24 Day Challenge Complete!!

It's official, I have finished my 24 Day Challenge!!  I really loved everything about the challenge, and I have already ordered my next set of products to continue on this same road.  They should be at my doorstep today or tomorrow!!

During my max phase, I got pretty busy with the baby and a lot of stuff going on at work.  So, I got in a pretty good routine.  Almost every day, I had my meal replacement for breakfast, banana for snack, salad with chicken and carb (sweet potato, mashed potatoes with tofu sour cream, or black beans), apple or almonds for snack, salad with chicken for supper, and nut butter (plain or with half of a banana) for snack.  I rarely changed any of my meals because this was so convenient.  Hopefully, when work and life starts to slow down, I will have time to add a little variety!

I still feel like I have tons of energy compared to before my challenge.  It is amazing how clean my house is on top of raising a 6 month old, working a full time job, and going to the gym almost everyday!  I'm not bragging (really, I'm not).  Honestly, I am AMAZED that my house is clean (just ask my husband how often I usually do the dishes).

Anyway, I'm sure everybody already scrolled down to get my results, so here they are:

Day #1 Stats:

• Weight: 165
• Jeans: 12-10
• Neck: 13.75 inches
• Shoulders: 41 inches
• Chest: 34 inches
• Arms: 12 inches
• Waist: 30.5 inches
• Hips: 40.5 inches
• Thighs: 24.5 inches
• Calves: 15 inches

Day #25 Stats (after 24 day challenge:

• Weight: my dang scale isn't working so I have no clue, most recent weight was 158 (-7 lbs)
• Jeans: 8-10
• Neck: 13.5 inches (-.25)
• Shoulders: 41 inches
• Chest: 33 inches (-1, ugh)
• Arms: 12 inches
• Waist: 28.5 inches (-2)
• Hips: 38.5 inches (-2 inches) Wahoo
• Thighs: 22 inches (-2.5 inches each and -5 inches total)
• Calves: 14.5 (-.5 inch each and -1 inch total)

Total changes: 7 (ish) pounds lost and 11.25 inches lost (I posted 10.75 inches earlier, but I keep forgetting to count each leg separate)

So, I may not have lost my goal of 15 pounds, but I have to admit that 15 pounds in 24 days was a pretty tough goal.  I'm ok with 7 (+/- 1) pounds!  I feel great and am so more confident than I was!  I did this whole challenge because I had become extremely self conscious.  I was only wearing very baggy clothes, and I didn't even want to take my son swimming in a kiddy pool in our own backyard without a t-shirt and shorts on.  I hated the way I looked and felt.  Despite wanting to lose weight, I continued to eat candy, Starbucks, Chick-fil-a, and tons of other junk food.  I didn't just need a diet; I needed a lifestyle change.

Now, fast-forward 24 days....I feel great!  I am proud of my accomplishments.  I may not have a washboard stomach (and probably never will).  My legs still jiggle when I walk.  But, I am going down the right road.  I plan to continue with this new, healthy, happy lifestyle!  I CANNOT WAIT on my next shipment of Advocare to arrive today!! 

Post Cleanse

Ok, I have actually been done with my cleanse for a little over a week.  But, work and baby has been keeping me busy!  Give me some slack here!

Cleanse Pros:

• Lots of energy
• Healthier lifestyle
• Losing weight and inches
• Stayed on my diet even on vacation
• Not craving sweets or carbs
• Love, Love, Love my Spark drink!!!

Cleanse Cons:

• The fiber drink isn't my favorite (although not horrible)
• Wasting 15 minutes of my precious time trying to come up with more cons (does that count?)

I think it is pretty self-explanatory that I loved the cleanse!!  I am currently in the max-phase of my 24 day challenge, and I really don't want these 24 days to end!

Time for some stats:
Day 1
Weight: 165 lbs
Jean size: 12-10
Neck: 13.75 in
Shoulders: 41 in
Chest: 34 in
Arms: 12 in
Waist: 30.5 in
Hips: 40.5 in
Thighs: 24.5 in
Calves: 15 in

Day 10 (cleanse done)
Weight: 161 lbs
Jean size: 10 (mostly)
Neck: Forgot to measure
Shoulders: Forgot to measure
Chest: 34 in
Arms: 12 in
Waist: 29.5 in
Hips: 39.5 in
Thighs: 24 in
Calves: 15 in


Day 18 (my latest measurements)
Weight: 159 lbs
Jean size: 10-8 (some pre-pregnancy jeans)
Neck: Forgot to measure
Shoulders: Forgot to measure
Chest: 33 in
Arms: 12 in
Waist: 28.5 in
Hips: 39 in
Thighs: 24 in
Calves: 14.5 in


Summary:
Day 10: -4 pounds and -2.5 inches 
Day 18: -6 pounds and -5.5 inches loss!! 

