just feel good!

Food Choices-
Breakfast- I planned on having a berry shake but walked off and forgot it. Thankfully, I had a few chocolate ones in my cupboard at work. It wasn't my favorite to drink. Wayyy to chocolately for me. Old Megan would have skipped breakfast and then wondered why I was hungry and feeling sluggish. So win for me!

Lunch- Last day of the quinoa stir fry. This is kind of a big deal for me since I normally don't eat left overs and for this many days in a row! Yes it did get old but it was so easy to just reach into the fridge and grab my lunch and go. This food prep stuff is growing on me! Finished off the rest of my berry bowl from Kroger, blueberries, black berries and strawberries.

Supper- Nothing sounded good so we went with the quick staple of eggs and sausage.

Snacks- Chocolate shake muffin along with some peanut butter. My favorite apple, honeycrisp and peanut butter as well.

Exercise- Today was a 2 a day. Started with a butt kicking personal training session with J. Today showed me just how strong I have gotten. I've always been a strong girl (farm girl right here!) but when the weight piles on you don't feel strong. Today, I felt strong. That evening was a total body class and even though I was tired I pushed through.

Water- 133oz BOOM! Still not quite where I want to be but a dang good effort!

Day 9

One more day, only one more day of the fiber drink!!!

Food Choices
Breakfast- A rather odd combo this morning for breakfast. I thought I had seen we had ham in the fridge so I was going to make an egg and ham omelet. Well, apparently I was seeing things because my omelet ended up being 2 eggs and 15 slices of pepperoni. It was good and had a bit of a kick which was nice.

Lunch- Day 2 of the stir fry. I also finished off the spring mix and the pineapple.

Supper- Matt got a ham from the local store and put it in the crockpot. It was delicious! However, he didn't make any vegetable and by the time I got home it was ready. It happens and I just have to make up for it.

Snacks- Apple, no peanut butter though. Then a chocolate shake muffin with peanut butter at night.

Water intake- 99oz. 1 step forward and 2 steps back

Exercise- Spin/Sculpt for an hour. I love riding my bike but spin always intimidated me. So glad that I tried it because I love it!

Weigh in and measurements tomorrow!

Day 8

Into the homestretch of the cleanse phase! Unfortunately, that means the dreaded fiber drink is back. However, mixing it in my bullet mixer makes it not so gritty and much easier to take.

Food Choices-
Breakfast- Berry MRS

Lunch- Sunday night I decided that I was going to start to clean out the freezer in the kitchen and use up some of bags of veggies and such I had in there. I found a bag of Bird's Eye Stir Fry Mix. I had already started cooking chicken breast. Unfortunately, my chicken to stir fry ratio was a bit off so I added some onion as well. It did smell amazing with some soy sauce and stir fry seasoning. Yum! I also made some quinoa. By the time I was done I had enough for 3 separate meals. Makes lunch packing uber easy! I also went to Kroger's and container of their spring mix salad. I had a bottle of the Olive Garden Italian dressing at work already so I just used that. The pineapple looked amazing so I bought some of that as well.

Supper- Matt made corn for his lunch and there was plenty left for supper so I had that along with 2 bratwurst. Exciting, no, but I got my protein in!

Snacks- I picked up some honey crisp apples while at Kroger so I one of those along with some peanut butter. At night I had a chocolate shake muffin with peanut butter.

Water intake- kicked butt in this, 125oz. Still not enough but progress is progress.

Exercise- 2 a day! Total body for 45 minutes in the morning. We did circuits which usually end up being harder than they initially look. At night an hour total body.

Day 7

Tomorrow starts the dreaded fiber drink, 3 more days just 3 more days.

Food Choices

Breakfast. This morning Matt got us McDonald's. Now I know, you are thinking seriously McDonald's? Well he got me 2 sausage mcmuffin with egg. I ate the meat and the egg on both of them. No cheese and no bread. Best choices, no. Could I have made my own, yes. Sometimes though it is nice to be treated.

Lunch- Chicken breast chopped up with marinara sauce and onions. This is so quick and easy and is basically my fix for the pasta craving because I get to use marinara sauce.

Supper- Hamburger and corn. I know corn is a starch but we made it for Reagan and I didn't want it to go to waste so I ate it.

Snacks- I had a shake muffin with some peanut butter.

Water intake. So far I am at 66oz. I'm about to go to bed so that may be the best it gets. Water intake on the weekend is an area I struggle with. I'm not sure how to improve this, anyone have any suggestions?

Exercise- well maybe I should put lack of...

Tomorrow is the start of a new week and I'm ready to make it awesome!!!

Day 6

Today I went to regional Success School. Wow, what an awe inspiring inspirational day. What an amazing company I chose to become a part of!

