Taco Tuesday

And we are on to day two!

Today so far has been a little bit better.  I am learning that I need to spend some quality time planning and doing quite a bit of math, my least favorite subject.  Success is going to be a lot harder than I want it to be.

In fact, I had a great discussion with a coworker today.  My coworker who happens to be my trainer's mother!  She was showing me the progress of her youngest daughter who has lost 70 pounds since April of this year.  I felt hopeful and excited, but also hesitant.  I struggle with patience.  I always become defeated in my weight loss journey and goals because I simply cannot wait for my results.  This causes frustration and the want to give up, which I essentially do.  My least favorite saying is "Do not expect to lose weight quickly... you put it on a pound at time."

LIES.  ALL LIES.

First of all weight loss quote, you do not know me!  I can cite specific weekends in which I gained 5 pounds in two days.  A WEEKEND.  I wish I was able to lose weight in the same way.  Now I will chalk part of that up to my struggles with my digestive system, but still.. come on.

The sad part of my weight loss is that it is going to take time.  Unfair!  I need to buckle down and plan.  Success is in the details.  In my discussion today I also decided to hold off on some of my gym expectations.  I think it is wise to nail the food part and slowly add in the gym.  I will still go and simply use the treadmill to aid in reaching my daily step goal.

So after I left the gym today I headed to the grocery store to get a few things for dinner... taco Tuesday!  I must have spent 30 minutes in the store getting 3 things.  I was scrolling away through MyFitnessPal figuring out numbers.  I am still off on my Macro numbers, but I am a little closer today.  I hope to be even closer tomorrow!

I was also successful in another gallon of water down! Woooohoooo!

1741 Calories          164 g Carbs          62 g Fat          74 g Protein

Breakfast:
1. Coffee
2. 1 T Light Cream
3. Thomas' Corn English Muffin
4. 1 T Butter
5. 1 Fried Egg
6. Slice of Pepper-jack cheese

Lunch:
1. 4 Slices Thin n Trim Virginia Ham
2. 2 Slices American Cheese
3. 1 C Cucumber slices
4. 1/2 C Blackberries
5. 1 Square Ghiradelli 86% Chocolate

Snack - Throughout the Day:
1. 2 Clementines
2. 1/2 C Blackberries
3. Yoplait Whips! Vanilla Cupcake
4. 1/2 C Caramel Corn

Dinner:
1. 3 Corn Tortilla Shells
2. 4 oz 85% Ground Beef
3. Medium Plum Tomato
4. 1/2 C Shredded Lettuce
5. 2 T Shredded Taco Cheese
6. 1 T Medium Taco Sauce

The best part of today was wine.  I needed some more calories and carbs when I realized the most perfect solution.  I am quite thankful for those empty calories tonight.

Cheers to you!  May you have more patience than me!

Day One

Woof.  I am so tired!  Last night was rough, not a good night sleep.  I tossed and turned and had the strangest dreams. Le sigh.

But... I said I would check in and you bet I am!

I am still struggling to find a balance with my eating.  I find it difficult to hit those actual Macro Goals.  If I focus on protein, I wind up off on the others.  Today I am slightly over on protein and fat, but below in calories and carbs.  Womp womp.

So without further ado... my food for the day!

Breakfast:
1. Thomas' Corn English muffin, toasted
2. A fried egg
3. 1 slice pepper jack cheese
4. Pat of butter
5. 1/4 C pomegranate seeds
6. 1 cup coffee
7. 1 T light cream

Lunch:
1. 2 oz deli ham
2. 1 oz American Cheese
3. 1 C sliced cucumber
4. 2 clementines
5. 1 square Ghiradelli 86% Dark Chocolate

Snack:
Quest Bar Cookies and Cream

Dinner
1. Salmon with mustard and panko bread crumbs
2. 12 pieces of asparagus in olive oil
3. 1/4 C rice
4. 1/4 C Talenti Caribbean Coconut
5. 2 T Cool Whip

My daily Macros for this are about 1,363 calories, 130 g carbs, 63 g fat, 86 g protein.  OFF. ugh.

