Reader Questions Answered

Today's Reader's Question comes from Melissa!
I've been doing pretty good with my healthy eating and calorie counting (around 1200 a day) but there are a few days where I just can't control my cravings and I end up screwing up. Do you ever have this problem and if so, how do you deal with it?

I definitely have cravings often! I have found that at night, all I want is anything chocolate and sweets. While I would love to be able not indulge, sometimes I do! I try to find better alternatives, however, to satisfy the cravings.

When I want chocolate, I like to get fat free pudding pops (preferably no sugar added, watch the calories!) or eat some chocolate pudding. Every now and then, I'll even make some lower in fat cookies. No, they're not chewy and buttery, but they still have chocolate! You can see them here, on my cooking blog. If you're not a great baker from home, try no pudge brownies.


Because this is a lifestyle change, I look at it this way, I cannot stop eating chocolate all together, or sweets, cookies, etc. However, I can find a healthier alternative, and I can eat that instead!


It is also VERY important to remember (and I'm telling myself this, everyone else can just overhear me): Take it one day at a time. This isn't a diet, you don't have to hit goals by exact dates, this is a lifestyle change. Just because you have one bad night, doesn't mean you should say screw it, back to my old ways... There's always tomorrow to turn it around! So you had a high calorie lunch, eat a lighter dinner. Don't skip the workout at night because you went way over on your calories for the day.
Too many times I would go really strong for a month or two, have one bad day, then throw it all away. It's not about how fast you lose the weight (because now, I'm not trying to get it off as fast) it's about your quality of life, moderation, and realizing that it's not ruined by one bad meal or one skipped workout.
::Steps off soapbox::


Seriously, all directed toward myself :)

The Elliptical

I have always liked to exercise, but it was a hassle because I had to go to the Y and there were certain times when the lines would be long. Also, I've always liked walking, but I don't feel like I get as good of a workout. I was never a runner, either. I always had excuses not to go to the Y or not to go walk outside because I would rather elliptical. After I moved into an apartment somewhat far from the Y, I decided to go and buy an elliptical. I figured if I spend $600 on a machine, it will need to last 2 years in order to be the same as a membership at the YMCA.
I bought a Horizon E95 model, which they do not make anymore, but I think Horizon makes great newer machines. The only problem I have had was a bar on the footplate cracked, so I had to get a new piece, which was $80. I was afraid the machine was broken forever, but it wasn't a problem to replace it.
This machine has 3 different paths or you can choose to set your own. I do the hill climb from the top level. The main problem people have with ellipticals is that because you set the pace, you can slow down easily. I use the mileage counter on mine to make sure I'm moving quick enough. I try to get .75/mi. every 15 minutes.
I have my elliptical set up in my guest room where I have a TV. I purposely elliptical on the days/times when I know I have TV shows on. It takes my mind off the actual exercise, and keeps me from getting bored.
The elliptical is very low impact, but really delivers results - 50 lbs! Because it's not strenuous on the muscles, I ellipticalled for 45 minutes every day, and on the weekends I would do either a 1 hour session or 2 45 minute sessions.

Vacation!

Me at the Indianapolis Zoo dolphin show &
My husband at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway

This past weekend my husband and I went on our version of summer vacation. Sadly, it was only a 3 day weekend... but we had a wonderful time!

Here are a few of my tips to having an enjoyable, yet healthy vacation:

Food Tips:
1. Pack food that you normally eat at home. When you're on vacation, you may find that the hotel breakfast bar doesn't have oatmeal or yogurt, bring some along so you don't sabatoge your calorie count.
Example: I packed yogurt, fruit, and carrot sticks.
2. Allow yourself to have more calories than normal, but still count, and make sure you're not eating more than you're burning.
Example: I try to eat 1200-1500 calories a day at home, on vacation, I bumped it to 2000, because that is around how many calories I burn in a day.
3. Try to eat 2 regular meals per day, and have one meal where you are a little indulgent.
Example: If you eat a big hearty pancakes and eggs breakfast, have a salad with dinner when you go out.
4. Alcohol is something that will need to be cut way back, or out, when you're trying to lose weight. I've never been a big drinker, but especially now, I only drink 1 beer or glass of wine, and I nurse it. Tip: Drink your beer with water, if you have 2-3 glasses of water with 1 beer mixed in, it will last longer.
5. Don't get dehydrated!!! You'll think you're hungry when you really just need to drink some water. Always keep a cooler with you stocked with ice or if you have to, bring bottled water (make sure you recycle those bottles!)
6. Don't bring any extra food, and don't bring extra cash! When we were at the race, the couple next to me was very large, and ate the entire race. They constantly were pulling things out of their cooler. JJ and I only packed water and Coke Zero, so we didn't give outselves the opportunity to overeat. Also, at the ballpark, I was watching people walk by with ice cream, but I didn't bring any extra cash so I could not buy an ice cream.


