Showing posts with label motivational monday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label motivational monday. Show all posts

Monday, September 9, 2013

Motivational Monday

Sometimes you have to see how far you've come to understand how great you are doing.....

It's a strange thing....weight loss. 

You think, well I'll just start losing weight and I'll look good annd feel good! Ehhhhh, Wrong Answer!


Sure you'll feel better and of course you will look better but only to everyone else...lol.

It's hard to wrap your head around it but it's the truth. 80lbs down and I still feel like that 255lb girl standing in front of the mirror.....happy with the life she created but saddened at what it had done to her body, what I had done to my body. The late night eating, the junk, not exercising, not caring about myself enough to make a change after all these years. And here I am....happy with my choices, my healthier eating, the exercising but still not happy with what I look like. 

Truth? I don't think we're ever happy.....and that's probably a good thing. It keeps us from stopping, from settling. I get asked a lot what my goal is and I'm not sure anymore really....I wanted the scale to read a certain number but as I've grown stronger and more fit, that number seems obsolete. I'm not down very many lbs then I was months ago but I'm in different sizes then I was then....so, where does it end?

Not really sure...but I'm sort of okay with the fact that I'm just gonna keep going....for once, I'm not gonna stop!
November 2010 / September 2013

Monday, August 26, 2013

Motivational Monday - 1st Q & A Session!!!

It's a new week! And my first Question & Answer session....

I put it out there on the facebook page & instagram and you asked away.....here it goes:


How do you stay motivated?
It's hard to stay motivated...I won't lie. I have a husband who can eat anything & I stay home with 3 children who all eat different things and could probably stand to gain a few pounds. On any given day, my pantry looks likes this:

cookies, popcorn, crackers, gummies, sugar laced cereal...it's a bit ridiculous.....most would say, "well, if you don't buy it, you won't eat it." Let's be realistic people, my kids aren't gonna eat half of what I want to eat....they are 6, 4 & almost 2...they want all this stuff because that's what they like...do they eat everything & anything? No, they get treats & snacks in moderation. They want the stuff that tastes good, hell, I want the stuff that tastes good...so I gave myself a shelf & try to load it up with things that I like so I won't be tempted. Motivation is something that I have to work on daily....more like hourly......sometimes I feel like my body, my head is telling me to just stop already! And there are days that I do and I eat very unhealthy things....I'm human. The one thing that has worked for me is to just not dwell in it. In the past I would let myself get so angry when I would eat badly that I would just continue to do just that....and pack back on the pounds. Now, if I have a bad meal or a bad day I just start again.....

What made you want to lose the weight & get fit? 
Originally it was to prove people wrong. I have family & friends who didn't believe that I would do it...that I could do it, so I set out to prove them wrong....along the way, that push to prove them wrong wore off and I had to find another reason, another motivator. That motivator became my family. My 2 oldest are girls & they started to do things I would do and say what I say and I didn't want them to end up like me...fat, lazy, unhealthy...I wanted them to be a mom they could be proud of, a wife my husband could be proud of. So I kept going....when that wore off, I had to get it into my head that I deserved this....that I needed this. So that's sorta where I am today...some days are better than others but I just keep going...along the way I try different foods or different workouts to make me more motivated. My biggest support is my Buddy System. All these awesome people are just people I met at the gym along my journey, but they have become my best friends. They are always there for me when I need it, when I need that extra push....You gotta get yourself some of these people!

What does your family/friends say about your weight loss if anything?
This is sort of a toughy.....My kids are kids....they say things you really don't want them to....My now 4yr old once told the cashier that her daddy had a, well ya know...needless to say he was red with embarrassment.....I'm a little weird when it comes to this, I sorta want to hear the truth believe it or not. But I also know the truth can hurt.....there are times when I wish my husband would speak up more about how fantastic I look but then I remember he doesn't even notice a haircut. I get the best reaction from people who haven't seen me in some time, and it's always nice to hear....It's also very nice being the skinny one at family functions which pretty much was never the case...ever! I try to get my kids to understand that everyone comes in all different shapes & sizes and we shouldn't say anything that may hurt their feelings. They get that now, and usually do there best to whisper that little something into my ear.