The good thing is that I did not feel that hungry until dinner time.  I brought back my gallon of water which kept most of my appetite at bay, plus the added lemon made it a lot better.  The kids sure got a laugh watching me chug it down without a cup.

As for the gym I admit I am slightly defeated.  I had a meeting after school which ran a lot later than I had anticipated.  I still went and made sure to get in about 20 minutes on the treadmill.  It was better than grading math tests!

Now I am here, watching the X Files and calling it a night!   Hoping for a better night of sleep, it is supposed to help in this journey! 

Until tomorrow...

Down and Out

Do not get me wrong.  I LOVE THE FALL.  In fact, it is easily my favorite time of year.  Cooler weather, crisper air, and good food.  Not to mention the adding of layers to my clothing, blankets, and prime snuggling.  Unfortunately, as with most things, the season has some negatives that go with it.  One of the major ones is the time change.  I am someone who is completely unsettled by it.  It is weird, how the change in an hour can change so much more, including the way I think and feel.

I suffer from depression, and the changing of the seasons is usually the hardest.  I have fought really hard to stay on top of it, but I am admittedly slacking.  My brain is completely fogged.  I feel so sleep deprived and it seems like I just cannot catch up!  I have been battling a headache for at least a week now.  It was only at the worst on my day off, phew!

I decide that now more than ever, I needed to refocus back on my health.  The whole 10 pounds up and 10 pounds down is getting tiring in itself.  I have lost control.  So I found myself in luck when a coworker mentioned her daughter was in school for nutrition and was a certified personal trainer.  She mentioned that she had helped her sister lose 70 POUNDS AND COUNTING.... Can you say sold?!  After receiving her card, I headed over to Victoria Shipp Fitness.  I simply sent her an email to start the process.  After talking over a few things it was decided that I would sign up for her 12 week macro nutrition program ($45) and 2 week gym training ($35).

I kept a food log for three days and waited for her response.  I was happy she could immediately see what I had forgotten to tell her.  I have a protein problem.  I feed this protein problem with a bigger carbohydrate problem.  Not eating enough protein has caused me to be a snacker, and I make less than desirable choices for myself.

Last Monday I started the first week.  My goals are 1,546 calories, 176g of carbs, 60g of fat, and 80g of protein.  Remember that these numbers have been specifically tailored to my life, I cannot recommend them for you as we are not the same!  This first week has been really hard, and I slipped up some days.  I am logging everything into MyFitnessPal, but it is definitely a big change.  I actually think some of my headache is almost like a withdrawal from all that junk.  It kept me out of the gym, I went one day. Oops.

All that being said I realized how I could fix it... BLOG... duh!  So for this second week before my check in, I will blog everyday about what I do.  It is like a check in before the check in!  Each night I will log what I eat, and post a gym selfie.  I MUST GET TO THAT GYM!

I am off to plan, plan, plan!  Followed by grocery shopping... booo.

Happy Sunday!

Shamelss Stitch Fix Review

Hi everyone!  It has been quite the week... birthday week!  I am so blessed to have so many people wish me a happy birthday.  I am also so grateful for my loving boyfriend, family, and friends who all came together to celebrate me!  What a strange group of people... I love you all!

My birthday gift to myself was my third delivery on Stitch Fix!

From 1992-2006 I wore a uniform almost every day.  # catholicschoolproblems My first day of classes in college was a major struggle.  I spent hours obsessing over my outfit for the first time in my life.  It.  Was.  Awful.  Needless to say that by day two I was exclusively wearing my sweats unless I was working off campus.  On the last day of classes sophomore year, a professor commented that finals week always surprised him, saying "For example, Gayle, you are wearing jeans!"  I have just never been confident in my wardrobe choices, and the yo-yoing of my weight does not help.  Black clothes are where my comfort lies.

That is... until now.

