Jacked UP

I'm jacked up sideways (as my friend Chelsa Christensen would say) and I haven't even consumed caffeine today. I'm seriously so excited about moving, and doing, and the success we've already seen. So we're not wildly rich, swimming through piles of gold coins (think Scrooge McDuck) but guys, in my own small way I am taking life into my own hands. Living intentionally, taking control. It's totally a thing, and I'm doing it.

On Wednesday I complete my 24 Day Challenge. I cheated and checked the scale this weekend. I'm down 10 lbs and shattered my 6 1/2 month weight plateau (< that's a really hard word to spell). That felt in. credible. Not joking, nothing I did moved the scale. Eat like garbage for weeks? Same number on the scale. Clean eating and more active? SAME. NUMBER. The weight alone is incredible, but I can't wait to take measurements and my after pictures. It's only been 21 days, but this system works and it's completely changed my life. 

21 days into the challenge. Someday, this will be my "before" picture

It sounds cheesy and I probably was rolling my eyes as I wrote that last sentence, but here's an attempt at making it sound a little bit more sincere... 

I've been feeding an unhealthy relationship with my body for way too long. I've been letting life happen for too many years. In 21 days I have experienced structure, success, hope, and a real difference mentally, emotionally and physically. 

I've Got Structure

The 24 Day Challenge speaks soft sultry words of romance right to the heart of my type-A personality. It is structured so you have to lay in bed in a coma to fail. (My apologies to those who have been or are currently in a coma, I don't mean to offend) 

Success Gives Me Hope

Seeing noticeable improvement gets me so motivated! Our bodies will react to science. You put good into your body, your body will change for the better. Fuel with the right supplementation and your body will get stronger. Being scientific has proved successful and my body is showing me the difference. 

Emotional and Mental Improvement

Before I started the 24 Day Challenge I had just gone through a week of withdrawal from medication for postpartum depression. Essentially, quitting depression medication cold turkey (not recommended, BTW. Like seriously, don't ever do it). I was feeling pretty good as my bottle ran low, and then between figuring out I was having withdrawals (because, why is there so much dizziness that it's suddenly unsafe to drive and I now have all the fevers, and was I even this nauseous pregnant?!), arranging a refill and actually picking up the medicine, time kind of got away from me. Once I got my hands on the refill, the withdrawal symptoms had lessened, and I was feeling about 20% better than before I had started the medication in the first place. There were still noticeable lows, but I was terrified to stay medicated or to experience withdrawals ever again.

I am by no means a medical professional, but I wanted to see if I could affect my emotional health with the supplements and meal guide the 24 Day Challenge provided. Tah-freakin'-Dah. My mind is healthier, my relationship with my body is healthier, my motivation is on point. I've got goals people. Watch out. 

Physical Changes

*Stay tuned* Let's just say, I'm amazed by what I'm seeing so far.

It's not easy, but it's completely, 100% possible. It takes dedication and hard work, but for me it has absolutely made all the difference. 

24 Day Challenge: Week Two, Check.

You guys. The inches! Woah. They're falling off and it's crazy. I told JR on day four; "I think I am getting my body back!" I haven't seen it in a good solid year (or maybe 10). The melting inches are yes, very good. But even better is that I'm feeling great! I am full of energy and purpose, not to mention there is an insane amount of structure going on in ma'life right now. This girl can't help but thrive midst some good solid structure. And seriously, the sleep is unreal. You're welcome, body. I also consider it a personal victory that Husband has mentioned we are eating yummy food. Ha! Fist punch.

This year I am trying to live more intentionally. I want to make choices and decisions for progress instead of just letting life happen. Does that even make sense? I got to thinking that really, I will manage to stay alive for most of what life can throw at me (excluding those things that actually do kill you, not make you stronger). But a lived life, for me, is one that is more intentional. Not going through the motions of living, or letting life just happen, but taking control of how I live. Being proactive to change the circumstances that I'm not satisfied with. Molding and shaping my life to be more of what I want it to be instead of what it ultimately ends up being by not taking action, just letting things happen. It's a scary thought to one day be unable to recognize my life because I didn't take an active part in creating it.

