It has been a journey....

Well to say that I have neglected my blog is an understatement! So, according to my husband I need to follow-up and follow through on this blog.   I have lived the life, completed the actions in person and keep myself and my family accountable, I however have not done a great job of documenting the process. 

My family started a journey about a year ago, my husband was changing jobs and the increase in movement led to health changes and weight loss.  I also was focusing on my health, I had been told by my doctor in July 2011 that I was pre-diabetic.  That was a reality, it was scary and I was determined to NOT let it control me.  My father is diabetic, type 2, and could most likely control this with diet and exercise and chooses not too.  I will not, at 37, let this become my destiny.  So, I began moving more, did a 5K in October 2011 and started on fitness at my local YMCA.  I was trying hard and made it through the holidays and leading into 2012 down 15 lbs....better than up right?

So, we started 1/02/2012 at Max Life Nutrition and Fitness in Urbandale.  WOW, what were we thinking?  We were not prepared for the reality check that Max Life was...it was HARD and TIRING.  And my body cried and groaned in pain and muscle ache.  But, it was something that I could do, I was committed to 40 days, that was what we signed up for and darn it we were going to finish. 

So, at the end of the 40 days, we had lost some weight however, not as much as I dreamed but, what I gained was confidence, strength and a belief that I could do it.  And do it we have....

We are still at Max Life, we are still working out 4-5 days a week.  It is great, HIIT training, Kettlebells, Kickboxing and old schools calestenics. 

We as of 8/26/2012 have lost a combined, 155 pounds.  That is alot of weight but, more of what we have gained is health and our lives back.  We have re-invented our world, we eat healthy, workout and set the example for our son.  We have made this our "NEW REALITY". 

I will try, key phrase try, to update this more frequently.  Future goals..challenges!

Sept 22- Metro Arts 5K
October 6- Color Run 5K
October 21-Des Moines IMT-Half Marathon

This is in addition to our normal of 4 days at week at MAX LIFE.....keeping us accountable and healthy.

Meal Plan for the week:
Sunday-Bacon Wrapped Shrimp Salad
Monday- Grilled Salmon and Green Beans
Tuesday- Turkey Taco Salad
Wednesday-Burgers and veggies
Thursday-Grilled Chicken and steamed veggies
Friday- Pork Chops and Mashed Cauliflower

Healthy Snacks that we have made for the week:
Almond Flour Blueberry Muffins
Almond Butter Nut Bars
Lunch Meat Rollups
Hummus

Very Proud Mommy and Cook

My family ate quite a bit of veggies this weekend and I am pretty proud of us!

We ate:
Chicken Black Bean Chili (corn/tomatoes) on Friday

Saturday-more tomatoes-leftover soup plus pepper/onions and potatoes
Salad-mixed greens

Sunday: Asparagus and Hummus (a bean but, I am counting it!) and Salad
Mashed Potatoes with Onions/Mushrooms

Carrot/Pumpkin Muffins.

Plus our normal fruits of banannas, apples and strawberries and cranberries.

Good healthy fruits and veggies and we haven't eaten red meat in over 3 weeks....only ground turkey, chicken or fish!

Yeah us!

Starting Week 3 of 28 days of Health

Last week was fairly good, I worked out 5 days of the week.  I ate very well and managed to only cheat for one 24 hour period.  I felt pretty good about my personal choices and the choices of my family.  We ate healthy, in meal plan and did well. 

This week's meal plan:
Mon-Hamb Helper
Tues-Chicken Stir Fry
Wed-Chicken Helper
Thurs-Chicken Soup
Friday-Steak and Baked Potatoes
Sat-Mom and Dad's Date Night

We do fairly well in eating portion controlled and adding veggies even with Hamb/Chicken Helper.

Keep at BEING HEALTHY!

Failure in 4 days....

I had a bad week, well a bad 4 days.  I did well Mon-Wed then I had a very bad few days.  I traveled on Wednesday and Thursday and while Wednesday went well-Thursday....not so much.  I ate Pizza Ranch for lunch, enough said.  I did not limit myself or plan well for my diet that day.  Friday was not horrible but, Saturday and Sunday were rough.  I didn't do my organized or planned exercise so, that was a failure as well.  But, tomorrow is another day so we start over.  I did join the Y last week so we will start the week off right and get my workout in each day and focus on a good week.  Start of November-means almost holiday season and even more temptation, let's keep at it and stay on track. 

Meal Plan for the Week:
Monday-Turkey Tacos
Tuesday-Hamburger Helper
Wednesday-Spaghetti
Thursday-Tuna Melts
Friday/Saturday-I will be in Illinois with friends focus on healthier choices
Sunday-Roast and Veggies

Good 6 days!!!

I have had a good week, we meal planned, ate healthy, exercised and did well as a family.  I managed to keep all my days (even my cheat day) under 1800 calories.  I did exercise either walking or kettlebells...etc 5 days a week.  That is what I wanted to do and did.  I am proud of myself and managed to keep portions under control and veggies/fruits several times a day. 

It was a good first start week and I know I will keep on track, to finish 28 days is the first goal, and very achieveable.

Meal Plan for the Week:
Monday-Salmon/Steamed Vegs
Tuesday-Burgers/Salad
Wednesday-Chicken Helper/Veggies
Thursday-Enchiladas(chicken/rice)
Friday-Pizza (Veggies)/Salad
Saturday-Meatloaf/Pots
Sunday-Chili Mac

Extraordinary Health Challenge

Step 1.  Complete a personal health assessment

• Weight Mangement
• Hydration
• Exercise
• Nutrition
• Stress
• Unhealthy Habits
• Recreation
• Energy
• Total Score=48 (Non Sick to Unhealthy)

Step 2.

• Create a 28 day goal-Track calories daily/exercise 5 days/week
• Create a 1 year goal-Be able to complete a 1/2 marathon

Step 3. Commit to follow a Healthy Action Plan for a min. of 28 days

1. Encouragement: Use co-workers/friends (bloggers) as weekly check-ins
2. Eating: focus on tracking calories and staying between 1500-1800/day
3. Exercise: Cardio and Kettlebells (consider water walking/aerobics)
4. Energy: Increase my energy without increasing caffeine!

Training for Des Moines IMT..

I have been training for the DM IMT 1/2 marathon, it has been a work in progress.  I haven't had as much time to focus on training, amazing how that changes when you have a family.  I am doing 9.5 miles this weekend and 12.5 miles next.  After that I only have 3 weeks before the race and if I can't be ready then, well I will wing it. 

I have gotten back to tracking calories..I had still been good about walking just wasn't paying as much mind as I should have to intake.

Good news, I still kept the original 15lbs off from earlier this summer....so some success.