Choices

Every moment of every day and in everything we do we have a choice.  The key to success is making the RIGHT choices...This is what I'm struggling with recently.  I seem to be making MOSTLY good choices but when I make bad ones they are really bad.  

Here is what I'm talking about.

Lunch yesterday was from Jimmy John's and the pictures are rough b/c I was in a meeting and trying to take pictures without anyone noticing.  I had 3 small pieces of sub and they were veggie but the bad choice was...DID YOU REALLY NEED 3?  The bread at JJs is addictive...

I only had a few of the jalepeno chips...they were spicy and I did have a cookie.  I SHOULD have just done the chips b/c although the cookie was good it wasn't GREAT...

Dinner was a "good choice" salad with dressing on the side and I only dipped my fork and used very little but was preceded by spinach dip?!  See what I mean?>!?

Fun with my baby girl at the mall was the highlight :)  then she helped give mommy a pedi :)

Yes that is a binky and yes she is 3...she only gets it at night night time and she LOVES it :)

Today I had a seminar early now I'm working from home...  You can see the choices and although they are OK, they are not brilliant...

Mmmmm Chipotle and that is my amazing chobani at the top right LOVE THAT STUFF!

I'll figure out these choices.  IF I can make all good choices for a full week I know I will get my groove back.  I also need a kitchen (said the broken record)

more later

TTFN

Kitchen wonder...

Hi Friends :)

When I walked into my house last night I was astonished...

They put down all new sub floor and taped out my island...I'm so excited :)  Electrician (aka my BIL) will be there today and tomorrow...plumbing and drywall will happen next week along with the floors.  Then cabinets should be in the week of 23rd or 30th at the latest.  Once that is in they will mark the granite and that will be the final step before they finish the floors and voila - April FINALLY has a kitchen :)

Pretty sure my Dom has migraines so last night was tough... it is always the same.  He gets sluggish, I ask what is wrong and he says he has a headache.  Then within 30 minutes he pukes, goes to sleep and wakes up fine.  Last night he fell asleep at 6:30 and unfortunately that means he was in our room at 4am WIDE AWAKE!  UGG...I'm sleepy - HENCE my coffee :)

Who am I kidding?  I don't need an excuse to need coffee :)

Can I just tell you how amazing this Chobani is????

It is truly amazing.....If you can find it - BUY it and EAT it!!!  :)  #heaveninacup

My day will be interesting...I have meetings most of the day and lunch will be brought in; no idea what it will be.  

Note: I'm 100% aware that since I was up at 4am it would have been a perfect opportunity to get to the gym and I should have just gotten my A$$ out of bed but I didn't... BOO APRIL!!!

Time to get to it...

TTFN

Explanation of self loathing...

What is wrong with me?  Why can't I get back into this?  Why?!?!  I just want to flip a switch and be "healthy girl" again.  Instead I am eating like a monster and honestly...loathing myself for it.

Excuses...I'm 100% aware that Aunt Flow is about to rear her ugly head.  I have the zits and rage to prove it....  I think this is going to be a bad one and I'm just not making the best choices.  #nothappy

I think I'll have to go against doctor's orders and get back to the gym.  I may try to go early in the morning again...that worked last time.  Perhaps 5/530 am?  And once I have a kitchen I know my eating will get better...I'm craving healthier stuff, so that is good :)

I'll keep ya'll posted.

Regarding the weekend...even if I'm not happy with the way I look and eat...I am happy in general.  I had a GREAT weekend that included fire pit at my house, then soccer with the boys and  a girls night out Sat, closing out the weekend with the O's game on Sunday.  GREAT TIME!!!  Here are some pictures...

FOOD WAS HORRENDOUS!!!  and it continues :/

I'll keep this thing going even if it is a disaster...one day I'll snap out of it.  Hopefully before I weigh 1000#

TTFN

not proud of myself - more later

Buffalo Chicken Dip

Hi Friends...

Happy Friday!!!

But first...back to yesterday afternoon/evening.  I rocked the afternoon with snacks to include 

and 

OK...maybe the take 5 wasn't rockin from a health perspective but it was rockin from a "get in my belly" perspective.  It was a little one and it was DELICIOUS!!!

Dinner was pasta salad and broccoli  

I sat down to watch the Raven's game and then the shit hit the fan and I started in on the buffalo chicken dip!!! WTH April?!?  I am out of control these days.  The only thing I have to say to myself is MOVE ON :)

This morning was pretty great.  The weather is gorgeous and my drive in this morning was trafficless (not sure why but I'm not complaining).  I even stopped at DD for a treat:

Lunch was left overs from dinner last night...YUM and my snacks were delish

Can I just say that I'm in love with Chobani bite?!  I have discovered that I love chocolate chips in my greek yogurt...feels so luxurious :)

Time to get but butt in gear for the rest of my afternoon then I'm headed off to prep for firepit!!!  YAY!!!  We have all the neighbors over for fun friday's at the floyds to include a firepit :)

TTFN

Donut Sabotage

The scale this morning was a disaster.  I won't be too hard on myself but HOLY CRAP, I was a little shocked...