A friend sold me quickly on Stitch Fix, a monthly subscription clothing box.  So now I will shamelessly sell it to you.  When you create an account you create your "Style Profile."  Your style profile contains all the information needed to style you.  You list your sizes and measurements.  Currently Stitch Fix only carries sizes 0-14, but also has many accessories and shoes available.  I have found that their clothes fit pretty true to size.  You also list what you like and do not like.  This is one aspect that I really love, control.  You have the ability to choose for them to NEVER send you specific things.  For example, I said no heels and no fashion sneakers.  I am particular about my heel height and I would hate to waste an item on something I am so picky on... just wait to see why!  I also hate animal print and real fur, so I will never see those!  My recommendation is to be as specific as possible.  If you are not honest and upfront, be prepared to get something you do not like.  Stitch Fix is 100% geared on YOUR FEEDBACK!  Be honest!  You can even link up a Pinterest board for them to draws ideas about what you like from.

Once you are all signed up, you schedule your fix.  Here is where it is NOT a monthly subscription, again, CONTROL!  You can choose for it to come automatically as often as you would like, or to only come when you choose.  It costs $20 to schedule a fix.  Seeing your box at the door is like coming down the stairs on Christmas morning.  Every time you schedule a fix, they send you five items.  These items come with a personalized note from your stylist.. they actually read what you say, as well as give recommendations on how to wear the pieces sent.  I am keeping those little cards for future

ideas!  You then try it on and have a fashion show for yourself.  After that, it is simple.  Keep and pay for what you want, send back whatever you don't.  All boxes come with a prepaid envelope that you just need to drop off at the post office.

After deciding, you simply go online to checkout.  Again, BE AS HONEST AS POSSIBLE.  If you hate it, say why.  If you love it, say why.  Even if you keep one thing, you get your $20 fee to use towards the purchase.  You only lose that money if you decide to keep nothing.  If you decide to buy all of the items, you get an additional 25% off on top of your $20 off.

So I bet you are wondering what the catch is.  I will be completely honest, it can be a little pricey.  In your profile, you get to choose the price points of what you would like to spend.  I have "As Cheap As Possible" chosen for all products.  The average price of items is around $50, so it adds up quickly.  And while I would normally scoff at this (remember I am only a Catholic school teacher!), I don't argue it. One thing is that a lot of the clothes are actually made in America.  Big bonus.  I do not mind paying the extra money because someone was actually paid to make it.  Also the quality is incredibly noticeable, and I know I am getting what I am paying for.  And because it is more expensive than I would normally buy, I am not picking up random things at stores anymore.  Sorry Target. At first Andrew was on me about tracking what I was spending, which he is right about.  But he is loving what I am wearing now too!  Win!

I am now getting so many compliments on my outfits which is incredibly flattering.  I discovered that you can even request certain stylists.  After receiving and loving my second Fix, I requested to keep the most recent stylist.  It was so nice to get a thank you for the request in the note from Kelly.  She just seems to get me!  The neat thing is that you can earn credits, although I have been unsuccessful in that area... but maybe only until now.  For every referral, you get a $25 credit.  So go on and try it by clicking here!  You do not even have to buy anything for someone to get a credit, just order!  It is my birthday... just do it! ;)

Some people complain that they do not have luck.  Maybe I am just lucky.  They have great customer service so do not hesitate to complain if you hate the first try completely.  I have heard that they will send you a second one to retry without spending an additional styling fee if it is a total bust.

I put all the pictures from my birthday fix in this post.  I got an AMAZING pair of jeans, and remember, I hate jeans.  I also got two shirts, a scarf, and a vest.  The picture on the right makes me look ready to go apple picking!  I was hoping for some nice fall layers so I asked and received!

Also!  Family and friends!! Attention! Christmas is in 2 months and they have gift cards!  Just saying...

I'm Not Dead

Hey there!  Miss me?!

I know, I know I am a terrible blogger.  Today I will get you up to speed on what has been going on with me.  Truth be told, I have been completely thrown off.  School has introduced a new form of routine that I have yet to figure out.  That being said I also have not put in ANY effort into figuring that out.  Hello new October goal!

