Full March Progress

Sorry I've been a bit MIA with the updates, this month hasn't been extremely impressive as far as changes in my weight. I'm okay with that, as I've been focused on improving in other ways. I finally saw a drop in weight as the week progressed. I find that I tend to lose more weight later in the week, I'm not entirely sure why. Now that I'm incorporating running into my exercise routine 5 times a week, I find I'm more focused on cross training as well. I do more to strengthen my muscles overall, but I still enjoy the workout I get on my recumbent bike.
I can feel how my body is changing as well. My calves and quads are much more pronounced and strong. My arms have some definition now as well. I can also feel my core strengthening and can feel muscles when I flex.
Here are my measurements for the month:

Right Arm: 14 (1 inch lost)
Left Arm: 14 (1 inch lost)
Right Leg: 24.5 (1.5 inches lost)
Left Leg: 25 (1 inch lost)
Right Calf: 15.5
Left Calf: 15.5
Natural waist: 31.5 (1 inch lost)
Waist at belly button: 35 (1 inch lost)
Hips: 43 (1 inch lost)
Bust: 38.5 (1.5 inches lost)

Left: Feb 28//Right: April 1

Left: Jan 4//Right: April 1

Starting weight: 197.6//Current weight: 170.6//Loss since Jan. 4: 27 pounds//Overall: 69.4 pounds

A Major Milestone

This week has been a little bit weird psychologically. I'm at the point in my journey where this time last year I was the same weight and it is where I plateaued. I wasn't trying very hard to continue losing weight, but I was logging my foods in MyFitnessPal and exercising. I was happy with the fact that I was over 10 pounds below my pre-pregnancy weight by the time Everett was 6 months old. I was fine just where I was and figured I would continue to lose weight. I quickly learned that my body doesn't work that way, which I should have known.
I quickly gained back the weight and here I am today back on the same journey as a year ago. This time around is different in many ways, which I'm sure you know if you follow this blog at all.
I have a much larger goal in mind and a ways to go before I reach it. This isn't a stopping point, this is just one battle won in a larger war. I'm proud that I've pushed past the lowest weight I had been in over a year. I'm now at the lowest weight I have been in over two years. The most comforting thing is that I haven't made some huge change to continue losing weight. I have just been sticking to my routine, eating good foods and exercising regularly. For me, this is a great motivation. There's no huge secret. Find what works for you and stick to it!
It isn't just seeing that number on the scale, because that number only tells you so much, it is the fact that my clothes fit better. That I'm able to wear things I haven't in ages because they are finally comfortable. It is wanting to take pictures with my son and husband because I don't feel so self-conscious of how fat my face looks.
It's feeling strong and healthy and craving good foods and not being hungry because I'm fueling my body and feeling happy!
I hope to continue this trend and continue to pass milestones that allow me to feel motivated and happy with the progress I'm making. Thank you to everyone who continues to cheer me on and comment on how well I'm doing. This blog has been a great way to hold myself accountable and I love being able to candidly share my journey with all of you.
Have a great weekend!

Motivation and March Update 1

This week has been a difficult one as far as staying motivated. The main reason being that our A/C wasn't working until this morning. The other being that I felt stuck in my routine. I knew I needed to do something to switch things up so that I would stay on track.
One big help is my wonderful husband who keeps me going and another has been just doing it. Sometimes I slog through the first few minutes of my workout, but I always feel better after I do. Since I've kept to my routine, it has been easier to continue on. I watch an interesting show, put on some new upbeat music, find some new moves to work into my bodyweight routine, basically anything to mix it up. Everett and I have been going outside to the park or walking trails almost everyday now that the weather has warmed up and I love it. He is a big fan of the outdoors as well, which makes it fun for the both of us.

So the past few weeks I went from 177.6 to 173.8, almost 4 pounds down. I'm now at the lowest weight since I had Everett and I was around this weight a year ago almost exactly. I still have about 39 pounds to lose, but I am feeling so much stronger and better overall than I have in a while. I'm proud of what I've accomplished and it makes me motivated to continue to make changes and try new things constantly.

I hope you all have a fabulous Monday! Get out there and move!

Product spotlight: Ginny Bakes

The more that I've committed myself to health and fitness, the more I've discovered the variety of foods available. Instagram has made me more aware to these companies and foods than ever before and I am excited to be able to try as many as possible. 

Because these products are not always available where I normally shop, I have made a few trips to Whole Foods and have purchased some online when I find a good deal to give them a try. 

I am in no way saying that you have to spend more money to eat healthfully, but I am interested in trying a variety of brands and products as a way to keep healthy eating varied and exciting. 

One such company is Ginny Bakes. I did order these products online because, as a new member to their email list, I received $5 off my order of $25 or more. I did the math and it ended up being the most economical choice and was the best price per package versus regular store retail. 
They are stocked in my local Earth Fare, but when I called to check and see if they were available, as the Ginny Bakes website suggests, they were not in stock. 

