Set Backs.

Monday afternoon at Crossfit I was next to a girl for our cool down who was there for her first time. She just bought a month of unlimited Crossfit and she was asking me if I'd been pleased, etc. She then launched into the story of why she was here. Her story could have almost BEEN my story. She started out REALLY over weight. She lost about 100 pounds (I lost 70) and was feeling really good about it...

Then she started dating. Like myself while in a relationship, she let the pounds creep back on and after gaining more than 10 of the pounds back, she panicked. It's not that having a boyfriend in and of itself makes you fat, it's just that spending the time you use to spend pounding it out in the gym, somehow moves over to being (much more happily) spent with the guy you like and amazingly those pounds you worked so hard to get off, come back with a lot more ease.

I couldn't help noticing how discouraged this girl seemed. I felt bad for and I as I cooled down beside her trying to build her up and assure her that gaining a few pound back wasn't so bad - since she realized it early and was actively working to make the changes it'd take to balance a boyfriend AND her health goals. That's when I realized, I could have been telling myself the same thing!

We all have setbacks, it's how and WHEN we react to them and address them that really counts, right?

I may not be quite as skinny as I was in March but I'm not back to where I started either. So compared to this (my very first 'before pic)':

This doesn't seem so bad:


It's a process. And sometimes you'll have a setback. You just can't lose sight of the prize.

Love,

B

Daring Adventures.

Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. To keep our faces toward change and behave like free spirits in the presence of fate is strength undefeatable - Helen Keller

One of my biggest regrets about waiting til my mid (ugh) twenties to get in shape and lose weight is all of the adventures I was too intimidated to try. Many of you wouldn't expect that from me, since I'm a go-getter but even I felt weird about certain things. I do NOT like to be in last place at anything. I remember complaining to my Mom in college about my hatred for math and following it up with 'I'm just not good at being the stupid kid in class - I work too hard for that'.

Before losing almost 70 pounds, I felt most intimidated by being the least 'in shape' of a group. I didn't like situations where I felt like I would be holding a group back in any way. So as I've worked hard to not just get the weight off but to actually get in shape through cardio, weight training, classes, videos, etc - and by getting over my 'iusetobefat' mentality I've really stepped out of my comfort zone and tried new things.

A few things I wouldn't have tried a year ago that I've faced head on in 2011:

Dance lessons. I'm a horrible, horrible, HORRIBLE dancer but while I was dating Thomas we bought a groupon and gave them a shot. I have to say, I'm still not sure I'll ever steal the spotlight on a dance floor BUT I vastly improved, I gave it a good shot, and I may just use some of those skills on future dance floors of weddings I will be attending soon.

Crossfit. I shared recently that my roommate, Bekah, and I have started Crossfit. For those of you who are unfamiliar it's INTENSE group fitness that feels a lot like I imagine boot camp would feel. That's right - I'm participating in hardcore group fitness, another thing I would have been intimidated by before. And honestly, I'm not the most athletic, the skinniest, or in the best shape in the class. But I'm also not the butt. I've stayed pretty middle of the pack the whole time, and that's a big step. I've also finished every single workout.

5K. I completed my first 5k. I wasn't first, I wasn't last, and I was most definitely not fast - but I finished. One of the things I've had to realize is it's ok to do things that I'm not great at. I will more than likely never be a runner - partly because I'm built short n sturdy and lacking anything that would qualify me as having a 'runner's physique' and I also have a bad knee from an injury in college which keeps me from pounding too much pavement. But before I lost weight I couldn't run without pain and now I can, and do. Slow and steady but I do it, and that feels like a victory in itself.

TV. I went on TV to talk about my weight loss and have a makeover. I never in a million years would have expected that I would have willingly signed up to be on camera talking about how I use to be fat. But it's amazing how good I feel about my progress and how encouraged I feel to get to my ultimate end goal.

The last one I'll mention today really inspired this entry. Tuesday night for the first time ever I tried a Zumba class - a combo of two things that use to terrify me: dancing in public AND group fitness in which I had no idea what's going on. But I went, alone, and did my best and even though I was pretty terrible, I felt good about it afterwards. I think I'll even go back.

This entry was mostly just to encourage you all that life is what you make it and if you've been letting your fears keep you from experiencing things that could prove to be a lot of fun, stop. Don't take yourself too seriously to do a few things your terrible at. Don't be afraid of failure, we've all experienced and we've all survived.

Love,

B

Next Goal Please.

