Challenge Day 26 and a LOT to catch you up on!!

Challenge Day 26 and a LOT to catch you up on!!              

Ok so I know I’m about 15days behind on my blog! ALTHOUGH, I’ve found that something super exciting does not happen daily so better to write a good juicy blog then just a plane Jane one!

Already at Challenge day 26 and I’m nowhere near thinking about throwing in the towel. That’s not to say there haven’t been numerous speed bumps and cravings! First, my big weakness is chocolate!!! I love chocolate, I love the way it melts, tastes, looks and that after taste keeps me craving MORE! So a couple weeks ago Anthony is going to the store and asks if I need anything. I respond with a “no thank you, I’m good.” Then think “oh how a dark piece of chocolate sounds divine! Just one little piece to satisfy the craving!” and quickly retort my “no thank you,” with “well actually how about a dark chocolate bar??”

When he returns, I’ve totally psyched myself up for the piece of chocolate I’m about to enjoy! “Should I make a small coffee or tea to go with it or…” when my thoughts are interrupted with what he has returned with, a dark chocolate Milky Way and Kit Kat and a milk chocolate Reese Cup.  Humph! As none critical as I could I thanked him and asked “Babe, they didn’t have any just dark chocolate bars??” Sadly, 711 had run clean out of all dark chocolate bars. :P One small bite of the Milky Way to cure the craving and I remembered I don’t even like Milky Ways! He meant well. Lesson learned, on my next grocery store trip the first thing in the cart….dark chocolate bars!

The six meals a day have been a  breeze, it’s basically snacking all day on GOOD FOR YOU stuff rather than a bag of chips! Vinn loves it too because 99% of the time he gets a bite of whatever I’m eating.

Challenge day 23, was my first day of cross fit training workout with my brother! Umm….let’s start off with this stuff is INTENSE! I went out there feeling a lot less confident then I would let’s say in a shoe store because first, I barely own workout clothes, I had to get tennis shoes just to work out as I usually work out in flip flops on the elliptical (which apparently is not good for you at all) and sports/agility are not usually my cup of tea.   So walking out into the yard with a handful of people that know exactly what they are doing…was quite intimidating. Once I got over the initial “OH my gosh everyone is staring at me (which they weren’t) I started to really focus and do my best to get as much out of the workout as I could. Let me tell you ….3 minutes feels like an eternity when you are doing cross fit! But I rocked it! And when I thought I couldn’t go any further, do anymore box jumps or burpies (thanks lil’ bro! last time I make fun of those!) a little voice in my head said…”So walking out into the yard with a handful of people that know exactly what they are doing…was quite intimidating. Once I got over the initial “OH my gosh everyone is staring at me (which they weren’t) I started to really focus and do my best to get as much out of the workout as I could. Let me tell you ….3 minutes feels like an eternity when you are doing cross fit! But I rocked it! And when I thought I couldn’t go any further, do anymore box jumps or burpies (thanks lil’ bro! last time I make fun of those!) a little voice in my head said…”you can do this!! Come on one more!” and my brother followed it up with a motivational call out. Once I completed the workout…the feeling was amazing! I did it! I really did it! I didn’t quite I just did it!

I took in as much advice I could, these people had been doing cross fit training for months now. They knew what they were talking about! Lots of water and stretches, “like for serious…” one said. So that’s what I did and the next day…yes I could feel I had worked out but I wasn’t in agonizing pain. It was more of a satisfying ache reminding me what I had accomplished the day prior. My next cross fit training on Friday (challenge day 25) was equally as satisfying and I felt less hard. My brother (the workout natzi) stated I felt it was less hard because I talked all through my workout…lol!! NOT ME!? :P

Ending challenge day 25 with blue flashing lights was not exciting at all!! The jerky cop (usually I refer to uniformed persons as officers, but this guy was so mean he doesn’t deserve that) was the worst of the worst. Once I drove away and replayed the situation in my head, first, it could have been much worse and second, THANK GOODNESS for family because my mom, brother and cousin were there in a flash! And finally, I’ve been feeling so good, doing so great and I get this curve ball, but you know what I thought…don’t let this get me down. I’m healthy and can get back up from this too! So I did!

I’ve taken in a lot of ideas, job possibilities, literature this past week…and perhaps the thing that stood out most was this… He who loves wisdom loves his own best interest and will be a success. -proverbs 19:8

Now challenge day 26 and feeling quite good!!!!! It’s a low key (thank goodness) weekend, so I napped with Vinn and I woke up to a dozen long stem red roses! <3

Let the challenge continue!!! yessssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss

Challenge Days 5-10!

