Weight Loss Wednesday: Muscle Atrophy

Have you taken a gander at the My Fitness Pal widget on the right side of my blog? Well it states that I've got 75 pounds to get to my goal weight. I've lost almost 30 pounds since signing up in 2010. Yeah I know, slow goes it. Anyway, one thing that number doesn't account for is inch loss.

Well I was going over my progress and inch loss and noticed something quite odd. It isn't really odd as it is more alarming. I found that while I've lost almost 30 pounds my inch loss is very minor. Extremely minor to be exact. You know what that means don't you? I'm losing muscle!! *gasp!*

Yep folks that is the only logical thing. You see when you weight train or even cross train where you're not only doing cardio but you're also working your muscles a bit at the end of the day you're strengthening them. Making them short and thick or long and lean. Well I ain't doing either. I'm losing muscle because I'm not doing much in the strength training department. I'm keeping it real folks. Yeah I will do a few squats here and there, but nothing that equates to muscle building.

You see muscle weighs more than fat but takes up less space. You know 'cause it's dense and what not. So when I evaluated my progress over the last 3+ years and loss less than 10 inches overall that's an eyeopener. I should've seen the signs. I'm an all or nothing type of fitness person I've realized that it takes my body about 2 weeks before I start to see the effects of muscle loss. I start to feel run down and tired for no reason, I have a hard time sleeping, and lets just say I'm not as "regular."

How do I know? Well think about how you feel when you've worked out consistently? You have more energy, you sleep more soundly, you crave healthier foods, just to name a few. Maybe I'm just speaking for myself but that is what I experience with regular exercise. I assume the opposite occurs when you don't work out.

With that being said I'm off to do a bit of weight training. I have to admit working out is not fun anymore, it never really has been. Unless I pop in my Zumba DVD, then it's a party! What happens when you're not in the party mood? Ugh.

Tasty Tuesday: Cucumber Subs

You can't say this doesn't look just a little bit yummy! My local grocery store has cucumbers that are 2 for $1.50! I know what I'm having for lunch this week!

So what would you "cuke" fans load your sub with? *Let the salivating begin*

{via}

Fashionable Friday: Happy Birthday Mom!

Last Friday was my mom's birthday and we took her out for dinner. Here's what I wore.

It's nice to be able to find preppy clothing that fits. It is getting easier and easier as I get smaller. I just hope my wallet can handle the destruction when I reach my goal weight! Ha ha!

Mediocre to Marvelous: How do you do it?

Today's installation of M to M is more of a question than a strategy, plan, or recap. I'm having a very difficult time with changing up how I normally do things.

For example, when I am faced with a challenging decision I tend to avoid it until I MUST face it. Another example and one that is more weight loss related is when I'm stressed I tend to go to sleep (avoid) or even eat (not so much anymore but on occasion) but what I really would love to do is exercise to alleviate that stress. I don't know, jumping into bed seems more appealing than lacing up the sneaks. I do this unconsciously. It's just not my go-to stress reliever, with that being said...

How do you basically reprogram yourself to become the self you want to become? Did that make sense? I sure hope so.

I need more...but do I?

Lately I've been thinking about my future once I'm done with school. I feel like I don't know much more than I did when I entered school. I may be over critical but I truly believe I could've learned more. Why I'm saying this is that I feel too "green" to enter the workforce after next semester. I just don't feel comfortable securing a job. I've spoken to an instructor about my concern and he suggested I "create" my own self-study course. I can earn up to 3 credit hours and hopefully walk away with knowing a little something something before I apply for work. I thought it was a great suggestion and I just may do it...with at little inner apprehension of course.

This morning after bus stop duty I was explaining to the other moms my dilemma. They completely agree with my feeling of not learning enough. I felt validated. I then returned home to start working on a class project only to avoid it and visit the ultimate time waster (not Facebook) Pinterest. While browsing through new pins I found an article that I thought was the perfect answer to my dilemma. The article was about Sir Richard Branson. It talks about the habits of successful people. Basically, they start before they feel ready. That has ALWAYS been a problem for me. I feel like I need to know ALL the answers before I venture into something new. All the while just wasting time and not just STARTING!

I thought the article was just what I needed to read given my current dilemma. I clearly know enough to secure an entry level graphic designer position. Unfortunately something inside me thinks I need more. Which causes time to past and before you know it haven't started anything and I feel like I've never progressed as a designer.

Do you experience the same dilemma? Do you need to know EVERYTHING before starting?

Oh yeah...Happy Halloween!

Why do I do this to myself?

I'm starting to question becoming a freelance designer. I say that because there is so much that goes into running your own business that quite frankly I'm not in the mood to take on. Don't get me wrong I've worked for myself in the past and did okay. I guess being a creative person I don't like the mundane bookkeeping and all the other administrative mucky muck that goes with running a business.

That doesn't even include the fact that I feel a bit inferior to other established designers. I know, I know, I shouldn't compare myself. But really you can't tell me you don't compare yourself to others following a similar path. I think it's human nature. Unless you're a zombie. (Don't get me started on the over-zombification of America. What the heck is that about?) I guess I'm at a point that I feel more intimidated than inspired by designers in my field.

Plus, I'm starting to feel like I should have chosen another school because I don't feel like I know more than I did when I enrolled. I guess I thought school was going to be the "be all end all" and it ain't.

Yep that's right you've entered the "wah wah" zone. The place where I bitch and complain about how life is not going the way I planned. Welcome.

I guess this is where the adult tells the inner child in me to suck it up and move on... *sigh*

Tasty Tuesday: Baked Eggs

My go to meal for breakfast, lunch, dinner or even a snack!

Baking your eggs this way makes life so much easier. At least for me it does.

1. I spray the pan with non-stick spray
2. Crack the eggs or pour egg whites in each cup.
3. Sprinkle a little salt and pepper on each
4. (Optional) Sprinkle parsley flakes on each egg.
5. Bake at 350F for 15 minutes.
6. Enjoy!

Perfect for making breakfast sandwiches!