Remember, just because you're on vacation doesn't mean you can eat whatever you want all day long. I had ice cream at the Zoo, but I had a veggie wrap for lunch to even it out. At the race, I had some nachos and a beer, but then for dinner I had a citrus chicken salad.




Fitness Tips:
1. Incorporate fitness into your vacation. Sure, everyone loves to lay on the beach, but lay out for half an hour, then play some sand volleyball or throw a frisbee.
2. Go places that require lots of walking - if you're staying in a city, book a hotel that's not so far from what you want to see that you can't walk. We walked to dinner, the ballpark, and did some sight seeting all without the car!
3. Book a hotel that has a fitness room, and use it! If you normally run in the morning, get up and go run in the morning before the day begins and you get too busy to work out.

C25K Playlist

So basically I love boys with guitars. That's pretty much all I listen to when I run lately. Here's my current playlist...not all current songs, but whatev!

My C25K Boys with Guitars Playlist:

"I'm Yours" Jason Mraz
"I Won't Go Home Without You" Maroon 5
"First Time" Lifehouse
"I'm In Love With the Girl" Gavin DeGraw
"I'd do Anything" Jason Mraz
"Sunday Mornings" Maroon 5
"Everything" Michael Buble'
"You and I Both" Jason Mraz
"Wonderful World" James Morrison
"Hanging by a Moment" Lifehouse

Reader Questions Answered

Today's Question comes from Annie on the nest.com:
I'd like to hear about motivation. How do you do it on days/weeks when you just don't feel like it.

Ahhh, days I don't feel like doing it... Most often it's the weekdays, because on the weekends I work out as soon as I wake up. But coming home after a long day at work and then having to go run/shred/elliptical can be a challenge. There are a few motivators for a few different reasons.

1. I want new clothes so badly, but I won't let myself buy anything until I hit certain sizes. The faster and harder I push to lose the weight, the sooner I get new clothes!

2. It's become a routine, I get home, I work out, so I never plan things for right after work, and if I do, I make sure as soon as I get back from that I work out. I'm a very 'stick to the routine' kind of person, so this really works.

3. My husband gets home before me, gets my water bottle full and sitting out for me and has my shred DVD ready for me at the level I want. We call it getting me 'shready,' yeah, we're cutesy like that. If I don't work out, I tell him to judge me and tell me I'm fat (which he won't, but he does give me motivation)

4. I have many people who know about my situation, and ask me if I did what I said I would do - like the c25k.

5. If you have a workout buddy, you're more likely to stick with the plans, JJ did the first few weeks of C25K with me, he'd be ready to go when I got home, and would make sure I got going.


Overall, when I feel like I just don't want to, I put life into perspective. I don't want to pay taxes, I don't want to go to work, I don't want to pick up Pumpkin's poop in the yard (well, JJ does that one) but I do because I have to. I am taking responsibility and doing what I have to do. In the end, I'm really proud of myself for doing it, and that's a much better feeling than guilt for not doing what I know I should.
If you need a motivator, you just call me, or my husband, he does a good job :)

Ahh, the home stretch just got easier...

Because I got a new job!!! And where you might ask? Well, see if you can figure it out....


Yes! The YMCA! I am elated! It's an accounting job, and one of my fantastic benefits is I get free membership and classes! I was a swimmer in high school, and haven't swam in a long time because I didn't have a pool, so now I'll get to swim and take some deep water aerobics, as well as some yoga and other aerobic classes!
I know not everyone can get a job at their Y, or even afford a membership, but please remember that I lost the bulk of my weight by exercising for free at the bike path and doing the shred, which i got on half.com for $6!
Yay! New job and free workouts!!!