I switched to Fifth Grade for this year and it is a little overwhelming.  I have a great class and an even greater support system, but I am struggling with the transfer of the work load that I now have to do.  Kindergarten and first grade correcting was a breeze, plus I always had someone to help me with it.  Now I have 4+ page tests and homework that I am responsible for correcting and analyzing.  Not to mention that there are 20 of each to do.  The fifth grader inside me says "Well don't assign so much stuff!"  I wish it could be that easy!

On top of the change in school duties, I also have a change in babysitting duties.  The family I help out has stretched their availability too thin so I have to help out more, not that I mind.  But it means that I have to be there every weekday and it can be wearing.  Unfortunately my car required some work for the first time which reminded me that without babysitting, I have incredibly little money to spare after my student loans and other bills.  Woof.

I have let these things be my focus instead of my health goals.  The good news is that I have not gained any weight!  Yippee!  The not as great news is that I really have not lost anything either.  Boooo.  The past few weeks included weddings, dinner parties, football, and birthdays.  I guess I have won in the end.

So the water challenge, I bet you have been curious.  I actually have really enjoyed it.  I may not exactly drink a gallon a day now, but I am drinking a minimum of a half gallon of just water alone.  I have found quite a few things were happening.  I lost my three pound gain that first week, ironically what I figure to be just water weight.  I also noticed an incredible decrease in my appetite and snacking wants.  I also can tell when I have been slow in my intake because I get a headache.  I have grown accustomed to headaches and I now feel a majority of those were caused by dehydration.  The last major change has been in my skin.  I have been blessed with nice, clear skin for most of my life, but lately I have been breaking out like crazy.  After some research, I found that lots of people had this happen as well.  The water is forcing my skin to simply detox, sweet.

The best thing about going back to school is that I have remembered my love for Mason Jar Salads.  My all time favorite source is Organize Yourself Skinny.  I have yet to make one of her salads and not like it!  Considering my busy schedule, the prep is key.  I make 4 of them on Sunday night because I reward myself with free pizza Friday for staff at school.  When I am half awake in the morning, I just grab the jar and some healthy snack options, throw them in my lunchbox, and go!  This week I am opting for her Chopped Taco Mason Jar Salad.  I have found that I need some meat in my salad, it makes me feel a lot more satisfied.

The only issue I have with making these salads is that it takes time and effort to do it!  I need to force myself to get going on that!

As for a goal, I need to get exercising.  I hope to get my act together so that I can add it in after school before babysitting.  That most likely will not be happening on Monday.  I meet my new Primary Care Physician after school.  My goal is to get tested for a thyroid problem.  I understand that weight loss is hard, but something just does not seem right here.  I would like to rule that out or deal with it stat!

Wish me luck!

Gallon Water Challenge

Alright, week one is done!  How is everyone feeling?  I successfully walked a minimum of 3 miles everyday last week.  I have zero intention of dropping this habit because that is exactly what I intend to make it... HABIT!  Now I am sure that you must be questioning the impact on my weight.  I can truthfully say that I have no idea.  I am thankful for measurements because some number are a tiny bit smaller.

In the past few years I have come to have what I think is a pretty serious digestive issue.  To put it gently, I have a difficult time "getting rid" of my food intake.  I know, gross, but it is what can seriously attribute to weight loss.  You literally have to get rid of it, and I for some reason, am not.

I feel like I can confidently rule out that lack of movement is not the issue.  In my research that was a top recommendation.  Been there, done that, no change.  Now to try something different.  Since I have worked on adding movement, I need to better focus on another goal that should help in movement too.

Water is the biggest rage.  Everywhere you go, everyone you meet; WATER, WATER, WATER.  It is so fetch.