Food Choices-
Breakfast- Berry Shake

Lunch- Subway Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki sans the bread. Loaded it up on veggies and more sauce. I'm not sure if it is cleanse friendly but I don't see why it wouldn't be. Plus, getting salads at Subway is expensive. It is so much cheaper to get the foot long sub and load it up with lettuce and spinach and you have a salad that you didn't have to pay for.

Supper- I didn't get home from success school till almost 7. I had no idea what we were going to do for supper. Luckily, Matt had it thought out and ordered New Riegel (a local BBQ place). He got me a half chicken. Yum! I also had the rest of my broccoli.

Snacks- I had an apple during school, yup snuck in my own food, I'm such a rebel. I also had my last Gingerbread bar =(

Exercise- Since I knew i would be sitting a lot I got up early and did step on my wii fit for a half hour.

Water- 74oz

Day 5

Halfway through the cleanse, wahoo!!!

Food Choices
Breakfast- Berry meal replacement shake

Lunch- Our company is going through a merger. Therefore, we are doing company tours. Friday, we had a tour come in and we had a catered lunch. It was boxed lunches. Crap, at that point I figured I should just run to Subway but I decided to stay and eat. I was able to eat the sandwich sans the bread with some mustard. Although it wasn't till the end that I realized that I didn't take the cheese off. I felt guilty for a minute but I didn't beat myself up over it. The world continued to turn even though I ate a little dairy

Supper- I had to go baby shower shopping so I knew I wasn't going to make anything. Matt wanted pizza and that didn't sound good (nor could I even if I wanted too). So I got my shopping done, Matt his pizza and myself Chipotle.

Snacks- Celery and peanut butter. Exciting, no but it got the job done.

Exercise- Spin/Sculpt for 45 minutes. I will admit that by today I was exhausted. However, I knew I needed to go because I wasn't going to Saturday's class and didn't have one on Sunday.

Water intake- 84oz.

I am so excited to see my results after this cleanse!

Day 4

Here we go, day 4.

Food Choices
Breakfast- Berry meal replacement shake. This are so convenient for mornings when time gets away from me. I can literally drink it on my way to work and know that I am not eating junk. Plus I get 24 grams of protein in only 220 calories. Where else can you find that?

Lunch- Leftover chicken and sauce. I know it sounds redundant but I am trying to eat what I have and obviously I have a lot of chicken. I also would like to really eat what is in my cupboards so soon I can go and replenish with more good stuff. I am just tired of going to the store and buying foods that we don't eat and just go to waste. I also had the last of my green beans =(. No worries I got broccoli out to make!

Supper- Hamburger (one from my freezer so it was not lean). I had mushrooms and mustard on top of it.

Exercise- Morning spin class. Kicked my butt!! Then Reagan and I had parent child swim. Not that it is full out swim, however I am carrying the chunk around the pool walking, bending, kneeling for a half hour.

Water intake- 74oz. Yea it stunk today. It happens and tomorrow will be better.

Day 3

Today was the last day of the fiber drink, thank goodness!! Although my mom found that by mixing it in her bullet it really helped with the gritty taste.

Food Choices

Breakfast- Egg and ham omelet plus 4 pieces of sausage. I had the discussion this morning with my advisers about not eating organic and not always eating lean meat. We all agreed, we eat what we have in our freezers. I cannot imagine going to the store and buying beef or pork when I have a freezer full of it. So again, that is why I eat the pork and beef that maybe others don't on the plan. The thing to remember is, it is okay! Life happens, and sometimes you cannot afford to buy organic or ultra lean but  you have hamburgers in your freezer that is so much better than eating pizza or not getting any protein.

Lunch- I had the rest of my chicken from Monday along with the rest of the green beans. Those green beans were so good. I need to see if I have another bag of veggies I can do that with. Yummo!

Supper- This one was tricky. I had made plans to meet a friend for dinner. When she suggested the Mexican restaurant I didn't think anything of it and where I would be in my challenge. Well, I once again asked advice (see a theme?) and about one of the only things available to eat was the chicken fajitas. So mom and I both had the fajitas, no sour cream, no tortilla, no cheese. However, I did get my favorite thing at the restaurant, the salsa!!

Snack- More of my frozen grapes. I also tonight when I got home made a muffin from the advocare shakes. Chocolate is the only one I've done it with and to be honest probably will be the only one. Tonight I added 2 tablespoons of peanut butter. Seriously, so yummy!!!

Empty a packet into a bowl and mix with 1/3 cup water. Microwave for 90 seconds. Then enjoy =)

Exercise- I had my personal training session this morning. Since I have been doing a lot of lifting here lately we did all cardio, 15 minutes on the bike, 15 minutes on the treadmill and then repeated. I was drenched but it felt so good. Since we went out to dinner tonight I didn't get a second session in but it was okay.

Water- As of right now I am at 91oz. I am planning on drinking another 24. Progress on the intake. Not where I need to be yet but slowly getting there.

Tomorrow is a spin class in the morning and Reagan's parent child swim class at night. Yup another busy day.