Weigh in Wednesday... *sigh*

I don’t even want to talk about it… but yet, here I am.

I haven’t done a Weigh in Wednesday since Vegas I think.

I. Am. Ashamed.

Not only that I haven’t written a Wednesday post (let alone any other posts), but that I’ve let my readers down.

More importantly, I’ve let myself down... ESPECIALLY with this number.

The number today brought me to tears. I do not like it, not one bit. And the thing is, it’s no one’s fault but my own.  I’ve known that I’ve been on a downward spiral since Vegas. (in April) I’ve thought about correcting it, and Darrell has even mentioned correcting it, but I’ve always got an excuse. I’ve always got a reason. Or, I wait until “tomorrow”. 

I hate that word. For real.

So… last night, while I was laying in bed, watching tv, eating a bucket of ice cream (I kid you not), I made a PayPal payment to Marta with Four Fit Sisters to join her June 2^nd Sugar Detox. I’ve GOT to get this under control and MAYBE if I’ve now forked out money to help me, just MAYBE I’ll do it. God I hope so.  

No one can do this for me, but me.  “It’s not going to be easy, but it’s going to be worth it.” Isn’t that what Mama Laughlin says all the time? I wanna look like her, btw. (have you seen her photo shoot?!?)

I also wanna look fierce and confident like Val over at Fab Chick Gets Fit and buy new clothes, in color, like Alicia over at Brew Mama.

To have before and afters (durings) like Aubrey Leigh at ALG, Uninterrupted.

And have the determination of Jasmine at Fleurty & Fit. And I wanna run. Just. Like. Candra. At Camo & Lipstick.

I look up to each one of the ladies, more than they will ever know.  I want their drive, I want their willingness, I want their meal plans! These ladies inspire me more and more each day and I can only hope to inspire people the way they do.

#30by30 may or may not happen. I have 25 pounds to lose by July 26^th.

Will it happen? I hope so.

Can it happen. Yes

Who can make it happen? ME?

Weigh in Wednesday

It's hump day again, and I'm back at it and feeling much better than last week.  THANK YOU to everyone that felt my pain and left words of encouragement, or that emailed and checked in on me.  I appreciate it all.  Seriously.  I've realized now, more than ever, that I DO have people supporting me, even thought they're people I don't see every day! THANK YOU!

So here's this week's number...

Sorry it's blurry... I only took one shot and was in a hurry. Also, I did NOT weigh in this Sunday for the challenge with Adie. I forgot all about it that morning, and by the time the birthday party was over (more on that later), I had had such a bad week, I knew my weight would be WAY off. So, here's today.

I have to give a shout out to my honey on here today.  He apologized for what he commented, and that took a lot.  I know he didn't mean it the way I took it, but apparently, when you're in a position like I am, every little thing can discourage you. He's a joker, and that's how his comments were meant. We're good.  I'm better, he's better.  I'm getting this ball rolling again.

I had two amazing ladies contact me yesterday to help me as well... I've learned so much over the past 24 hours and am so grateful to them for helping to pick me back up! Thanks to them, I'm now switched over to My Fitness Pal... Yeah, I know, I know. I'm behind on the times.  But, I've used LoseIt for so long, it was hard to make the change. But... it's done. Look me up if you want to "friend" me... NickoleM123

Speaking of names... Should I change my MFP to HeavyCupcake? Or my IG? or should I just get a second account? It's all so confusing! But, my concern is that I wonder if I put my IG as Heavy Cupcake if people will get tired of seeing me and my boys... ALONG with my healthy stuff too, of course. Thoughts?

Anyway... short post for now.  Know that I AM doing better eating this week and again, am grateful for each and every one of my supporters.  Chime in, say hello! I'd love to get to know you better!

Weigh in Wednesday

It's that time of the week again, and because it's also a new month, I've got measurements for you too.

This weeks weigh in?

Yup.  All four of those were taken within a couple minutes of each other. WTF? So, I'm going with 216.4 I suppose. Just average it out, right? It's a small loss, and small is better than nothing, right?

And here are this months measurements compared to last months.

 

that's bust, under bust, waist, tummy (at belly button), hips, thighs, biceps.