The 250 Calorie Lunch

This is what I eat for lunch every day. Sometimes the veggies change (snap peas, bell peppers, peas, etc.) and the fruit (apple, pear, peach, grapes, banana, mango, etc.) But overall, it's a very filling plate, and only 250 calories! I absolutely love yoplait light yogurt. I should be a spokesperson for them, I eat one every day because I'm not a big milk fan, so it's my main source of calcium. Occasionally I have hummus instead of the light sour cream/ranch dip, but it's a bit more calories/fat, so I will change my dinner accordingly.

C25K Review

C25K Review

The couch to 5k program is one that has been around for a while, and it meant for beginner runners. I think it would be easy to start if you’ve been sedentary, and it’s even easier to start if you’ve been doing some kind of workout (for me it was the elliptical).

I had hit a -50 lb. plateau because I was just ellipticalling and walking, and my body was still being worked hard, but it was the same muscles and cardio routine. After Christmas and New Years, I gained a few pounds back and then re-lost them with the elliptical, but finally it was spring, and I wanted a new workout to help me continue to lose weight. I decided to do the C25K because I was taking on challenges, and running has been a life-long nemesis for me! I absolutely hate running. I feel like I should love it, my dad was a marathoner, and still runs, and my sisters are both avid runners… but it’s just not in my genes!

I can honestly tell you today, that I enjoy running, thanks to this program! It is so incredibly freeing to be able to look out at the horizon and know that you can run that far. It’s so nice to be out on the running trail in the early morning and see deer running by, I absolutely love it. I’ve still not run a 5k race for time, but I have timed myself on the trail.

Tip: Almost every time I run, I bring my ipod. I have a c25k playlist that's full of upbeat, motivational songs. Sometimes on a Saturday morning, I'll go without it because the trail is so quiet and I love nature, but for the most part, I need music to get me going.

So here is my review of the program…

I set up my schedule to run Tuesday and Thursday as soon as I got home from work, and Saturday and Sunday as soon as I wake up (around 7). It can be done on a treadmill, but I prefer to run outside on my bike/walk/run trail. You can either do the program by time or distance, I chose to do time because I’m a slower runner. Since I was running 4x per week, I did the program in 6 weeks.

Weeks 1 and 2 were very easy for me, and I had minimal soreness in my legs.

Week 3 was when it started to get rough and I had a few “I want to quit” moments.

Week 4 was when I really started to feel like a runner, I could do ½ a mile!

Week 5 was what scared me, a 20 minute run with no stopping. Really?! But, I did it!

Week 6 was 25 minutes, and I did it!

Weeks 7 and 8 were a bit easier for me, once I reached 20-25 minutes, I had no problem getting to 30-35.

In the end, my first 3.1 mi. run was 34:30, right now I’ve got it down to 32:00-ish. Working on speed is my current challenge. On my current workout schedule, I run Saturday and Sunday mornings, 3 miles each morning, just trying to get my 3 mile time lower and lower.

On the off days: For the 6 weeks I did the program, on the off days, I did 45 minutes on the elliptical.

I’m going to start the 10k training in September to get myself ready for the 10k my family runs every Thanksgiving.

Overall, I think this program is great. I had great success with it. It pushed me, but was never too much. I felt so proud of myself after I ran my first 5k, it was like nothing else I’ve ever done.

CHECK IT OUT HERE!

Look at your grocery list

I shop for the week to help budget and I hate side trips to the store. It also keeps me from picking up junk food on a side trip. When you write down your grocery list, it should contain tons of fruit and veggies. You also should be staying on the outside perimeter of the market - where the produce, meat counter, and dairy is. Rarely should you be in the aisles with the pre-packaged and prepared food when you want to eat clean and healthy. (Except for maybe pasta/grains and canned/frozen fruit and veggies).
Having a list and sticking with it for the week helps you budget your calories, balance your meals, and if you're like me and you stick with just the list, you won't be adding snacks and junk food to your cart.
(I write out my list so it's in order of the way I travel through the store, produce is first and takes up most of my time/money)

Reader Questions Answered:

Today's questions come from Carrie...


How long did the 75 lb weight loss take you? I began in April 2007, and hit -75 on July 1, so it's taken me 16 months.

I can't remember from your blog - did you follow a weight loss program? or just watched what you ate and exercised? Basically, I have had a lifestyle change completely. I wouldn't consider myself on a diet because what I've done is simply change the way and amounts I eat, but still eat most of the same food that I love. I'm using portion control as well as subbing in lower in calorie foods.
I also have been very dedicated to being active, try to workout in some way every single day.
It may seem like a long time to lose the 75 lbs., but I wanted it to be slow and steady, I didn't want to 'diet,' I wanted a complete lifestyle change.