How to shop for your new body? How to shop while your in between weight loss goals?
This is also a hard one. I still find it very hard to shop for myself. I am smaller, yes, but my mind isn't. I still hold all these memories of being fat because that's all I have ever known so to actually shop and get something I think looks good, takes a couple of tries & opinions. I but a lot online now...I find it easier. I go by the measurements on the website and buy what I know will fit. I try not to look at sizes of stuff  much either. I want it to fit and make me feel good. If that means I have to buy a size that I don't want to then so be it. Every store has different sizes. I know that I can range from a 10 to a 14 all over the place.....I find the best thing to wear while your in between sizes are dresses. My arms aren't really a problem area and my momma always said you gotta flaunt what you go & I have me some nice boobs & nice legs so dresses work. Plus, you can usually buy a slightly smaller size in a dress...that always makes me feel better. I've liked some of the dresses I have bought of KiKi La Rue but I also love the Loft & Target.
Recipes?
Some of you may or may not know that I am a personal chef. Sorta got into it in between babies and I love it...so I am full of recipes. I've posted some on here before but have really gotten into my weight loss and haven't focused on anything else. I am making a White Bean Panzanella Salad tomorrow for an event & I will post the recipe up with pics...it looks to be pretty delicious! I'm always up for suggestions.....if you ever come across something or have a question, send it over!

Snack Ideas?
I like snacks that don't take a lot of time or thinking....I usually do hummus or my new fav Almond Butter, Justin's with apples or celery. I use the GNC Amp Powder and that's usually something I have mixed and ready to go if I know I'm gonna be out. Pure Protein bars are another go to for me along with popcorn. I love microwave kettle corn, it is a weakness for sure. Yogurt or string cheese is easy too. I'm not stingy when it comes to using pre-packaged stuff...it's super convenient and I haven't hoped on the clean eating bandwagon yet, although I probably should. I post a lot of what I eat on Instagram....yes, I'm that person that takes photos of her food......I do love fruit so every week I try to stock up.

Hope that answered some of you & if you didn't your question in on time, you can always email me! 

Now, head on over & check out my co-hosts!!!! I also am up as a sponsor on Operation Skinny Jeans. Jess is a cool girl on a mission! Check her out!


Monday, August 12, 2013

Motivational Monday

About 6 months ago one of my favorite people moved away....Teri is super hott and super motivating and she up and left us, bitch!!! ;) you know I kid Teri....so when she made a surprise visit to Attack yesterday am, I was happy & nervous all at the same time.  I was hoping to show her my progress and praying that she actually would see some change and it wasn't just all in my head....cause you know, you can take the fat off a girl but you can't get it out of her head....or something like that.....to my satisfaction she says I look amazing which I thoroughly appreciate even though I don't believe it some days.... but this is why I keep these people around....they are there for me when I need it, they push me when they know I can give more (thank you 64 plyos later) & they lift me up when they see a change. It's nice to have that...especially since I get in my head a lot... it's something I'm going to have to overcome....and it make take a long time.....it may be long after I'm at goal....even worse, it may never come...cause when are we really happy about our bodies? We are always looking for the next thing to work on....but when do we start working on our heads? That should be numero uno!
 ( Like that? 2 years of high school spanish right there)
6 Months of Hard Work!

It's our heads that need the workout....they need the pep talks as we walk out the door in whatever outfit we have on....praying we look okay....it's our heads that tell us to stop or slow down....so as your working on your outside, spend a little time on the inside as well....remind yourself how far you've come with pictures or friends that support you & build you up....maybe take the time to jot a few things down about yourself that you love or are proud of.....and for god sake's, keep pushing through it....through that voice that tells you "you can't do it" so that on days like sunday...when that booming voice from the mic shouts "Morgan Dixon is going to do all the single plyos or I'm starting the music over" (just for clarification, I never said that, lol) you actually do them....maybe with a little hestation....ok, maybe a lot of hesitation...but I did them and some of them even up on stage....and even though my ass hurts and probably will for a few days, I pushed that negative voice out of my head. I'll take that sorta progress for sure!

