DAY ONE, Advocare 24-Day Challenge, Round 2

Hi friends and readers!  Today marks DAY ONE of another Advocare 24-Day Challenge.  It's ironic because today is my first day.  My 30th Birthday is in 24 days!!  My birthday lands on the last day of my challenge.  I couldn't think of a better birthday present I could give to myself than the next 24 days of getting back into a strict regimen of clean eating and continued exercise.

Little backstory.  I did a Challenge earlier this past January, and you might be wondering why would I be doing another?  Did the first one not work?  Strange to be doing it again, right?  Well, Advocare 24-day challenges include a "cleanse" phase that in a sense, puts your body in a position to absorb nutrients better and to simply kick off the challenge right.  I say the word "cleanse," and my husband's face says it all.  You think BLECH what in the world?!?  Cleanse?  It's really quite simple.  A combination of a morning fiber drink, an evening herbal capsule, in addition to a probiotic supplement is about the extent of it.  Pair it with eating clean foods and portion control.  Throw in some exercise.  THAT is the start of Advocare's 24-Day Challenge.

Last challenge I had, what I consider, to be good results!  I lost 8.4 pounds and a total of 7 inches off my body.  I'd say that's a good start!  I'd like to do the same, no, BETTER.

OFFICIAL CHALLENGE GOALS:
1. Lose 10 pounds.

Yep, that's about it.  Ten is a nice sounding number.  Realistically I have about 40-50 pounds I need to lose to consider myself "HAPPY."  Is that possible?  Sure, it probably is.  Yet I need to factor reality into the mixture.  I like to eat, I enjoy the taste of food.  I have muscular legs, muscle weighs more than fat.  Losing 40-50 pounds would put me at my high school weight.  Is that realistic?  I'd LOVE to be there, but I honestly don't know if I could do that!  I feel like I would need to literally starve myself, and that does not sound appealing to me.

I have been planning on starting this challenge for a few weeks.  I ordered my products (HERE) and had every intention of starting as soon as I received them.  (which I did)  ....yet I received an extra little "push" lastnight.

I went to my ceramic pottery class before going to the gym.  Imagine not wearing any make-up, having my hair pulled back tight and ugly, wearing an AWFUL skin-tight stripe shirt.  Then my instructor asks to take a picture.  I agonizingly agreed, photo snaps, and then she says she's going to put it up on Facebook later.

Ask yourself this.  Would you scramble over to that person and beg and plead them not to post that picture because of your own self consciousness?  Well, I was tempted to.  But I thought, "it couldn't be that bad, right?!?"

It was.

Horrendous.  I asked my husband if THAT PHOTO is what I look like.  The person in that photo is not what I see when I look in the mirror.  I've made so many excuses and found the best angle to look at myself in the mirror so that I almost have convinced myself that I look pretty good!  But to see a photo of myself from someone else's angle?  I felt like I was punched in the face.

I'm tired of feeling self-conscious.  I'm tired of it!!!  SO SICK OF IT!

I've been exercising for months, thinking that results have got to be showing by now.  It has to be paying off by now.  Right?!?  I ran 4.5 miles a couple days ago.  I can actually see my muscles working when I lift free weights in front of the mirror at the gym.  I feel like I can see results.... yet, not.  My clothes haven't started to fit looser.  That photo?!?!?  Kill me now.

Enter the start of another 24-day Challenge.

I promised myself last year that by my 30th Birthday I was going to be in the best shape of my life.  Well, that quite simply is a work in progress.  I have a list of real reasons why I've been having trouble, but I'm tired of them!!!  Hormones.  Medication.  Physical limitations.  Blarg.

It's time to put some dedicated effort into losing weight.  I mentioned earlier "strict regimen."  ....after my last challenge I floundered when I was done.  I flapped around in the breeze and slowly slowly found myself eating what the kids were eating again.  Having more snacks.  Comfort eating.  Drinking WINE and BEER on the weekends.  Hell, even a few weeknights.  Apparently as much as I hate the confines of a regimen I literally have success when I am on one.

So let's get back to my goals for this challenge
1. Lose 10 pounds by the end of this challenge.
2. Feel proud, not conscious of my body.
3. Be completely weaned off anti-depression medication

Last little paragraph before I wrap up my novel.  I am already starting to wean off my Bupropion (generic of Wellbutrin).  Started Monday, in fact.  I have come to the conclusion that I was put on anti-depressant medication post-pregnancy from suspicions of post-partum-depression.  In all actuality I believe I was undergoing severe hormone imbalances.  After having a test done in December and saw actual results of my body having hardly any Progesterone or Estrogen, it became very clear.  So!  In about a week and a half I my "wean-down" dosage from my doctor will be out.  and I will not be taking daily medication for the first time in multiple years.  I'm kinda looking forward to that.  :)

Okay, that is all for now folks!  Crickets?  I hear crickets.  lol

First outside run of 2014

Yesterday was beautiful.  Sixty-six degrees, slight breeze.  Just enough to wear a layering tank and cotton long-sleeve shirt.  I decided it today was the day for my first outdoor run of 2014.