{via}

Mediocre to Marvelous: Last + This Week

So uh I was a bit advantageous last week to say the least. I uh worked out ONE DAY yep, you read that right. I didn't even walk or do any exercise during commercial breaks either. My job(s) and school have taken up so much of my time that I admit working out was not high on my list of priorities. Alright it wasn't on the list! There I said it.

*Deep Cleansing Breath*

Let's try this again. I'm working on a new list of this week's goals, but I won't be as aggressive. It seems like I jinx myself when I post what I'm going to do versus what I did. I want to stay accountable to this blog but it seems like my inner child has a tantrum and doesn't want to do what I plan to do.

Fortunately I'm not discouraged. I can't stop. I HAVE to get healthy. It's not an option to remain status quo. Without further adieu here's this week's Mediocre to Marvelous list.

Fitness
3 days of Jillian Michaels or T-Tapp 18 min exercise
2 days of walking or walking DVD

Finances
Write out budget for 2 weeks

Food
Plan 3 dinners

I'm keeping it a bit light yet still challenging so I can get a smidge closer to my goals. How was your week?

Tasty Tuesday: Eats on Repeat

I read the other day about a trick that helps break plateaus and attributes to continuous weight loss. The miracle trick is eating the same meals over and over. You know the meals, the ones that you know will not make you feel bloated, help you lose weight, and even help to maintain your weight. Keep these meals in your arsenal to get to your goal weight when it seems like your progress is slowing down.

Some of my go to meals are:


Breakfast:
Baked eggs or egg whites (depends on my mood)
Jones farm sausage
Cheese stick
Green tea

Lunch:
Tuna salad
50/50 salad or any tossed greens salad
Cheese burger with no bun (or in 1/2 a low carb whole wheat pita)

Dinner:
Cheeseburger no bun
Steamed broccoli
Mashed Cauliflower

Snacks:
Pork rinds
Hummus
Hard boiled egg
String cheese

I try to stick with foods that are of course low carb but also, gluten free and sugar free.

What are your "Eats on Repeat?"

Mediocre to Marvelous: This week

I decided I would post my goals for the week to make myself accountable.

This week I plan to do the following:

• 3 Jillian Michael workouts; M,W, F
• 2 T-Tapp 1 hour workouts; T, TH
• Wake up at 6am to workout
• Go to bed by 11pm to wake up by 6am.

I know these seem a bit advantageous but I've got to push myself. I can't continue to prolong this weight loss journey. #determined

What are you doing to make yourself accountable to your goals?

Weight loss Wednesday: Slow and sort of steady

I'm a tortoise. I logged into My Fitness Pal today to log my weight loss. And I've lost almost 28 pounds!!! I originally started this journey September 2008 but started documenting my journey on MFP February 2010 at my heaviest ever! It has taken me almost 4 years to get where I am today. I have to admit I didn't think I was accomplishing much losing 0.2 pounds here or 0.6 pounds there. I was expecting 1-3 pounds lost per week.

Looking back it took losing 23 pounds to really feel like I've accomplished something. I was finally able to go down a dress size. I'm still trudging along though. I would be lying if I told you I don't get discouraged on a daily basis. I'm also inspired on a daily basis as well.

I'm at a point where I really need to push myself. I was talking to a classmate who is training to run 40 miles!! I thought to myself 40 miles?!?!?! You're lucky I can walk my neighborhood! He was telling me he wasn't training to see if he can do it. He knows he can, we all could. He's doing it so he can push himself. Break those mental boundaries he set for himself that has held him back. Yes, it will take physically training and conditioning to achieve that goal. In the end he is doing it to strenghten himself mentally. I thought that was so profound.

Here I am bitching and complaining about little minute hurdles that I deal with like getting up a little early to workout (which I have YET to do). I'm inspired now. No, not to run a marathon, although I plan on doing a 5k by February. Just to push myself. Test my endurance. Hit the wall then get through it. I haven't challenged myself like that. I'm up for the challenge. I have to take this journey up a notch.

Tasty Tuesday: Oopsie Bread

Hey there! Welcome to another Tasty Tuesday! Today I wanted to share a low carb alternative to bread...Oopsie bread!

I hate to call it a struggle but it is a struggle finding foods to replace conventional foods. One problem I have is breakfast. I love the convenience of a breakfast sandwich especially when I can get it at a drive thru. If I'm going to lose any weight however I have to avoid that place like the plague! Not to mention the sodium and the carbs in those sandwiches are pretty high. I came up with an alternative! An oopsie breakfast sandwich!

Here's what you need for the oopsie bread:
3 eggs
1/8 tsp of salt
1/2 cup of softened cream cheese
1 tsp of baking powder (optional) gives it more of a "bread" texture
or
1/2 tsp of cream of tartar (optional)

1. Preheat your oven to 300F.
2. Separate your egg whites from your egg yolks.
3. Add a pinch of salt and baking powder or cream of tartar to your egg whites.
4. Beat your egg whites until you get hard peaks. Set it aside.
5. In the bowl with the egg yolks add the cream cheese and beat until smooth.
6. Take half of the egg yolk mixture and fold it into the egg whites.
7. Do the same for the next half until all mixed.
8. On a parchment paper lined cookie sheet drop dollops of the mixture.
9. Bake for about 25 minutes.
10. Remove from oven and let it cool on a cooling rack.
11. Enjoy!

I add a baked egg, a slice of american cheese, and a nitrate free sausage patty between two pieces of oopsie bread and there you have an Oopsie Breakfast Sandwich!

Oopsie bread can substitute biscuits, rolls, or sandwich bread. 

Here's a funny Oopsie bread video.

Mediocre to Marvelous: Hoe Downs

Huh? What is a Hoe Down you say? Nope it has nothing to do with the Do si Do or square dancing. It is a blood sugar and carb dropping exercise that I do during commercial breaks. I've learned it's the little things that add up to make the big things. That means if I want to see the weight drop I've got to do a little something everyday.






I've spoken about T-Tapp in the past and attempted to do the 60 day challenge but was unable to because of my knees and other circumstances. HoeDowns are my go to cardio exercise if the day has flashed before my eyes and I haven't worked out. When you watch the video it may not seem like much but believe me you will feel the burn and even maybe break a sweat. I challenge you to do a set!