I have always been passionate about good health and it just naturally fits as part of this concept of intentional living. I am tired of not feeling healthy and perpetuating a critical relationship with my body. So let's hear it for 30 and making this the healthiest year yet!

Michael Lately

This is how we wear pajamas at our house on the weekend. Also, this picture was a real struggle to capture. He was scooting top speed through waves of covers to get his little paws on the iPhone. His frantic scoots gave me 3 seconds tops to snap a picture, which, I might add, is nearly impossible when trying to focus the camera on a moving target. Whew. I was probably sweating. Also, notice papa in the background. He totally loves these weekend shenanigans.

Michael is really good at entertaining himself. Give him a basket of toys and an open room, he's happy for days. When the toys are suddenly not so interesting anymore, he hides. Do all the moms have to hunt for their babies of 6 months? I have a feeling he's going to get better at misplacing himself. 

So then he found the stairs. Already!? Uh huh. Found them and started climbing. Boy is he busy! He's naturally curious and gets very focused when using those pudgy little baby fingers to explore the world, especially when it involves food. You better believe I have a plan to exploit that food-focus with puff treats in church.

This little runt LOVES his bed. He loves singing all the songs, and he really gets a kick out of having his face tickled as he's snuggled in a pile of blankets. He's started to giggle when he hears the first few words of "tuck, tuck." I haven't figured out if it's because he loves songs or if he knows it means he gets to go to bed. Either way, it's darling. Lately, he loves talking to himself for hours before he settles enough to actually go to sleep. It's always a fun game to check on him once he actually is asleep. I mean, how did he end up over there? And where are all your clothes?

We're finding ourselves outside more often these days. I mean, 68 degree February weather, you rock. We ran the river trail last week, and discovered the stroller is maybe his favorite thing ever. For such a busy little guy, he didn't move a muscle. Seriously. Not one. Totally content to let me do all the moving. I sure love my little buddy.

Day One

The Hubs and I have started a group fitness challenge called The 24 Day Challenge by Advocare. It's official as of one hour and thirty-seven minutes ago. We took measurements and our "before" pictures last night. Um, yes. It's time to start a group fitness challenge. I'm ready to make 30 my healthiest year yet. Step one starts today! (one hour and thirty-seven minutes ago).

A lot of people have asked for recipes from my meal prepping, and also a guideline of how we're eating. Here's a quick rundown:

Breakfast
1 Protein
1 Complex Carb
1 Fruit
Ex: Eggs on-the-go, oatmeal & blueberries

Snack
Ex: Turkey muffins

Lunch
1 Protein
1 Complex Carb
1 Vegetable
Ex: Brown rice, chicken, cauliflower

Snack
Ex: Blood orange, raw almonds 

Dinner
1 Protein
1 Complex Carb
1 Vegetable
Ex: Quinoa and kale, shrimp, roasted vegetables

Protein: Eggs, Chicken, Ground Turkey, Lean Ground Beef, Fish
Complex Carb: Couscous, Quinoa, Brown Rice, Oats
Fruit: All the fruits
Vegetable: All the veggies
Snack: Nuts, fruits, veggies, yogurt, protein muffins (turkey muffins, sweet potato muffins, homemade protein bars, etc.)

We eat every three hours, and drink water ALL. DAY. LONG. When I was pregnant with Michael, I was really good about drinking a gallon of water everyday. I'm trying to get back into that habit. Many trips to the bathroom come with the territory.

We meal prepped a lot this weekend. It's pretty basic. I make my own version of these eggs-on-the-go, protein-packed turkey muffins (everyone LOVES these, and they are so good for you!), a pot of brown rice, lots of chicken (variation: portion a rotisserie chicken, grill seasoned turkey burgers), steam or roast mixed veggies, and portion things like veggies and nuts. It takes some time to meal prep, but it's so worth it during the week. All our dinners will be prepared fresh, but breakfast, lunch and all snacks have been prepped and portioned.

As a side note, I just took my first trip to the little girls room. Upon washing my hands, the mirror revealed a nice pink ring above my upper lip. I discovered that even though I was feeling on top of my game this morning and applied lipstick accordingly (I never wear lipstick, but conquering the world tends to bring out the urge on occasion), it doesn't tend to mesh well with lots of drinking from protein shakers. How embarrassing. One day at a time, right? Right.