befores and afters

I've been feeling a bit down lately because my weigh-in is coming up and I'm not feeling too confident about it. When I originally signed up with a personal trainer, I expected to shed a large amount of weight come December. My first goal is to get down to my high school weight which I was a size 14. I started off as an 18/20. I have been able to fit into smaller clothes, but I didn't feel like I had really seen a major difference. Yes, my body feels different. I feel cleaner and in a much better mood than I've ever been. I almost feel as though I'm much more positive than ever. But I don't think I'm quite a 14 yet :(

Well I came across several older albums on my computer that I was curious to go into. Here's a few pix from them:





I almost wanted to cry. It's amazing how your surroundings and your mind set can hold you back from being the person that you truly are. I always told myself that as long as I dressed neatly that that would be enough for me to feel attractive. But I literally let myself go. I use to hang out with people that would roll out for Mexican food at midnight. All we would do it eat. Not once did any of those friends say " hey, lets go for a bike ride and start eating lighter." I remember HATING going shopping because nothing ever fit and it was extremely depressing. I could never find any cute clothes and was limited to Torrid and Ashley Stewart. Never really expressing myself the way that I wanted too.

Now things are changing. I am cutting back on so much so that I can get closer to my goal. Yes, it is taking me longer than others. But I will progressively get there. I am enjoying going out and dressing up. Actually being able to fit into a decent dress is soo awesome! I feel so much more outgoing and I actually enjoy working out. I can see a difference in my pictures how my face is getting slimmer (YEA!) and my body getting leaner. I'll be right where I want to be in no time:)






Needless to say those "friends" are no longer in my life. Just a few simple changes to help me get to my goals faster. Now I am enjoying taking pictures.. especially full length ones.

Better late than never...

My 4 month weigh-in is approaching and I am reflecting on my efforts. Was there something I could have done differently? Could I have done better? ...

I have to say that I have never felt more committed to weight loss as I do now because I have seen results. I can fit into a stretchy Large and my XL shirts are baggy. Undies don't feel as snug as they use to.. and I actually enjoy looking in the mirror. I am excited to go to the mall and get to a point where I can fit clothes in any given store. I'm not quite there yet but I am feeling pretty close. Physically, I feel so much better than ever. I am eating a more veggie and grain enriched diet and I feel fantastic! I think there is still so much that I need to learn in order to get to my ultimate goal. There are so many ladies that I epitomize whom all have curves but still have a healthy shape..That's what I am striving for. I just need to keep my goals in mind at all time as I transition back to the "real" me. Happy, confident, and positive. It's been a LONG time since I have been myself and it is unfortunate that it has taken me this long to get here. But I am tired of using phrases such as " fell off the band wagon." Weight loss will always be a struggle for me... but if I have to resist the things I once enjoyed for a small moment for a life of true enjoyment.. than it's worth it.

Check out my stats from September...

Skinny Bitch

Maybe it takes a true ass-kicking to get it... In order for me to lose weight I need to get up and shape up. Stop eating ridiculous foods and start living (truly living) healthy.

I am reading a fantastic book called Skinny Bitch where a dynamic duo give tough love advice and how to get thin. I have to say that I think that this was the last piece to my weight loss journey.. finally.. I have the mentality to start eating right. I definitely would recommend someone who struggles with gaining the proper perception in order to lose weight. Maybe I needed a kick in my butt... lol Love it!!

12 BEST POWER FOODS FOR WOMEN

I'm back and I have loads to say:) My recent struggle is still having an appetite for what is right instead of opting for what use to be my favorite foods (i.e. cheeseburgers, fries, chili dogs). I recently came across an AWESOME article in Shape.com that I had to share which has helped me stay focused. I love Shape.com because there is such a wealth of knowledge on the site that cater specifically to women. Check it out:

12 BEST POWER FOODS FOR WOMEN

So with my "new wealth of knowledge"I have been making sure to incorporate something from the list in every meal. I have been favoring red bell peppers lately. I simply chop a whole one and stir-fry that delicious sucker! That with brown rice and grilled chicken and I am good to go! It has literally became my go-to meal when I haven't got much creativity at that time. Hope you enjoy this article as much as I did:)

Weigh-in was a SUCCESS!!!