Within my order, I did not purchase every single type of product they offer since I was most interested in their cookies. Ginny Bakes cookies are organic, gluten-free, non-GMO certified, vegan, kosher, hand-made, and absolutely delicious. Ginny Bakes is also a family company that partners with suppliers that are committed to being good stewards over the planet.  Another aspect that appealed to me is that the regular cookies are only 50 calories per cookie, so I feel like I can indulge without undoing my day. 

While I do not employ a gluten-free diet, my mother does due to a gluten intolerance. This makes me extra happy when I can find a product I love that she can enjoy as well. 

Onto the actual products. I purchased the Blissed Out Bundle which includes chocolate chip love, chocolate chip oatmeal bliss, double chocolate happiness and chocolate macadamia love. I also purchased one box of GB minis in Butter Crisp Love. Each packet is 120 calories of mini goodness. 

These cookies are CRUNCHY! I am all for a soft cookie, but I love a good, crunchy cookie as well. The flavor is rich and the individual flavors shine through. The classic chocolate chip cookie isn't packed with chips, but not lacking in chocolate by any means. I am a person who likes to enjoy the actual taste of the cookie, paired with the chocolate chips throughout. The macadamia chocolate chip cookies are perfectly nutty and equally delicious. I enjoyed the butter crisp minis paired with some almond butter, which took them to the next level. The oatmeal chocolate chip cookies make me feel like I'm getting an indulgent dessert, but the oats make it feel extra healthy. The double chocolate happiness is just that. Perfect cocoa taste with chocolate chips mixed in. 
Everett tries to steal bites and David absolutely loves these cookies as well, so I know I'm not biased.

I absolutely loved every single flavor I tried and am excited to be able to try more flavors as well as the other products they offer like their baking mixes, bars, crumbles and the list goes on. 
Like I mentioned above, if you sign-up for their email list, you will be able to get a discount on your order and if you purchase a bundle, you receive free shipping! 

*This post is in no way sponsored by Ginny Bakes. I just love their products and wanted to share the happiness with all of you!*

Non-scale victories pt. 1

Happy Friday!

I think a large part of any fitness journey is taking time to appreciate the little victories that don't include the number on the scale. This is vital especially because the number on the scale is just a number. It doesn't tell you what you are worth.

1. Being able to wear my wedding rings again!
2. Officially retiring my size 14 jeans
3. Wearing a medium shirt and having it fit well rather than feel tight.
4. Choosing to park further away because I know I won't get winded from the walk.
5. Upping the resistance on my recumbent bike because the lower setting was too easy.

I'm hoping to keep this series going over the course of my journey. I am amazed by how great I feel and how the choices I'm making are having serious impact.

Thank you all for following along with me and have a great weekend!

Full February Progress

I cannot believe that another month has come and gone. Time is flying by in so many ways and I can hardly keep up.
I'm still going strong with all of my goals and have found that consistency is key more than anything else. This month I lost 8.6 pounds, keeping me ahead of my targeted weight loss. I am still so shocked by how great I feel and how much easier it is to go about my day. I am still working to kick the caffeine habit, but I haven't had any soda in two months.
This month I've decided to add the goal to be up by 6:30 am each week day so I can get ready for my morning before Everett gets up. I feel like this will help me get a jump start on things.
I am so excited to be sharing my journey with all of you and can't wait for what comes this next month!

Right Arm:15
Left Arm: 15
Right Leg: 26 (.5 inch lost)
Left Leg: 26 (.5 inch lost)
Right Calf: 15.5 (.5 inch gained)
Left Calf: 15.5 (.5 inch gained)
Natural waist: 32.5 (1 inch lost)
Waist at belly button: 36 (3 inches lost)
Hips: 44 (1 inch lost)
Bust: 40

I didn't see quite the same results in loss as last month, but I feel like I am losing more weight in the areas that I tend to hold onto it, mainly my midsection. My progression photos have helped me to see how my body is changing so I take that into account as well.

Left: Jan 4//Right: Mar 1

Left: Feb 2//Right: Mar 1

Starting weight: 197.6//Current weight: 177.6//Loss since Jan. 4: 20 pounds//Overall: 62.4 pounds

Get Up and Dance Playlist

Here is a sweet playlist for your Friday! This is the best way to lift your mood and burn some calories. I use this playlist when Everett starts to get cranky in the afternoon or when I just need a pick me up.
Add in some pushups or jumping jacks if you want, but it's just as good to jump around for 30 minutes.
Enjoy and have a great weekend!

February Progress Week 3

This week was good. I feel like I'm finally in a really good routine. Everett is transitioning to one nap a day, so I did have to adjust to that, but overall I feel like I'm getting into the groove of things.
I ran my first mile. You can read more about that here.

I have been very grateful to see great progress so quickly. I know that won't always be the case, but I'm glad to have had a great jumping off point. It isn't only about the weight loss for me, but that is a nice bonus. I love how great I feel. I love trying delicious new foods and being creative with what I make. I love being able to devote my time to feed my body correctly and by being active and getting strong.