So this is me @ a rehersal dinner for a wedding in South Carolina I attended with the boyfriend a little over a month ago. And I post it to tell you my next goal. We're attending another wedding in July, his brothers, and I've set a goal to lose 20 more lbs between now and then. I'm 1 week in and down 2 lbs...so 18 to go. Hoping saying that here will keep me on track especially with Cinco de Mayo tonight and I love mexican food. : ] I'll post updates from time to time here on the blog.

18 pounds and 85 days to go.

Love,

B

Reflection & Exciting News.

As I was deleting an e-mail from Lane Bryant about their most recent sale the other morning I thought, wow, remember when I was plus sized? Having just passed the 1 year mark of the beginning of my weight loss journey I know I'm not done yet but man have I come a long way. So thankful for the support along the way and excited to cross that finish line (hopefully soon).

That being said I have some exciting news to share. Yours truly will be making an appearance on Daytime TV to share my weight loss journey and enjoy a free makeover courtesy of their team of specialists! I couldn't be more excited for the opportunity to be mine. Along with 3 others, I will be lucky enough to have my hair, makeup, and clothes madeover! I go into the studio next Thursday for 4ish hours and I can't wait to share with you all my experience!

I swore off TV appearances after making a fool of myself during a Christmas special on NFL families my family agreed to do years ago. I was so nervous. My voice sounded weird. I hit my head on the camera while they were trying to video over my shoulder. It was just a hot mess...

BUT for the makeover and to hopefully inspire others in the Tampa area who need to take their health seriously, I will be breaking my own TV rule.

Thanks for sharing in the exciting news with me.

Love,
B

This Will Change Your Life, or at Least Your Body.

Despite still being a little ways away from my goal weight people have really started to reach out to me for help reaching their weight loss goals. April will mark one year since I began my weight loss journey that has so far lost me 65.6 pounds. I am by no means a fitness or diet expert but I have had a great amount of success in the past few months with hard work, research, and discipline. I wanted to share one thing I hesitated within the beginning but I’ve now come to see is crucial to getting your body where you want it…weight training.

When I first started trying to lose weight I thought as long as I counted my calories and did tons of cardio, my body would eventually be what I wanted it to be. Later when I considered that my goal isn’t to be skinny, it’s to be fit and toned I realized that even though cardio can blast calories it wasn’t going to get me the definition in my trouble zones that I desired. That’s what I started doing some research on weight training. For those of you ladies who think lifting weights will make you bulky, you’re not alone but you’re also not right.

Women’s Health Magazine has been a great resource for me (I don’t subscribe but I frequent their website). I was reading through an article they wrote about women and weight training and they gave some great reasons for every women to hit the gym and pump some iron.

You’ll lose 40% more fat. Umm, that right there should be enough right? Fat be gone! Where are my dumbbells?

And I quote: Other research on dieters who don't lift shows that, on average, 75 percent of their weight loss is from fat, while 25 percent is from muscle. Muscle loss may drop your scale weight, but it doesn't improve your reflection in the mirror and it makes you more likely to gain back the flab you lost. However, if you weight train as you diet, you'll protect your hard-earned muscle and burn more fat.

Not sold yet? Well, we’re not finished yet.

Your clothes will fit better. – Again, who doesn’t want that? There’s nothing I hate more than trying on outfit after outfit and nothing making me feel excited to go out. I mean, I always want to buy new clothes but not because I want the ones I own to be ill-fitting and unflattering.

You’ll burn more calories. Calories, calories, calories. See, this one is relatable for anyone. Even if you’re trying to maintain your goal weight, you still want to burn at least as many calories as you’re eating. So this is a win-win situation. For those of us still trying to shed, we know that burning more calories than you eat is the key.

WH says: Lifting gives you a better burn during exercise too: Doing a circuit of eight moves (which takes about eight minutes) can expend 159 to 231 calories. That's about what you'd burn if you ran at a 10-mile-per-hour pace for the same duration.

Research shows that it will Improve your Diet. Bonus. Stay motivated to stay on track.

Stress Relief. No more stress eating, now I lift away my stress.

You'll Be Happier.

You'll Build Stronger Bones.

You'll Get Into Shape Faster. Lord knows, bikini season is upon us. The faster, the better. Getting results keeps you movitated.

Your Heart will be Healthier.

You'll Be More Productive.

You'll Live Longer.

You'll be Smarter.

Full article here.

I've never seen quicker results then adding strength training in an interval form so I strongly encourage this to get you the results you want, faster.

Love,
B

Rejoicing in January.

I hope you all feel as good about the start of 2011 as I do. I don't usually catch 'new years fever' but I find myself more motivated than usual lately. Motivation is a tricky little number because you need it to accomplish goals, but accomplishing goals gives you motivation, you know? It's a rather vicious cycle.

