Wheat and Grain Free Experiment

I love food. I'm probably a food addict. I love sweets. I love junk. I do my best to eat healthy though because I know that the junk isn't good for me and doesn't help me move forward towards my goals.

My goal is not to be skinny. I know I'll never be "skinny". However, my goal is to be healthy. I want to be able to balance my hormones as naturally as possible and one of the best ways to do that is through managing your nutrition. My ultimate goal is to become a mother and I know that my husband and I would make great parents. To read more about that, check out our story here. Infertility is the pits. I think that for the most part, our infertility is unexplained (that's what the doctor's notes say), although PCOS does play a role.

The annoying thing about PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) is that there's no cure. You can manage the symptoms through nutrition and exercise, but it's not something that just resolves and goes away. So those carb cravings, that trouble losing weight, the obnoxious unwanted hair? Yep, I just have to manage the symptoms.

Great, right?

I recently listened to Wheat Belly on audiobook, where Dr. William Davis explains the ins and outs of how modern-day wheat is what makes us fat. All of the genetic modification in modern wheat is no longer healthy for us and the claims of "healthy whole grains" is a misnomer.

I know that "diets" like this can be trendy and gimmicky. However, after listening to the science behind his claims, it does make a lot of sense. He talks about how when we eat carbs, specifically simple carbs, our brain receives the message of wanting more, and thus craving for more carbs. On the other hand, when you eat protein and fat, the brain receives the message that it is satiated and you can go about your day.  (I'm making it super simple terms, check out the book Wheat Belly for specific details!)

Since losing weight with PCOS is super slow going (I can't tell you how annoying that is to me!!!) I figured that I could at least give this theory a chance. As a carb lover, I know that it is going to difficult (I flippin' love bread and sweets!) but I know that it will be worth it. If I see the results that I hope to, I think I could transition to this lifestyle full time.

I will be starting a wheat and grain free experiment this month. I'm going to start with the Wheat Belly 10-Day Grain Detox  and then go from there. I figure that if I can do a workout program such as The Master's Hammer and Chisel for 60 days, I can surely do a 10 day challenge and into a 30 day challenge.

I like the concept of a challenge, being able to check off the days that I stick to a program. So we shall see!

Anyone interested in trying the 10 Day Grain Detox with me?

How I lost 40lbs

The worst part about PCOS is the whole "trouble losing weight" symptom.

Is that really a symptom?

But anyway, it sucks.

I see people who have lost inches and pounds in a mere matter of months, and I've struggled to lose 40lbs in the last two years. It's really kind of crazy.

I have to remember that I can't beat myself up though. I have hormonal imbalances that make it tricky to lose weight. And my doctor was actually impressed with my weight loss, which made me super proud.

So how did I do it?

Hard work. Resisting temptation. Saying no to sweets. 

I lost the first 20lbs doing TurboFire, at home, however, I often found myself yo-yo-ing in my weight due to no having a great meal plan. I always knew about the eating guides that come with the program, but there was never an "easy" way to get it done.

In February of this year, when I finally hit a breaking point that something had to change, especially being in the midst of infertility and if I wanted to have fighting chance at conceiving on my own, I needed to change.

You mindset is half the battle. Your mind needs to be in the right place if you want to make a change. You have to know why you want to change. For me, it was because we want to start a family and have been having a hard time. It just wasn't happening. 

In February, a friend invited me to do the 21 Day Fix. I had heard about it, but never really looked into it. I finally did, purchased the program and well, I was hooked. Who knew that little containers could make all the difference in the world. They are so simple and yet so effective.

This was the missing piece that I needed. My issues have always been portion control. My eyes are typically bad at measuring. With the 21 Day Fix containers, it eliminates the need to count calories or to weigh food. You just put the food in the container (if the food is approved) and if it fits, you're good to eat it.

After finishing three rounds of the 21 Day Fix, I did one round of the 21 Day Fix Extreme, and then my husband and I did Focus: T25. 

I hit the 40lb weight loss mark about Week 9 of T25.

I'm still not at my goal weight. I still struggle with food (I love it...especially carbs!). But with every step forward, every step in the right direction, I know I will get to my goal!

4th of July Survival Tips

I mean, I totally get it why Americans are fat. At every chance and opportunity, we turn to food. We like to celebrate. Usually it's food that's not great for us. Stuff that should be reserved for cheat meals...every once in a while. 

I love me some hamburgers, hot dogs, and all the fixin's. Pies, ice cream, and margaritas...am I right?

So as we approach this holiday weekend what can you do to stay on track?

1. Have a plan in place. 

So think about what your week is going to look like. Are you going to be traveling, camping, visiting family and friends? Where will you be? What will you be doing?

Next, make a plan for your fitness. Schedule it on your calendar like you would a really important cannot miss meeting. Make it non-negotiable.