Can you give me some more info on the journal? The journal I used, I Will Lose Weight This Time, is set up like a reference book with helpful tips, as well as a guide to calories and fat in certain foods, it also has interactive sections where you can record your weight loss goals, it encourages many small goals. It also has a place for you to put your measurements and a picture.
I used the food diary section for the first 3 months of my weight loss process, just so I could get used to counting calories and remembering how many were in each food I ate. It also has little stickers for you to put on the day when you did a good job!
The daily journal has a place for your weight, foods you've eaten, and exercise, so you can keep track of it all.

Find a realistic role model

When I decided that I really was going to lose weight and stick with it, I knew I needed to have a reasonable role model. I wanted someone I could talk to, someone that I could trust and confide in, someone that would cheer me on, but also tell it like it is, and someone who I could physically compare myself to... My big sister!
Kristine is 2 years older than me, and has been a wonderful big sister to me. She's always been physically fit (recently ran a 1/2 marathon!), so she was a great choice in that respect. She also is the same height as me, and we have the same body shape (Zorn hips and thighs...), so we can talk weight, clothes size, etc. She also is very intelligent and understanding, and really encouraging to me. She also has always told me like it is though, without judging me, and isn't that what sisters do??
Of course I've had quite a few inspirational people who I will blog about later, but my role model for sure, is my big sister :)

Just because it's "healthy"...

We all know there are some foods that are good for you, like avocado, walnuts, almonds, and extra virgin olive oil. Even though they pack a healthy punch, they pack a high in fat and caloric punch as well.

It is important to realize that you may have to forego these healthy foods, and find others to replace them if you're trying to lose weight. If you're just maintaing a healthy lifestyle, consume these superfoods in moderation.

When you're in the weight-loss phase, you have to pay special attention to food labeled healthy, because true, they're healthy, but eating a serving of an avocado is how many calories I would spend on lunch! Be creative with finding other options to attain omega 3 and 6!

Avocado

Serving: 1 cup cubed

Calories: 240

Fat: 22 g.

High in Vitamin K, Omega 3 and 6 Fatty Acids (which are critical for heart health)

Substitutes for weight loss: Broccoli, Organic Eggs (some say high in Omega 3's on the label), Soybeans, Spinach and Salmon; all of which are much lower in fat and calories

Walnuts
Serving: 1/4 c.

Calories: 164

Fat: 16 g.

High in Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Substitutes: Same as Avocado

Get Your Sleep, and Stay on Schedule!

Ahhh, my first grown-up bed, what I always dreamed of, a dark wood sleigh bed with my Nautica sheets and comforter... Make your bed a happy place, it will do your body good!

Most people know there's a big correlation between sleep and weight loss/gain. I like schedules, they work for me, they keep me from being stressed. Through college, sleep was so random, all nighters during the week, sleeping all day on the weekends... that led to weight gain! When I was finally into the real world with an 8-5 job, the routine really helped me out. As much as I miss sleeping in, I feel groggy all day when I do. Luckily I have Pumpkin to keep me from sleeping past 7 on the weekends!
I don't know that it matters what your sleep schedule is as long as you're getting your 8 hours, but mine is 10:30pm-6:30am, maybe 11-7 on the weekends!
When you're tired, you're much less likely to work out, according to many studies.
So often I find myself torn between watching a TV show or getting to bed... but now I choose to go to bed. Not only for weight loss, but for overall health, and after all, that's what this is about - a healthy lifestyle for the long run.

The First 50 - Menus!

I will say this until I'm blue in the face - "Healthy Food Does Not Taste Bad!!!"


Cutting down to 1200 calories a day is a challenge, no doubt! I say that's what I ate, but in reality, some days I went over. But for the most part, I stuck with it, and here is how...


I absolutely love to cook. If you haven't noticed, I have a cooking blog as well. That's my real baby, this one is just to keep myself motivated, and for you to hold me accountable to hitting my -100 lb. weight loss goal!
I have always loved to cook, and that has been very beneficial to me in the weight loss process. When I was 12, I decided to become a vegetarian. And while my mother cooked for me most nights, sometimes she just told me to look up vegetarian recipes and make them myself. Thanks goodness for that, because that's when my love of cooking really developed.
If you're not a good cook, or you don't like to, stop and think about why.
Is it because you aren't confident? You're not creative with food? You don't know much about it? Those are all great reasons, but they can be overcome!
You don't have to be creative to be a good cook. Some people follow recipes to a T, and that makes them a great cook. I like to learn about ingredients and then find others that will contrast or compliment, I like to experiment.
If you are truly going to lose weight, it's going to be very hard to do it without spending some time in the kitchen! Restaurants are great, but they find ways to sneak fat and calories in the most seemingly healthy foods. When you cook for yourself, you control it all!