Sounds pretty good to me!  I was a little disappointed at only 6 pounds loss, so that is why I measured a little early.  It is nice to see the actual numbers!  Also, all of my pants bought post-pregnancy are HUGE.  My belts are also all on the very last hole (and some are too big on the last hole).  So, screw the scale.  I am very happy with my results so far!  No picture yet (that is going to wait until the end). 

The max phase is similar to the cleans as far as food goes.  The main difference is that now I am taking all kinds of supplements that help with energy, appetite control, and weight loss.  I don't feel much different energy-wise than on the cleanse.  I'm continuing to work out 5-6 days per week. 

Cleanse day 4!

I'm in the middle of my fourth day of the cleanse, and let me just say, I am LOVING this diet so far!! 

How can I love something after only 3.5 days?

1. I lost 3 pounds in 3 days!!! 
2. I have SO much energy.
3. I am being so organized about my meals (so I won't cheat) that I don't even have to think twice about what I am going to eat.
4. I have not craved any sugar or chocolate in 3.5 days!!! GASP!!  
5. I have not had coffee in 3.5 days and am not going through withdrawals.
6. I am still eating, a lot.

Ok, so time for the details. 

Day 1:  I started my cleanse on Friday.  I had read on a blog that it usually starts to work by the second day (as in going to the bathroom, I do my research), so I figured that starting on a Friday would be idea.  Friday morning was my fiber drink.  I had really worked myself up with how horrible this drink was going to be (once again, research).  I mixed it with my fruit punch spark and downed it.  It really was not nearly as bad as I assumed it would be.  The worse thing about it was the texture.  It was kind of like fruit punch with a bunch of orange pulp (I mean, a BUNCH).  Then, 30 minutes later, I ate my breakfast (plain, gluten-free oatmeal with fresh blueberries and a boiled egg.  That's more food than I normally eat!  Then, a few hours later, I ate an orange for a snack.  Later, I ate tuna with avocado and a salad for lunch.  Then, a few hours later, I at almonds for a snack.  For dinner I ate a mix of ground turkey meat with bell peppers, cubed tomatoes, and pineapples over pineapple brown rice.  After my early dinner, I picked up Grayson and headed to the gym.  I went 2 miles on the treadmill (walking & running).  Then,  before bedtime, I at a banana for a snack!!  That's A LOT of food!  At bedtime I took my herbal cleanse caplets.

Day 2: Went pretty much the same as Day 1.  I did have different proteins, veges, and complex carbs.  Grayson and I did go to a baby shower at 2:00 Saturday.  I was really nervous that I would be tempted by the food at the shower.  However, I didn't even take a second glance at the chocolate cupcakes (or were they vanilla?) or candy.  I had my almonds in a zip-lock back and could not wait to get to them!  I also had a spoonful of crunchy natural peanut-butter (no added sugar or oils) with an apple for one of my snacks.  I am officially In Love with natural peanut-butter!  Yummy!  And, for those that really want to know (because I wanted to know), I went "to the bathroom" once in the morning without cramping or anything.

Day 3: Once again, very similar to Day 1 and 2.  I did forget to workout on Saturday (uh oh).  Thankfully, Sunday was going to be my rest day.  So, Grayson and I went for a long walk on Sunday!  It was actually windy outside and felt so nice.  I also went to the bathroom once this morning without cramping.  I also skipped my before bedtime snack today because I was not hungry at all!  I just couldn't eat again.

Day 4: No Fiber Drink!  Wahoo!  I really got to enjoy my spark this morning!  The best thing about this morning?  Grayson woke up twice last night, and I still was able to get up with my alarm, have my spark, and be full of energy!  Usually I would be feeling like crap by now; not today!  This evening I will be going to a Zumba class.


