Everyone struggles

So....I've had a black slide...again.  Prompted by not wanting to get out of bed, a new job, and laziness.
Truth. 

And I stopped posting, which doesn't keep me accountable, but also because I'm having technical difficulties.  Firefox isn't liking blogger for some reason for me lately.  So since I can't open it, I can't post, and since I have no good news, I can keep going on...right?

Wrong.  Time to get back.  

The struggle is real for everyone.  Everyone has bad days and good days.   A lot of people have bad weeks and good weeks.  It's life.  Keep working on it.  The only way to have a HEALTHY life is to keep with it.  It can't be a part time thing that you do once a year and you're good.  It's a lifestyle to try to make what you have as good as possible.   Everyday in the office I see diabetics, people with high blood pressure and people with high cholesterol.  They try to look at me like I don't understand their struggle.  I do.  I might not have as far to go, but I have as much on the line.  That's where I'll be if I don't keep with it.  We all have to start somewhere, but you have to START!

So, my measurements today:
Weight- 173 pounds (+5 pounds)
Waist- 36.5 inches (+1.5 inches)
Hips- 42.75 inches (+2.25 inches)
Chest- 38.75 inches (+2.25 inches)
Thigh- 22.75 inches (+1.75 inches)

Yuck.

On to happier things... a few recipes.  Advocare approved (or modifiable)
So the first think is simple.  I tried fried potatoes for breakfast but with sweet potatoes. 
Same recipe you'd use for white potatoes... canola oil, sliced onions and sliced potatoes, cooked until done.
It was good...but actually didn't pair well with over easy eggs.  It was good with toast, but not advocare friendly.  Not the best sweet potato substitution. 

Next is Ella's version of a protein bite.  She mixed raisins, oatmeal, and peanut butter.  She then rolled in ovaltine.  Rolling in the chocolate powder was something I never did, but I could probably do with the meal replacement.  You can add whatever you want- chia, flax seed, coconut flakes, dried cranberries or other dried fruit.  You can substitute sunbutter or almond butter.  Almost endless options.

Back to it.  Till next time!

Set yourself up for success!

If you plan on using Advocare products the best advice I can give you is set yourself up for success!
If you use the cleanse but don't diet and exercise, you've wasted $30.  That's all there is to it. 
You can buy all the supplements in the world you want, but if you don't do the basics of any weight loss program that really works- diet and exercise- it won't help.

If you want to get the most for  your money, you simply plan!

• Have good things to eat at home: vegetables, fruits, lean meats.
• Get rid of snack foods that will tempt you!  Get rid of the Halloween candy that you haven't managed to eat!  It was a month ago anyways!
• Plan meals ahead of time and go shopping so you know you have ingredients so you don't fall back on processed/prepackaged things that are usually full of sodium and refined carbs.
• Decided on a reasonable exercise routine that will work with your life.  If you can't get up in the mornings, don't expect to rely on that for exercise time because you may do it a few days but you will have trouble setting a habit which is the goal.
• Don't start a cleanse when you have something coming up that you know will be impossible- Christmas Parties are close and if you aren't able to resist temptation you'll be wasting your money and supplements!  However, if you're able to hold off if you're doing a program it can help you from overeating. 
• If you are sick- delay. This happened to me and why you haven't heard from me lately.  I had a cold last week.  Runny nose, sore throat.  The last thing I was going to do is exercise.  I'm not starting a diet to boost results while going through that, it wouldn't help as much as I would be looking for!

I have started my cleanse- today is Day 1!
My current numbers:
Weight- 177 lb (down 3 lbs from last weigh in 11/15)
Waist- 37.5 inches (Down 0.5 inches)
Hips- 43 inches (up 0.5 inches)
Bust- 39 inches (down 0.5 inches)

These decreases aren't accidents- I did exercise and watch what I ate these last two weeks.  I just had a cold and didn't want to put pressure on myself to do something that wouldn't let me heal.  I walked instead of jogged.  I ate soup that had some noodles.  If I'm going to spend the money on supplements and cleanse, I'm going to get my money's worth and I wouldn't be able to while sick with the creeping crud.  

If you have any questions on Advocare, let me know!    They've helped me meet my goals before and I know it will again!  I'm ready to get back!

