Giving Up Isn't an Option

Play this song while you read! :) 

 I survived my first group workout class at the gym. I was petrified. I didn't know what to expect. I was worried I would feel less than others in the class or not know what to do. I can honestly say I probably wouldn't have done it without my workout buddy, Raycee with me. The class was called "TNT" Trim & Tone. The description included weights, body bars, resistant bands. We were prepared to really focus on toning up. Because it was the first class of the month...we were "lucky enough" to get a cardio session with those weights!

Within the first 15 minutes I was sweating! I found myself excelling in certain moves and circuits and then struggling with others. I took notice of those ones I felt I was struggling to get through. I know I gave it my all and I didn't stop. 45 minutes straight (with of course the short water breaks). It was challenging, but worth every second of. 

At the end of the workout, we did a yoga cool down for a few minutes. As I was laying down and stretching with the music I had the thought "Look at you...in a group class. You just finished 45 minutes of an intense circuit". I have done circuits before, but at my own pace in my own house. I never stood in front of people and let all reservations down and allowed myself to leave my heart on the floor. That's exactly what I did. I let out my Monday frustrations on the floor. I thought about where I was 4 months ago, attempting to hike up a hill behind my house. I couldn't do 30 jumping jacks straight without feeling like I was going to collapse. Today I did 30 jumping jacks in 5 different sets.  I call that progress!

I want to get across one point tonight: IT GETS EASIER! Obviously, my face is the face of pain and sweat, but today was easier than 4 months ago. In another 4 months, it will be easier. Just because it does get easier doesn't mean I will allow myself to give up or become "too comfortable". I will continue to find things to push me.

So many people ask where I get my motivation and drive. I still have a hard time answering that question. 4 months ago I said out loud that I didn't have self control or discipline. Look at me now. I decided to change. . . not for a man, my mother, family, work, or friends. I changed because I knew it was what my soul and life needed in order reach other dreams and goals. This is one small step in the right direction. By getting healthy I'm gaining confidence, power, and reassurance about the woman I am and can be in the future. 

I encourage each of you to make a list. I started with 3 "things" I wanted to achieve. I didn't put a timeline on them, but I wanted to focus on events or things I wanted to accomplish but knew that the only way I could do it was if I chose a healthier lifestyle. 

1. Get my PCOS symptoms under control. 

2. Run...not walk for cancer research. 

3. Be a mom. . . someday. 

Make your list. Then I challenge you to make three small changes in your every day life that can aid in you accomplishing those goals. 

1. Cut out processed foods.

2. Workout 3-5 times a week. 

3. Drink more than 8 glasses of water a day.

 In a matter of months, you will see results and feel so much better. Not only will you take notice of the small changes you are doing, you will also be inspired to make other small changes. No matter how small, they all add up. 

Never give up. Stay strong & keep fighting! xoxo

Helpful Changes :)

So, I started this journey and my priority was to help myself. I would ask for help from friends if I needed it because I knew I was bettering myself by doing so. I asked Laura for help and I'm grateful she agreed. She lost her weight and wanted to inspire and help other women. 

I didn't know that I would be inspiring people along the way. I didn't know that my friends and family would come to me for advice or just tell me on a daily basis that they saw me workout so they did the workout I posted on Instagram. I'm amazed at the amount of support and encouragement throughout this journey. 

I want to clairfy, I still have a lot to learn. When it comes to nutrition, I know the basics. If I see or hear a term that I don't know what it means, I will research the heck out of it. I know what my body needs by now and I listen to it! As for workouts, I obviously know the importance of cardio--to shed pounds. But I'm also learning that lifting weights will help shed pounds as well! Lifting weights isn't going to make you huge and buff right away, it aids in the effort to loose weight while gaining muscle. 

Now the following are tips/hints/changes that either Laura introduced me to, or that I have found along the way. I do everything on the list and for the most part, I see the benefits. :) I am not a doctor nor a medical professional.