Weight loss is like an unraveling sweater

I'm not sure if that's the best analogy but I'm starting to realize weight loss is causing something to unravel. You find the stray thread at the bottom of the sweater and start to pull. Before you know it the sweater has turned into a pile of yarn. It seems like that's what my weight loss journey is like.

I've learned that some people that you thought were your friends really aren't. People will let you down. I don't think it's their intention I think that is just what happens. My husband always reminds me that if you don't have an expectation for someone they can never let you down. I must heed his advice.

 My perspective has changed on things I guess because my body is changing and things look a bit different now. With one change comes another and another. I've also learned that since I'm slowly getting my act together with my diet and it really comes down to planning. I'm starting to plan in other areas of my life like my finances. Not that it's a bad thing it's just a bit scary.

The sweater continues to unravel because I also have the urge to redo my business plan. Revising my business plan will allow me to truly enjoy running my business and not be a slave to it. I know that doesn't seem like it makes much sense but trust me it makes alot of sense to me. I find that I want to purge alot of stuff and start anew. Have more patience with people who don't "get" me. I can be a bit rough and a brutally honest at times. Most people don't know how to take me.  It' s like a slippery slope folks. I think I want to get off for fear of more changes and life lessons to come. I'm not sure I'm ready for them.

Weight Loss Wednesday

My progress is slowing down folks. I haven't been sticking to my October goals like I would have liked to. I guess it's up to me to get back on track huh? I'm just losing steam and motivation again. I must admit I use instagram to get motivated. I found an Instagrammer that is so motivating. Check out @jennashell. She lost a considerble amount of weight is a new motivator for me. Unfortunately, that motivation is not enough. I'm feeling discouraged and a bit sad. I'm sure I will rise above this slump I just feel like wallowing in it a bit. Please excuse me...

Tasty Tuesday: Low carb "Fried" Chicken

Welcome to another Tasty Tuesday! Now that I've made the commitment to go Low carb and Gluten Free I've been on the hunt for LC/GF recipes that replace conventional ones. My first attempt was Fried Chicken. This batch can be summed up in one word DE.LI.CIOUS! 

Low Carb Gluten Free "Fried" Chicken

Some of you may turn your nose up at the ingredients but I'm here to say don't knock it till you try it. I never found an actual recipe for how I made it. I took bits and pieces from forums and other recipes and came up with my own.

Ingredients:

6 Pieces of chicken with skin (4 legs and 2 thighs)
1/2 bag or 1.75 oz of Crushed Pork Rinds (yep you read that right)
1/2 Tbs Parmesan Cheese (you can actually add more)
2 Tbs Mayonnaise
1/4 tsp Garlic Powder*
1/4 tsp Onion Powder*
1/8 tsp Black Pepper*
1/8 tsp Salt

*The measurements are approximates not exact. Feel free to substitute, add, or remove ingredients.

Directions:

1. Preheat oven  to 375.
2. Wash and pat your chicken dry
3. Mix all your dry ingredients together except for salt. (I wasn't sure if adding salt would be too much that is why I waited and added it after it was baked.
4. Dip and coat your chicken in mayonnaise. I opted for mayo because it holds the moisture and it already contains oil and eggs. Plus I had more mayo than I did eggs but you can substitute with eggs.
5. Then dip your mayo slathered chicken into the crushed pork rind mixture.
6. Lay out chicken on your (lightly sprayed with oil [I used canola] )baking sheet.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or how ever long it takes your oven to get the thickest piece of the chicken to at least 170 degrees.
8. Remove from oven and sprinkle with salt.
9. Enjoy!

If you tried this recipe please let me know how it came out!

Updates: Blog changes + design

Hi there! I hope you're having a great week and if you're not this video should put a smile on your face. Besides tomorrow is Friday! Woo Hoo!

I have a few updates to share. First I'm going to make some changes to the blog. I've haphazardly  dabbled with the design but since I'm working on my professional design portfolio I thought I would really spruce up my design. With that being said my blog name (for now) will be "ShopGirl gets Skinny" since I've always wanted a separate blog to document my weight loss journey. You will still be able to access it via erikabydesignblog.blogspot.com so there are no changes there. Just the header sign will be changing. I've taken a hiatus on my main blog ShopGirl Speaks but plan to get back into full swing once I get a handle on my schedule.

Speaking of schedule, my blog schedule here will be the following; Monday's will be Mediocre to Marvelous posts, 2 Tuesdays out of the month will be Tasty Tuesdays which will focus on low carb recipes. Wednesdays will rotate between Wordless and Weight Loss and Friday's will be Fashionable Fridays. I will post any major events that affect my journey on Tuesday's or Thursdays but they may be sprinkled into the main post themes as well.


Let me know if you're interested in seeing anything here, I'd love to hear your suggestions!

October 2013 Goals

I was checking my old posts and I found a draft for my October 2011 goals! Yikes! Well now that I am making progress my plan is to be more organized and track my progress. I mean that is the whole purpose of my blog.

So I didn't achieve my goal of being a size 14 like I planned for September. I'm moving that goal to next month. This month I'll have to crawl before I walk and that means acheiving a combination size of a J.Crew 16/18. If I stick to my plan I should be able to achieve that. This is the first time in my journey that I'm actually excited about setting goals. What are your goals for October?

Tasty Tuesday: Veggies on a budget

One big complaint with alot of people is that healthy food, specifically vegetables are more expensive than highly processed foods. That was my argument at least. Now that my meals are more low carb than they have been I find that I'm eating more veggies. I challenged myself by planning my meals based on the vegetables that are on sale. Taking this approach has made meal planning easy for me. If you know me you'll know I kinda hate meal planning, so I embrace anything that makes the process easier.



My process:

Thursday the sale flyer for my grocery store is delivered to my inbox and mailbox. I look for the vegetables that are on sale focusing ideally on BOGO veggies. That ensures that I can make at least two dishes with the sale vegetable. Last week I turned a high carb meal to a healthy low carb meal.

Next I determine what recipe I can prepare with that vegetable. If I don't have a particular recipe then I do a google search for low carb recipes that feature that vegetable. I focus on recipes that will contain ingredients I already have at the house.

