Feeling Good

So I worked out at 5:30, continued my squat challenge, and worked. I ate a nature valley bar, an egg sandwich with ham and veggies, an apple, pineapple, and an Amy's gluten free microwave dinner.
Here's the thing. What they say about how it's easier to wake up every morning to work out than it is to look in the mirror and not be happy with what you see, is completely true! I have not been this happy in a long time. Even if I am not actually smaller, I just feel better. I look and the mirror and love myself because at least I'm being active and doing this! I'm putting forth a real effort. I am already in better shape than I was. I'm so excited for the future. Once I got on track with working out and eating healthy my entire life started falling into place. I'm more optimistic about the future in every aspect and I'm just a happier person. If you are on the edge of starting I suggest just doing it now. Get through the first week or two. Those are the hardest! After that, it just becomes everyday! Start now! Feel better NOW!

Progress!

Well it's time for another picture! Time just keeps going by so fast. The squat challenge, the workouts! I had some progress today...I did pushups! I did them and I did a lot of them. Plus I did these things called marching plank. When I first started exercising I could barely do one. Today I did ten in a row fairly easily! This is exciting progress! Plus my arms are very sore right now. So I'm going to call that a win!
I ate a nature valley bar, a slim fast breakfast shake, a salad, and ravioli. It was all very delicious!

A Busy Weekend

So this weekend has been crazy busy but I made it through! The last couple of days I've kept up with the squat challenge but I haven't had enough time or energy to do much else. I did A LOT of physical stuff at work, which was good. Plus my eating habits this weekend stayed good! I'm very excited about that! I know this is short but I have to get some rest! I've got to workout at 5:30!!

Sweat

So I woke up and worked out at 5:30. We did stations today, which, I really like. I feel like the time passes faster and I honestly learned the names of lots of different things. I continued the squat challenge. Plus I ended up doing a decent amount of physical activity at work today.
I ate a nature valley bar, a half a sandwich, some cherries, half of a pickle, a little thing of fries, and smaller portion of left over Mexican food. It was all very good.
I used to think that I just didn't sweat very much. But now I know that is not true at all. I have sweat more in the last three weeks than I think I have my entire life. It's a very satisfying feeling to be sweaty after a workout. It makes me feel like I've accomplished something and worked very hard.

One Year From Now

I can't wait to see where I'll be!

So today I woke up and again did my 5:30am workout. I also continued on my squats. Then I went to learn how to use my new camera from my aunt, Cheryl. She's amazing! So I learned how to take basic pictures with my camera on manual. So after she taught me I went to the waterfront in Edmonds and walked around for two hours taking pictures. It was quite wonderful and felt great to be up on my feet and outside!
Today I ate a nature valley bar, 1/4 of a Jimmy John's sandwich, half of a Jimmy John's pickle, and am about to eat an Amy's Light and Lean Black Bean and Cheese Enchilada. So all in all a very satisfying day! I'm really getting excited because I'm noticing I need less food to feel full. I am still fully satisfied at the end of the day with the food I eat. It's crazy because the first week or so when I was trying to eat less I was miserable. But now that time has passed I'm doing really well with the less food. I feel great!
I'm now going to plug my Aunt's photography. If you are looking for a person to take wedding pictures, family portraits, senior pictures or headshots I highly recommend checking out Cheryl Ford. She is who I will be going to when I want to take my next set of headshots. Not only is she a great photographer, she's friendly and makes you feel instantly comfortable. You can check her out here: http://cheryl-ford-photography.com/

Sick Day

So I went to bed last night not feeling well. Then I woke up this morning still not feeling well. But I went and worked out anyway. It kicked my butt today. I then proceeded to come home and sleep all day because I was sick. So...not much to talk about. I'm feeling a little better but I'm hoping tomorrow I'll be all better.

30 Day Squat Challenge

So today I worked out again at 5:30am. It was great! I didn't have to stop nearly as much as I have in the past! Now I don't know if I'm getting more in shape or if my body is finding ways to make things easier...I guess we'll see. I also kept going on my squat challenge...which was a rest day! Speaking of which I realize I hadn't posted it yet...so there it is! The squat challenge!
Today was not a good eating day for me. My uncle is in town so we went out to eat. I had a California eggs benedict for breakfast and lunch. Plus I still have some leftovers. Then for dinner I had three carne asada tacos at the Mariners game. Plus a beer, some garlic fries, and one chocolate covered strawberry.
So...that was my day. Pretty short and sweet. Nothing too crazy. Tomorrow I do it all again!

Week Three Pictures!

Okay so today started a bit rocky. First even though I had plugged in my phone, it decided to be "dead" when I woke up this morning. Thus, causing me to sleep in late and miss the 5:30am workout session. Then I tried to find the 9am session but failed in being able to find the place where it takes place. So...I didn't get to workout with Grace and Arnie. Instead I went to the middle school near my house and did exercises that I've learned and ran laps around the track in between each set. Plus I got all of my squats in for the day and I carried some heavier stuff at work.
Today I ate a doughnut, an egg sandwich, an apple, a string cheese, a Lean Cuisine enchilada (which was delicious) and finally a cupcake that my boyfriend's sister, Kathleen, brought me at work.
And finally...these are my week three pictures! I can't believe its already been three weeks! This is very exciting! I love the feeling of marking another week off the calender! WHOOT!
Also...I got my fancy camera today...so once I learn how to use it I will be able to upload better pictures! Very exciting things are happening!