Making monthly goals was a great way to start this year off on the right foot. Choosing a race 2 weeks after the holidays was an even better way to make myself workout over my 12 day vacation in Indiana. I worked out every day except the 2 I was down south with Candy. So if you're already thinking about goals for next year, stick a fitness related one in January and it'll help you fight off the festive fifteen pounds people like to gain between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Now that I succeeded in a jogging my first 5k (ordered two action photos Thursday morning), I'm focused on my next goal. February's goal is to complete a 21 day Daniel fast. Some of you may be familiar with the Daniel fast - which basically eliminated meat, dairy, and sweets from your diet...oh and no caffeine. Ack! What you may be less familiar with is the point of fasting. There's research and biblical backing up for several reasons but in my mind, you fast to make a sacrifice physically and in your time to draw near to the Lord and pursue his strength and guildance.

I wish I could share the main things I will be pursuing direction on throughout my upcoming fast but unfortunately, it's not appropriate to talk about them just yet. However, I'll take all the prayers I can get that I don't keel over from lack of protein and that I really discern the Lord's voice in all that I will be processing through.

I've only ever fasted once before. It was when my family had first found out they would be moving to Indianapolis and I felt all the emotions I'm sure you can imagine come with moving smack in the middle of high school. Everythings emotional and overwelming when you're 16, right? I knew the Lord was moving us, that was evident in everything that surrounded our move, but I needed to seek the Lord's strength as I worked through my own attitude about it.

That fast was a 3 day, liquid only fast. It was BRUTAL. Before I lost all the weight last year, I had low blood sugar issues that gave me migraines so bad I'd lose my vision and occasionally throw up. Not fun. But the Lord brought me through that fast with a renewed spirit and I'm confident this fast will also have great spiritual benefit.

I look forward to having both Bekah and Jess going through this with me. There's always safety and security in numbers, right?

I feel excited that February's goal will lead well into March's goal to be Gluten-free for one month. Hopefully you've read my research and thoughts about that already and I won't repeat that to you now. But since the Daniel fast will keep me almost gluten-free for 21 days, the transition should go easier.

I'll be closing out my 4th weight loss competition in February and so far, it's looking like my team will be bringing home the gold. I've previously competed in and won 3 competitions. I'm grateful for the motivation which is fed by my competitive nature but I also look forward to being done with weight loss competitions after this. For everything there is a season, and it's time to finish this one strong.

I've been diligent with my workouts so far this year spending 1 hour a day dedicated to cardio and 30-50 minutes per day on strength training. I've enjoyed watching my body toughen up and I'm excited with the results adding weight training has helped me see. I got tons of great new workout videos and clothes for Christmas and they've kept it fresh for me in 2011.

I hope this year is off to a great start for each of you. Keep me posted on how you're doing with your goals, for those of you who have already shared them with me and of course for those who havent' yet.

Love,
B

Healing.

I'm supposed to tell you what kind of healing I received this year and how I hope to heal in 2011. Eh, not sure this is my fav. prompt - sorry 'reverb 10'.

For those of you who have watched the Biggest Loser before, you know that frequently people's weight is a result of bigger issues. Whether it's overeating, under eating, not eating, etc there's usually a bigger issue behind the behavior. Over the last 8-9 months of weight loss I've really had to delve into that myself and really explore why it took me until 25 to care enough to take care of me.

In recognizing the reasons behind that, I've been able to heal as I work back towards being in shape. I realized in a personal training session with a celebrity trainer that Dove gave me earlier this year that she was right, having the ability to be active is a gift. One that not everyone has. I can run. I can jump. I can swim laps in my pool. I am capable of so many great things because my body is young and healthy. Not doing those things is a little like having the ability to read and not using it, it's really sad how many people waste that gift.

As I've dropped the weigh, eaten healthy, and fallen absolutely in love with excercise I've healed all the bad feelings I had about the way I looked and the way my body was before. It may not be exactly where I want it to be right now, but it's come a long way with me in 2010. We've battled some tough stuff together, and we've come out swinging - or running.

I look forward to continuing this journey in 2011 but I'm thankful for the people encouraged me through a year of healing this year.

Love,
B

New Challenge.

As I've shared on the blog previously 2010 has been an incredible year for me. I've focused in on discipline in my life, in several areas. One being my physical health. After being overweight most of my life, a coworker of mine challenged me to a weight loss contest and really lit a fire under me. Thanks to her encouragement (and my love for competition) I'm 3 contests in (winning each), 53 pounds down, and 22 inches smaller (from the 4 areas I monitor).

Now it's my turn to pay it forward...