Do you know what you'll be busy with activities all weekend? You can still sneak in a quick 30 minute walk, add in some cardio like jumping jacks, strength training like squats and pushups and you'll be good to go.

2. Eating Clean is an every day plan

As a former "Fat Kid" at heart, I still look forward to cheat days and cheat meals. I love me some French fries and Chocolate cake. However, I also know that eating too much of those things won't get me closer to my goal...it'll do that opposite.

So while it's okay to have a cheat meal once a week, think about what your goal is.

I like to think about eating clean seven days a week, but perhaps two-three of those meals will have some indulgences included. Maybe it's dessert. Maybe it's a nice dinner. Maybe it's a drink. 

My biggest struggle is eating clean. I treat every day like a new day to start again. If I know that I will be eating out, I try my best to check out the menu and pre-plan what I'll be eating. If I know that I'll be happily indulging, I make sure to eat clean the rest of the day. 

3. Don't leave it to chance. 

Let's be honest, it's really hard to stay on track when there's so much delicious food staring at you, tempting you. If your plan is to stay on track over the holiday weekend, don't assume that there will be any veggies included in the spread. (If this was my mom's party, there definitely wouldn't be! Haha!) So if you're trying to stay on track and going to parties, plan ahead. Eat before you go, or bring a snack with you that you can munch on. You're still being social, but also smart about your clean eating. Another great tip is to bring your Shakeology with you so that you can have a snack on the go.

4. Water, water and more water! 

It's summertime and it sure is hot here in Texas. It's super important to stay hydrated properly! Especially if you're at a cookout or BBQ outdoors, you'll want to make sure you're sipping water in between your drinks. And if you are partaking in a fruity adult beverage, enjoy it. However, do keep track of what you're consuming. Those can add up quickly and count as carbs/sugar!

5. Practice the 80-20 rule. 

Don't be so hard on yourself. Give yourself permission to not be perfect! Look at your week and decide where you want to splurge at. I totally believe in living by the 80-20 rule. 80% of the time stick to your eating plan, 20% of the time, you can have a little fun. Just make a plan for it as best you can!

40lb Weight Loss Transformation

Okay it's official, the difference between these two photos is 40lbs! That's a small child 😂

And you know what, it hasn't just been an outside transformation...most importantly, it's been an inner transformation. Since making a change to get healthier, I've lost weight, but I've also gained confidence. And I know that's not tied up in how much you weigh, but as someone who has struggled with weight almost all my life, it's a big deal.

For me, it wasn't until I actually saw a physical change that I started to see and feel the inner change, too.

Four years ago, I would never have been comfortable posting a photo of myself without makeup. I wouldn't have been comfortable leaving the house or having the potential of running into someone I knew without makeup. It's true. As women, I think we often use makeup as a shield...an armor of sorts to enhance all the features we like and minimize those we don't. Am I right?

But once you really learn to love yourself, your whole self, makeup becomes merely a tool to enhance your features rather than trying to hide behind it...

All this to say, I'm 100% happier with myself since I decided to take control of my health rather than just letting it all go. (3 1/2 years ago I basically failed part of a health exam, triglycerides anyone?!) It's not too late. Small changes over time can make a big difference.

If you want to take control of your health, you're invited to my next fitness & nutrition accountability group. It's 21 days, and it just might be the kickstart you're looking for. Shoot me an email and let's chat.

Fixate is coming!

To say that the 21 Day Fix has been a game changer in my life this year would probably be an understatement. The program has literally changed the way that I eat and think about nutrition. 

Over the course of 21 days, I thought about my macronutrients in terms of "reds" "yellows" and "greens". And because of those little, seemingly insignificant, containers, I began to think about how I ate and how much I ate in a brand new way.

Now, over three months later, I still use the container system because it's easy and keeps me on track for my goals. I'm still in weight loss mode, so I'm still following the container count from when I was doing the 21 Day Fix, although now I'm doing Focus: T25. 

I really believe it's the structure and simplicity of the program that makes all the difference. Plus the fitness portion has difference workouts every day which helps to bust any boredom. And with it only being three weeks long, it's short enough to stick to through the end...and then you can repeat it all over again.

Honestly, the 21 Day Fix is a remarkable program...so simple, so approachable, and so effective. 

I'm super excited that Autumn Calabrese is releasing Fixate, her book of recipes that works seamlessly with the 21 Day Fix. 

Probably the biggest thing I struggled with during the program and generally speaking was finding recipes that not only tasted good but were easy to make. One of the things I dread (and why meal planning saves the day) is figuring out what to cook for lunch and dinner. 

I can't wait to see what's included in the cookbook. The best part is that each recipe will have a breakdown of the container count. So perfect!

The book comes out in a couple of weeks at the Beachbody Summit in Nashville.