What I'm working toward.

So I took my day of rest yesterday instead of today. It was quite pleasant. Today I did my squats and went to work.
I ate Greek yogurt and granola for breakfast. Then I had a chicken sandwich for lunch and dinner.
It's been a relatively slow and lazy weekend. Not my best showing or motivation. I'm hoping for a better week. I'll be starting back up with Grace and Arnie tomorrow. I'll need to start planning some lunches for the week since I'll be having longer shifts at work.
So here's to a crazy, new week!

Do It For...

So I didn't get the chance to post yesterday. I left the house at 5:15am and didn't get back until after 11pm. But that was okay because I had a fantastic day!
The last two days consisted of workouts, the squat challenge, and work! I did lots of running and lifting at both of my jobs.
Overall, I'm really starting to feel my body get tired. But I keep pushing as much as I can. I'll be having a "rest" day on Sunday. So that will be good.
Today I ate an apple, Greek yogurt, and I had Chipotle....now I know that wasn't the best choice. But I decided to treat myself. I ordered a steak burrito bowl, with brown rice and black beans. I split it between lunch and dinner. I also had a Popsicle tonight for dessert.
So. It's day 9 I believe of this whole new life style change and it's the first time I've seen Chad since starting this change. It's been really nice sharing with him in person that changes I've made. I'm hoping that when I have to go back to Ellensburg for a few weeks I can keep up all of these good choices.
I'm starting to really feel great about myself. I looked in the mirror today and enjoyed what I saw. I know I haven't gotten smaller at all but I just feel better. This whole process is starting to give me confidence again and it feels really great. I know it's really far away but I can't wait for it to be a year from when I started and I get to see the picture from that day and the first day I posted. I'll probably cry guys, I'm not going to lie!
I just have to remember why I am doing this! I have to keep working and keep my goals in mind.

Taking the Leap

Take the leap today!

So today has been a pretty solid day on the working out front. It started with an hour of Insanity at 5:30 am. If you haven't tried Insanity yet, I highly suggest it. I really have enjoyed my experience with it. I also did my squats for the day and I finished it all up with the 6 pm workout with Grace and Arnie. I'm thinking about going on a run tonight too.
Now, I just need to take a moment to express how much I appreciate what Grace and Arnie are doing. They are such wonderful people. I find them to be so motivational and they are truly kind individuals. If you are reading this, are in the area and are wanting to make this change in your life I would HIGHLY suggest taking these classes with Grace and Arnie. The environment of their sessions is so supportive and everyone in the classes are wonderful. I never feel judged. I am in a completely comfortable environment. Plus they push you just enough. I'm very thankful that I have this in my life.
Okay now for my food. I had a nature valley bar before working out, a slim fast breakfast drink, less than one serving of Simply Balanced fruit crispies snack, a small amount of sushi, and my step-mom made meat, potatoes and veggies for dinner.
I think the thing that I really like is that I've finally taken the jump to do this whole change. It's taken me so many different tries over so many years. The fact that I have stuck with this is not only making my body feel better but my entire being. I'm really starting to love myself again. I feel good about me and I think that's awesome.

Push-Ups

So here's the thing...I've never really been able to do a push-up ever. So one of my many goals for this whole thing is that I want to be able to do real push-ups in a year! They keep coming up in these group exercises and I'm struggling so bad. But I know that if I keep working at it I will be able to do them.
Anyway the morning workout was great! It really worked out my legs. Plus I did a ton of running with the kids at camp. I also continued the squat challenge.

Today I ate a nature valley bar, greek yogurt with granola, an apple, an iced americano, a little sushii, half of a chicken spring roll and my step-mom made dinner tonight. She made chicken and roasted veggies. Then I had a small amount of frozen yogurt for dessert, which included strawberries and small dark chocolate chips.
So here's to accomplishing goals and someday being able to do push-ups!

Better Late Than Never

So I know it's late and I should be in bed already but oh well. Today was great! I can't tell you how much I love working out in the mornings. Starting my day doing an hour of exercise is great! I feel great about myself right off the bat. (That was a lot of "greats"). So the 5:30 am class made me start on the right foot. Even though it was a busy day I was surprisingly awake all day. I felt energized! And I went on a walk tonight, which counts I'm sure for something. It was the rest day for the 30 day squat challenge.

I ate a nature valley bar before working out. Then I ate a cup of Greek yogurt with granola. And then I had a chicken artichoke sandwich from Safeway both for lunch and dinner...I had half of it for each. Finally, I had one of the Popsicles for dessert. Oh and I had an iced americano at my work. No sugar or cream added. Just coffee and water.
And of course since it is Monday...was Monday...there are my progress pictures! One week down!