Lastly I plan my grocery trip. We are doing Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover so we find ways to save. One way we save is on gas, so our shopping trip occurs on Sunday on the way back from church since it's on the way home. We actually pass 2 grocery stores on the way home so if there is something out of stock at store one we stop at store two and not have to go out of our way and waste any gas.

How do you save on healthy foods that are normally expensive?

Weight Loss Progress: September recap

Hey there! Since September is over I wanted to update you on my weight loss progress.

September I have to say was good. I lost 4 pounds almost 5 and I lost 3 inches. I focused more on eating low carb, specifically Atkins. My mindset was a bit stronger. I took more time to make better choices than last month. I'm not at my best though. I had days where I ate breads and a couple sugary drinks, plus I had fast food. I can say the days that I had fast food was due to poor planning. I think that is what it always boils down to.

I learned this month that planning is truly essential and that packing food for my day is crucial. Another setback I would say I had was consuming hydrogenated oils. I honestly didn't realize it until my teacher pointed it out. I learned that non-dairy creamer is just OIL partially hydrogenated oil. Yuck! I honestly never gave it a second thought. It wasn't intentional I just didn't think of it only because I normally don't have coffee. My school library is "generous" enough to provide coffee for sleep deprived students and there were several mornings that I helped myself to free coffee. Now that I'm informed I've put several packets of Yogi green tea and ginger tea in my purse. I can go to any drive thru and get a free cup of hot water.

I keep track of my progress on my iPad and I log my weight almost everyday. I log my inches once a month.

Just a quick background on my goal:
I plan to be a size 10 by Thanksgiving. Size 10 by J.Crew standards since they are my favorite clothing brand.

J.Crew size 10
Bust: 37.5"
Waist: 30"
Hips: 40"

My current measurements:
Bust: 48"
Waist: 42"
Hips: 45.5"

I didn't achieve a size 14 like I planned, but fortunately I'm not discouraged. It's my goal for October. How did you do in September? What are your goals for October? Leave your link below so I can check it out!

We're going to have an Outstanding October!!!

Fashionable Friday: French Hen

French Hen by shopgirlspeaks featuring aviator sunglasses

Last week I splurged on a piece of motivation, the French Hen sweater. I plan on wearing this cute sweater for Thanksgiving. At the moment I would pair it with a pair of Stubbs + Wootten Boom Pow velvet slippers, but I actually may pair it with some brown riding boots. Who knows I still got a bit of time to decide. I can't forget to pair it with my Longchamp Le Pliage tote if I go Black Friday shopping that night. I like keeping my outfits preppy and simple.

ONE MORE

One thing I struggle with is pushing myself when it comes to any challenge with my weight loss journey. Specifically, pushing a bit harder with my fitness regime. I've started to ride my bike because it doesn't put as much stress on my knees as running would. For the last 3 weeks or so I've been riding my bike around the entire neighborhood, that equates to 1.5 miles. I can do it in about 8 minutes at an average of 10 miles per hour. Not bad. Not enough though. Once I've completed a lap I pack it up and put the bike away. In theory I could bypass my house and go for another lap, but I don't. Pushing myself is one area I need to really work on.

Another situation happened today, I started doing Jillian Michaels Ripped in 30 workout and when it got to the pushups I just gave up. Don't get me wrong I don't want the drill sargeant type trainer yelling in my face but I need to do something to push myself a bit more. I want to feel healthier, and be fit. I know at some point I have to push myself. Oh why is it so hard?

I thought to myself if I want this weight to be gone bad enough I will find a way to push myself. Yes I want this weight gone yesterday, so I promised myself one way to push myself is to do ONE MORE. Whatever ONE MORE means, it could be ONE MORE push up, rep, or lap. How bad could doing ONE MORE thing be? I know it would get me ONE MORE step closer to my goal.

How do you push yourself? What do you say to yourself to do ONE MORE?

Wordless Wednesday

Tasty Tuesday: Making a dish low carb

Living a low carb lifestyle certainly has its challenges. Especially when we live in a society that breads, pastas, and high carb foods dominate the average meal. My challenge to live a  low carb lifestyle is taking meals from my cooking repertoire and making them low carb.

For example, last week the meal plan called for a pasta dish that I typically made for the family.

Ingredients:
1 Jar of Newman's Own Sockaroni spaghetti sauce
2-3 cups of penne pasta
1 pound of bulk mild italian sausage
Low carb version; substitute pasta with same amount of broccoli

Since I'm completely eliminating the whites from my meals but not from my family's meals I cook the meal a bit differently now. I brown the sausage (draining the excess fat of course) and then add it to the sauce. In the past I mixed the pasta with the sausage and sauce and served it up. Now I pour the sauce over the pasta with a side vegetable and then serve it to the family. My portion consisted of pouring the sauce over steamed broccoli florets and then topping it with a bit of shredded mozzarella cheese. I can't begin to tell you how delicious it was.

If your meals are modified from your family's, do you find modifying your meals challenging?

{via pasta,sauce,sausage}

Mediocre to Marvelous Mondays

Hello folks! I wanted to introduce you to my new post series Mediocre to Marvelous. For so long I've lived a pretty mediocre life, I pretty much existed and not doing much "living." My new found weight loss (I've just begun, just you wait) has really made me think about how I can change my mundane lifestyle to the life I've always wanted.

M to M will be my take on how I get motivated to move from mediocre to marvelous. It will be a series of baby steps but it's the baby steps that truly gets us to our goals. Monday's may feature just a quote or an accomplishment that I feel has moved me one step closer to marvelous. I encourage you to do the same. If you're in a place where you don't want to be...think to yourself, how can you get one step closer to marvelous. It may take a bit of soul searching folks but you can do it!

Fashionable Friday: A small victory

I have a small victory to announce. I'm a sucker for striped boat neck tops and I purchased a cute kelly green striped one from Ann Taylor Loft in Spring 2009 with the hope that I would fit it by Fall 2009. Well that didn't happen.