And this months photos? I can't tell a difference in, but here they are, I'll put January and March up:

I really have no idea what I'm doing, I just hope that something works... and soon! lol I think that the stair climbing I've added has done some good. I lost well over an inch in one thigh... although a little weird that its only in one. My arms have gotten bigger, even though I'm not doing anything to do that to them... so that's a little confusing. My hips dropped an inch... so much that I re-measured three times, just to be sure. Bu apparently my boobs got bigger? Ugh, I need those puppies to get just a tad smaller. Please.  And thank you.  Amen.

In Monday's post, I mentioned breaking down my gaols into monthly smaller goals. I need to lose about 8 pounds this month to get back on track for my 30 by 30 campaign. And in order to reach my 18# goal by the time we leave for Vegas.  Momma needs money to spend at Tiffany's. I also need to figure out how to get rid of that Shar Pei on my back... blech... 

I also set a goal to workout 30 mins a day, for at least 4 days a week. I've started back on my yoga videos (again, I know) and also am doing a couple of IG challenges. These are my photos from #MarchYogaWithJoJo up until today... 

Anywho- Congrats to one of my favorite bloggers and IGer's Valarie at Fab Chick Gets Fit... She hit 10K followers on IG overnight! WHOOT! Check her out and give her a follow!

I also wanted to say thank you to everyone that posted kind words on last weeks post.  I'll be able to elaborate soon, but each thought was felt and appreciated. THANK YOU!

Since it's Wednesday, it's linkup day... Heather and Ashlee here...

And hopefully Nina this afternoon.
Have a great week y'all and make it count... It's almost tank top season!

March Madness... in my world

Hey there and Happy March! I wanted to put in writing what my goals are fort his month. Maybe, just maybe, if I do that then I'll be more accountable?

I'm currently (as of weight in Wednesday on 2/26) down 9.6 pounds since January 2nd.  February has been terrible for me and I'm basically a month behind weight loss wise.  The scale literally hasn't moved. I still have so much further to go, but know that it's the little things I need to look forward to, rather than long term. So... Here it is.

March Goals:

Weight loss of 8 pounds. (that's averaging 2 pounds a week)

4 flights of stairs a day (currently doing a minimum of 3 each day)

Work out at least 30 mins a day, 4 times a week. (I'm setting a realistic number here)

Complete #MarchYogaWithJoJo (Challenge Yoga pose a day)

Meal prep and actually eat what you cook (this is the hardest for me at dinner time)

March includes birthday prep for my son's birthday on April 3rd and it also includes Spring break for my boys.  They'll be off for a week, and my oldest is going to his Dad's in Colorado. I'll be able to take a week off of cooking dinner since they probably won't be here, so that might save my diet.  HOWEVER, St. Patrick's day also falls during that week, and that may or may not mean that a Pub Crawl is in play... 

While discussing meal prep- Do any of you have any ideas about calories and what your bodies need? I know what my Loseit App suggests,  and what my FitBit app says, but I'm not so sure it's what I actually need. I've been trying to stay at or under for two months now. This week, I've gone over, but I did it on purpose. Not just because I had too many cheat meals. I decided to up my calories this week and see what kind of a difference it makes with my metabolism.

I know that there are several factors to take into consideration when figuring out how many calories you should consume.  And I have done the research, but I guess I just don't understand it?  I have an 8-5 job that basically consists of me sitting at a desk that whole time, so I know that I am not near as active as I should be.  However, I have recently made the conscience decision to climb the stairs at work (up to an apartment) any time I leave my desk to go to the bathroom (or kitchen). That ups my active time, and if  I stick with my March goals, I'll be able to add much more active time too.  What bothers me, is that the yoga video I do doesn't keep my FitBit active enough to count as very active minutes. (You can read my review of the FitBit Force here) I can input the activity, but again, I really have no exact way of knowing what I'm burning or how my heart rate is. Looks like I'll have to make a secondary investment into a heart rate monitor/calorie counter for that.

Weigh in Wednesday

Well here it is folks... 

The same as last week. :-/ this number is a little frustrating since I did so well this week food wise, and also started my yoga back. My goal was to keep on losing about 1-2# a week, so that I can drop another 18# by vacation. But I don't really see that happening. Oh well. 

I did manage to get my exercise in this morning for the #stopandgivemethirty IG challenge this month.