Why Not You?

So...today was not the best step forward for my exercise and eat healthy plan. But I think I needed it. I still did my squats for my 30 day squat challenge, but that was it. Besides of course the lifting and moving at work. I ate greek yogurt with granola for breakfast. An egg/veggie sandwich for lunch before I left for work. And a ham sandwich for dinner. But I was naughty today. We got free fries at work and I had some! GAH! So I'm going to need to do some serious working out tomorrow.
Tomorrow I have a CRAZY day scheduled. I'll be working out at 5:30 with Grace and Arnie's group. Then I'll be leaving there to drive to my theatre camp in Federal Way that I teach. Directly after that I will be heading to my other job to work until closing. I will finally come home, eat dinner, write my blog and go to bed. Yup, busy, busy, busy. So...other than that I don't have much to add on the blog today. But I do think keeping busy will ultimately keep me healthier because I will do much less snacking!

Working Out With Work

So I'm posting SUPER late tonight because I had my first day of work at my new job. It was really fun and I loved it but I am very tired. I spent the whole time up on my feet...which I'll count as at least some exercise.
So my day started with a group Insanity, hour-long workout with Grace and Arnie at 7:30 am. It was very wonderful! I forgot just how much I love working out in the morning. I also won granola in a drawing that was done!! I'll be eating it tomorrow with some yogurt!
So my day started great with that. I was sweating and dying and loving every second of it. Then I worked from 11:30 am until 9:15 pm.

Now the benefit and problem with work is that I didn't get hungry. So I haven't had a lot of food. I had a nature valley bar before my workout. Then some leftovers from last night around 9:30. Now I didn't eat again until right at this moment. When I got home around 10 pm, I made myself an egg sandwich on wheat bread with lettuce, avocados, tomatos, onions, and some mango salsa. It's exactly what I needed. Now it's time to do my squats and then go to bed! I've got this job for the next two days. So, I will be posting late again tomorrow and Monday.
Don't forget! If you are in the area, you can join Grace and Arnie's groups too! Check it out here: https://run2befit.com/

My dog Charlie wanted to help.

Okay so today was a pretty busy day! I have so much to talk about. First I'll start with this thing I did last night after posting. I made a Vision Board. One of my professors at school, Elise Forier-Edie, had us do one for our futures. I loved this assignment very much, (my vision board still hangs above my desk). So I figured why not do one for exercising to put up in my room. I find it as a great reminder of what I desire; it's a great motivational tool! When doing this find pictures, phrases, really anything that jumps out to you. Let your right brain run wild!

The finished product.

Now for my food from today. I started my day off with a veggie egg scramble. I had less than one serving of a mix of freeze-dried strawberry slices and yogurt bites while I was teaching. I had an apple on my commute home. When I got back to my house I had two small chicken tacos for lunch. This was made with, what I believe is a weight watchers recipe for some chicken and beans. It's delicious! The tacos were loaded with veggies and on corn tortillas. I also had a nature valley granola bar before working out. My dinner was my first go at cooking salmon. I marinated it in a little EVOO, fresh squeezed lemon juice, a little pepper and a pinch of salt. I ate this with rice that was cooked with broccoli and onions. I put low sodium soy sauce on top of that. I will finish off my day with a 70 calorie pomegranate Popsicle. Wow! Typing it all out makes me feel like I ate a lot...my stomach wouldn't agree. That's been my biggest problem...I feel hungry A LOT.

I promise it was delicious!

But I'm hoping the wonderful gift I got today will help me with that! I went to workout with Grace and Arnie again today and they greeted me with a Thin Kitchen recipe book from Beach Body and one of the shakeology packages. The cook book has many great recipes I can't wait to try...including a Thanksgiving Dinner! Tonight's exercise again kicked my butt! However, I loved it so much! I felt great leaving the park tonight! I will also be starting a 30 Day Squat Challenge that I added to my vision board. So right after I post this I will be doing 50 squats! Wish me luck!

So here it is. The start of this blog and this whole process. First of all, if you don't know, I am a recent college graduate. I received my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Performance from Central Washington University. While attending school, I very much kept to the traditional "college student diet" and put on some weight. While at school I tried to exercise as much as possible but got caught up in my crazy schedule. Now that it's all done I am putting this at the top of my priority list. I haven't been happy with myself for a long while and I feel like it is time to really buckle down. I'm doing this for myself first and foremost.
I'm starting the blog late in the week so I will cover what I've done this week so far. The pictures are from Monday when I started doing an exercise program through https://run2befit.com/. I met Grace and Arnie through my dad and step-mom. (They played soccer with them). When I got back from school my step-mom mentioned that they had started an exercised group, which was right up my alley. I've been meeting up with them at 6pm each night to do a 30 minute workout routine. It is a ton of fun and kicks my butt! When you are a member you can go to as many group workouts a day as you want! Currently my schedule only allows for one.
As this process continues my plan is to add additional workout routines.
So here it is. The first post! I'm excited that this whole thing is starting!