My challenge got a little challenging with the whole travel to ATL thing. Although I didn't forget my shake mix and packed my cooler!!! I was quite proud! Not one hot fudge Sunday or french fries hit my lips...all that know me KNOW that is my road trip weakness! I cant say I didn't fight the urge cause the craving was there!

So many people asked what my challenge was about and wanted to try the shake!! I got a lot of "what kind of diet is it?" Always with the response "It's not a diet, it's a lifestyle. Like taking a vitamin everyday or brushing your teeth." "Yes, but what are you allowed to eat??" me, "Anything I want. I just chose to take out white (because if it's white it ain't right) to replace with whole grain and low fat milk to fat free! That's all!"

So many of my friends and family hadn't seen me in so long....now with an 18 month old...and I felt that I had the energy he does! Seriously, this shake replaces all the nutrients and stuff, a mother (or anyone) does NOT have time to eat all you would need to eat to gain in my body! Feeling = Amazing!

Challenge Day 10, very interesting lesson learned. Since starting the challenge I've learned to be ok with sweating, while working out, other than that not a huge fan. And I believe this is the hottest summer we have seen in FL yet! So I drop Vin off at school and decide to go looking for some shoes (for him not me!) The only thing is, I had every intention of going home to work out so I was in work out clothes with flip flops, because tennies go on later. So after an unsuccessful hour of hunting for some new shoes for the V-man, I decide it's time to get home and work out! But the car wouldn't start.

Now let me tell you, it was 10am, just at the beginning of getting hot! So I waited because yes, Holly the Honda sometimes acts funny...so I waited about 15min, Still nothing. By now, I look as though I have just stepped out of the shower it's so dang hot!!! And everyone I ask if they have jumper cables quickly says no, while walking a bit quicker and clutching their handbag or the hand of their partner. I could see where I looked a little sketchy, ok....maybe some criminals like to sweat their asses off in order to car jack someone...I am not one of them. Let's remember, I have JUST become ok with sweating while working out.

Then, I started to get hungry. You see my plan was this, drop Vinn off, go home to work out, drink shake as recovery! This means no cooler was packed, no food to hold me over was in my car, NOTHING! This is why I started to panic. Finally, after 5 "Do you have any jumper cables??" quick response, "NO!" (some were actually kind enough to act like they were looking then say no. lol! at least 3 gallons of sweat and a rumblely tummy, I decided eff it! Marched right into Old Navy and asked Associates for jumper cables!!!!



This is a SHOUT OUT to the manager at the Sanford Old Navy, MATT...WHO helped me!!! I believe had it not been for him, I may still be sitting in that parking lot, no shoes for Vinnie! No food for me! Still sweating NO DOUBT!



Topping my day/evening off with my ME time and a dessert shake (Sweet Cream, Banana/Chocolate!) Preparing for Day 11! Yesssss!!! #rockingthischallengelikewhoa!

 Success Magazine! ARE YOU READY FOR THE CHALLENGE!?

THE Challenge Day 1 & 2!!!

I was much too excited yesterday that by the time I remembered to write it was late and I wanted to be refreshed for challenge day 2!

Just to recap my first challenge day....GOOD! Felt great! Lots of people interested in what my "challenge" was. Anthony decided day of start....he will start his challenge next week. "No worries,"  I said. "I'm sticking to my guns and pushing myself through this challenge!!" I thought. ;) So we will "kind of" be challenging together, a week apart. LOL!! Boyyyyyssss I swear...always have to see a girl get on it first!! jk jk jk!

Anyhow - challenge day 2...much more interesting!! Vinnie and I got up...ready for breakfast! V was ready to eat (doing the sign for more) lol!! I love Primrose and all they teach him EVERYDAY! I was hungry too ready to get on with day2, FULL OF ENERGY!! Which by the way I NEVER have at 7am especially before coffee!!!! I mixed it up this am and decided instead of shake I'd make protein powder with oatmeal (piece of advice...cook oatmeal THEN mix in protein powder. I did it other way around :/ Funny texture.) None the less we got breakfast down and were ready to play!

I wanted to get errands done early so I decided "work out. shower. leave." Work out is where this whole day got interesting. Vinnie loves playdo....sooooooo I thought....."hmmmmm, if i can get him to stay in his play yard even though it will be half the size it normally is, with his playdo....i might get a 30m workout in on the elliptical." I thing there was more workout in setting up his play area by the elliptical for my workout! Music on; check! Baby in play yard with playdo; check! Shel on elliptical pumping out as quick as I can....although moving faster does not speed up work out...especially when little bits of playdo are being thrown at you. When Vinnie got bored throwing playdo at me while I'm dripping sweat....he decided he had had enough in the play yard and escaped (in our garage...no bueno.) So I'd stop working out...redirect. Then back to the elliptical...which still working out faster doesn't make the time faster! :P For some reason this concept wasn't making sense to me at the time.