My Advocare Products

I just ordered some more Advocare products!  I'm excited since I've been out awhile.

I'm also due to check my weight and numbers but it's been a bad eating and exercise week so I'm not sad that I won't be sharing that today!  ;)

1. Spark!  This is an energy drink that has 21 vitamins and minerals, no sugar and only 45 calories.  I got on the go packets because I want more green apple.  This retails as $22.95.  That is $1.64 a serving.  Not any worse than a soda but tastes better.  The big canister which I normally get for fruit punch or grape is $51.95 but has 42 servings (or more if you don't do a full scoop- it depends what flavor how full I make the scoop) and is $1.24 a serving.   This does contain caffeine so if you have heart problems you should probably stray away.  But, it's perfect for those wanting to get off soda and don't want a headache from caffeine withdrawal.

2. Catalyst-  This supplement is made to help protect muscle from breakdown.  What this means is when you exercise your body won't use the muscle you have for energy but the fat.  It costs $31.50 for a 30 day supply.

3. Thermoplus-  This supplement is created to boost your metabolism to help stretch weight loss through the day.  It is $31.95 for a 30 day supply.

4.  Herbal Cleanse-  This is the 10 day cleanse I do periodically.  This helps me get my habits in check and my system happy.  This should not be used more than 4 times a year- I average 2-3.  It's a combination of Probiotics, Fiber Drinks and Herbal Cleanse tablets.  If you do this you need to super hydrate and stay away from fat.  This retails at $31.50.

Of course all of these claims are my own and not monitored by the FDA and blah blah blah.  We all know there is no miracle pill.  These are supplements to help get the goals and don't say otherwise.  Most of my plans revolve around diet and exercise because that is what works!   

I am a distributor and it's for the discount.  I'll explain how that works.

This order alone costs $149.40 retail (one box of spark, 2 catalyst, 1 thermoplus and 1 herbal cleanse).

My discount is 25% or $37.35.

My total is now $112.05.

It costs me $50 a year to be a distributor. 

If I only liked the Spark and drank one a day 5 days a week- 260 servings a year which would be between 6 and 7 canisters of Spark a year.  That's $363.65 a year in Spark!

However, if you have the discount you would have a savings of $90.94 or a total of $272.71!

So even if I ONLY bought Spark I save $40 a year by being a distributor.  

So the meaning of the story is....even if you don't want to be the person selling Advocare, it's worth the investment to become a distributor if you like the products!

Want to try the products?  Order here:  https://www.advocare.com/130346245/

You can also contact me or become a distributor on that site.  

New idea for exercise- weights

So I have a friend in another state.  A little over a year ago she was challenged to slim down and buff up and do a swimsuit competition.  After a lot of hard work and dedication she looks amazing and did the bikini contest.   For all of those who were impressed with her results(including me) had questions like: what was your exercise routine, what do you eat, any supplements?
Her answers were kind of surprising.   She then posted pictures of herself on facebook at similar weights but two different diet and exercise routines and THAT was amazing!   She looked good in both, but there was not a bit of fat on that second picture!   She was toned, tightened and strong.
The difference was lifting weights, and her suggestion to any girl who wants to slim down is to lift up.  Literally.
The first picture she would do over 2 hours of cardio almost every day of the week and not eat one carb.  None.
The second picture she would do weights for 45 minutes a day and cardio 10-20 minutes a day and eat complex carbs and even eat what she wanted on the weekends.
The reason why this works is because your muscles will burn the fat if we keep it up and give it a chance.

So my latest idea is how to find a way to incorporate weights, and not just wimpy 5 lb dumbbells into a daily exercise.  This is hard for me and probably would be for most women.  We don't know how to do this, or where to start.  I don't have money to invest in a bunch of weights or a gym membership let along the training.  I don't have time to go to said gym and work with a personal trainer.
What I do have is 5 and 8 lb dumbbells and time in the evening to workout.  My new workout for at least three weeks is going to be Tabata strengthening 3 days on, one day off (very similar to a cross training program).  I hope this will get me jump started and time to save to buy higher weights as I go on.  My weight set came with some whole body weight exercises I've never tried and I know will make me sore the next day for awhile.  I'll let you know how it goes and keep posting my results and pain.  :)

