Half Time!

August 16 marked the half way point for my 90 day challenge.  I'm still hangin' in there!  It's been awesome, actually and I don't have a single regret.  I have had a few moments where I can't really say I was tempted, but challenged.  Not because I really wanted to eat whatever it was, but because I have to really stop and control my automatic reflex to pop a piece of food in my mouth just because it's there.  I have to literally put the brakes on in my mind.  I am retraining my brain to think differently, and until it becomes as automated as the old way, I will have to be aware and conscious about every single decision I make about food.

Oddly enough, it feels REALLY good.  I feel so confident about the changes I have made and it is leading me to make life long changes that will benefit myself and my family.  When I sit down at the table to have a meal with my family, all of the colorful, healthy food makes me smile.  It makes me feel good to teach my kids how to love things that are good for them.  While this started out to be a journey just for me...my whole family has embraced the changes with me and are loving it just as much.  Of course their changes haven't been as strict as mine, and the kids still like their treats every now and then, but the fact that neither of them has asked for a Happy Meal in over 2 months is a huge victory in itself.

So, at the half-way mark I have lost a total of 25 pounds through the challenge.  That puts me at 75 pounds total loss so far.  My goal is to hit the 100 pound mark by the time we go to Extravaganza in Long Beach on October 18.  I know I can do it!

I also wanted to thank everyone for their kind words and notes of encouragement through this process.  I really wanted to do this for myself...so I have something to look back on as a reminder of the journey and the fact that I never want to go back to where I was.  There are a few people who have been inspired to take the plunge with me and try this challenge.  The fact that I have inspired even one person warms my heart and makes every second of this worth it.  If you want to join me and would like some encouragement along the way, don't hesitate to send me an email  or find me on Facebook and we can exchange numbers.  I love meeting people, getting to know them, and sharing positive encouragement with each other.  I will check back in soon!

Boxing Day!

No, I'm not Canadian, but I did go boxing!  Boxing?! Yeah...that's what I thought.  On my list of things to accomplish in my lifetime, boxing is definitely something that never would have made the list.  I'm a little too "prissy" to strap on some stinky gloves and beat things and people up.  Ok, so I actually didn't beat up any people, but a friend invited me to try out a class at a local boxing club so I thought, "What the heck...let's give it a try!"

Five of us made the trip downtown to this place called Cincinnati Fitness Boxing to try out the class.  The first time is free, so I didn't have anything to lose.  I was nervous because I'm not exactly in the best shape, but how hard can it be to punch a bag, right?

Let me just say...this ended up being the most intense workout I have ever done in my entire life! However, it was probably the most fun as well and I can't wait to do it again!  We started off running a lap around the building...which I walked half of and was the last one finished...but I finished!  Then we strapped on the big boxing gloves and rotated through stations.  You work out for several minutes with a one minute break in between each station.  The staff were all very friendly and helpful and didn't mind helping those of us who are  completely clueless!  My favorite part was being in the ring with a guy named Ed.  He showed us how to step with our feet to get the most power out of our "1, 2" :)  The hardest part was the body bags on the floor....but that was pretty fun as well!

Anyway, if you are in the area, you should definitely check it out.  They have a lot of different classes but the one that I went to was at 10 am on Saturday.  They also have a kid's kickboxing class that I'm excited to take my 10 year old to next time.

Stepping out of my comfort zone is proving to be a huge learning experience and it is helping me to grow and experience things I never imagined!  I can't wait to see what my next adventure is going to be!

Gym Rat

Some of you know that three of us are opening a new Nutrition Club next month, so we have been going business to business in the area meeting some of the local people and advertising for our weight loss challenges.  I was a little nervous about that at first, but it has been a lot of fun.  I love meeting new people and it makes me realize that you definitely can't judge a book by its cover.  

Yesterday afternoon we were pounding the pavement and found ourselves in a local strip mall.  There happened to be a gym in this strip mall and Jessica and I were a little intimidated.  We stopped outside and tried to decide who would do the talking.  In fact we almost skipped it! However, we went inside and talked to the receptionist, pinned our information to the bulletin board and walked out the door.  Before the door closed, she came out behind us and said that the Manager wanted to talk to us.  

So, long story short...we talked to the manager who is looking to lose 50 pounds and both ended up signing up for a membership.  It was a great price, my 10 year old is able to work out with me, AND they have FREE unlimited child care while you work out so I don't have to get someone to watch my 3 year old.  She also agreed to let us use their space to run some of our Fit Camps.  

With the membership we get 2 free personal training sessions, so I was pretty excited about that.  I just really need someone to show me what to do...then stand there and make sure I do it and do it correctly.  I am really good at telling myself "that's good enough".  I didn't want to waste any time, so I agreed to come back at 10 am today for my first session.  The trainer came in and I was instantly scared...he looked like the Incredible Hulk!

So, today, Cameron and I headed back to the gym and I was a little scared as to what I was getting myself into...  He was very nice, asked what my goals were and what parts of my body I'm most concerned about and he focused on that.  He was not easy on me at all, but I was very impressed by myself.  I managed to not whine or complain once!  I got through the full 30 minute butt kicking and left feeling like Jello!  I'm pretty sure I will not be able to lift anything or walk tomorrow, but I have a feeling that I am going to love the results in a few weeks.  I get to go back Monday for part 2......

Skinny Shakes

I have had a few people ask me "What are skinny shakes?" So, I decided to make a list of some of the shakes I make for myself.  Generally I use only Formula 1 and PDM to make my shakes, but when I want something different I use other Herbalife products, fruit, veggies, or peanut butter powder (PB2).

Here is the link to the recipes that I have remembered so far.  Please feel free to comment or email me with your favorite recipes as well and I can add them to my list!  Enjoy!

Skinny Shake Recipes