50!

We've been on this journey for 5 months now, and I can now say I've lost 50 pounds! I cannot express how ecstatic I was this morning when I saw my new weight! My sweet husband was so excited for me too! About an hour afterwards, it hit me how far I've come. Being the girly-girl I am, I let the tears flow. All the focus, determination, and work has amounted to a huge accomplishment, and it didn't really take that long to do it either. I thought back to every treat I have turned down, every walk I've taken, and every smarter choice I have made. It has truly been worth it. There may be days where it's not as easy, but overall, I can honestly say it has become our new life.
Someone asked me the other day if I missed good food. It made me wonder, do people think that people who are losing weight eat only tofu & grass? My reply was that I don't miss good food...because I still eat it! Before we started this, I knew that it was a portion problem. My mantra is that you can eat what you want, but in moderation. I still enjoy pizza, wings, enchiladas, and even dessert! Instead of gorging myself, I pace myself and enjoy the flavors and make sure I don't over indulge. In the past, I could easily put down half of a pizza. Could I still do it if I wanted to? Absolutely. But my mental state wouldn't allow me to now. I've come too far. (and my stomach has shrunk!)
During the week, I try to not indulge too much. There are days where we'll go out to eat if we're too tired to cook dinner. We make smarter choices, and they have to be within our daily calorie goal. Even on the weekend, we try not to have cheat days. Instead, we have cheat meals. That way you don't undo all the effort you've made!
Happy February! What steps and goals are you making for yourself this month?

Dethroned

What importance does food play in your daily routine? How much attention do you give to what you're going to eat? Most people will answer quite a bit. Depending on your diet, this could easily take up to about 60% of your planning throughout your day, especially for those who eat 6 small meals a day. Usually, not an hour goes by without our mind wandering to food, whether it be a snack or a meal. For some, it may become an obsession. It becomes the high point of our day, what we look forward to the most. Sometimes, we may not even be aware of how much importance we have given food. Unintentionally, we may have put food up on a pedestal. It has power over us.

My belief is that this is what leads to obesity. We chase the feeling of satisfaction that we get from food, often to the point of feeling stuffed. Until we feel that "full" feeling, we won't stop. This is especially true if we have a craving. We won't truly be satisfied unless we get that specific taste we are looking for. 

It's time to kick food off the pedestal on which we have placed it. That doesn't mean that you don't look forward to a tasty meal, or enjoy good food. We were given these tastebuds for a reason! Here are some tips to help you dethrone food.

1. Train Your Mind

When you catch yourself daydreaming about your next meal, shift your attention to something more beneficial.  In these moments, I stop myself from focusing on how good it will taste and instead, I start thinking about what benefits that meal will bring me. What veggies are included? What proteins? How will this affect my day and fitness plan?

2. Choose Wisely
I don't know about you, but when I plant myself on the couch, I suddenly am starving! Thoughts of popcorn, ice cream, and junk food start flying at me! I now keep smarter food choices on hand. Air-popped popcorn is quite filling and tastes wonderful, especially lightly salted. Also, there are plenty of low calorie chips if you're looking for a salty snack. My favorite is Light Pringles, or Light Ruffles. As far as dessert goes, frozen yogurt and light ice cream are great alternatives to the real things. Flavorwise, you cannot tell the difference with most of them.

3. Keep it Movin'!
One of our worst enemies is boredom. This can lead to mindless eating and binging. When you find yourself in this common situation, get up and MOVE! Go for a walk, read a book, start a project...whatever will keep you busy and not munching!

Let's make this week a GREAT one. :)

2012 has arrived

The first day of this year went quite well.

When I first woke up, I didn't necessarily feel like working out today. One excuse I had was how sore I was from the night of playing my friends Kinect and throwing the football with my hubby. After I got up and moved around a bit, I felt a bit better. What pushed me to go? The gorgeous day that was awaiting outside. It was a clear, cloudless day that begged to be enjoyed.