I'm not trying to say all this great stuff about this to sell you the diet.  If it starts to suck on day 5, you will know.  All I know is, before I started the diet, I read a bunch of blogs to get others' opinions and that helped me make my decision to start and gave me pointers.  This is simply my opinion.  I think a big part of this diet is eating right.  Anybody can exercise, eat right, and lose weight.  But, this comes with vitamins and supplements that are making me feel great.  Also, paying for it is making me feel like I HAVE to stick to it.


Here are my Stats:
Day 1--
Weight: 165
Jean size: 12-10
Neck: 13.75 in
Shoulders: 41 in
Chest: 34 in
Arms: 12 in
Waist: 30.25 in
Hips: 40.5 in
Thighs: 24.5 in
Calves: 15 in

Day 4 --
Weight: 162

And, because I'm feeling brave, my before picture:

24 Day Challenge

I'm starting my 24 Day Challenge tomorrow!!  I was SO excited to get my products in the mail yesterday!  I had to pull everything out and open it up!  I wanted to start right that second, but I restrained myself..

Today, I am going grocery shopping for all of my goodies!  My grocery lists includes lots of healthy proteins (tuna, tilapia, ground turkey, chicken breasts), raw vegetables, and fruit.  I also plan to buy some nice containers.  I want to make and package at least 5 days worth of food tonight!  I'll try to take a picture of my finished product (if Grayson cooperates).  If I have to, I can prepare it when Grayson goes to bed (he does go to bed around 8:00 after all... I know, I know, how LUCKY am I??!!)

Y'all seriously do not know how excited I am to start this!  I really hope it works out as well as I think it will!  I am going to take all of my measurements and before pictures (yuk) when I get home.  I will try to keep my blog updated every few days on how it's going!!  If anybody wants to try it, let me know and I will get you to somebody that knows a lot more than me!

My exercise goal: Work out Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday (gym or running with baby)! Help me stick to this!!

Weigh-In

I don't weight myself regularly, and I am ok with that.  I don't have a scale at home (because I would obsess over it).  So, the only time I weight myself is at the gym.  And, if anybody is standing near the scale, then I don't dare weigh myself.  I think this is ok, because I don't obsess over a number.  Although, I still want that dang number to get smaller!! 

So, my weight yesterday was 164 (down 6 pounds).  This just stinks.  I am losing Maybe 1 pound each week.  Ugh!!  I know, I know.  I don't want to obsess over a number... Sigh.  I just don't know why I am not seeing better results.  I work-out hard and eat decent. 

I am patiently waiting on my next paycheck, so I can do my cleanse!!  I just know that this is going to be great for me!  I need something to help kick-start the weight loss and get me on a healthy routine!

5 Months and Helmet update

5 Month Update

I CANNOT believe that Grayson will be 5 months old tomorrow!!  Geez, time is flying by!  This month has been the month of accomplishments for Grayson.

Accomplishments:

• Sit up supported and tri-pod position (he is attempting to sit without support, but is still wobbly)
• Roll from stomach to back easily
• Roll from back to stomach (only when nobody is watching, but almost every time I leave him on his play-mat I find him on his stomach! Little stinker!)
• Eats cereal with a spoon (and makes a gigantic miss, but he is very cute while making it)
• Starting to lift up to his knees while on his stomach (just can't get that dang heavy helmet up for very long)
• Became Mr. Independent and wants to do everything by himself (put his pacifier in his mouth, grab the spoon, try to holds his bottle, even wipes his face with his bib/burp cloth)
• Went swimming in a big-people pool for the first time

Big boy sitting in tri-pod position by himself!!

Hates:

• Naps (this boy may sleep through the night, but he fights his naps with all his might)
• Having his nose wiped/suctions
• Being left alone for more than 5 minutes (like on his play-mat or in his crib while I do laundry; don't worry I don't just leave my baby at home by himself while I grab a bite to eat)

Loves:

• His momma (he is Such a momma's boy, and I am eating it up!!)
• Bath-time (remains his favorite time of the day)
• Water activities of any sort
• Putting anything/everything into his mouth
• Screaming (with joy, anger, or just to plain scream)
• His exersaucer (this has been an absolute MUST in our house!!)
• Eating (he is no long a momma's boy when it is time to eat and becomes a whoever-has-the-bottle boy)

 Look at how small that helmet looks!!

