Should You Be Eating That?

 *a little dramatic and fictionalized to make a point...no one get your boxers in a bunch*

 With a simple announcement, every bum, large and small, lifts from chairs and makes their way to what never fails to be a buffet of treats...donuts, mini candy bars, muffins, sodas and more. "Ok, people. Let's take a 10 minute break. Get up, walk around, have some of the delicious snacks Mrs. J provided us."

Ahhh, what to do, what to do.

I stand, I stretch, and I think... "I work out almost every day. I eat healthy foods as much as I can. I drink water. I'm losing these last few pounds, and I feel great. Half a donut is not going to break me. I know I can get right back on track and continue on my path to health and fitness."

And so I meander over to the buffet, tearing a donut in half and taking a few mini candy bars to snack on during the presentation. I grab another water bottle and head back to my table... But what is it that I hear from behind me???

"Oh, I can't believe she is going to eat that! After all the work she has done!" I keep moving.
"I'm pretty sure that isn't in her diet plan!" It isn't a diet, but whatever.
"Only half a donut? And water? Guess she is trying to show us up!" Eye rolling at this point, right?
"I knew that this health kick was never going to stick." Oh, what they don't know...

And then there are the comments made to my face... Which are worse? Who can tell?

"So, I see you've given up on that health thing." Noooo.... half a donut is not giving up. It is a calculated choice made amongst many more healthier choices. It isn't the end of the world. It is a fried piece of dough. Big difference.

"You know you are going to have to go back and get that other half." No, I don't know that at all. I know how to stay in control. This is a choice, not a requirement or some uncontrollable urge. Geez.

"You're going to regret eating that when you get on the scale." Really? Like you will regret the 2 donuts on your plate or like you will regret not joining me in trying to get in better health and fitness when I offered to be your accountability buddy?

The commentary could go on and on. And although this exact situation is fictional, I have experienced some of these things in different settings and situations. The point is, people sometimes try to knock you down, make you doubt yourself, weaken you with comments. It happens. If you are trying to get healthier and fit, expect it from someone., maybe even your family members. Maybe it is jealousy. Maybe they are truly concerned for you and this is how they show it. I don't know, but I do know that you have to keep your head up. Words are words. Your actions, your choices, your determination and drive...these things are what will make a difference in YOU at the end of the day. :)

Weight is Just a Number

"Weight is just a number." I bet you have heard that before! I have too, and I truly believe it deep down. But knowing this, believing it, and then pushing confidence-killing thoughts out of your head are very different things.


I really use the scale too much. I know this, and I can admit it. I've gotten better. I used to hop on that thing so often, and the numbers rarely made me feel good. My goal is to just weigh myself once a week. I weighed myself earlier this week and was super-psyched to see a 1.5 lb loss. I've been tracking everything I eat, working hard, and I saw those numbers and thought, "Wow, I am on the path to success!"

After starting my new workout routine and doing some serious weight work, my muscles have been just screaming. I don't mind the feeling...it feels like change to me! But the scale...the scale I should have avoided...was the bearer of some bad news. It told me I had gained 2 pounds! I know that I have some water retention. I'm being sensible here, and I recognize that this isn't because I'm not sticking to plan, or because I have truly gained fat.

All the same, those numbers... oh, those dirty, rotten, evil numbers are real crushers! I'm sure I had a look on my face that matched my feelings...a little broken down and frustrated.

Here's the deal. They are numbers. I'm working hard, and I'm sticking to my plan! I feel good! Can I wear those Miss Me jeans I'm dying to wear without muffin top explosion? Not yet...but I'm headed in that direction. How can some numbers ruin that? They can't!!!

If you are reading this, the chances are that you know how I feel! It sucks! Look around you. Look at your "ups" and not your downs. Look at your true value, in the eyes of God or even in the eyes of your kids and family... That value is great. Far greater than some number on a scale. :) Weight is, after all, just a number.

Define Your Goals!

I've worked pretty hard this week... and my prize for challenging myself? I've lost 2 pounds! Poof, gone, never wanna see them again! :)

I super excited about some of the challenges I have coming up, especially the Beachbody Challenge, which I will definitely be posting about Monday morning to all of you guys ready for it! Reaching our goals, whether they be weight-related or health-related or even just personal or involving work, challenges and contests alone won't help us. We need to DEFINE OUR GOALS.

I want to lose weight. Ok, so that is a goal. However, that isn't a very clear and well-defined goal. I could get sick with the flu, weigh myself 3 days later and have lost weight. It doesn't mean I've met my goal!

I want to look good. Okkk. Makeup and hair can help you "look good." What does that phrase mean to you? It isn't very specific. Define your goals!!!

Here are my goals that I hope to meet through my upcoming challenges:

1. I want to lose 10 pound by working out with Turbo Fire and Chalean Extreme 6 days a week and through healthier, cleaner eating. 
2. I want to write down every little bite, lick, and taste (BLT) I consume to become more aware of what I eat, when and even why. I will track my water and my hunger levels as well.
3. I want to fit comfortably in my Miss Me jeans... no muffin top here!

What are your goals???

Next time... Setting a time to reach your goals.