So starting tomorrow I'm teaming up with 1 of my friends to take on 2 others in a 'biggest loser' style competition that will last 12 weeks. The challenge will be greatest for me, because the smaller I get and the longer my body has to adjust to my new lifestyle the harder (and slower) the pounds (and inches) come off. But I'm not afraid of hard work.

The rules are in place. The prize is set. Here we go...lets see if I can come out the biggest loser, a fourth time.

Here's my before picture for this competition:

And just for fun...my before picture from my first competition:

Crazy huh?

Wish me luck - 12 weeks starts tomorrow.

Love,

B

Keeping it Fresh.

If there's one thing I've learned from my recent troubles with weight loss plateau's it's that you have to keep your workouts fresh. Keep surprising and pushing you body to new levels, new moves, and new records. For those of us (ahem, me) that are incredibly competitive even with our own selves, this can actually be fun!

So, in the name of keeping my 2-a-day workouts fresh I have invited Jillian Michaels back into my life in 3 new ways...

I do weight lifting videos in the mornings and cardio in the evenings, typically (depends on how crazy my week is). But I look forward to trying these 3 new videos for my morning workout routines when they arrive (ordered them today). I'll keep you posted!

Love,

B

Complete.

Just finished my morning workout (abs and arms) and wanted to share one of my other inspirations. Though I've never watched a season of Biggest Loser, I'm incredible inspired by this young lady, Ali Vincent:She looks amazing and she's keeping it off. I've been doing biggest loser workout videos in the morning so she and I are getting some sweating in together - and I just continue to think she's awesome. What I love about the show even though I'm not much of a TV watcher myself, is that it's inspiring people that never thought they could get in shape before to get after, work hard, and get where they want to be.

One of my facebook friends has a quote on their profile that says, 'anything I set my mind to, I set my grind too'. Maybe a few more of us need to adapt that motto.

Love,

B

Butt Kicking.

So after getting really off tract for 3 days over the weekend it’s time to really kick my fitness and weight loss back into high gear. How you may ask? I’m glad you did. Two-a-days. Two-a-days aren’t exactly a foreign concept for a girl who grew up on the sidelines of football fields, watching her Daddy coach. There’s a reason that before the players go into their season, they go through two-a-days. They shock your system and they kick your butt…they also get you in optimal shape before the ‘season’.

Season can mean different things for those of us not involved (or no longer involved) in sports. For me I’m entering the healthiest season of my life, or so I hope. I’m also in the middle of event season for work which means a crazier schedule and more physical demand on my body. To me, preparing for that has been crutial, especially with some of my stomach issues I’ve shared with you about before.

I am now in two-a-days mode with weight training and cardio bursts in the mornings and longer cardio workouts in the evenings. I’m also still taking 1 day completely off per week (this is usually Sunday or Monday). My workout schedule is sometimes thrown off when I’m on the road. Not because it has to be, but because I tend to let myself off the hook since the events are so physically demanding for me.

As a little added motivation/incentive/reward for my hard work at 2-a-days I bought myself this little number…

If you want to consider the two-a-day lifestyle for a bit, I’m really enjoying the biggest loser workouts. I do a cardio video and either legs, arms, or abs in the morning and then an hour of cardio after work in the evenings. It’s a good routine for me and I don’t feel like I’m over working the same muscle groups. I also like to do the Biggest Loser boot camp workouts from time-to-time.

The videos are great because you can do them at home, in your living room, and they aren’t time consuming! I for one, do NOT want to get up at 5am to workout. So with the videos are my morning routine I can get up at 6:15, be done before 7, and at work by 8:30. Everyone has to find what works for their schedule and I am no exception. But as someone who’s disciplined but not necessarily a ‘morning person’ this has worked out well for me.

Love,
B

Inspiration & Before/Afters.

Inspiration. I think every person should have their go-to people when we’re lacking inspiration. Someone who’s been where we have been or maybe is just doing what we do, better. I laughed when one of my guy friends told me yesterday that I’m his ‘muse’, that he’s inspired by the way I live life and being around be always pushes him to want to be more or do more. I love that!

Though admittedly I have a long way to go in a LOT of areas, I don’t mind being that for someone else. No one’s perfect right? But we can have a take it or leave is approach to where we find our inspiration, right?

This year one of the people I’ve found inspiring on my journey to a healthier (read: smaller) me has been Jennifer Hudson. With a powerhouse voice, a chart-topping career, a new family (kid and fiancée), and weight watchers – this girl has really kicked some butt lately. I love a girl who can do it all and be beautiful, confident, and fashionable along the way! So here’s my official props to her – get it girl.