I am terrible about water.  I partially blame my profession.  Being an elementary school teacher is like being a hamster in a cage.  There is no leaving, and unless I run relentlessly on my wheel, all hell can break loose.  I get in the zone and before I know it, it is lunch time.  I have had no water or liquid intake since my one cup of morning coffee.  At least I do not have to worry about getting someone to cover me to run to the bathroom all day.  I have accidentally trained my body to survive long periods of time without water.  Bring on the zombie apocalypse, I am ready.

This year I am moving to teach fifth grade.  It means my daily schedule will change a little and I now will have more time to do things like use the bathroom.  To which I present to you...

The Gallon Water Challenge

Some doctors recommend that the amount of water you consume should equal to at least half of your body weight in ounces.  Granted, I do not weight anywhere close to 260 pounds, but there are a lot of people who swear by the water challenge.

Just drink one gallon a day.  Be sure to pace yourself, you should not be remembering your lack of water intake late at night, you are too late!  After a lot of research, I put some pace markers on my gallon to make it easier.  Plus I have my mini sidekicks today to help keep me focused!

Different people report different results which I find believable, we are all different!

Regardless, here is what I am hoping to gain from this challenge:

1. Less bloating - I am all bloat - yuck!

2. Better digestion - more weight loss!

3. More energy - will help with overworking and moving!

I challenge you to join me for a week.  Just one week.  If you can do it, push it to the full 30 days.  If you can, take before and after pictures, let me know if you see any changes.  Oh, and do not forget to keep moving!

Favorite Running App

In October, my school will be hosting a 5k.  Last year I kept saying how I wanted to run it but fell short.  Between injury and illness, I could not catch a break.  Never the less I still walked it and had a great time.  This time I set a smaller goal for the 5k, I want to at least run SOME of it.  I have my Weight Watcher's partner Robin vowing to join me in my walk/run attempt.  I am just crossing my fingers that her girls' soccer does not interfere with that since I believe they had a tournament last year.

To help me get ready for this I am using a couch to 5k running App on my iPhone.  I had a gift card and purchased the app, Zombies, Run!  I know, I know, you must be laughing.  But it is addicting.

I am a girl with the strangest interests, although I have found that they are not as rare interests as I had originally thought.  I love the fall because that is when the TV shows that I enjoy the most come back.  I am obsessed with FX's American Horror Story and, of course, AMC's The Walking Dead.  I first got into The Walking Dead when it was halfway through the second season.  It was the winter break and the perfect time the curl up in a blanket and binge watch the show.  I was hooked.  My mother thought that I was crazy, but, and this is a *spoiler alert* if you do not watch and want to... she was sitting in the room as I was finishing up the first half of season two, when Carol's daughter, Sophia, is missing.  She was in shock when Sophia came walking out the barn door.  My mom does not have a stomach for graphic or horror, as it gives her nightmares.  That being said, she got interested.  She tried to watch, but could not stomach the zombie head bashing.  She does ask what is going on, so I give her some credit.

There are two Zombies, Run! apps, and one is a 5k trainer.  I am currently using the 5k trainer, and the reason I love this app is because it is totally distracting.  If you haven't already guessed, you are in the zombie apocalypse.  There is a short first walk to get the story started.  You become a runner than they are training, and you can link in a playlist to come with you.  The story progresses and before you know it, your session is over.  I have done some days with a few friends and even though they laughed, they enjoyed it.  It is like living in a video game.  I am suspicious as to what is going on in the story which is what makes me come back to it again and again.  When I am done with the 5k app, I will move to the other which is similar but has many different seasons and opportunities.

I just registered for IC's CreepyCrawl 5k and you should register, too!  You can walk or run and it is a family event.  Costumes are encouraged!  I am currently researching my costume options that will allow me to actually run.  I asked my mom today if she could help make me a Belle costume.  I will keep my fingers crossed.  I hope that you will be there, too!

New Recipe!

How is the moving going?  I am lucky because I live by a big industrial park.  I know that that may sound strange, but the place is enormous.  They have a ton of nicely paved sidewalks as well as some trails entwined with some water.  It makes me sad how low the water level is, come on rain!  If I walk far enough, there is also a trail through some conservation land.  I have not been brave enough to peruse it myself, I watch way too many true crime shows and am freaked out.  Normal.