As you can see, I've planned my month out already.  I'm doing flights of stairs M-F (cause I only have stairs at work) and increasing my one flight a day, until I hit 10. We're going to Vegas in April, and there are LOTS OF STAIRS.  I want to be in much better shape than years past, so that I don't get worn out and have to stop for breath.  

I'm also doing yoga daily.  As you can see, I'm alternating between the two DVD's I have every day, just so I don't get too relaxed in the one.  The Target video I have has 5 different videos on it, and while I only do one of the five, the others require blocks or straps and I don't have any of those... yet. 

The goal for the challenge is to get in at least 30 minutes of activity a day, for 30 days.  There are two additional days built in to the challenge for those of us that just can't get to it one day, or quite frankly, just don't want to. Wish me luck! 

I also want to wish my little sister a Very Happy Sweet 16th Birthday today! HAPPY BIRTHDAY DES!!

And this is my face today... I've ran off and forgot to put contacts in or grab my glasses... So while I can see the computer screen, I can't see very far from my face... DANGGIT

Anyway, linking up with Ashley and Heather once again this week... 

Everyone have a great week and try to make it count! 

Weigh In Wednesday!

Linking up once again with Ash & Heather.
And now with Nina!

 It's Weigh in Wednesday again and today, I've found myself wondering why I do this. I know I need the accountability, and that in itself should be enough- but still, why?

Why have I put myself out there for all the word to see (even though no one actually reads it unless I do a linkup with a group that has already been put together) and why have I put my "big number" out there for all of you to gasp at? It's a huge number.  To me.  It's several huge numbers.  That I promised myself that I would NEVER see, 7 years ago.  And yet, here it is. And it's been around for way too long. Here she be...

I've lost 3.6 lbs since last Wednesday, and a total of 6.4 lbs since starting on January 2nd.

That's a good loss for two and a half weeks.  And my LoseIt! App is set to suggest calorie intake for a 2# a week loss (suggested healthy loss)... so I guess I'm doing better than suggested.  I still have a long way to go and still need to get back in to a regular exercise routine.

What motivates you to weigh in every week and post a weight that you're ashamed of? What motivates you to exercise? What makes you accountable for the workout? SOMEONE needs to call me every morning and tell me to get my ASS OUT OF BED!

Happy Wednesday all! Hope you enjoy this midweek hump!

Resolution Revolution Goodies!

Good Tuesday Morning to you all! I'm back from my 3 day weekend! It wasn't exaclty the three day weekend i would have envisioned, but only because I sat at a courthouse most of the morning on Friday. (whomp, whomp, whomp) I was called for Jury Duty, and am basically at their beck and call for two weeks.  I have to call every day at 4:30 so see if I need to attend the following day.  Talk about NO NOTICE! Kinda crappy, but hey.  What can you do?

Anyway, as I said Friday morning in my Follow through Friday linkup, my package for the Resolution Revolution that Jess has started sponsoring showed up on Thursday evening.  I was so excited!

This special little package had so many fun little goodies!  Jess really outdone herself with our first package.

We have everything from the member shirts, to Spark, to Jelly Beans! Yes, I said Jelly Beans! I've decided that I want to review each item in the package that she sent, and let you know what I think, as someone that is actually trying all of these things for the very first time.

First up, the Kashi Trail Mix Granola Bar. 

This bad boy right here was really yummy.  I needed something sweet Friday night after dinner, and so I turned to this. It has fruit, nuts, and oats and stuff and I really enjoyed it. According to their website, heres their description:

"Chewy and naturally tasty, our granola bars satisfy your sweet and wholesome sides. With whole, roasted almonds, succulent, sun-dried fruit, toasted sunflower seeds and a touch of wildflower honey, our Trail Mix granola bars have 4g of fiber* and 6g of protein.

Naturally, you won't find any partially hydrogenated oils, high fructose corn syrup, or artificial anything but what you will find in our chewy granola bars is just what you'd expect from Kashi® — pure ingredients, and natural goodness you can see as well as taste"

While I agree that it was tasty, and it does taste natural, it wasn't exactly what I would call chewy.  Yes, I had to chew, no I didn't have to crunch down on it.  It was still very good.  Just enough "chew" to make me not regret opening it, and solid just enough that it felt "healthy" to bite into. 