Last week I was feeling a bit confident, you know since I was now able to wear a size 16 skinny jean. I thought to myself let me see if that green top I bought a while back fit, and it did!!!! When I originally purchased it the arms and chest were too tight. Not snug, TIGHT! Taking it off was like trying to peel myself out of a wetsuit. Below is a picture of the top.

Ann Taylor Loft Green top

I paired the top with my really dark denim skinny jean from Old Navy and my gold Kate Spade loafer. I'm not quite ready to post any selfies but once I am I will post a pic here on the blog. Have you had a fashion victory this week? Let me know!

Diet update and my new goal

First I want to thank you for reading my rant the other day. I don't know why I let my expectations of people who let me down get the best of me. I've decided I have the best accountability buddies right under my nose and that's my blog and readers. Duh!

In the past I've been absent because I felt like I didn't live up to what I should or I thought my progress should be. I back slid and avoided the blog because I felt like I would let my readers down. Never once did I think hey maybe I should stay on the blog and blog about letting you down and not living up to my weight loss goals and how I should push through.

Things are going to change. I'm going to share with you my pitfall and my triumphs. The ins and outs of my journey so maybe you can relate and I have documentation of my journey. Without further adieu I wanted to update you on my progress.

I still listen to Paul McKenna. I would say I tune in every other week a few nights a week. I know I don't have to listen to him all the time so the occasional listen for me works.  I've started to ride my bike! I want to be a runner really I do, but new running shoes are not in the budget and my knees are not the best around so I thought the next best thing is riding my bike. My daughter and I ride together 2-3 nights a week. I've started to eat low carb again. I'm focusing on Atkin's because that plan just works for me. I see progress rather quickly which gives me the motivation I need to keep moving towards my goal.

This past month I've lost 3 inches just by eating low carb and not having any "whites" pasta, bread, or rice. I also went shopping and I bought skinny jeans one size smaller!!! Woo hoo!!!

My new weight loss goal is to be a size 10 by Thanksgiving. This fall is chock full of events for me, a baby shower for a high school friend which means mini class reunion, I host Thanksgiving every year at my house, plus Black Friday shopping that night. I have many reasons why being a size 10 is where I need to be!

My short term goal is to be a size 14 by the end of the month. I became a size 16 by the end of last month and I plan on being a size 12 by the end of October so being a size 10 by the end of November is realistic and doable. I focus on size rather than weight because my philosophy is that you can't drag a scale into the dressing room expecting to fit into that smaller size. It's not weight it's inches.

How do you gauge your progress? Do you have any specific goals for the fall? I'd love to know, post below!

Being 40 something is tough

I thought back when I was approaching 40 that turning that monumental number would be an easy pill to swallow. For the most part it was, I don't "look" 40 most people think I'm in my early to mid-thirties, thank you very much!

Unfortunately, its not arriving at the number that's the hurdle it's the baggage that the number brings. Baggage meaning, feeling uncomfortable after eating your "favorite" meal, developing pre-diabetes, and pre-hypertension. Having those "stiff" moments when you get up, sit down, breathe...you know what I mean. It's those times that I wish I took better care of myself when I was younger. I think if I did being middle age wouldn't seem so unbearable. Oy vey!

My question is, is it too late to "feel" better through diet and exercise? Because despite my efforts I'm not there yet and I'm not sure when the "feeling great" part will kick in...

Living with Confidence

Today on my drive home from school I was listening to Joyce Meyer talk about Living with confidence. I'm not one to talk about religion and proclaim my views about my faith. I feel that it is personal and I certainly don't want to hear someone's rebuttal on my beliefs. That is one thing I really do enjoy about listening to Joyce Meyer, while she speaks about various bible verses I feel that even the non-believer can take something away from her message.

Back to why I started this blog post. Yesterday I complained about how my accountability buddy failed me. After listening to Joyce today I learned I really was behaving no differently than my fair weather buddy. I should have embraced the fact that I was blessed to have someone I could talk to about my weight loss journey and that she probably was supportive as best as she could be, even if it wasn't what my expectation of a buddy should be.

I took time to reflect on how I handled the situation and going forward I know that most of the time people do the best they can. I must be honest that I haven't reached out to her to let her know she'd been fired. I'm now rethinking how can I communicate to her what my expectations are and how to move forward. I admit I feel 100% better after having heard her message.

Lastly, I wouldn't have known about Joyce Meyer if it hadn't been for my dear friend. I'm truly grateful for the gifts that she's shared with me that have positively affected my life. Looks like I've had an accountability buddy and didn't realize it. Thanks for allowing me to share my revelation with you in the hopes that you don't make the same mistake I made.

Shouldn't buddies be supportive?

I know it's been a while but I just had to vent about accountability buddies. You see I had one, well I have one but I'm not sure how "supportive" she is. I feel like I take time to listen to her complaints and her venting but when it's my turn she doesn't have the time. That's not right, right? I mean I thought you're suppose to be there for your buddy no matter what?

Let me back up by saying that I support her on her weight loss journey even though it's almost to the end. Well sort of. Once she reaches a new goal weight she makes a new one. I think she's hoping to weigh less than 105 pounds. Anyway, she focuses on the negative and the things that are NOT going well in her life instead of accepting that life will have rough patches and it's how you get through them that counts.

Life it NOT about wallowing in the rough patches and making bad situations worse. It seems like in my texts I keep repeating myself, so much that I'm a bit blunt and direct now and not so tender and soft spoken anymore. I'm telling you folks the constant bitching and complaining gets old.  Especially when she's not doing anything to improve her situation and there is minimal to no support from her.

I think in her mind being my buddy means, half way reading my text messages and giving me one to three word answers. Or better yet not replying because the "tragedy of the moment" which is not-so-tragic is too much for her to deal with. So I'm done. I'm firing her and trying to think of a way to tactfully do it.

Have you ever had to fire your accountability buddy?

My eat clean journey starts now

I just wanted to check in to say I'm still here. I don't want to say trudging along because weight loss is a journey that doesn't have to be drudgery. I returned to the gym two days ago and while I wasn't going at it fast and hard I went and I'm proud of myself.

Since September I've been following Paul McKenna's I can make you Thin "diet." I've lost approximately 22+ pounds just following his system. It's easy but SLOW. Since the process has been slow for me I've decided to take it up a notch and start working out + eating clean.