This morning started with a coffee on the way to work then I sit down at my desk and get this email:

WTF?!!!!  SABOTAGE!!!...Gee thanks Lori!!!

I held strong and had oatmeal instead

DANGER:  3 munchkins may have happened (not proud but honest)

This afternoon I was thinking about a trip across the water but with my crazy calendar I've decided to do that tomorrow.  Since I stupidly forgot to pack my lunch this morning another salad happened:

Chicken, carrots, almonds, asparagus, crunchy noodles and thai peanut dressing (just a tiny bit).  Honestly there was barely any dressing on this salad.  It wasn't very flavorful but healthier so I'll take it :)  

The afternoon will be easier since I have offsite meetings and I don't have to sit here being faced with the Fishers Popcorn bin in my boss' office :/

More later...

TTFN

#220

Margarita Maddness

I voted for a green monster instead of chocolate...SUCCESS!

Unfortunately after 2 hours in traffic dinner was Chick Fil A

It was delicious even if it wasn't technically the healthiest choice.  I should have gotten grilled chicken but I only used half the dressing packet :)  I still clocked it in at under 500 calories.

THEN I went to La Tolteca with my girlie La La...we had a great night and the margaritas were ROCKIN.  Some Chips and a Tamale may have happened :/

Mmmmmmm

More tomorrow...all in all a great day!

TTFN

NEED SWEET

Everyday after lunch I crave something sweet... DAMN chocolate in my bosses office :/

I'm going to try to stay strong...  I'm feeling kinda weak today tho

Stress Eater

I wish I was one of those people who couldn't eat when I was stressed.  I'm quite the opposite (and I'm not going to tell you what I ate last night...it was epic).  My stress is through the roof today with work stuff.  I keep telling myself that the important things are my hubby and kiddos and everything else is trivial BUT how stressed and unhappy would I be if I didn't have a job at all?!  not that I'm in danger of that but still...

My stomach is in knots (thanks to work) but somehow I can still manage to inhale a salad :)  It was pretty good but I feel sicker now as a result.  Can't wait for my work life to return to normal (or maybe it never will)...

#findbalanceapril

My salad consisted of chicken, grilled asparagus, carrots, beets, a little goat cheese, almonds and a few croutons.  My dressing with lemon herb vinaigrette (just a drizzle).

I think I'll listen to some music to chill me out :)  

I'll check in later...

TTFN

Starting Over and Kitchen Nightmares

Curious...how this happened?!

The decline started when I moved to my new job.  I got busier and my schedule got crazier...  That is a whole lot of excuses but the truth.  I need to get back to where I was - desperately.

Here are my current issues...(get ready for more excuses):

1.  I have bad feet and my pediatrist said I can't exercise for at least another 2 months.  I have planters fasciitis and heel spurs in both feet (although the left is worse).  I started cortisone treatments last week and they worked at first but the pain after this weekend was awful.  I may need to have surgery...  The pain is ridiculous :/

2.  I don't even think about what I'm eating...I eat junk and feel tired all the time.  I know I should be making better choices but my will power is at an all time low

3.  I hate the way I look...my self esteem is also at an all time low.  

4.  Even before my feet were bad, I wasn't exercising.

5.  I'm really disappointed in myself

6.  My stress is insane #jobdrama #nokitchen #NOKITCHEN

7.  I HAVE NO KITCHEN!  My kitchen flooded 2 months ago and the insurance company and mortgage company have been giving us the runaround.  We are FINALLY going to get work started next week :)  Food has been interesting.  I can't really cook at all.  We grill alot and use my babycakes (you can see it on the counter), microwave and my darling SIL has allowed us to borrow her quesadilla maker (which we use for ALOT more than quesadilla :)  

 (isn't it just beautiful??)

8.  I've recently become really disappointed in some people in my life.  #realfriends

Alright my dear April...

Time to get this show on the road.

Even if I can't exercise, I can start eating right...

Today started with my love COFFEE (XL DD w/ half and half) and some egg whites with spinach, ham and potatoes.  Maybe not the BEST choice but better then the bacon egg and cheese bagel I really wanted :)

Note to self...start packing lunches :)  

More to come later today...

I am hoping that if I start asking my dear blog to keep me honest...it could mean I can get back on track.  #motivation

TTFN

Cleanse me baby...