Grayson is such a happy baby, and I am SO blessed to have this boy.  Not a day goes by that I don't thank God for giving my the BEST family in the world!!  I can't imagine my life with out my wonderful husband and my perfect son! 


Helmet Update

Grayson got his second helmet last week.  Poor thing's first helmet was so tight, and he was such a trooper.  We did get to where we could take off his first one to let him sleep at night (because of how tight it was).  I really really really enjoyed all the cuddles I got that last week!!

Michael took him for his helmet scan last Monday, so I missed out on that ordeal.  I'm sure it was similar to the first time with the big white sock/hat and the fancy scanner stick that scans his head.  We practically have to hold him upside down so she can scan his head.  We just try to be quick and efficient to get it over with.  Michael said that he did good. 

I took him Friday to pick up his new helmet.  I let him be helmet free at day-care that morning to give him a little break.  He was so good on the trip down to New Orleans and back.  His new helmet seems so big!  Debbie (the most awesome orthotist [helmet lady] every) cut this helmet to be a little lower on his forehead and smaller around the ears.  She is hoping that this helmet lasts longer.  The new helmet doesn't seem to bother him at all!  It did make a little redness around his neck for the first couple of days, but I think this was only because he wasn't used to his helmet being so low, so that skin was a little more sensitive. 

I did decorate the helmet to look like a Mississippi State University football helmet.  Michael is an alumni of MSU, along with the majority of his family.  I saw pictures of some other "helmet babies" with their helmets decorated like football helmets, and I fell in love.  I think it is one of his cutest helmets!

I also need to tell a quick story about how awesome MSU is!  I began the search for a football jersey for Grayson a couple months ago.  I knew I was going to decorate his next helmet like a football helmet.  I wanted to find him a football jersey, so I could dress him up as a football player.  I looked high and low and could not find anything smaller than 12 months.  So, I decided to e-mail MSU and ask if they knew of a place to order one from (it couldn't hurt to ask).  I also told them a little about Grayson and why I was looking for the jersey.  I got an e-mail like 5 minutes later saying they weren't sure but would try to find out.  The next week I got an e-mail saying they found a 6 month jersey and wanted my address to mail it to us!!  They had ordered and paid for it just to be nice!  In all of their e-mails, they have said that they are praying for Grayson.  They want me to send them a picture of Grayson in the helmet and jersey (I secretly [or not so secretly] hope they put it on their website or newsletter or something, hehe).  I was just in awe of how nice this school was!!  I was an Ole Miss fan before I married into an MSU family.  Now, I have definitely converted!  (Don't worry all my rebels black bears, I still like Ole Miss.  But, I have to pull for MSU now)  Hail State!

Hiatus

So, I took a little hiatus from the whole dieting/exercising thing. Not because I was being lazy, either!

You see, Michael is about to start his fourth year of medical school. This is when he does his "audition rotations." So, he picks his own places to have his clinicals. He is going to spend 2 months in Largo, FL, 1 month in Tulsa, and 1 month in Jackson. So, that means 4 months in a row with just me and Grayson. He leaves Tuesday. So, I took full advantage of my last few days with Michael.

We went to a fancy restaurant and to the movies for our anniversary. We stayed at home and played with Grayson and watched some Netflix. Michael had to work all weekend, so I got some practice of being alone with Grayson.

This isn't an excuse for why I didn't work out. It is simply an explanation. I didn't work out because I had other things in my life that were more important at the time. As much as I WANT to be skinny and fit, I am not going to let it rule my life. However, I plan to get back to the grind on Wednesday (and finally see how much of a bump in the road my hiatus caused).


I'm pretty nervous about being alone (with Grayson) for 4 months. I mean, Grayson has only been around for 5 months, so that will be almost half of his life (at the time). A lot happens in these 4 months. He starts eating baby food, sitting-up, crawling, standing, walking, talking, etc (he is a baby genious and is going to be WAY ahead, by the way, lol). What if I teach him wrong and he becomes a "toe walker" (you all know what I am talking about). Thank goodness he has a helmet in case I drop him on his head/the dog knocks him off the couch he hits his head learning to crawl. So many things could go wrong!! And not to mention, poor Michael is going to miss so much! As scared as I am to be by myself, I think Michael has it worse! I can't imagine leaving my family for 4 months.