Maybe I shouldn't tackle two things at once but my eating has change TREMENDOUSLY since I started listening to Paul McKenna. I started eating clean without even knowing it. I started to reach for foods that weren't overly processed. I started eating real food. I started craving real food. So the other day my sister in law and brother were visiting and she mentioned how she makes it a point to eat clean. I was like well I've heard about it and I even bought the Kids and Families edition of the book some time ago for $3.50 at Marshall's but never really started to do it. That comment stuck and got me to thinking why not start?

Lately I've been in spring cleaning mode. My husband and I cleared out 1/2 the contents of the garage that a neighbor driving by thought we were having a garage sale! LOL I thought if I'm getting the house clean why not "clean" all other aspects of my life. So that's what started this journey of clean eating. Do you "eat clean?" if so how is it going for you? Any recipes you can share? Post below!

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A lesson in silence

Hey look at me another blog post in less than a week! Whoot whoot! So today's post is about being challenged and being pushed to your limit.

Due to a series of events my mom has had to move in with us. It's kind of bitter sweet because we've wanted her to move in so she doesn't have the hassle of living alone and taking on homeownership and all that comes with the title. On the other hand this is the same woman who raised me and was a strict, I'm going to say it judgmental, and overly religious type of mom. I know all those characteristics are coming from a "good place" but 17 year old Erika shows up at times and doesn't think so.

As I figured mom would move in and start taking charge. Telling us what we should and shouldn't do and you know all the things a controlling mom tends to do. My first reaction is to retaliate and say something flip. I don't know that 17 year old switch gets flipped and then I can't stop myself.

Through the years I've learned (from my husband primarily) that silence is golden. It really is. Making the choice not to engage in an activity that is counter productive like arguing for arguments sake. It keeps peace and sanity in the air...and that to me is priceless. Not to mention constantly arguing is just emotionally draining. I understand mom will be mom. What I have a hard time dealing with is the lack of respect. I find it disrespectful when I am an adult and have set forth certain rules of the house and they are disregarded like I'm some child with treehouse rules. I give my daughter the respect she deserves and she's 8. Actually my mom gives my daughter the respect as well...me, not so much.

It takes alot for me to stay silent...not to mention I'm a chatterbox and I always have to state my point! Life has a way of testing you and showing you that you're growing up so I guess you can level up once you pass each test. Who knows. All I know is that during this time I'm practicing being humble, grateful and QUIET. Things could be worse. I could be without a mom. 17 year old Erika will have to take a back seat and learn a lesson or two. Look at me growing up...it only took 24 years!

Weight loss update

As usual life gets in the way of blogging. I'm presently on spring break but its far from a break and being in Florida it's sort of like spring.

I just wanted to update the blog with my weight loss progress. A quick background. Since September 2012 I've been listening to Paul McKenna's I can make you thin CD and have lost 15 pounds by just following the 4 golden rules of his "plan." I can tell you that I've made no special effort what so ever.

I'm the mom of a girl scout so needless to say I've devoured more than my share of Tagalongs and Trefoils (Samoas and Thin Mints make me want to hurl). Anyway, I can tell you this year was a bit different. I only bought one of each box! Normally I would buy at least 5 of each and polish them off before Easter hit! LOL For the record I DON'T ever give up sweets during Lent it's counter productive in my book. Not to mention I need some sort of sanity during the PMS days! This year (like you really want to know) I gave up profanity. That is much more profound than giving up something digestible. Just saying.

Anyway, this year I admit I polished off the box of Tagalongs in less than 24 hours, alright let's be real, 12 hours. No one was looking so the calories don't count. Am I right? The box of Trefoils however are still there. Well not the entire box. The point is, after having them in my possession for over 2 weeks the fact that any Girl Scout cookie is still within my reach is nothing short of a miracle!

Not to sound like a scratched record but I've really noticed a difference in the way I eat and what I eat. I was telling the girl I commute to school with about how much I've changed. I feel like I've changed so much I ask myself ALOT "who am I?" Seriously, I no longer eat fast food, I primarily only drink water, and get ready for this...I have more than my share of my daily allowance of fruits and veggies! Gasp!!! Can you believe it? Well I guess you can...If you knew me in real life you would swear that I would die and be buried with a Quarter Pounder w/cheese in my hand. Now the thought of going into McDonalds let alone eating something there makes me want to you know...

Now I opt for more whole foods. If I can't pronounce the ingredient chances are I'm not eating it. The weight loss is slow going but I've noticed a change in my facial skin. It's cleared up quite a bit. I'm one of the fortunate that never really suffered from blemishes but my skin tends to discolor because of the PCOS. I'm assuming it's the better quality of foods I'm eating that is giving me somewhat of a glow.

Oh! I've also lost over 7 inches off my total body in the last month. Mom jeans are looking rather sad and saggy now. ;-) I'm not ready to invest in anything new until I'm in a comfortable 14. I've been in a tight 18 and now a loose 18 and semi-comfortable 16W. My ultimate size goal changes from a size 8 to a size 2. At the present moment I want to be a size 2! It may change next weigh in. I'm really not sure why I weigh myself because it's really the inches that count. Ya can't drag a scale into a dressing room hoping that size 6 will fit!

Well, that's all I have to report for now. I mean I can report a whole lot more but I will spare you the whining and fussing. Please tell me how your journey is going? Never give up...just say you're taking a little break! All the best!!!!

Gotta change

I hope your week is going well. Mine is filled with deadlines and figure drawings. Ah the joys of school! So I mentioned in a previous post that I was going to join the T-Tapp 60 Day Challenge. Unfortunately my knee doesn't want to participate. I haven't mentioned it here but back in September my knee became really swollen and never really went back to normal size. It snap, crackles, and pops like the cereal and I have to take it easy with certain exercises. So I'm going to for go doing the boot camp and do the basic workout plus.

