Anyway, as you all know, last year was an amazingly chaotic time for us as we added a 4th child into our family. By the end of the year, I was feeling pretty down about myself and frazzled with life in general. A lot of it had to do with my health. I had no energy, the pregnancy weight was NOT coming off like the first two. I mean, I did gain about 10 more lbs this time, but started off less so I was at the same weight the end of each pregnancy. The third baby weight was enjoying hanging around a little more though. I just felt so gross. I hated how nothing fit right. Y'all know the drill!!! It's a sad place to be.
Enter GOD. He likes to work in cool ways. I saw a facebook post of a friend (except I didn't really know how I was friends with this person) about a challenge group over the holidays. I messaged her and without even really thinking too much about it, decided to go for it. This meant, that over Christmas I committed to working out 5 days a week and eating a clean diet of whole foods. I was not real excited about it, but I just knew I needed to do it. Oh, and I figured out that I didn't really know this person...she was a blog follower who asked to be friends on Facebook. I never usually accept friend requests from people I don't know, but the Lord knew I would need April:)!
So, I lost a few pounds despite the holidays and a trip to Atlanta for Passion 2013 (where we got fed like celebrities). I decided to do another challenge. This one was for 90 days! I committed again to working out for 5-6 days a week, do a Beachbody exercise program, keep a food log in a secret facebook group, and drink Shakeology.
Through those 90 days, I truly saw life change. I didn't count calories or necessarily keep up with how much I ate...I just began to make portion changes, choose clean whole foods to eat, and I also gave up my coke zeroes (which are full of nothing good for you). I started having more energy and saw my body change. Since I started the first challenge, I have lost about 12 lbs and over 20 inches. I have gone down two pants sizes and am finally down to my pre-pregnancy weight. Halleluiah!!
I am not stopping now. I have moved into another 90 day challenge and am just enjoying it so much. I do not always want to exercise and it's hard to find the time. But, I love the way I feel and I love how in shape I am getting again! I haven't worked out this much since well...maybe forever:).
So, you may be asking what does eating clean exactly mean?
Here are some of the things I eat now on a consistent basis (3 main meals, 1 snack, and one Shakeology every day)....
1. almonds
2. lots of salads with homemade oil and vinegar dressing
3. peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes and hummus
4. only whole wheat/whole grains (bread, tortillas, rice) and I usually try to only eat grains at one meal
5. eggs and egg whites
6. I limit my dairy, but when I do eat it, I eat low fat cheese
7. greek yogurt
8. almond milk instead of cows milk
9. lots and lots of fruit!
10. lean meats (chicken, fish, ground turkey, boars head deli meat)
11. lots and lots of water
12. brown rice
13. kale, brussell sprouts, spaghetti squash, green beans, broccoli
14. coconut oil instead of vegetable or even canola oil
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| {before} |
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| {after}...or really in process:) |
The key for me has been the Facebook challenge groups (through Beachbody) where I have accountability, encouragement, and a coach to motivate me:). It has been a little bit of an investment with buying the exercise programs and shakeology...but what is more important then our health? We make room in our budgets for smart phones, clothes, phone plans, cable tv, and more. Also, it just wasn't practical for me to join a gym, so being able to workout at home has been great! I am so glad I have taken charge over my health and look forward to continuing in this journey of eating right, losing weight, and getting in shape!
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