10/18 measurements:
Weight- 180 (same)
Waist- 39 inches (-.75 inches)
Hips- 43 inches (-.5 inches)
Breast- 40 inches (same)

Lost and Found

So it's been a long time. 
The first reason is because it's been so busy I hardly have time to keep my eyes from crossing let along write on my blog.
The second reason would be because this blog is about healthy living, eating, exercise and weight loss....all of which I have been slacking on.
You know how I lost of the weight and did a decent job of maintaining it....well I found what I lost.  Apparently it lived in Florida and when we moved it found me.  :)
All joking aside...I stopped exercising daily and eating healthy.  I started to load on the carbs and sweets again and I went back to my highest weight again.  Not fun. However this can be a fact of life and something many people run into, so now that I'm working on getting back on the right track I wanted to share.
On 9/22/14 my numbers were:
         Weight- 185 lbs
         Waist-  41.25 inches
         Hips-  44.5 inches
          Breast- 40.5 inches.
This had to stop.
The next day I started my Advocare Regimen again.  It's the best way for me to get back on track and I usually get some results.  Results help a lot.  If you exercise for months and don't see anything or diet and diet and lose a pound and half an inch you feel horrible.   I love Advocare for helping me make my goals, getting me on track and boosting my results.
On October 2, 2014 my results after a 10 day Herbal Cleanse (Only about $30), taking Catalyst daily (about $35) and walking on the treadmill a minimum of 20 minutes per day my numbers were....
        Weight- 183 lbs.
        Waist-  40.25 inches
         Hips- 43.5 inches
        Breast-  39.75 inches.
Another HUGE tip!  Always take measurements!  My weight didn't decrease dramatically- but look at those inches!   Almost one inch off each of the biggest fat deposits in my body!   I could tell the difference when I look in the mirror at my fat rolls and when I put on pants I couldn't wear a week ago without feeling like I was going to bust the buttons.
My continued goals- continue this diet and exercise routine.  The diet with the 10 day cleanse is just healthy eating.  You can live your life easily with that diet and I will continue to.  Exercise daily is a must.  You skip one day then it's easier to skip the next.  I work out best in the mornings but I've found that doesn't work for me now.  So I've been taking my book and reading for 20-30 minutes while walking on the treadmill each evening after the kids are in bed.
My other goal- to update this blog either weekly or every other week.  I'll have to play with it and see what works.  I want to really share my results and story and introduce whoever I can to products that help.  There are no magic pills for weight loss, however if a food or supplement helps then it's worth it as long as it's not bad for your body!   

Want to try Advocare? order here: https://www.advocare.com/130346245/Store/
Want more info?  E-mail or message me here!  

Trying something new...

So, I was introduced to It Works this week.  This company sells wraps that help decrease cellulite by taking out toxins through the skin and you super hydrate while doing it so your kidneys can take out the rest.  They also sell a product called Greens that gives you a full days worth of fruits and veggies in one drink. 
Here's my results from the wrap.....and when they say have you tried this crazy wrap thing they mean crazy!

Yes.  I will be buying these wraps to help.  I am still on my Advocare too!  I feel like the products can work together great.  The Advocare, eating well and exercise do the work on the inside, and the wraps work on the outside.  I also am buying the greens mostly for Ella- gets all her fruits and veggies in and will help get her bowels regular.  I would give it to Eli, but he already eats tons of fruits and veggies and has lots of BMs.  We might try, but I'm starting with Miss Ella.
If you want to check this out see this webpage- http://SarahLeMaster.sharewraps.com
I am not a distributor for this company.  A friend from work is. 
I am also going to start my 10 day cleanse soon, so another before/after picture will be coming.  I've also been keeping up with classes at the Y- so I'm working on getting buff and beautiful! :)  Although my husband says I'm already beautiful and will never be buff!

24 days complete!

Sunday was day 24 of my Advocare 24 day challenge!  I am surprised and pleased with my results, especially since a few days I fell off the bandwagon eating good wise!  But inches are off, weight is off and pictures look great!  I'm going to keep eating well and exercising and plan on doing another picture in a month!  I will also keep using my companion products- Catalyst and ThermoPlus along with another one called Leptilean!

Catalyst is  designed to protect your muscles while you burn fat=more inches off!