My new routine will look like this:

3x a week T-Tapp Basic Workout Plus
2x a week Beginner's Yoga
2-4x a week walking on the treadmill

I've also celebrated a milestone this week...I'm down in the teens!!! I've been hovering in the 220's for a while and I've finally made it to the teens!! Yay!! How did I lose it you ask? I've lowered my caloric intake, pack my lunch, and I drink tea and alot of water. My new go to drink is Ginger Tea by Yogi Tea. Have you had that? It is delish! It has peppermint and BLACK PEPPER in it! Who woulda thunk it huh? I'm still listening to Paul McKenna every night and it continues to reinforce my new mindset.

How's you're journey progressing? Post below.

Weight loss Progress

Happy Friday!!

I've postponed my Fashionable Friday post so I can post my weight loss updates. I won't do it every week but maybe once a month. Since I'm doing the T-Tapp 60 day Challenge I wanted to be able to see where I've started and where I'll end up. I've been keeping track of my progress on my iPad in the Notes app. I like taking my iPad to gym so I can catch up on my soaps and shows while I'm on the treadmill. I figured since I have my iPad with me I can record my progress there as well.

Here goes:

Goal Measurements:
Bust: 36" 
Waist: 29"
Hips: 39"

December 15, 2012
Bust: 50.5"
Waist: 44.5"
Hips: 47

January 20, 2013
Bust: 49"
Waist: 43.5"
Hips: 46

So I've lost a total of 3.5" in 1 month and from December to January it was strictly following the principles of Paul McKenna's book and nothing else.

Inches left to lose:
Bust: 13"
Waist: 14.5"
Hips: 7"

I personally like tracking inch loss instead of weight loss. My philosophy is that the number on the scale will not determine if I'll be able to fit into those size 8 skinny jeans or not. Plus 34.5" is a more attainable number than 100 pounds! Don't cha think!?! How's your progress going?

Promise yourself this one thing...

You will commit to your health. I know baby steps is such a cliche but in my experience that is how I've been able to achieve anything. Taking baby steps is the best way to overcome that all or nothing mentality. You see I suffered from AON (All or Nothing) syndrome and it got me to Nowheresville. Have you been there? You should have seen me there.

You ask how can you commit to your health? It's easy it doesn't have to be difficult at all. Here are somethings that can help you commit to your health;

Ask yourself if eating that food item is worth it (calories, points, mental state). It will all depend on your situation. Sometimes it may be, sometimes it may not.

What will are the consequences of eating that food item? Euphoria knowing you ate something that was good for you? Pain because its something you're allergic to but you're willing to deal with the pain just to have seconds of taste. Guilt? Do you like feeling bad for eating something you knew was not the best choice?

What ONE thing can you do today to improve your health? Take a walk, drink water, take a multi-vitamin, eat a serving of veggies or fruits, have breakfast, walk in place for 15 mins.

What does healthy look like to you? I'm not talking about what the media portrays as "healthy." I'm talking about what does healthy look like to YOU? A size 12? Eating raw foods? Preparing for a 5K? Think about it, once you establish what it looks like next step will be, how do you get there? Write down the steps. Now do it! See, you're well on your way!

There's much to think about. Let me know the ONE thing you can do today to commit to your health.

@TTappWorkout 60 Day Challenge

After much consideration I've decided to join the T-Tapp 60 Day Challenge. Last year I was unable to join because I found out about it too late. I promised myself that the following year I would join so I'm going for it. There are various categories available.

I'm going to join the Under 50, More to Lose category since I have more than 4 dress sizes to lose. I'm presently a loose size 18 and I would like to be a 6 by the end of the year. My goal is to lose 4 dress sizes by the end of the challenge which would put me at a size 10. Just in time for Easter! It would be a dream to walk into church on Easter Sunday wearing a size 10 Lilly Pulitzer dress!

My plan of action will be to do the following:

14 day Bootcamp
Non T-Tapp days do 30-45 minutes on the treadmill
Follow the God-made/ManMade eating plan.

Want to join me? T-Tapp will change your life!

Remember when I told you about Charlotte Siems? She did T-Tapp. Here's her story.

Learn more about T-Tapp.
Follow T-Tapp on Twitter.
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Setting a Mental Foundation

We interrupt our regularly schedule Fashionable Friday for this PSA.

Have you laid down a solid mental foundation? You're probably wondering what in the world is that. I thought to myself today, what makes my weight loss more effective now than it has been in the past. The only difference I see is the mental foundation I've set for myself.

In the past I've started and stopped a diet because of a pleathora of reasons. One thing I never established was a good foundation. That foundation was my mindset going into the diet.

Years ago I worked for a weight loss company and the belief instilled in the clients were the 3 M's
Mindset
Menu
Movement

If you didn't have the right mindset your weight loss journey was going to be a difficult one. Your mindset I think is the most important element in any weight loss journey. Actually it is the most important component when doing anything really. How many times were you faced with something and either got really excited, really scared, or whatever at the onset? Your thought's laid the foundation for the outcome of what you were facing. It's the same with weight loss.

In the past when I started a new diet I was so "pumped" because I knew I was going to finally reach my goal weight! This time was IT! I'm doing this I'm going to be a size 4!!! At least that's what I said on the "outside." But on the "inside" there was a completely different conversation happening. Honestly in the back of my mind my inner voice was like "Who are you fooling? You know you'll continue to be fat and appear to be happy. You'll never lose that weight." I believed that voice. I didn't tell her to take a hike because she was WRONG. I just let her hang around and whisper garbage in my ear. Are you allowing that inner voice to sabotage your goals? If you are here's some ways to stop that.

1. Write a response to those negative mental comments. Read them daily. So when that nasty inner voice pops up saying. "You'll never lose that weight", you can reply...Who says? I'm eating better and exercising more consistently. I will see weight loss with that behavior. Yeah you're having a conversation with yourself but don't you anyway? Don't be defeated by negative self talk.

2. Write down your goals. Doesn't matter how far fetched you think they may be. Just breakdown your goals to clear and concise components. Keep it Simple Sweetie!

3. Read these goal allowed every morning when you wake up and every night before you go to bed. Practice makes perfect.

4. Get to work on achieving your goals. Never underestimate the power of the babystep. It goes a long way!

5. Imagine yourself already achieving your goal. How does it make you feel? Great I hope.

6. Live the life of the person you WANT to become. Does the person you want to become eat healthily? Exercise regularly? Helps others? Has an awesome career? Be that person.