As for the nutrition info, here is the breakdown:

As someone that is doing the counting calories thing, I would definatly sacrafice 140 calories for this again.  It was yummy, satisfying and well worth it. I even like how they print the "Exchange" rate on the package for Diabetics. Very handy. 

Next up is the Mango Strawberry Spark by Advocare.

(yes, i know this is not the right image.  I coudln't find one for the Mango Strawberry)

While I do not know a ton of stuff about Spark, I do know that it has been around for YEARS... I remember my mother trying to make me drink the stuff when I was around 10, and at that time, they only had an orangy-citrus flavor.  And it. was. terrible. HAHA! I do have to have to admit that this was much more appetizing than it used to be. The directions say to mix it with 8oz of water or juice, and mix well.  I like a little bit of a strong flavor, so I only added 6oz and while I enjoyed the flavor (and so did my 8 year old) it didn't quite have the kick that I was looking for on Friday.  In taste or energy. There was no "grit" when drinking it, nor was there an aftertaste at all. I REALLY liked that. However, at 5:15 in the evening, I found myself lacking energy, and realized that I dozed off. That's really the only, but main, downfall in my opinion. Here is the description from the Advocare website.

"AdvoCare Spark Energy Drink Mix is a unique multi-nutrient system that was developed as a nutritional source of energy and enhanced mental focus.* It's a sugar-free drink mix that has more than 20 vitamins, minerals and nutrients that work synergistically to provide a healthy, balanced and effective source of energy that won't overburden or overstimulate your body like other energy drinks on the market.* This amazing product serves as an all-in-one solution that gives you a quick boost of energy that lasts for hours.* With eight refreshing flavors (Watermelon, Mango Strawberry, Pink Lemonade, Grape, Mandarin Orange, Fruit Punch, Cherry and Citrus), you're sure to find one that's perfect for you. And the best part? Only 45 calories in each serving!"

I currently take a simmular vitamin supplement by Zeal for Life.

Zeal Wellness is a vitamin supplement taken once daily, usually in the morning, and it gives you your daily value of needed vitamins and minerals.  And for the extra "energy" kick that everyone needs, it's got Guarana in it.  A natural supplement like caffine, but much healthier. 

Here's the vitamin breakdown of the two side by side.

Ingredients/Facts	AdvoCare Spark®
Serving Size	One Pouch 8 fl. oz.
Servings per Container	1
Calories	45
Total Fat	0
Saturated Fat	0
Cholesterol	0
Sodium	0
Potassium	0
Total Carbohydrates	11g
Sugars	0
Protein	0
Vitamin A	20%
Vitamin C	300%
Vitamin E	100%
Thiamine	200%
Riboflavin	200%
Niacin	300%
Vitamin B-6	750%
Vitamin B-12	750%
Pantothenic Acid	500%
Zinc	20%
Total Caffeine	120mg

Amount per Serving % Daily Value

Calories 48

Calories from Fat 12

Total Fat: 2g 3% Saturated Fat: 0.33g

Trans Fat: 0.00g

Sodium 1mg 0%

Potassium 109mg 3% 

Total Carbohydrates 8g 3% 

Dietary Fiber 3.5g 14% 

Sugars 3.5g

Protein < 1g 1%

Vitamin A 5,000 iu 100% 

Vitamin C 60 mg 100%

 Iron 15 mcg 1% 

Vitamin D3 1,000 iu 250% 

Vitamin E 30 iu 100% 

Thiamin (B1) 1.5 mg 100%

Riboflavin (B2) 1.7 mg 100%

Niacin 10 mg 50%

Vitamin B6 8 mg 400%

Folic Acid 200 mcg 50%

Vitamin B12 96 mcg 1,600%

Biotin 300 mcg 100%

Pantothenic Acid 10 mg 100%

Phosphorus 54 mg 6%

Magnesium 12 mg 3%

Zinc 1.5 mcg 1%

Manganese 224 mcg 10%

Tocotrienols 700 mcg +

Omega 3 Fatty Acids 60 mg +

Omega 6 Fatty Acids 1,155 mg +

Inositol (IP6) 10.5 mg +

Gamma Oryzanol 17.5 mg +

Phyto Sterols 29.4 mg +

Beta Sitosterol 14.7 mg +

Okay... maybe not side by side, but close enough. I'm not as good at cutting and pasting just yet.  LOL.