I don’t know what did it…. maybe I’m just fed up with feeling crappy but something clicked and here I am.  I was trolling pinterest (like I do) and I found a cleanse that showed this picture…

 

BOO!!!  This picture makes me wish I had my old stomach back…(before kids).  I had the best stomach and now it is flabby and what I sometimes see on the news when they are talking about the obesity epidemic…LOL  Whether it was the picture or some other timing related thing…I know I need to get my butt back in gear.  That said I had a great weekend but knew that come Sunday I was starting this cleanse.  I just needed something to kick start me back into healthy eating.  I’ve gained nearly 15#s since I started working here at Under Armour UNEXCEPTABLE!!  I know I’m busy but I’ve also lost some sort of motivation…

I modified the cleanse a little  but I can already tell it is working really well…here is my version:

DAY 1:  Only Fruit all day (no Bananas)

DAY2:  Only Veggies all day (complex carb in the am: baked potato)

DAY3:  Fruit and Veggies only

DAY4:  Lean Protein/Fruit and Veggies

All the above while drinking 100oz daily of water and doing 30 minutes of some sort of exercise

I’m on day 2…Veggies and so far today I’ve had

·         A baked potato

·         A steamfresh bag of edemamme

·         A steamfresh bag of brussel sprouts

·         Carrots

·         Veggie Salad with Avocado and vinegar dressing

·         Dinner tonight will be Sweet Potato Hash with onions and green peppers (which will also be lunch tomorrow)

Yesterday was Fruit day and I ate: a half a baby watermelon, a whole pineapple, a whole cantaloupe, 2 clementines and 2 cups of all natural applesauce.

I know it is working because today I felt guilty tasting some hummus.  That is a GREAT!  Change from my chips and chocolate binge I’ve been on recently.  I’m excited about my mind set and will try to keep ya’ll posted.

TTFN

Confession

I'm eating bread for lunch today because I forgot an ordered a turkey burger :(  The bun is whole wheat but I'm disappointed in myself for ordering the wrong thing :(  I wasn't even thinking...

Other than that I've done really well with the whole no sugar no bread thing.

Work outs have been difficult since the gym is so freaking crowded thanks to new years resolutions.  I had to wait for a treadmill last night, Boooo!  Oh well...I rocked it anyway :)

My food journals have been spotty and my eating this weekend was dreadful (no bread or sugar but lots of chips and cheese).

Why can't I get my act together?
I'll ponder and post later with my results!

TTFN

Purple Town!!!

Hola!

What a LLLLLLLOOOOOOOONNNNNNNNNGGGGGGGGG weekend?!?!  It was WONDERFUL!  I’m just back to work today after MLK and a day off with the kiddos yesterday J

We had a GREAT weekend leading up to Sunday Night….I’m sure all know I’m an avid Raven’s fan.  GUESS WHAT>!?!?  As if you didn’t know….THE RAVEN’S ARE GOING TO THE SUPER BOWL!!!  I can’t believe it.  We were screaming and jumping around like CRAZY people!  LOVE IT! 

Hence the Purple Blog!!! 

Eating has been bad and working out even worse.  Honesty…right??  I know I’ll feel better and have more energy if I just move my A$$ but I can’t seem to give a crap… 

Every morning I start over…lunch is good but by dinner I’ve given up and by 8pm FORGET IT!  What I really need to do is: 

a)      Give up sugar

b)      Give up bread

c)       Work out every day

d)      NO EXCUSES

I think if I can just make these changes (drastic as they are) for 21 days until my Birthday…I will finally get back on track.  Sugar and Wheat are very addictive.  I need to cleanse my system and get my healthy taste buds back!  I know that if I get to the gym at night…I’ll be doing that instead of snacking.

Now…we know I don’t like to make promises that I can’t keep; so I’m not promising anything.  It is just a thought and I’m hoping that I can make it work.

Will keep ya’ll posted on my progress J

TTFN

Stop looking at me swan

Hi this is me post gym!! Thanks to Ms. Lynne Ripley for texting me:). This wine is staring me in the face while I make dinner for me ( sweet potato hash)... Ok...just one glass.

Good night...TTFN

I miss you Planet Fitness

OK not really…I really need to get back into my groove…what will do it?  How did I do it last time??  Oh right, I became a freak J  LOL  I really just need to stop making excuses.  My excuse this week has been that Aunt Flow has joined me for a visit.  Oh and BTW…she is 2 weeks early!?!?  WTH?  I really don’t like her so I’m not sure what has caused her early visit.  That is enough TMI for one day J  As for the rest of this week…I can go tonight, then tomorrow night I want to get my nails done (lame excuse…I could get my nails done THEN go to the gym).  Take a look at why that is required ASAP!!

Gel polish rocks!!!  This is 2 weeks old and you can only see the growth.  The polish is still shiny and everything!!!

Then Friday I am having Marywood (neighborhood) HH and wine wins J

Today was a yicky day outside…perfect day to go to work.  I don’t mind going to work on yucky days…what else would I do? J 

  

Food was really good today

Scary Monster was black this morning thanks to lots of blueberries!