It was wonderful to see Teri and although she's gone back home she says she will be back in September.... so guess who has some goals to meet by then? Ya, this gal.....Till then girl ♥
Teri & I

Happy Motivation Monday! Make it a great week...
Remember to link up with us below!



Monday, August 5, 2013

Motivational Monday

when you have none.....


I've been struggling lately...it's been probably about 2 weeks now....I've been going to the gym but have been eating like crappity, crap Crap CRAP! We've been eating out a lot and I've been drinking the diet soda a lot and so here we are.... 3lbs up and feeling like a big pile of bloated crap! And I'm only 27 days from Key West....ugh, so it's time to get my butt back in gear....I gotta dig out the ole' Bodybugg armband and get to work!

So I know this is Motivational Monday but how do you preach motivation when you have none? I don't know about you but it helps me to put it out there....I'm lucky enough to have this blog and an outlet....so I throw all that bad juju or what have you, out in cyberspace and hope that it helps me get off my ass and do something about it.....
So into a new week I go with a new outlook and hopefully a small amount of motivation.
So what are some of things that give you motivation? What sort of motivation do you give others? Maybe we can help each other?
Now head on over and check out my other co-hosts! And link up with us if your a fellow blogger!!!
Giveaway coming soon this week for some A Tad Monroe jewelry!!!!


Monday, July 15, 2013

Motivational Monday!

Well, a new week is here! How did your weekend go?

Did you keep the bad foods away?
Did you get in your workouts?

If not, guess what??? IT'S OKAY!

Setbacks happen, trust me....over the weekend I finally hit a huge milestone in my weight loss journey, 80lbs......Gone! Like, it's crazy to even think that I weighed 255lbs and yes, I had just had a baby but I wasn't healthy, I wasn't eating right & I sure has hell wasn't working out. I ballooned to that weight and it didn't just come off after delivery.....I've had to work my ass off the last 17mos. Some days were easy, others not so much...but it's those hard days that show me what I'm made of.
As much as 80lbs is a big deal, I've been trying to not think of it very much. I find that if I dwell too much on how good I feel, I become complacent....comfortable in my own skin and then I tend to plateau so I'm happy but moving forward.....so if the weekend wasn't good to you, I always say that it's a new week, just start again. And if you had an excellent weekend, don't get comfortable! Try a new class or add weights to your existing workout...try a new recipe....whatever it take to keep you going forward.

You can do it!

*My 6yr old daughter loves Winnie the Pooh and this quote is one of my favorites and ties in nicely to what I deal with a lot.
"...there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think."

80lbs gone!

P.S. Remember to like & share my facebook page! For every 100 new likes, I will giveaway beautiful A Tad Monroe jewelry!!!



Now link up with us & check out my awesome co-hosts!!!

Monday, July 1, 2013

Motivational Monday: New Week....New Month!


It's Motivational Monday!

...it's also a New Week & a New Month!

I've said it before & I'll ay it again...Start fresh everyday! It doesn't matter how much you screwed up, just start each day with a better attitude. And most people do this when it's a new week & new month...it's like a re-birth of sorts...a do over. Who wouldn't want that?

Maybe it's time to weigh in...
Retake those measurements...
Take new photos...
Cleanse the system...(I recommended the Advocare 10 Day Cleanse, of course ;)!
Clean out the fridge/pantry...

Whatever the case, start again. And if you have continued on in your progress with no hiccups, congrats to you man.....cause I like to eat have setbacks a lot. I think they are more frequent since school is out for my little one's. Makes it harder for me to stay on track. And mostly it's food related! Stupid food! My workouts have been on point though so Thank the Good Lord for that! Speaking of workouts, the bestie and I are trying out a hardcore workout plan this week...I'll post it on Friday after I see what we think!

Struggles happen..it's okay....we are not perfect. I find through the hard times, my best features show through. One of my greatest features is my determination! My husband will tell ya, when I want something I get it...and not without a fight. This goal is something I have wanted for a long time...more so than anything else. I will reach it, through the crappy eating & the not feeling like it days...it will happen and if it doesn't go great every single day, I'm okay with that. That one step back is better than never starting at all.....so get up & start the day with a Brand New, Can Do attitude!