I've been on a treadmill for months!  It was time for fresh air.

My small town has a "lap" that is about 4-4.5 miles long.  Factor in my driveway and I have about a 5 mile journey.  I am so proud and excited to share that my months of running on a treadmill paid off yesterday when I ran 4.5 of the 5 mile jog.  It felt so good.  SO GOOD.

I of course am sore today, simply because of the difference between running on a cushy treadmill versus pavement.  I also don't run on any incline (no need to beef up the calves), so the natural inclines and downhills were exciting and fun to experience.

I still feel like I have so much to do, so much weight to lose, so many goals to accomplish, but this was an exciting breakthrough for me.  Now, if I can do it three more times then I will feel like it's not a fluke.  lol

Until next time!

Easy Chicken & Vegetable Bake | Clean Eating Recipe

This is a fast, one-dish meal that is delicious!  Plus?  It's clean.  Music to my ears:

Easy Chicken & Vegetable Bake | Clean Eating Recipe

Ingredients:

2 Skinless chicken breasts chopped into 2 inch cubes

1 lb red potatoes chopped into 2 inch cubes

1/2 cup frozen organic peas (any vegetable, really.  Green beans, mixed veggies.)

1 Red and 1 yellow peppers sliced into 1 inch pieces.

1 onion sliced

1.5 tbsp olive oil

2 Tblsp Dried Basil

2 Tblsp Rosemary, crushed

Ground pepper to taste

1/2 cup chicken broth if desired

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees and add all ingredients to a casserole dish (I use a 15 x 9 rectangular dish with lid).  Bake for approximately 45 minutes, covered.  Remove cover, stir, and back without lid for additional 15 minutes.  Check chicken and potatoes, when cooked through/tender, serve immediately.

Adapted from this recipe.

Marinated Greek Chicken & Peppers over Brown Rice

I was in a pinch to make lunch a couple days ago and realized I didn't have enough chicken to fill my favorite recipe for Greek Chicken Skewers, so I had to improvise.  When my husband and two young children gobbled it up and asked me to make it again, I figured it was worthy of writing down.

Marinated Greek Chicken & Peppers over Brown Rice

INGREDIENTS

1 1/2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breast
4 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil, divided
4 garlic cloves, crushed
1-2 tsp. dried oregano
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. ground black pepper
2 Tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice

1/2 red onion, quartered
1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1 inch pieces
1 red bell pepper, cut into 1 inch pieces

4 cups cooked long grain brown rice

DIRECTIONS
1. In a medium bowl, coat chicken in 2 Tbsp. olive oil, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Marinate 30 minutes. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 Tbsp. olive oil and lemon juice. Set aside.

2. Preheat outdoor grill or indoor grill pan to medium-high heat.  Place chicken breasts on grill or into pan.  Cover and cook, turning as necessary until almost cooked through.  (time will vary on size of chicken breasts)  When chicken is nearly cooked through add onions and baste with olive oil-lemon mixture.  When onions become translucent add peppers (I added them later as I like them with a little crunch).  Baste with remaining olive oil-lemon mixture.  Continue stirring and rotating chicken until cooked to internal temp of 180 degrees F.

3.  While chicken is cooking prepare 4 cups long grain brown rice per package instructions.

Serve chicken over rice immediately.  (I chose to chop up my chicken before serving over rice, as shown in photo)

Adapted from this recipe:  http://www.ahintofhoney.com/2009/11/marinated-greek-chicken-skewers/

24 Days SUCCESS

January marked the completion of my 24-day Challenge with Advocare.  Success is a good feeling.  To complete the full 24-days.  Not wavering.  Sticking to it.  THAT was the biggest accomplishment for me.  I did it.

Losing weight was a perk, of course!  Over the course of the 24 days I lost 8.4 pounds and a total of 7 inches off my body.  Prior to this I never really thought about measuring my body.  Yet on Day 1, and then 24 days later to have 7 inches LESS on my body after measuring?  That leaves an impact!!

I could go into deep explanation of the Advocare products and what I liked and didn't like.  That's another post in another few days.  Today I simply want to write about how good it feels to have done this challenge.  I feel happier.  I am learning to not comfort eat.  I tend to comfort eat, whether I am happy or sad.  Getting back on track to not associating emotions with food being put in my mouth is big for me.  For example....I'm feeling good today, should I have a cupcake?  Or UGGH today is HARD, give me something salty!!!  Those both happen, sadly, and I am working on not doing it anymore.