My #1 recommendation - subscribe to Cooking Light.
Every month it's chock full of recipes that vary from quick and simple to a little more intense, but could be used for entertaining or holidays.
Magazines are also great because they're seasonal, so you're able to cook with tons of produce that is in season, which means it's cheaper and fresher.


My tips:
-ALWAYS measure, until you know exactly how much 1 tbsp. is, measure it
I still measure my oatmeal every morning, rice at dinner, etc.
-Pay attention to serving sizes!
-Fat free doesn't mean low-cal, since I don't eat much fat anyway, I count calories!!!


Here is how I spend my 1200 calories on an average day:
Breakfast:
1/2 c. quick cooking oats
Splash of skim milk
1 tbsp. sugar free maple syrup
2 c. of coffee with a splash of fat free/ no sugar added creamer
Total Calories: 200
Lunch:
1 piece of fruit (apple, banana, pear, mango, whatever is in season)
2 servings of veggies (carrot sticks, snap peas, cucumber)
1 tbsp. fat free sour cream mixed with 1 tsp. ranch dip seasoning
1 yoplait light yogurt
Iced tea with a splenda
Total Calories: 250
Dinner:
4 chicken meatballs, 6 oz. of meat
2 servings of asparagus
1 serving of pasta
Total Calories: 700
Dessert:
1 serving of fruit
(2 c. watermelon, 1/2 c. sliced strawberries, 1/2 c. frozen raspberries)
Total Calories: 50


Dinner is done a little differently, I change it up every night, obviously, but I stick with a certain plan, which is 1 protein, 1 starch, and 2-3 veggies. Of course there are add-ins, like cheese, sour cream, sauces, condiments, etc., but make sure you account for those calories, as well!
Most important - eat your veggies, and make sure your protein is lean! Also, whole grain starches are best!
You can find many different dinner ideas in my blog, but here is one pictured above



Now I'm sure I break some sort of diet rule by eating the bulk of my calories at dinner, but this is what works for me. If you're super hungry at lunch time, you can move the calories around, but I need a big meal when I get home from work. I also choose to exercise at night (around 8pm) that way I don't feel like the food is sitting in my stomach when I go to sleep.

The First 50 - Workouts

Work-Outs for the first 50 lbs....

As I said, I bought an elliptical from Dick's because having it at home meant no lines at the Y, not having to drive there, being able to listen to my music and watch TV while working out, and having NO EXCUSES!
I've always been a big fan of the elliptical because it's low impact, harder than walking, but not as bad as running. My biggest challenge is keeping myself at a steady, quick pace.
I have a horizon elliptical, not sure about the model #, but I'll check it when I go home today.
In addition to ellipticalling, I walked my dog, Pumpkin, daily.
Occasionally on the weekends my then fiance' and I would ride bikes or play tennis, so here is a sample schedule of my workouts.
For the last few months closest to the wedding, I added some arm strength training because I wore a strapless dress, I'll post that separately.


April 1 - November 20th, 2007
Monday - Friday:
-Walk Pumpkin 1 mile when I got home from work/school
-Elliptical 45 minutes
Saturday and Sunday:
-Walk Pumpkin 2 miles
-Elliptical 60 minutes
(or sometimes 2x daily for 45 min. each when I was feeling extra motivated)
-30-60 minutes of another form of exercise, for example playing tennis, biking 5 miles, or hitting a bucket of golf balls


Of course I'd have to take days off every now and then because of travel or vacation, but I pretty much worked out 7 days per week!

My walking buddy, Pumpkin Spice!

The First 50

First things first...
I'm a very one thing at a time, organized, choronological person, so already my blog is stressing me out! (I'm an accountant, did I mention that?)
I did my shred post because I constantly have people asking me to tell them about it, and I'm tired of typing the same thing a million times!
So anyway...


Why did I decide to completely change my life, you might ask?
I got engaged!