• Getting PLENTY of sleep. I'm a night owl and HATE mornings so this was one of the hardest. Trying to get at least 7-8 hours a night was the biggest struggle. Our bodies do so much while we are sleeping and it's important. I think of sleep as fuel for my workouts the next day. 
• Eat Breakfast. I am not a breakfast person, probably because I'm not a morning person. I would usually eat "breakfast" and it would be my lunch hour. Sometimes I would wake up at 8 am and not eat until 1 or 2 because I was busy at work and I didn't think I was hungry. This often lead to my lunch at 2 being a huge wrap or a hamburger or something equally bad. Now, eating within the first 30-60 minutes has increased my metabolism and makes me less cranky throughout the day.
• Drink water! I try to do a gallon a day. I have a water bottle with me at all times. It typically fits in my purse :) You don't have to drink a gallon a day. Typically, a lot of people when trying it for the first time feel very full and have to pee a lot, but that means your body is getting rid of toxins! 
• Vitamin B Complex. I have struggled with depression and anxiety since junior high. I'm a very emotional person and with stress, it gets worse. My anxiety can make sick and my depression turns me into the biggest dragon lady EVER! Laura introduced it to me (I quit taking anti depressants and mood stabilizers) and the vitamin b has helped so much! I have more energy in the morning. I really think it turned me into a morning person, Ha. I am able to handle stressful situations. My phases of being depressed don't last as long. I used to go through months, but now I haven't been depressed for longer than 10 days at a time. 
• Eat Clean. Eating clean means different things to different people. Don't let others tell you what clean it is. Of course, if you're eating Hamburger Helper with a soda, that isn't clean eating. To me I identify clean eating as: no processed foods, anything in a box I typically stay away from. Food that has been already cooked down and I have to re-cook...NO! Example: tv dinners. I eat more veggies and fruits than I ever have before. If it grows and comes from a tree or the ground, EAT IT! When it comes to carbs, I mad the personal decision to cut back A LOT. 6 months ago I would have pasta with every single meal as a side. Now, I'll have bread or pasta maybe once or twice a week. When it comes to bread and pasta whole wheat is the way to go. I have done a lot of research and have found that when people turn away carbs all together they tend to gain weight back later, faster. I want my body to have carbs ocassionally, especially depending on my workout schedule. 
• Plan Ahead. Some people can sit down and plan a whole month of meals out in a calendar. I can't. My budget for food varies on other bills, so I typically have anywhere from $130-200 every two weeks. Yes, that seems like a lot. Trust me the first few shopping trips, I was blown away at how much "clean eating" costs. But, if you buy produce at a good health food store, the food lasts longer. I get all my groceries at Costco. Buying in bulk does save some money. It's just myself in my household so if I need little things I will go to a different health food store. Don't go grocery shopping on a hungry stomach. Make a list and stick to it. I know where I need to go in the store before I go, so I don't run down every single aisle until I get to the produce. I go straight to the produce and then the coolers for my meat and other veggies. 
• Meals. There are a lot of different websites and charts you can find about portions. I know some people who literally weigh out every single thing they put in their mouth. Typically, a lot of them are also calorie counters. That's not me. I know that portions play a huge role in eating, you don't want to over eat. I eat 3 main meals with two snacks throughout the day. I try to eat every 2-3 hours. Small portions. I am never feeling hungry during the day (unless I have a hard workout right before dinner). 
• Counting Calories. Surprise, surprise. I don't count calories. I used to. I obsessed over it for almost a month. I used My Fitness Pal as an app and it is amazing. I would freak out if I went over or had too many carbs or didn't work out enough during my workouts. Counting literally caused me to quit. It was too much. Instead, I use the method's described above. However, if I'm eating out or am trying something for the first time, I will read the label (if provided) or search for it in My Fitness Pal. It's good to have knowledge about what's going in your body. I know a few people who count calories and it works for them, I think that's great, but I'm not one of them. 
• Workouts. Everyone has to start somewhere. We can't have progress pictures if we don't take the initiative and START! I started by hiking. Laura and I started with doing about a 20-30 minute hike a few times a week. It was about building endurance and using muscles that probably hadn't been used in MONTHS! Once we did that, we kicked it up a notch and hiked farther and for longer. After about a month and a half of hiking we started circuits. Circuits are my favorite! Helps with focusing on certain body parts or just getting a full over body workout. I also decided to start running a mile. I wanted to improve my time and really push myself. I'm still learning a lot about workouts and what my body needs and wants when it comes to exercise. I encourage YouTube! Jillian Michaels is a beast and she has some great workouts on there. 

• Weigh Ins. Some people don't even own a scale, that's great! I envy that, but I started at 242 lbs on April 6 (my highest weight being 253 in October 2012) and I know that I need to weigh in. I told myself I would weigh in every Saturday. Since then, I've done pretty well. Lately, I found myself getting obsessed with the numbers so I decided to take a 2 week break from it. I'm finding that I know I'm losing inches because old clothes are fitting finally or that something I wore two weeks ago is loose. It's a good feeling. Sometimes it's great to focus on the way we FEEL instead of how much weight we've lost. However, I think the scale helps keep me accountable! 