I am having logistical issues with figuring out when and where to run that will fit into my day. I'm leaning towards running at a gym early morning or in the evening, with the option of running during the day since the gym will have child watch. Everett doesn't do well in those kind of situations so I don't really want to torture him by doing that.

The upside to that would be that I have access to the weight lifting equipment and classes at the gym as well. That is a huge bonus for me.

Please subscribe to my blog if you have a minute and let me know in the comments what kinds of things you would like to see talked about here!

Starting weight: 197.6//Current weight: 180.2//Loss since Jan. 4: 17.4 pounds//Overall: 59.8 pounds

My First Mile

Well...not really, but the first mile I've run in years.

One of my most vivid memories is around the time I was 10 years old. Part of gym class was to run a mile around our outdoor track. I did have asthma so I was cautious, but tried to run. I started by running and slowed down occasionally, then had some friends who said we should just walk the rest of the way. It took over 25 minutes for us to complete the mile. The gym period was over and the teacher had to come and get us. I remember him giving us our time on a slip of paper and I just felt awful. So awful that I had failed so badly. It didn't effect me that much at that age, but it has stuck with me. I wanted to be more than that failed mile.

I always said that I just wasn't a runner. That I couldn't do it and it wasn't for me, but I decided not to make excuses anymore. David and I decided to run a Ragnar Relay together. The Ragnar is in September, which means I have 7 months to "train" for the run. I don't have to do any specific training until 12 weeks before, so I do have a few months to just get used to running, which I'm grateful for considering I'm a novice.

So tonight, I ran my first mile. It was difficult. It took me almost 16 minutes to complete, but I did it. It was mostly fast walking mixed with sprints. But I did it. I had a stitch in my side for half the run, but I did it. That matters more to me than anything else.

If anyone has any tips to stay motivated or just for starting running in general, let me know!

My Current Fitness Routine

I'll start off by saying that fitness doesn't need to be going to the gym or doing anything specific. JUST MOVE YOUR BODY! Many people, myself included, get discouraged because they don't know where to start.
My favorite way to get active is getting outside with my family. It can be difficult especially since it is colder right now, but bundle up and get moving!
My current routine works mainly because my toddler still naps twice a day for 1.5-2 hours. Do what works for you and your routine.
Currently I'm using this bike which I received as a Birthday gift from my wonderful husband. I bike for 30 mins to an hour a day. I also do weighted arm workouts while I'm biking along with a different body weight workout for each day.
I also use my FitBit to help track my steps and activity. I aim for 7,500 steps a day, which can sometimes be a challenge since I stay at home, but I do like a challenge.
Please add me on MyFitnessPal and FitBit if you have them so we can motivate each other.

Here's a breakdown of my daily bodyweight exercises. I try to do these daily, but I'm focused on always completing my biking first.

Monday:                                                     Tuesday:

20 jumping jacks                                         40 jumping jacks
1:00 hamstring stretch                                 15 lying toe touches
:30 high knees                                              10 roll ups
20 jumping jacks                                          3 lying leg lifts
10 squats                                                       40 bicycle crunches
10 side lunges-each side                               20 flutter kicks
5 calf raises                                                   10 seated knee tucks
20 lunges                                                       5 extra slow roll ups
10 one leg calf raises-each leg                      3 lying leg raises
10 squats                                                       10 reverse crunches
25 inner thigh leg lifts-each leg                    10 lunge twists
10 side lunges-each side                               30 jumping jacks
5 jump squats                                                Plank for as long as possible
1:30 hamstring stretch
:45 calf stretch-each leg
3:00 pike stretch

Wednesday:                                                Thursday:

40 jumping jacks                                          20 jumping jacks
:30 jump rope                                               10 wrist circles
:20 high knees                                              20 arm swings
:20 butt kicks                                                10 kneeling push ups
30 mountain climbers                                   10 tricep dips                                
5 jump squats                                                10 weighted arm circles
:30 jump rope                                                10 tricep dips
25 jumping jacks                                           20 incline push ups
20 pivot upper cuts                                        1 full bridge
:30 march in place                                          5 tricep push ups
35 jumping jacks                                            20 arm swings
:40 jump rope                                                 10 kneeling push ups
5 jump squats
:30 high knees

Friday:                                                          Saturday: 

:30 plank                                                        30 jumping jacks
:20 side plank-each side                                 5 burpees
30 oblique crunches                                       2 star jumps
20 scissor kicks                                              40 Russian twists
20 mountain climbers                                     10 oblique crunches-each side
5 V sit ups                                                       :30 side plank-each side
:30 plank                                                         :40 plank
10 vertical leg crunches                                  20 bicycles
10 Russian twists                                             30 jumping jacks
15 mountain climbers                                      3 burpees
10 scissor kicks                                                20 mountain climbers
:30 plank                                                          10 side leg lifts-each leg
                                                                         30 Russian twists
                                                                         :30 side plank-each side
                                                                         10 oblique crunches-each side
                                                                          5 burpees

So there it is! The full routine. Again all of this can be tailored to fit your fitness level and lifestyle.
What is your favorite way to get active? Let me know in the comments.