(My initial dress fitting)

Losing weight and gaining it back, struggling to live a healthy lifestyle has been a lifelong battle for me. I would do a good job, lose 20 pounds, feel good, then I'd hit a speed bump and stop. It's happened probably 10 times to me. I've never been a fad dieter or fitness junkie, or a long term commitment type girl...
So after I got engaged in May of 2006, I knew I wanted to lose 50 pounds for the wedding. It wasn't until March of 2007 that I realized, hey, we're only 9 months away and I haven't lost a pound yet, LETS GO!
So one night, at my highest weight to date, I cried to my wonderful husband and told him it was the time to change. We went to Barnes and Noble and I bought a weight loss book/journal called "I Will Lose Weight This Time."
It had places to put in a picture of yourself, take measurements, weight, BMI, etc. It also had you write down every bit of food you consumed. Writing down what you eat is HARD and time comsuming, but it WORKS!!!
I also bought an elliptical from Dicks so I could workout at home. I dipped into my wedding savings, $500, and it was well worth it. I had no excuses to not work out anymore! And let me tell you, carrying that elliptical up 2 flights of stairs into my apartment was workout #1 for sure!
I also cut my calories to 1200. This was difficult for me because though I don't eat unhealthy food, I can eat like a horse. No joke. I'm never full. So, I had to find lower in calorie foods that I could eat more of.
So, did I do it? Well, I came up a bit short, on my wedding day I had lost 47 lbs. But, my dress was far too big so I tell myself had I lost the last 3, it might have fallen down.

(My wedding day, down 47 lbs.)

Coming soon - my exact workouts to lose 50 pounds, plus meal plans!

30 Day Shred Review

Ahh, the 30 Day Shred! Lately it's been a hot topic. The reason? It kicks your butt, and really works!
The premise of the shred is this, the DVD is divided into 3 levels of workouts. Each workout is about 20 minutes, and is 3, 6 minute cycles. Each cycle contains 3 minutes of strength, 2 minutes of cardio, and 1 minute of ab work.


For example, in workout 1:
3 minutes of strength - Pushups alternating with Squats and Arm Presses
2 minutes of cardio - Jumping Jacks and Butt Kicks
1 minute of abs - Crunches and Reverse Crunches

Jillian leads you to believe that she expects you to shred daily if you want the best results, so that is what I did. For the month of June, I did 10 days at each level. For the first week, I was so incredibly sore! Now keep in mind, I also run 2x per week and elliptical, so my muscles hadn't been dormant. If you're going from not working out at all to the 30 Day Shred, expect to be SORE!
I didn't want to quit though, and I didn't want to take any days off, I was committed, so I carried on and pushed through the pain. I made sure I stretched extra and took walks with Pumpkin (my dog), but it doesn't matter, you'll still be sore.
My advice: Work through it. It won't go away, if you take off a few days, you'll still be sore, so just keep going!

At the end of workout 1, I felt like ok, it's still a hard workout, but I can take more pain, so on June 10, I started workout 2. It is so much harder than workout 1! This time though, I wasn't sore, so that was a plus! Then on June 20, workout 3. I think it was much easier to go from 2 to 3 than from 1 to 2, but it's probably different for everyone.

So the results? I lost 7 pounds, however I'm sure I converted some more fat to muscle because I dropped a whole pants size and that usually takes me about 15 pounds.
I absolutely love this workout system because:
1. Jillian is SO motivational
2. It's very quick
3. You see results right away
4. You feel so much stronger
5. It's simple - no crazy steps to learn, it's all basic fitness moves and all you need are hand weights, I use 5 lbs.

I am currently integrating the shred daily with my other workouts, which I'll blog about later, but my current rotation is
M, TR, F - Level 3
T, W - Level 1
Sa & Su - Level 2

Welcome!

Welcome to my new fitness blog!
I decided to make this blog for so many reasons, but mainly to be a resource to other people who are trying to lose weight, eat better, live better, and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
I am currently near the end of my weight loss journey, but I will forever struggle to maintain a healthy lifestyle, I'm sure! It's not easy, but it feel so good when at the end of the day, you know you're doing the best you can!


There are many posts to come that will talk about and give my opinions on:
The 30 Day Shred
Couch to 5K
Hal Higdon's 10K Training Program
Eating Clean
Eating Organic
Eating Superfoods
Mixing in and the benefits of Vegetarian Eating
Ellipticalling
Weight Loss
Menus and Meal Plans
...and many more...