I know this is a lot of information to take it. I'm sorry it's so long and such a ramble, but these are some changes I've made and I'm seeing progress. 

Get out there and get moving! 

xoxo.

 

Time to Catch Up!

I haven't blogged in like 8 days. I've been pretty busy with my workouts, work, finally getting settled in my house, and just spending time with my sister and nieces. I have done pretty well & am excited to share some pictures and what's been going on. I can't remember everything the past week or so, but I'll definately hit on some highlights and points. I think that after this post, I'm going to lean toward more on the meals, workouts, and self discovery I've come to learn and love. I do a lot of the same thing every single day, so instead of a play by play of my day, I'm going to share with you exactly what I use, cook, do for workouts, and what I come across when it comes to my journey! 

So last weekend, I beat my mile of 12:11 to 11:57...well I beat it AGAIN the next day!!! :) I was so excited. I cried, yet again when I beat the time :) I've come a long way!

Right: April 17 just over a week after starting my new life style. Left: Last weekend! :) 

 Last week, I had a LOT of non scale victories when it came to people noticing changes, old clothes fitting, and feeling overall AMAZING with my progress. 

My periods have been a bit messed up this month, I've had 3 total this month alone. I'm seeing my doctor and checking in with her a lot via phone to make sure I'm okay. It's good because I'm having pain on both sides (both ovaries), so I'm hopeful that things will level out soon. I know my body is getting used to being lighter, being more active, and eating better so weird changes like this is bound to happen! 

Went on the hike behind my house that I orginally started with, with Laura, and now what used to take me almost 20 minutes and a ton of breaks, I was done at the top in 12 minutes with only 2 breaks. 

I started this journey 11 weeks ago, two weeks after I started I took the pictures on the left hand side. On the right was this Friday. :) I see progress!!! YAY! 

 I have my measurements and before pictures (1 month in) at Laura's house and hopefully sometime this week or upcoming weekend I can compare. 

I've been feeling like my body is used to my workouts and circuits the past week because I haven't been sore. I'll push myself and go a bit longer for a workout or add another circuit, but when it comes to using different parts of my body I feel like I should do some more research and find more workouts. 

My sister, Aislinn told me about the "P.I.N.K Method" I had never heard of it, but after some light research I saw that it was a program made my women who sorta of retrain your body and metabolism with a meal plan and workouts. I don't believe in following a certain meal plan set, because I believe our bodies tell us what it wants and needs! As long as I'm making clean options and eating clean, I feel confident in my eating! :) However, I did do the level 3 cardio kickboxing session! PHEW! It really did kick by butt. I'm not really coordinated with the whole kickboxing thing, but I liked it and got better. It was 45 minutes long! 

After my kickboxing workout!

 

I am really enjoying cooking lately. Sometimes I go through phases where I get tired and don't want to cook, but it's so fun and nice knowing what's going in your meals! 

My "niece" Cheyenne posted this photo on instagram and it literally made my night when I saw it. A friend of mine told me that the most rewarding thing is when your family follows by your example. I know I post a lot on Instagram and Facebook about this journey, but I know that some day, I can and will inspire someone else. I know that if it wasn't for my friends who live healthy life styles on Facebook and Instagram that I would feel defeated some days. They help with that extra motivation I need. :) 

I went shopping today and rewarded myself with some new tops and a pair of sun glasses! :) So excited!

After I went shopping, I decided to clean out my closet and organize everything in my new dresser. I found a pair of size 15 skinny jeans and they fit! :) Currently I'm in a size 14/15 depending on the style of the jeans. I've come a long way from size 18!

Today's workout kicked my butt! :)

My arms were HUGE 3 months ago. I had no muscle! Now, I'm starting to see some definition and they are starting to tone up nicely. :)

Not drinking alcohol as much means that I get to drink lemon water in my nice wine glasses!

Tonight's Dinner! :)

Now, this sums up the past few days, so starting tomorrow I'll be writing down some recipes and posting them, sharing my entire workout routines, and also giving helpful tips and reminders to help when there comes times when we all feel a bit down! 

Have a good night all! :) Remember, you can find me on Instagram at @chelsea_is_changingxoxo 


 

Body Love

Do you love your body?

I've never loved my body. Not in junior high, not in high school, and definitely not in the past 3 years. 

I used to blame my body for what I was actually doing. 