Let's get down to the nitty gritty. My stats:



July Breakdown

Starting Weight: 234 lbs

Body Fat Lost: 17.656 lbs

Inches lost: 9.25

Ending Weight: 225 lbs



I've said in my first post that my first goal is to get down to my high school weight. I weighed about 180 lbs and was active in soccer and just simply moved around more. Thanks to my trainer I am becoming much more stronger! Now it's time to take it up a notch. I will meet with my trainer for my usual 4x a week but will also add in an hour of cardio everyday. This means that I HAVE to create a schedule and I MUST stick to it. I need to create a bedtime that allows me to get my 8 hours of sleep. I will need to wake up earlier so that I have time to go to the gym here at my apartment community. Now that I know that I can commit to something that will have results I am mentally prepped for amping up for 110%!!



The greatest part of my weigh-in date I found out my results that day before my cousin's engagement party! The idea that I actually reached a positive point in my weight loss gave me so much confidence at the party. It truly was a fantastic event! I had the matrix backbend going on the whole time trying to squeeze people into pictures lol!! The abdominals were definately utilized. I can't wait to continue this journer and gain the results that I've wanted. Good luck to all those who are prepping for another week of committing to yourself!

If you eat everyday, you should workout everyday!

My commitment level is at a 90% at the moment. I push myself to meet with my trainer on an average of 4-5 times a week between Mon-Fri. On the weekends I usually will do a short 30 min workout in my apartment communities gym or I'll do a workout DVD. Recently I invested in several super awesome ones that really get my heart racing!! When I am having a "moment" and literally have to push myself to get motivated, I pop in a DVD from my collection. Check them out:

All videos can be found on Amazon.com at reasonable rates. It helps to have exercise activities at reach at all times as we all know how difficult it is to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

What are some of your favorite workout DVDs?? Would love to hear some other suggestions to continue my quest for a smaller butt!! Good luck peeps:)

Vibram 5 fingers

The great thing about working out and gaining new insight is that you attract "like" minded people. A member of my exercise class had a pair of Vibram 5 fingers and I was so intrigued that I had to get more information. I had seen several people in San Francisco with these "funny-looking" shoes and truly that they were socks. After getting more details I figured that I would check them out online. I originally owned a pair of Nike shocks and had such a problem by the end of my workout with my feet. They literally felt fuzzy or just simply hurt! My feet felt heavy and made it so difficult to do simple exercises like mountain climbers because my shoes would fall off. After a few weeks of proper budgeting I decided to treat myself to these "odd" shoes. And wallah!

The support factor is so much different than a pair of tennis shoes. But my favorite part is that they are so lightweight I don't feel distracted with my running. I ordered them online and have really been pleased so far.

It is so important to budget for the proper gear. Keep your workout wardrobe simple but get the essentials. I recently invested in a Heart Rate Monitor and I swear it has helped me become much more conscious of my calories. To see how many you have burned in a day really makes you think twice about putting the snickers bar in your mouth.

Good luck!!!

Weigh-in is approaching!!!

So many things to cover in such limited expressions:D First off.. I created an awesome recipe of veggie garden pasta that allowed me to express a creative palette. Check out this recipe for a quick and easy dinner that yields 4 servings:

Half a box/bag of whole wheat penne pasta

1 cup of halved grape tomatoes

2 large handfuls of fresh spinach

1 half of yellow bell pepper (seeded and diced)

1 cup of chopped fresh mushrooms

1 small yellow onion

1/4 tsp. of kosher salt

1 tbs. of olive oil

2 cubes of garlic ( Dorot brand)

desired amount of pepper

desired amount of red chili flakes (I use 1 tbs.)

3 dashes of oregano

The spiciness of the chili flakes and onion really adds flavor without my desire to add salt. The garlic really brings it all together. Boil your water for your noodles and of course you can choose any other whole wheat pasta aside from penne. I just had it in my pantry. While the noodles are cooking, coat your pan that you will saute' your veggies in with the olive oil. Start with the bell peppers so that they have enough time to soften. After about 5 min than go ahead and add everything else. The garlic I use is already mushed and you can find it at any grocery store.