Gotta love Starbucks in the morning :) #rainydaytreat

Strawberry Oatmeal as a snack???  #delish

(minus the Roses candies that Elisa – coordinator at work – brought back from the UK for me)

They are really good though!

Tonight’s dinner is a toss-up J  So far this week we’ve had Chili, Tacos and tonight should be stuffed peppers but I’m not up to it so it’ll probably be breakfast (eggs and pancakes sound good to me) J  I HEART breakfast for dinner!!

Dear April, Please get your butt to the gym tonight!!! 

TTFN

WHAT A WEEKEND!!!?!

We had a GREAT WEEKEND! 

GO RAVENS!!!  WE WON!!!!  WAHOO!!!  We were so freakin excited on Saturday night I thought we were going to wake up the baby but we didn't!!! 

Sunday we took the kids to the Science Center for an awesome day downtown!  All the pics are below from our GREAT WEEKEND!!!!

Food was another thing :)  I had some pizza and chips but mostly healthy...no gym though.  I need to get on the ball beginning today!  Note: I hate being a woman...if I wimp out, it is because Aunt Flow is being very mean :)  More later...Promise
TTFN

Catching Up...

I went on Hiatus at the end of August.  So what has happened since then??

Day Care Change:  We identified in September that we could save over $700 a month by making some adjustments to before and after school care for the boys.  We were paying the YMCA (at their school) a bucket of money each month for one hour in the morning and one hour in the afternoon…  I decided to adjust my work schedule and forfeit my early mornings to include my boot camp class and put the boys on the bus and come into work a little later.  That also means I get home a little later but to be honest…it has been GREAT!  I get to spend some serious quality time with the boys in the morning and I love it!  Plus…traffic is not as bad a little later in the morning.

Gym:  No more boot camp made me sad…Alicia was so good at keeping me motivated and I loved the support of the group of people who worked out each Monday Wednesday and Friday at 6am.  I was sad to see it end…but hey $700 is $700!!!  I decided to join the Planet Fitness in my neighborhood instead.  $10/month…you can’t beat that!  I LOVE my planet fitness.  In September I went EVERY day…sometimes twice a day.  I often do 20 minutes on the treadmill, 10 minutes on the bike then arms or legs (Circuit Machines) then some ab work (situps, planks, etc).  I was obsessed J

Food:  I did a great job through September and October with clean healthy eating even losing a few L.B.s in the process.  Then November came along!!!  DJ and I went away for a late anniversary trip (9 years…WOWZA) and we had a wonderful trip that resulted in a lot of naughty food J  LOL!  Then Thanksgiving then the Christmas Holiday and I seemed to have lost my healthy taste buds.  I know for a fact that you can become addicted to wheat and sugar.  This seems to be my problem…  I have become addicted to icky food again L  I know we aren’t judging food as good or bad but beginning in early January I have decided to need to rebuild by healthy taste buds so my choices are automatically better.  I know that if I can stay strict with myself for 10 days…I’ll be addicted to fruit instead of sugar (aka Chocolate) J    We will see how it goes…  

Wine:  I don’t know what it is about the holidays but wine had become a nightly event.  I HEART Wine, that’s not a secret but every night will only add L.B.s and when I’m trying to lose them…I need to cut back.  I plan to only have wine on special occasions until I lose 20#s.  The first special occasion will be book club on Friday night J  LOL

All in all it has been a GREAT but exhausting time in my life.  January will provide a little down time and I’m really looking forward to it!

I’ll post my food tonight…til then

TTFN

Challenge

So yesterday I started a clean eating challenge :). It failed somewhat via the M&MS and dinner at Texas road house but all in all it was a great day!

Today was excellent...

Instead of pictures I kept my fitness pal journal instead. Holy crap I ate the almonds before I calculated the stats!! 300+ calories in almonds?.?. I'm out of control:). Lesson learned

Otherwise... I had a great food day and tonight rocked a mini work out thanks to Frankie. 30 sit ups, 30 push-ups, 60 Russian twists, 30 lunges, and one minute plank. Ouch....

I hope to have some time to write tomorrow to get us up to speed.... Until then
TTFN

She's back...

I have to be back...I need to get back on the bandwagon:). Summer is only about 20 weeks away and I really want to identify some goals here and now
1. Lose 20lbs
2. Blog 5 times a week
3. Keep a photo food journal
4. Drink a green monster at least 5 times a week

I'm counting on you all to keep me honest:). LOL

The journey started this morning

I was supposed to start a cleanse today and I got as far as the M&Ms around 3pm...then we went to dinner at Texas Roadhouse where I got mashed potatoes:).

At least I rocked the gym! Go me!

More tomorrow...glad to be back
TTFN