Yes, I have PCOS, and yes it's a horrible syndrome to have and have to live with. But, it was my choice not to take control and do what all 4 doctors told me to do. I'm the one who didn't look to the future and realize that I needed to take control when I was 18. Being 16 and diagnosed, I didn't want to emotionally deal with it. I wanted to be a kid and enjoy my life without having to watch what I ate or exercise daily. 

 
 So many women I know say "I hate my boobs". "I hate my arm fat". "My thighs don't have a gap". "I need to lose 5 lbs". "My face is still fat". "I wish I had back dimples". "I hate how I can't get the extra weight off".

Now, don't get me wrong, I think wanting to improve yourself and seeing what your body can actually do is a great and beautiful thing! I never knew what our bodies were capable of until I started working out. 

The thing that gets me is the fact that some women could be a LOT worse...they could be obese or have major health problems. As women, we need to stop complaining! The effort and time we put in to only complaining and hating our bodies (typically with several other women at a time) could be transformed into something positive! If one person in that group of women who are complaining would speak up and say "lets go for a hike" or "who wants to try to run a mile?" instead of negativity, I think our mind set and thought patterns would change dramatically. 

Every woman has the right to control her body. I've believed that from a young age. No one can tell me what I should or need to do to my body. If I'm going to do something, it's because it's what I think I need or what I simply WANT. So, it really comes down to what we do for our bodies; the good and the bad. 

I never thought about it this way until recently but we are responsible for our bodies. It's the ONLY one we get. We have to nurture, love, cherish, and encourage it! That means we also get to change it. Changes can come from a lot of different meanings, but I just want to encourage every one to change in positive way! 

Today, I found myself looking in the mirror and for the first time in my life I appreciated my body. I was proud of it. I put on my jeans and tank top and walked out of my house confident. Not because my body is where I want it to be, but because I see improvements, I see changes being made. Although I know I'm the one getting up doing the workouts and preparing healthy meals, I'm finally LOVING my body. I guess I should say thank you to myself and every person that has inspired, encouraged, and helped me get to this point. Because of those simple acts, I'm falling in love with my body and what it can do. 

I know that there are women out there with eating disorders and mentally have issues accepting their bodies, but I just hope and pray for every single one of them that they turn that mind set from what their phsyical appearance looks like to a mental state first. If we can change what we think, our actions will follow, and ultimately we will find a love and apprecaite and most of all a profound amount of respect for ourselves and especially our bodies. 

I know this is a bit of a rant, but I was thinking about it today and then when a friend, Annie on Instagram made a comment about how inspiring it is that I was talking positive about my body...I thought...'I think this is a first for me...' 

I hope someone gets something from this post and it encourages them to think twice before they start mentally and verbally abusing themselves by talking bad about their body. 

"I'm Going to Get a Paper Towel"--6 WEEKS!!!

Today marks 6 weeks since I decided to change my life. I've never gone 6 weeks straight on one of my "health kicks", I guess it's because this is so much more than a "health kick". Today was weigh in day also. Last week I was 229.2 and today I was:

224.4!!! Hello -4.8 lbs this week! :) 

 

I had such a tough week with my little moments of eating fast food because of stress, but I definately feel okay with what happened and I know i can make any set back into a come back! :) 

 

I woke up extremely hungry so I had one banana, four strawberries, two eggs, and two veggie patties. It seems like so much, but after my late night workout the night before, I totally don't mind! 

I got ready for going out for the day, but when I got done getting ready I had this sudden urge of fear go thru my mind. I thought of the graduation parties I was planning on attending and the beer and food and it scared me. I feel like I'm in a really fragile state because of earlier this week. So, I decided to make my lunch. Going to a party full, you'll be less likely to eat a bunch of junk food, because you're actually listening to your body. 

Lunch: romaine lettuce leafs, ground venison, tomatoes, and a little cheese. Delicious!!! I missed having venison. It was sooo yummy! 

 

 

 

  

 Here are a few "selfies" to show progress of facial differences and a full body shot! :) It doesn't hurt to take weekly progress pics! It's super motivating! 

Full body shot! I think I need a new mirror though. Haha.

 

 Once I had lunch, I just knew that I needed to workout. The temptations at the graduation parties really did scare me today. So, to keep my head focused and allow myself to use my fear as fuel, I simply went to Laura's to workout. 
We did a 25 minute "Learn and Burn" from Turbo Jam! (As weird as the moves were, it was an awesome workout--warm up). Once we finished that we did our normal push ups, rows with the elastic bands, rows with the weights, lunges, scissors, and donkey kicks. 

Here is my before and after workout picture!!! Today I have never had so much sweat on my face or chest before! It was crazzzy! Our favorite saying for today was "I'm sweating so much, I'm going to go get a paper towel."