ThermoPlus is designed to help raise your metabolism overall through the day=more weight off!
Leptilean is designed to curb your appetite, so now that I'm done my with MNS supplements I still have help with appetite=eat less=keep it off!
In my opinion these all work and help, but these and all Advocare products aren't magic!  If you're ready to work with them they help you, not the other way around!
Here's my numbers...  First number is day 1- 1/10/2014, Second number is day 25- 2/3/2014

Chest- 39 3/4 inches, 36 inches

Waist- 40 inches, 36 1/2 inches

Hips- 42 1/2 inches, 42 1/2 inches

Right thigh- 22 inches, 19 inches

Left thigh- 21 3/4 inches, 20 inches

Weight- 170 lbs, 164 lbs

And the Pictures!

 

 

Like I said this isn't magic, but it works!  I did the treadmill or other cardio at least 15 minutes every day and up to an hour on days that I had time.  I tried to do some push-ups, planks and crunches or yoga on several days too!  Eat right, exercise and help from Advocare works for me!

Preparing for the new challenge!

So the new year starts tonight, and I'm ready to do the best Advocare challenge yet!  One of the most important things when doing a challenge is preparing!  Another thing I have to prepare for is a new semester of school, so that means plenty of crock-pot meals!  So, soon I will be going on a big shopping trip for everything!
I'm going to buy all the stuff for both lists for crockpot meals- see previous posts, and lots of fruits and veggies for the challenge.  I will also be buying Catalyst from Advocare to help get off the fat while protecting my muscles and lots of Spark to keep me pumped up!
I've got a friend who is doing the challenge with me and we'll be trying to swim laps once a week in addition to regular cardio things and the weekly "anywhere" exercises- also from a previous post- to get fit, toned and lose the Christmas fat! 
If you want to do the challenge, the link to order is http://www.advocare.com/130346245 and start thinking about food before starting!

New Exercise Routine

One does not live by cardio alone.  While I think Cardio is awesome to keep you in shape and the lose weight, once you reach a plateau you need to add more.  More muscle= a toned, fit look.  While I like my Advocare 'Can you 24' workout DVDs, I get tired of workout videos.  So I went to pinterest to find something easy and do-able.  I printed off this list I found and trying to follow it.

I'll let you know how it goes!  I'm still feeling good with my progress, and last I checked I was down over 2 inches from my waist! 

Cheating- I need a new word!

This post about cheating, because I kind of did that last night and today.  Last night I ate about 7 cheez-it crackers.  Totally not on my diet but so salty and yummy!  Today, I didn't feel like following my workout calender and running on the treadmill- with my muscles so sore from the new workout and the little cold I have brewing it wouldn't be fun at all.  So instead Eli and I took a bike ride (probably more work though because going against the wind with his buggy was a lot of resistance). 
Were these things going against the plan?  Yes.  Was it "cheating"?  Yes.  But I think I need a better word and so does everyone else with a fitness and diet program. 
There's a difference between creating a new lifestyle and killing yourself for results.  Are those 7 cheez-it crackers going to make a difference?  No.  Did I stop at 7?  Yes.  if this is you, give yourself a break.  Moderation was the key for me for maintaining my weight loss and extreme moderate is the key to this challenge.  Having a plan is key for being able to get results but be flexible. 
Are you too tired today to do a full workout?  If you have the Advocare DVDs you can do the core stretch workout which is pretty easy and feel okay that you did something.  The next time you're pumped up- make yourself do an extra 10 minutes on the treadmill or whatever. 
When you eat food you shouldn't- workout extra to burn off the calories. 
Losing weight is essentially an in and out process- you take calories in, you burn them off.  You don't burn off then you don't loose.  You take in more than you burn you gain.  Simple.  Keep it simple and know those high carb, sweet, salty, fatty yummy foods work against you because it takes more burning to get it off.  Is it worth it for the extra 10 minutes on the treadmill to burn it?  As long as the answer is yes and you're going to do the work, just eat whatever you're dying for!  That said, if you are going the Advocare Cleanse you probably shouldn't eat much fatty foods or you might be spending extra bathroom time ;)
Not sure what new word I'm going to use, but I think I'm going to take cheating out of my vocabulary!