Not impressed.

Today was a tough day.  A slowpoke customer came in the store at 9:40 last night, so I was not able to leave until close to an hour later.  By the time I got home I was still wide awake.  I woke up this morning completely out of it.  I felt like my head was a balloon and the very end of the string was connected to my neck.  Quite the feeling.  The last thing I wanted to do was leave my house.  But I signed myself up for public accountability by writing this blog.  I pushed myself to get up and out for a walk and I only slightly regret it.  With the humidity I wound up feeling a lot worse.  I have spent the majority of the day on the couch.  Some Sleepytime Tea and an early bedtime are in my future.

Anyways, I have to admit that I used to despise eating chicken.  I find baked chicken to be so bland and boring.  That being said, I love to make my chicken better than baked.  Sunday I made some Chicken Cordon Bleu.  I love Swiss, heck, I LOVE CHEESE!  I played around and got this recipe, although I may have to tweak a few things.

Ingredients:

8 - chicken breast cutlets

8 - slices of Thin 'n Trim Virginia Baked Ham

8 - slices of Sargento Ultra Thin Swiss

1/2C - 4C Japanese Style Panko Seasoned Bread Crumbs

1/4C - grated Parmesan

3T - Egg Beaters

1/3C - Liquid All Whites

1T - water

salt

pepper

garlic powder

*4C makes a Gluten Free breadcrumb, and substituting that in will NOT change the Weight Watchers Points

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 450.

2. Wash and dry the chicken; sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

3. Take one piece of ham, I like to pick it apart and place on the chicken.

4. Take one slice of cheese and cut in half, place each piece on top of the ham.

5. Roll and secure with tooth picks - be sure to warn your eaters!

6. Combine egg products and water to make an egg wash.

7. Dip rolled chicken in egg wash.

8. Roll in mixture of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.

9. Repeat for each piece and place on baking sheet prepared with cooking spray.  (I like to line with foil as well)

10. Cook for 25-30 minutes, make sure that the chicken is cooked thoroughly and no longer pink!

Each piece is only 4 Plus Points.  You can eat just one, or easily get away with two at 8 Plus Points I had mine with 1/4 cup of quinoa and fresh cucumbers.  I LOVE this time of year.  All the orchards are loaded with locally grown produce, nothing beats it.  I need to sneak over to my mom's and let her give me some of her own!

I had A LOT of egg wash left over, oops! The meal itself was delicious and has been a great leftover to takeout of the fridge.

I will give you guys a break for tomorrow.  I am hoping to properly sleep off whatever strangeness I am feeling.  Tomorrow's tentative plan is an early 3 miler and a hot yoga sesh with my bestie Margaret in the evening.  This time I will remember to have a good snack before going!

Goal Setting and Weekly Challenge

I think that before starting a goal, it is important to know where you are starting from.  Here is where I am currently.  I want to start with three things that I love about myself.

The starting point.

1.  I have a killer smile.
2.  My skin is pretty awesome and low maintenance.
3.  I love to laugh at just about anything.

Positive, positive, positive.  But trust me, it is hard.  This picture is from the beginning of the month at my dear friends' wedding.  I had a blast from beginning to end and only cried a little because love is beautiful.  Weddings are awesome.  This picture is beautiful and I look beautiful, but, truth be told, I also think I look awful.

Next is where I want to be and how I want to improve myself.  Notice my word choice in that sentence.  IMPROVE myself.  I do not want to change myself, I am already awesome.  But like a fine wine, I certainly can get better with time.  Here is where I want to be and three things I want to improve upon.

Senior year of college me.

1. Drink more water.
2. Move everyday.
3. Incorporate more veggies in my diet.

These goals are attainable and reachable.  I would love to set a weight goal, but I think that can be silly and detrimental.  Obsessing over a number is not going to make me happy.  Do not get me wrong, I love watching that number fall, but that is all it is, a number.  The number I want to attain is fitting back into my size 4/6 jeans.