 

 

 

 

After we worked out, I went home to shower and come back for dinner. Jason made stuffed bell peppers. I haven't had bell peppers before because the smell typically makes me stick, but I LOVED the stuffed bell peppers!! 

Green bell pepper, turkey burger, rice, tomato, onions, and a little cheese. I'll definitely be making those in the future!!! 

Dinner was awesome and now we are watching Warm Bodies! So cute and funny so far! I'm going to end on one more note, hope everyone has a great night and day tomorrow. :) 

 

Last Chance Workout!

Tomorrow, I weigh in. 
I'm scared about what number will show up because I've been on my period all week and so much happens with your body during that week. Either way, I'm going to keep track of the progress. As you can tell by my blog entries, I've been KILLING IT all week in my workouts and my meals, so whatever happens, I'm going to be PROUD! 

Today, Laura, myself and Babbett worked out together! So much fun!! When you can laugh with friends while getting healthy, it's a great day! :D 

Laura stepped up our workout. My legs were EXTREMELY sore and it was more frustrating than painful. Yesterday's inclined hike definitely worked them! This upcoming week, I wanna drive and hike the "L" again, I always get good numbers on that hike :) 

I'm definately seeing changes (sorry to my Instagram friends..I post pics ALL THE TIME!). My Instagram has turned into a fitness blog/journal and it keeps me accountable. 

I'm so excited about continuing on this journey and seeing changes and feeling great! Tomorrow marks 4 weeks :) YAY!!! I made that 21 day rule. It takes 21 days to get in shape...for me it's more like "21 days to starting to get in shape". YAY! 

I'm soooo tired. I am getting up early and have a full day. I'm off to bed. Check out some of today's pictures! 

Right after our circuit workout! whoo hoo ladies!

So much sweat...

I like working out now...I always feel so much better after :)

Such a good workout!

Crazy Laura. She put on two different kinds of Mary Kay mascara to see if they would last thru the workout...and they DID! BOOM!

A rainbow on our cool down walk :)

I love this so much!! :D

Pump It Up

Monday night we went hiking, I decided to push a little deeper and then I had Laura's son on my back for a couple of switch backs. He's 40 pounds :)

My little buddy and I hiking and then a beautiful scenary! :)

I really want to accomplish my -15 lbs by Saturday so I told Laura and she agreed to pump it up with our workouts. Today we had a pretty intense cardio/strength training circuit. 

After our workout and cool down walk around the neighborhood.

Definately a protein powder night!

Today's meals have been great and I've been drinking a ton of water because I'm menstruating. It's so important to drink water so your body doesn't retain it during that "time of the month". 

Laura will be helping me with taking my measurements once I hit the -15 lbs. I wish I would have started taking pictures and everything before hand, but it's okay. :)  

Face is slowly changing. :)

Please, excuse my messy bathroom.

 Today has been a really good day. I can't wait for tomorrow's workout. More arm workouts to tone up. :) 

I ended my day with a nice relaxing evening on the couch (yes, I get to be lazy because of the amount of work I put in). My sister, Aislinn sent me this picture from her back yard. Made me miss my granny so much more, but it's a huge symbol of what is going on in my life and so many other's lives as well. 

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Please, if you're working on your self and your health, DON'T GIVE UP!!!! 
   

Recipes

Healthy Peach Cobbler  

(thanks Laura!) 

 

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39% fewer calories - 57% less fat - 95% less sat fat than the original recipe.
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prep time: 15 min
start to finish: 1 hr 30 min
makes: 6 servings
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1 cup Bisquick Heart Smart mix
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup fat free or low fat milk
3 tablespoons canola oil
3/4 cup sugar
1 can (29 oz) peach slices in light syrup, drained
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Vanilla reduced fat ice cream, if desired
~*~
1. Heat oven to 375 F.  In ungreased 8-inch square glass baking dish, stir Bisquick mix and cinnamon. Stir in milk and oil with wire wisk or fork until blended.
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2. In medium bowl, mix sugar, peaches, and lemon juice.  Spoon over batter in baking dish.
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3. Bake 50 to 55 minutes or until golden brown. Let stand about 20 minutes before serving. Serve warm with ice cream.
~*~
Nutritional Information:
1 Serving: Calories 280 (Calories from Fat 70); Total Fat 8g (Sat Fat 1/2g, Trans Fat 0g); Sodium 190mg; Total Carbohydrates 49g (Fiber 2g, Sugars 35g); Protein 3g.