P.s.*1st Sponsored Giveaway coming up on Wednesday along with my stats for the 10 Day Cleanse! 
Remember to check out these other amazing ladies I co-host with, you may find some motivation where you needed it the most! And grab the button below and add it to your own site!  

Monday, June 24, 2013

Motivational Monday Link Up!

So it's Day 2 of the cleanse and I'm feeling good. I love my classes at the gym too much to give them up so I am continuing my workouts...I do about an hour a day. My sweet cravings are still there but not as strong as they have been in the past.I also added in Catalyst in hopes of getting me leaner & more toned.

Motivation Tip of the week:

Weights, Weights, Weights!

Often people think the way to a thinner you is to run on the treadmill for hours at a time. I used to be one of these people. After a couple of years I realized that the way to get your body the way you want is you have to use weights...and heavy ones at that. As women, we don't get big & bulky...it's not in our genes. So don't be afraid to add some extra weight to that barbell or try a weight lifting class. A fav of mine is Les Mills Body Pump. Try finding a class in your area!

Now get on out there this week & hit those goals you've set. Don't let a bad meal or a missed workout ruin the whole week...just keep going!

Remember to check out these lovely ladies below & grab the button so we can link all over! Don't forget to add your blog to the link below too.

Have a Great Week!

p.s. Fitboxes went out to Amanda, Kimberly, Lyndzie & Rachel today! Stay tuned for the next giveaway from Advocare!



Monday, June 10, 2013

New Weekly Topic- Motivational Monday!

I decided to hop on the band wagon & join Wendy over at A Daily Dose of Del Signore for Motivational Monday! 

MotivationMonday
This weekend, as some of you know, was my 30th (gulp) birthday this weekend. Although I wasn't unhappy about turning 30, it's a big milestone & I was unsure how it would go or if I would feel any different....and funny thing, it was probably the best birthday I have ever had!
I spent the weekend surrounded by friends & family....it was a great few days! 
Friday the family & I headed to our timeshare in Cocoa Beach...we just went for the day and enjoyed the sand then took a dip in the pool...it was a gorgeous day!



 Saturday we went to my best friend's parent's house for a pool party/bbq. (My bff's bday is the day after mine and we try to celebrate big bday's together) We had lots of fun & incredibly delicious food to eat...hence my weight gain when I got on the scale today...ugh!










Saturday night was my party...we hung out with all of my closest friends & enjoyed great drinks and even better food!

























Sunday was Attack where I spent the hour on stage with Greg. It's tough to be up there. You can't take the low option...everyone is watching you...it's a lot harder than it looks....my girls joined me up there for a track or two. The family & I then went swimming at my FIL's house...had some birthday cake, eek!
About 4, we went over to my girl Karem's home & had a paella party! Again, more food, more drinks & more weight gain...us girls did start planning our Key West trip in September! 

Wo-hoo Key West! Never been although I have lived in Florida my whole life. I am so excited to have a girl's weekend...especially since I haven't been away from all my kids for longer than a few hours....





 As you can see, we had a busy weekend!

So it's Motivational Monday...where is the motivation? Well, I didn't eat right the last couple of weeks....but I didn't get down on myself, I simply pick up where I left off. I prepped for my week all sunday evening. I cooked chicken breast & ground turkey. I roasted sweet potatoes & asparagus. And I boiled up some brown rice & chopped up salad. I am all set for an awesome week of better eating....


My goals this week are:
-To lose the weight I put on, about 4lbs
-Get my butt in the gym at least once per day
-Cut the junk!
So the motivation of the story here is...don't get on yourself for having a screw up. It has taken me months to become healthier, a few bad days aren't going to completely ruin it. You just have to pick up where you left off & start again.

My biggest motivation is that I started my 30's in the best shape of my life. That's motivation enough for me to continue on in this journey...to not stop or give up on myself just for a couple pounds. I love myself more than that. It's taken me a long time to learn to love myself...to love the person I am...to love my body. And although it's not a perfect body, it's what I have created after some hard freakin' work the last year & a half.

77lbs gone!

What are some of your goals? What motivates you?
Find something deep inside that gets you going. Only You can make the change!

*Remember to check out Wendy above! Just click the pic!