I had 2 failed attempts with weight watchers back in the day. By failed I mean I was the failure, not the actual program. They gave you so much flexibility with what you could eat, I just kept flexing a little too far. I’m an all or nothing girl, I can’t have too many options. Sad, but true. For me the ‘biggest loser’ mentality has really worked quite a bit better.

I swore to myself I would never do an unflattering before and after of myself on this blog…but some rules were made to be broken, right? So here ya go lovies.

6 months and 50 lbs ago...

And now, to date and minus those 50lbs. : ]






Here's to seeing what the next 6 months might hold. : ]

Love,
B

Social Networking Accountability.

Well I'm joining several over bloggers in making August Awesome with a fitness challenge! We have commited to excercise 24 of the next 30 days (well 24 days in august, but ya know) and I'm already 4 strong! Who knows, maybe I'll rambo this month and workout everyday instead of just 24.

What this reminded me of is how many great benefits there are to social networking. Don't get me wrong, I understand that there are some drawbacks to social networking, including putting too much of yourself 'out there' in cyber space. BUT it's also a great (and easy) way to connect with people you share a common interest or bond with.

I found out from Cece at The Big Girl Blog via Twitter about the Awesome August challenge and quickly joined in. As most of you probably know I've been on a healthy kick this year, slimming down and making my health a priority before I turn (gasp) 25 later this year (read: next month).

I've lost 39 lbs competing with coworkers in 'biggest loser' competitions. But what I'm even more thrilled about than dropping 3 pant sizes, is that I'm really starting to love working out! I feel 100 times better. I'm almost never tired or run down (other than my legs after a good run). The truth is I more than likely would always have enjoyed these same activities if I'd ever take the time to get in a groove.

So if any of you want to have a healthy August with us, feel free to join the challenge. You can even tweet with us about it: Me - @thequeenbc Cece - @thebiggirlblog and @healthylosergal who's the intiator of the whole challenge.

Happy healthiness this month loves.

B

Updates, Updates.

Hello Darlings.


Life remains busy in the bay area for this go-getter. Booked 2 more flights for 2010 this week - to Indiana for Candy's Wedding (free flight courtesy of Southwest - love ya!) and to Nashvegas in August for work. I leave in 12 days for Myrtle Beach & Isle of Palms with la familia (that's pretty much all the Spanish I know, be impressed). I fly as much as a bird these days...I may just forget how to keep my feet on the ground by December.


This weekend I'm staying put and spending time with my Tampa family - the Huhtas. Sweet Bryn's turning 18 this weekend! Can't wait to celebrate her @ Ellas in Seminole Heights (the cutest little place you ever did see!). Can't decide what to wear...what do you all think of this dress:

Image borrowed from here.

This dress was a fabulous on sale find at the local Marshalls btw - Dave Ramsey approved. I've tried it with nude Guess heels and with a Stella and Dot bib necklace and black peep toes. Votes are welcome for which to sport this weekend. I guess nude heels little or no jewelry would be more casual. Hmm.

Found a cute pair of jeans on sale at Gap for $13 bucks today. No lie. $13. Amazing. Every once in a while you walk in and hit the jackpot. I rarely even set foot in a Gap since preppy isn't really my style. I like a little more color and glitz in my life then the typical Gap shopper - but as with any store you never know what you'll find that you can work into the perfect little outfit.

You may have noticed I've been adding quickly to the book list on the left side of my blog. I am almost halfway through my 25th book of 2010. We're currently reading The Red Tent for book club. Jury is still out for me on how I feel about it. Fictional stories based on biblical characters are always a bit intriguing to me. Theres a little more of a sexual vibe to it then I care to read typically - maybe it just freaks me out that 4 sisters are married to the same man. Having 2 sisters of my own, it's hard not to be a bit creeped out by that...even realizing that social norms were different in biblical days.

For those of you who caught my video blog, you already know that I am now leading a small group (bible study) in my home! That is going amazingly well and I continue to be inspired and challenge by our current study entitled: Girls Gone Wise in a World Gone Wild. She's refreshingly frank and I appreciate a to-the-point gal. I am pleased and grateful for how the group is taking off...God is so good.

Oh yeah, I can't believe I almost forgot... I won biggest loser (the work edition). It always feels good to win but honestly, the contest itself was great for all of us and together the 3 of us lost over 40 lbs in 10 weeks. So it was a great team effort to get healthy and fit for the summer (and forever). I considered showing you all my before and after pics but just couldn't bring myself to post my double chin on the internet. Gross.

Who's got exciting plans for the 4th of July? My only request is a tan and some fireworks. I don't care where or with who. Still working on those deets.

Love,

B