Those are some simple steps I've found that helped me this time around. I actually began to make changes to my lifestyle therefore finally losing weight. What steps do you follow to establish a good mental foundation for success?

How does your food make you feel?

I ask that question because I just finished my breakfast and it wasn't what you'd call the "typical" breakfast.

I had:
Baked eggs (my fave style eggs)
50/50 salad which contained, white onions, salt and pepper, garlic powder, and olive oil.

I ate it before I was able to snap a pic of it. You'll have to settle for the image above. Next time I'll snap a pic, promise.

Something about my eggs and green salad breakfast always makes me feel great. You see ever since I've been listening to Paul McKenna the way I eat has seriously changed. I don't eat "mindlessly" anymore. You know, mindlessly, you eat your entire meal and before you know it it's gone. You don't really remember eating it. You don't savor the meal you're about to eat, you just vacuum it off your plate. That ever happen to you? Well for me things are different now. I take time to savor and enjoy my meal. I put my fork down and enjoy every bite, reminding myself I'm using a fork NOT a shovel!

I love that this breakfast doesn't make me feel bloated, gassy or plain old uncomfortable. I truly hate that feeling. The older I've become the less tolerant my body has been to the foods I consume. Now I take great care to listen to my body and allow it to tell me what it really needs not what my brain thinks I want. Taking this approach has really changed my life.

Here are some more changes I've experienced;
I drink at least 2 cups of green tea daily (because I want to y'all!)
I stopped consuming dairy (no more cheese or milk, eggs yes, duh) I am lactose intolerant (I almost typed Lacoste, jeez what's on my mind...oh yeah shopping!)
I limit breads/pastas to about 4-5 times per week. I'm still working on my weakness for breaded meats. Damn Zaxby's why must you be so good?!

Making better food choices has helped me tremendously! Now I don't have to unbutton my pants or jeans just to breathe therefore avoiding those painful whelp marks on my abdomen. My stomach doesn't start churning or hurting. I feel "light" plus the added value of being proud of the better food choices I've made.

I've lost a couple more pounds in the last week or so. It's slow but it's progress.

My question to you is, What foods make you feel good afterwards? Post below I would love some suggestions!



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Fashionable Friday: Back School Style

Well I'm back in school starting off the Spring semester. Only one more year to go! Woo Hoo! Since it's still pretty cold in my neck of the woods (not as cold as most places this time of year) I thought I would share an outfit that is "So me."

It's all about the pearls! You gotta keep it classy!!

Source: gardekm.polyvore.com via Erika on Pinterest

Workspace Wednesday: Black & White

While I'm more about white workspaces this home office with black and white accents is really speaking to me.

Home Office design by Toronto Interior Designer Second Wind Interior Design

Motivation Monday: 10 Commandments

Here's a list of Weight loss commandments that we should all remember:

Source: shrinkingjustine.com via Erika on Pinterest

Lots of work to do

Happy Sunday!

Yesterday I participated in a #blogbrunch discussion on Twitter. The topic was Branding 101 for your blog. Wow my head is still spinning! Have you participated in a Twitter party? Well let me tell you I wasn't prepared like I thought I was. I should have had my answers prepared like the guidelines suggested. Anyway, I took away quite a bit of useful information from other bloggers.

One of my problems is that I can never settle on a design or even the name of my blog. Although I'm much happier with my new name than I was with my old. With that being said you'll still see my posts about my weight loss journey, but I will also include what inspires me and how to I can improve myself instead of the typical ranting and complaining. Ha, ha I'm sure some of you will be happy not to hear me whine.

If you want to take your blog to the next level and learn more on how to improve your blog check out Blog Brunch website and Facebook page. I'm bound and determined that 2013 will be a much better year than these previous years. Are you with me? Do you agree that 2013 is YOUR year?

Fashionable Friday: More Stripes

If you didn't know by now I LOVE stripes. Especially striped boat neck tops by Land's End, St. James, J. Crew, or the like. I found this shot on Pinterest and I plan on looking like this in my stripe top by year's end...thigh gap and all! Yeah I said it...thigh gap! ;-)

Source: 24.media.tumblr.com via Erika on Pinterest

Making the shift

School starts Monday and I have to say that I'm quite excited to return. At least most of me is. The other part of me, I would say 20% is a bit apprehensive. Why you ask, well because I've been unemployed for over a year and making a shift to a new career and way of life is a bit scary.

Like most of us I'm used to clocking in and out for someone else. While I hated that life it was predictable and "easy" for the most part. I knew I would get a paycheck every 2 weeks on Thursday. Before I lost my job I had my entire year of paychecks planned out. It was nice. My work environment wasn't though.

As I return to school I reflect on why I chose this new career path. I'm in school for Graphic Design. I've longed to be a graphic designer for as long as my daughter has been on the planet...8 years. I was chicken, intimidated, and had MAJOR feelings of inadequacy when I thought about making the career change. Prior to receiving the scholarship to return to school I was faced with attempting to re-enter a field of work that I truly had no interest in. I'd been in retail for over 25 years and I kinda know the industry like the back of my hand. That didn't mean that I wanted to return to it. Long hours, management who knew less than you do, and just an all around thankless job.

I wanted a career with more meaning, a career that allowed me to use my creativity plus my love of craft and design. The unfortunate or should I say the most challenging aspect of this new career venture is the unpredictability. I would be a freelance designer which allows me to be my own boss, but also means financial irregularity & unpredictability. I ask myself if I'm ready for this leap (I'm still quite scared) and I'm proud to say that I am. I'm facing new challenges in my life but it's something I think I can manage.

Are you in a career that has elements of uncertainty? How do you handle it?

Workspace Wednesday: White Pink & Green

I just love workspaces and this one is hands down my favorite. I thought I would start 2013 with this fabulous workspace!

Source: Uploaded by user via Erika on Pinterest

Another view of the workspace:

Source: mackenziehoran.com via Erika on Pinterest

Successful People

Source: valeriewoerner.com via Erika on Pinterest

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! Let's get this year started off on the right foot!!!