Numbers and looks can be deceiving.  Look at the picture of where I want to get back to.  There is plenty that is unseen.  You probably cannot see the hives all over my legs from stress, those shoes did not fit by the end of the night due to the swelling.  My slightly orange legs and Jersey Shore hair were the tell-tale signs of my hott mess express days.  But still at "my number."  I was not healthy at all.  Keep in mind I do not regret a thing, I think some people need to have a crazy period in their life to figure things out.

In my first picture I love what I see from the neck up.  But in my second picture, I like what I see from the neck down.  I am in an awesome place right now and it is time to let that be seen on the outside.

This morning I did weigh myself.  Turns out I gained .2 from last Monday.  I am not too distressed because of some other factors.  I can chalk it up to not drinking enough water.  Besides, today is the new day one!  With that being said I also took my measurements!  This will be more beneficial to getting into those jeans.  Take measurements of each upper arm, thigh, waist, hips, and your chest.  Remember that a pound of muscle and a pound of fat weigh the same amount.  A pound is a pound no matter which way you cut it, HOWEVER, muscle is LEANER and takes up less space!  Do not be tricked by that number!  I am sticking to weighing in on Monday mornings ONLY.  Your weight fluctuates throughout the day and the week quite naturally... get those measurements!

CHALLENGE TIME

Every Monday I will start a new weekly challenge.  Feel free to join me!

This week's challenge involves adding in the movement goal.  Let's be real for a minute, exercising is the WORST.  I have a full blown internal argument with myself everyday.  No more excuses!  This week we will start small.  Celebrity trainer Kit Rich uses the mantra of 3 Miles OR 30 Minutes EVERYDAY.  Extra snaps if you can do both at the same time #fitgoals.  It is totally manageable and not extreme, which is right up my alley.  No need to get crazy, just get better!

I am an avid Fitbit user, add me!  I am going to get up (gulp) EARLY for the rest of this week and knock out my three miles.  Throughout the course of the day I will definitely get more, but it is a great benchmark to start from.  More movement in Weight Watchers means more activity points, and more activity points means more YUM!

If I can keep this up for the week, I can better celebrate Jessica's birthday (that is her in the college picture!).  The plan is to enjoy both wine and cake.

Check in with me throughout the week and tell me how you got your movement in.  I will be walking all week long.  Tomorrow will come with my first recipe, somewhat healthy chicken cordon bleu!

Get moving!

New Blog, New Me

Welcome!

When I started writing, I began a teacher blog.  I feel that I am pretty creative and that I have a lot to share.  But in February, everything changed.  I entered a Biggest Loser competition and started blogging about what I was eating.  It turned out that more people were interested in my changing lifestyle as opposed to my teaching.  #teacherproblems

I fell off the wagon and now I am back in action!  I have created this brand new blog to help me, and who knows, maybe even help a reader or two.  I found that as people started liking my healthy food options, I was more committed.  One flop of an idea and I stopped writing and started putting weight back on.  I made one new post and felt like I had come back to life!

My goals of this blog are to start cooking and sharing new recipes, made by me!  I also plan to share my exercise practices.  Please remember that I have no training and am certainly not a doctor.  I am just trying to find out what works best for me.  I also have my workout buddy, Nugget, but you can join me too!

I am currently back on Weight Watchers and plan to work this into my daily lifestyle.  It is time to get back on track with loving myself inside and out.  And while I have been on WW since the beginning on August, I am going to consider tomorrow, August 24th, 2015 to be day one.  So follow me!  I am sure hilarity will ensue.

Tomorrow will bring a new post and a weekly challenge.  Please be sure to subscribe at the top of this page and share, this is bound to be something you will not want to miss!

Last but not least, this is a JUDGE FREE ZONE.  Positive vibes only!

Stay classy, fit friends, I'm Gayle Farrington?