Anyway, draw your own conclusions. I'm not pushing anything on ya. But... I'm probably going to stick with my Zeal.  Even though I love that Spark has so many more flavor options.  Zeal only offers Mixed Berry (what I drink) and Grape. (what my son prefers)

I also received my water jug that I won from Valerie last week! Whoot! Talk about some serious drinkage! Lol! Ive started using it this week, and my goal is to be up to one whole jug by this weekend. Wish me luck! 

More on the goodies I received and about the weekend later, but for now... What motivates you to get your water intake each day? What pointers can you give someone who NEEDS to drink it, just isn't motivated, or hates water? 

New Years, New Me

Yes, I know.  It gets said every year. By almost every one. But this year, it's going to be true for me.
This year, I am determined to be a better me.  A better mommy.  A better girlfriend. A healthier me.
I'm starting the year with goals, but figuring out those goals is one of the hardest things I've done.  Do I set time lines with those goals, or just a general "by the end of the year"? What is considered a "Goal?" Is it worth it to put down?
Here are some of the things I would like to accomplish this next year: (in no specific order)

Be healthy:

I already quit smoking about 6 weeks ago, so I want to include continuing to be smoke free.
Reach a goal weight of 195 by my birthday, July 26. That's about 30 pounds in 7 months.
Reach a Goal weight of 175 by the end of the year.  That's 50! pounds in twelve months. A pound a week...
Meal Plan & Food Prep (because failure to plan, is a plan to fail)
Eat Clean 5 Times a week.  No everyday, but most.
Do Yoga 5 times a week.  I don't care what day it is, or how many times I do it a day, I just want to do it.

Improve my every day life:

Sit to eat my meals. Dinner at least. You seriously have no idea how much more relaxing it is to SIT while eating.
Write down my good things.  Things happen every day that you think you'll remember. I don't.  I have a terrible memory! I want to write them, so that I can reflect on them, when I need a reminder.
Send Birthday Cards.  I know that may sound petty, but I have a friend who ALWAYS sends me a card.  For Mothers day, for Christmas, for my Birthday. I never send cards, but know I should.
Count to 10... I have a TERRIBLE habit of flying off the handle.  Of not having patience. I need to learn patience, and counting to 10 will help.

Long Term Changes:

Pay off my credit cards... cause, uh, duh.
Read 12 books this year.  That's one a month, and I hate to read.  Surely, I can get 12 in this year. Right? Suggestions?
HUNT with my bow.  I always hunt, but I normally use a gun.  My honey bought me a bow last year and I haven't gotten to hunt with it yet. Let alone shoot it this year.  I WILL hunt with it next deer season.


I've currently signed up for the Resolution Revolution with Jess over here...

Hopefully she's got some good stuff worked out for us and we'll get our fitness on after the first! It looks like it's going to be full of advice, support and accountability.  Accountability is a big thing for me.  If I don't feel like someone is paying attention, neither am I! lol  I can't wait for this to get going and to get my member shirt in the mail! Thanks so much for the group Jess! I'm looking forward to starting my year off right.

I've also been checking out the post here with Holly. For the month of January, her friends Melanie, Jenn, Kimmy, and her are hosting a Jillian Michael's challenge for Instagram only. To help them kick off the new year and the beer-bloat, they are doing the "Jillian in January Challenge." All you have to do to join is pick your favorite Jillian DVD. She likes her DVD's because they are only about $9 a Target and they are short enough to do before/after work and actually provide results. You can check out her Shred results HERE.

Thinking about it, but it would mean that I would have to invest in a Jillian DVD, and I've heard she's pretty hard core... awe Hell... It's worth it.  Lets throw this in the mix for 30 days and see just how awesome that 30 day Shred really is.  Looks like Target has it on sale right now for $6.99! WHOOT! (I have Amazon Prime, so I ordered from there to save on shipping!)

What are your goals and how do you plan on achieving them? How do you set your goals?

Hope everyone has a safe and happy new year! I'll be taking my friend Suzan out for her birthday with a great group of ladies, then heading back home to ring in the new year with my Honey for the first time in 3 years.  I can't wait!