Make sure not to overcook your veggies so that they don't loose their vitamins. Your cooking pan with be super colorful:Yum!!! Nutritional facts for all my fellow calorie counters are estimated to be the following :

Fat: 11.0 G
Carbohydrates: 44.1 G
Calories: 318.9
Protein: 14.4 G

I think it should average out a little less so don't hold me to it:) I "borrowed" the recipe from sparkpeople.com and the original recipe had cheese and less veggies.. no bueno.. Let me know what you think!!

My first weigh-in date is Jule 30th and I have to see success in the numbers!!!

I went to restaurant to enjoy a meal with old and current co-workers this evening and did really well! I was super nervous as I am learning the proper ways to give your body the most nutritious meal as possible. My team of trainers at Aloha fitness suggested that I order a to go box with my meal and have them bring it once its delivered. Split my meal into the proper portions by putting the excess in the to-go box. Fantastic idea and it totally helped! I ate grilled salmon with grilled veggies, veggie soup and mac and cheese. I can't believe I use to eat ALL of that as a regular meal. Yea me!

Another day and another meal. I love how Jen from Priorfatgirl.com created the saying "One bite at a time, One decision at a time.." It really is that simple. Good luck peeps!

Snack Attack

I am having a super difficult time with the whole "food log" thing...and calorie counting. But I am keeping track and making mental notes of what I munch on :D I do so well up until around 3:30-5:30 when I have crazy snack attacks for anything I can get my hands on. The problem is I work in an office environment and my manager always brings in the WORST things someone in my position can eat. Cookies galore.. chips..soda..etc... I try my best to avoid this god forsaken area.


On top of that there is constant cake, pies, and running through the office as a reward for all of our hard work!! Literally I have been offered a slice of this, that, or the other every day. It's such a challenge. We get lunch on the house at least 2X a week which usually includes pepperoni pizza. Fortunately, after all of my whining and complaining about how there is "Too much food in this damn office" (verbatim:) my direct manager brings me trail mix!

And after expressing my need to avoid all of the delicious sweets that have brought me to where I am now, my manager no longer offers me sweets and goodies. What a great boss! It's nice to know that everyone respects my health journey and actually supports it.

Spread the word to your family and friends and ask that they be conscious of the items they bring around you as you are working to have self-control. Kudos to those who have a stronger will-power!

Danielle

It's Time!

My story

I've always been a "BIG" girl since I was in high school. I weighed close to 180 lbs and felt comfortable in my skin. I went through several traumatic experiences by the time I got out of high school up until the age of 22-23. With all the stress of becoming an adult and becoming depressed, I weighed an official 243 lbs.

What sparked the change

#1. I always have wanted to have longevity in my life. I want to be healthy and live a long time and enjoy what God has in store for me. But it was super hard for me to make that commitment and stick to it.

#2. I have hid from people taking pictures and just feel so grossed out with how fat my face looks. I haven't enjoyed going out and truly have become an introvert. I want to be able to enjoy going out and meeting new people and truly enjoy the way I look.

#3. I also feel that my weight has held me back from my career. I work in property management and have done so for almost 4 years. I feel that my appearance has truly held me back from getting promoted and gaining more income.

#4. Lastly, my cousin is engaged and has asked me to be her bridesmaid (which I am super excited about.) And the pictures that are going to be taken will be in our family's memories FOREVER! I have got to get it together!

What are some of your reasons of motivation??

My first goal is to get down to my high school weight and than truly push myself to get down to the healthiest weight my body allows.

Where I'm at

Currently, I weighed 227lbs as of June 30th. I have started working with a personal trainer 4 days out the week. We focus on strength and resistance training for 60 min each session. I never though I would be able to do a "real" push-up but I do 15 of them now..with dumbbells! It's amazing how your body can change in just a matter of weeks with pure commitment and devotion to health. I have also been mixing in Bikram Yoga, which I am plan to write more about in a future post. You aren't a true YOGI until you can commit to Bikram! I burn calories just sitting in the 100 degree room.

My first weigh in is July 30th and I am excited to push thru and give my workouts my all. Join me in my journey to discover the skinny girl inside of a plus size body!