During the walk, we took some pictures of our beautiful scenery:

It's not always that pleasant, though. Over the past few months, my husband and I have diligently ventured out regardless of how we felt...after a 2 hour commute to an 8 hour work day. Through cold weather, rainy days, and even the onset of a headcold. 

The flip has switched in my head. 

Regardless of what it takes, I will make myself do it. I will not create barriers or obstacles. If I want to see results, I must put forth the effort. The only thing stopping me from reaching my goal is myself. And I'll be damned if I will let that happen.

Forgive me if I sound firm. I now realize what it takes to see results. It's not a cakewalk. It takes work. To expect change without effort is unrealistic.

I've lost 39 pounds so far. That brings me to the point of being 100 pounds away from my goal. I feel like a different person. Well, let me rephrase that. I feel like the person I was prior to letting myself go. I recognize the person in the mirror again. I'm more confident, and not as self conscious. 

Progress:

Cheers to a new year, one filled with the possibility of redesigning yourself, and changing your own mind. 

"Behold, I make all things new." - Revelation 21

Clean Slate

Now that the holidays have come and gone, let's reflect.

I'm sure everyone ate mostly veggies and fruit, only water, no desserts and worked out everyday. Right? Hello?

...*crickets*

Not even the most self-controlled person could resist treating themselves to some christmas cookies, or pouring an extra spoonful of gravy on their mashed potatoes. If anything, this is the time of the year you can allow yourself to take it easy for a couple of days and enjoy the treats the holiday has to offer. 

My indulgence was mainly candy and cookies. My brother had these crazy-good chocolate covered red velvet cakeballs. That's a mouthful! And I had a mouthful! LOL   :)

Unfortunately, the next day I had a cold. I made myself stay on the couch and rest. The menu was soup and crackers. Not that I could taste anything. *sidenote - isn't that the absolute worst part of having a cold?!

I could hardly wait to get back to walking and eating right. So much in fact, that my shins are tender from me overdoing it a little. 

2012 is your clean slate. Wipe away everything that has dragged you down, held you back...and move forward. Don't wait another day, another moment. Life is too short to hold back from what you CAN be. It is within all of us.

Give it all you've got.

Much good work is lost for the lack of a little more. ~ Edward H. Harriman

Update

35 pounds down...

This week, my focus will be on cutting down on sweets & pastas. I never nix them completely, but can definitely stand to lower my consumption of them. Why do us women love carbs so much? :)
What is your goal for this week? Strive for progress...not perfection. xo

- Gina Ree

Found.

I lost sight of myself for a long time. Beneath the extra weight I put on, and the lack of caring about what I looked like, I changed. I didn't look in the mirror hardly at all. Subconsciously, it repelled me to see the state I was in. My body was nothing like it used to be. Of course I wanted to change it...but had no drive physically. Anytime I contemplated beginning the change, I would sabotage myself...whether it be with overeating, or no activity, I was doomed. Feeling buried and helpless, I didn't try.

Many overweight women are adamant about loving yourself the way you are, despite of size. "Big is beautiful" is their mantra. Though I agree that it is important to not hate your body, it's perfectly fine to want to change for the better. My size is something that effected me in an extremely negative way. Accepting something that is not healthy for me and doesn't make me happy isn't beneficial whatsoever.

We've just passed the 3 month mark, and there is no stopping me now. 34.8 pounds down...and my view on myself has changed tremendously. 

More confidence. My insecurities before overrode my desire to be who I really am. I now feel like who I was before...outgoing and friendly, not shy and withdrawn. Also, I feel like I'm truly attractive again. I can't stop flirting with my hubby. :)

More comfortable. Physically, my size hindered my comfort level. Sitting certain ways bothered me. I was winded if I had to walk too fast or go upstairs. Even sleeping was getting to a point where I was feeling the difference. Now I realize how good being a better, normal size is. There's a reason why our bodies were made to be a healthy weight.

More clarity. My mind feels so clear and vivid now. I'm sure the exercise has alot to do with that, but I'm so aware of everything around me now. My focus is not food, or my flaws. I'm happy with who I am, and am savoring food and flavor, versus devouring it without thinking.

I have found me again.