After 20 minutes of on again off again the elliptical and playing what will keep Vinnie's attention the longest....I decided enough is enough. The sweat was literally dripping and Vinnie was all over the place, while bits of playdo were scattered all around elliptical.

So shower and out the door it was! I did good with eating a lot of small meals during the day. I've decided the only coffee I can do black is Starbucks! So now....I'll be buying a pound of that weekly, although I've found I'm not craving coffee like I did before! Which is awesome!

I'm getting more creative with food which is always fun! Last night I made chicken stir fry with balsamic and soy...sounds weird... tastes delish! Had leftovers for dinner tonight too! And an almond, pb, banana shake for dessert!

Ready to get comfy in bed and start my new Jennifer Weiner book and recover for DAY3!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Stay tuned!

Preparation Day 3: July 20th

OHHHHHHH it's only Wednesday and I sooooo can't wait to start my challenge!! Anthony is on board to do the challenge with me!!!! I'm stoked!!! We've never worked out or done something like this together (other than raise a baby --- who knows if we are doing that right! haha!) But we are going to be each other's motivation! I'm really excited about this challenge!! Mostly because I can NOT wait to feel better!! By better I mean mentally and physically. Just the few shakes I've had and the all natural energy that I've taken from Visalus has made me feel AH-MA-ZING!!! I can't wait to feel the GREAT!!

Once our 90 day challenge is over...which is October...if I'm calculating correctly. We are entering the 90 Day challenge contest....which is when I'll reveal my before pic....prior to that! NO BUENO! hahaha!!! :)

After a slight dispute with BriFit, Saturday at Starbucks, about ordering my normal Venti Breve One Raw Sugar Latte (she wanted it to be a Venti Non Fat Skinny Latte).....I decided today....GO FOR IT!! Whats the worst that could happen??? You hate the non-fat skinny one and you throw it out! So I did. AND can I just say.....barely tasted a difference! Being a coffee-a-holic....I DID taste a difference but not a bad one. SOOOOOO yessssssssssssssss!! I'm still preparing for the challenge!!! Taking the precautions (??) needed to do this thing RIGHT!

I got the email that confirmed the package has been shipped!!! YESSSS!!!! So its just a matter of days. I told Anthony last night over his beer that he might want to think about "pre-challenging" too lol!!! Dont want him to be shocked! :P

I have to admit though...I did horrible today with the 6 meals! I let myself get too hungry (BAD!) and ate too much too quick (DOUBLE BAD!) Tomorrow is a new day! I think I'll start with a SHAKE! :)

<3Shel.

Preparation Day 2: July 19th 2011

Today I did my best to start remembering to eat 6 small meals a day! It helps keep your metabolism up and keeps the crazy hungry Shel from surfacing! I did ok with it.

The best part about today though was that I ordered my kit!!!!!!! I'm officially a distributor for something that is going to change my life!!!! Honestly, to me I don't care what I make off any of this....my #1 goal is to feel good again and be happy!!! All those ladies that said having a baby changes you forever....yes....but I want to be the BEST mommy I can be for my lil mister....and more to come!!! :)

So my kit should be here in about 4 days!!! YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!! I've been reading all about it on the Visalus site and learning as much as I can. I've never been one to be into fitness, but healthy!! YES PLEASE!

<3Shel.

Day 1: Monday - July 18 2011.

 Preparation Day 1!

I stopped and bought fat free milk for my coffee. Yes, me who SWORE I'd never do that, but honestly I'm ready to feel better!!!!!!!! In many ways! Health - Wealth - Mentally. So I was challenged last Thursday to a 90 day challenge with Visalus. Today I decided I'm JUMPING IN AND DOING IT!!! No more muffin top, no more bags under the eyes. I'm dertermined to feel my best!!! If not only for myself for my sweet energetic little mister!!! :)

Also instead of buying a Venti Breve one raw sugar latte......Brianna handed me a Neuro.....so I poured it in my bottle of water and drank it....NOW all who know me KNOW I'm a hard core coffee drinker!! I'm here to tell you RIGHT now the craving didnt even come. And trust me! I was waiting for it! :P

It's time to make some serious changes!!!! Some more know than others....but let's just go with......change is amazing!!! :)

<3 Shel!