Come check out my Advocare page if you're interested in ordering products: www.AdvoCare.com/131115921

CLEAN EATING has been huge.  The booklet you receive when you start this challenge outlines a guideline of portion size and suggested foods.  Also foods to avoid.  It's not EASY to cut out white flour, processed foods, sugar, salt, alcohol.  Especially if you are a busy mom with a family of hungry mouths that need food regularly and a lot of the times they need said food in a hurry or a rush.  The biggest part of my challenge was to figure out how to eat clean while feeding my family at the same time.  My husband has the metabolism of a horse (to which I am totally jealous of).  Putting a plate of 6 oz chicken breast, a cup of green beans and a small side of quinoa?  Yeah, that isn't a meal to him.  Thankfully with a lot of support, open mindedness and with a lot of flapping around in the breeze trying to figure out what works for my family, we have figured it out.  Now my family asks me to make clean recipes.  I feel like I'm not only making my body healthier, and I feel like an ass for having to admit this, but it's so much better for my family!  It makes me feel guilty for not doing this sooner.  This is how I have always wanted my family to eat, but somehow it didn't happen.  IT'S HAPPENING NOW!

Want recipe ideas?  I have a huge board on Pinterest called "Healthy Foodie" where I have pinned a ton of recipes.  Some have been tried and are loved, others are in que to try out.

I have some before & after pictures on lock-down on my computer.  They are terrifying.  At the time of taking them I forgot about the concept of ever showing them to anyone.  Gnarly lack of make-up.  Crazy hair.  Oh and the blubber.  Not the most appealing of images.  I don't want to scare you, either.  Next challenge I do I promise I'm going to take better before and after pictures.

Another challenge, you might ask?  Yes.  I am excited to do another challenge!!  It is recommended to wait 90 between challenges.  May 1st, I am starting another.  I am so excited to do it again.  Hopefully I will have even more amazing results!   Care to join me?

Clean Eating Crock Pot Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe

Clean Eating Crock Pot Honey Sesame Chicken

• 3-4 Boneless/Skinless Chicken breasts
• Pepper
• 1/2 white onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 C honey
• 1/2 C low sodium soy sauce
• Approx. 2 tbs olive oil
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• sesame seeds
• short grain brown rice (or quinoa)

1. Lightly season chicken with pepper and place in crockpot
2. Combine onion, garlic, honey, soy sauce, oil, and pepper over the chicken.
3. Cook on low for 2.5-3 hours (slow cookers vary, you will want to be nearby to keep an eye on this recipe.  Trust me, I burnt this the first time I made it)
4. Prepare rice or quinoa according to directions on package
5. Serve rice onto plates, top with chicken and spoon sauce on top.
6. Sprinkle sesame seeds 

Adapted from: http://fitandbusy.wordpress.com/2013/01/16/arms-and-crockpot-honey-sesame-chicken/

24-Day Challenge with Advocare DAY 1

I am still alive!  I know all of my readers (do I have any???) have been anxiously awaiting another post.  I know it has been quite awhile since I've written but I am back!

Today marks DAY 1 of my 24-Day Challenge through Advocare.  I am a distributor, so if you have any questions or if you would like to order products, head on over to my page: www.AdvoCare.com/131115921

I am excited to be embarking on this journey.  I took measurements today, and I should take some before photos too, but I haven't been brave enough to do so.  It boggles my mind that after months of exercising I have not lost weight, maybe a few pounds.  I take my progress based on how my clothes fit more than the scale and my clothes are not fitting any better than they were.

I have so many things going on. To summarize, changes in anti-depressant medication (that I don't really think I need any longer, working on it), dermatologist visits discovering a cyst that was caused by hormonal imbalance, saliva tests to check my hormones, discovering that I am very low on Estrogen and Progesterone in my body (as in off the charts) .....  SOMETHING ISN'T QUITE RIGHT.  Having significantly low estrogen and progesterone can cause weight gain and water retention.  This makes sense to me.  I have many of the other symptoms of someone who is experiencing hormonal imbalance.

After working with my doctor I am now on 20mg of Progesterone cream per day.  This in itself has me feeling good and bad.  Excited but also apprehensive.  Almost every single thing I've read regarding Progesterone cream includes a side effect of weight gain.  EXCELLENT.

Needless to say I am embarking on a journey that is going to be ....interesting.

I am SO EXCITED to take on the 24-day challenge because it will enforce strict clean eating and exercise which is part of my New Year's resolution to begin with.  But in the back of my mind I have fear that I'm going to start gaining weight from messing around with my hormones.

I truly don't know what to expect.  I hope that I can defy all the odds and pull out of this transition in my life where I can lose weight and feel happy on a daily basis.  These are my goals.  Written out, out in the open for all the world to see, so that I will be held accountable to doing everything I can go accomplish them:

GOALS
1.  Get off anti-depressant medication
2.  Be Happy
3.  Lose Weight!  10 pounds during this 24DC (24-day challenge).... (I want to be down 30 pounds by April 25th ....my 30th Birthday, WHOAH)

Be sure to put your seatbelts on, folks. This might be a wild ride, but I am going to do everything I can to not only MAKE my goals, but exceed them.