No More Double Chins!

Same shirt. 6 months difference.

One of the biggest pieces of proof (to myself) that change was actually happening was my chin...and the loss of the extra ones. 😂

For the longest time I had a double chin whether I liked it or not. It would be the thing that would bother me the most about photos of myself....and as a photographer a pet peeve that no one told me I should adjust my head. Anyway, I'm excited that photos no longer have a default double chin.

And then my sister and husband both remarked that I look like I have bigger eyes. I suppose there's less face to push and make my eyes smaller. 😂

What have I done in the last 6 months? 3 rounds of the 21 Day Fix - (those dang portion control containers are life changing!) - 21 Day Fix Extreme, and coming almost to the end of 10 weeks of Focus T25. Getting better everyday. 😁

After we finish T25 I think I'm going to do another round of 21 Day Fix. Want to join me? Let me know! 😉

Focus T25: Week 9 Recap

We made it!

Made it through another week of Focus: T25 Beta Cycle.

I'm so glad that we decided to do this program together. It's kept up on track, accountable, and focused over the last nine weeks. I don't think that I could have done this alone...at least not with this kind of consistency!

Focus T25: Week 8 Recap

What have I learned since embarking on this journey of working out every morning?

That accountability is key.

Do I want to take sweaty selfies every day? 

No, not particularly.

However, I know that by taking a photo and sharing it, I'm keeping myself accountable. I think about what it would be like if we were just working out on our own but not doing public accountability. I'm sure we'd still get our workouts in (my husband is dependable like that), but I feel like it would be a lot easier to skip out on a workout here and there.

I have to say that this is the first time that I've made it this far into the program. We only have 2 more weeks to go.

So how is T25?

Well, honestly, before we started I was kind of nervous about it. It seemed really intense and harder than anything I've ever done. However, thanks to Tania the modifier, everything was really accessible! I was pleasantly surprised that I'm able to do about 80% of the moves without modifying. I still do pushups on my knees and walk for the pike ups. Otherwise, I'm doing the program.

It doesn't matter if you can do the moves perfectly. It matters that you keep going and stick to it consistently. Change happens in the consistency of habit over time....just like gaining weight can sneak up on you...so can weight loss! 

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.

Focus T25: Week 7 Recap

A new week, and another week of T25 Beta Cycle.

So I must say, I like Speed 2.0 better than Speed 1.0. It's fun. I never thought I would say that about a workout, but it's true! I think because you just repeat two rounds, it makes it "feel easier" even though I was still sweating up a storm.

I've also found that by posting our photos every day after we work out...or knowing that I need to post the photo after we worked out is definite motivation to get it done. Knowing that I might let people down (if anyone even sees them, ha!) is good enough for me to get it done.

It's not easy, but it's so worth it!

I'm just three pounds shy of a huge goal...and I plan to crush that goal by the end of T25!

I need to work on flexing. The struggle is real.