The Challenge has Just Begun!! (and before and after pics)

Well, the Advocare 24 day challenge is over and I must say it has been an awesome start to a lifestyle change that was looonnngggg overdue.  I must say, the most important thing I have learned is that I have to make time to care for me.  I know most moms can relate to my story...you make time for everyone else in your life, especially those adorable little creatures that you gave birth to, and the things that will make you happy get a little lost.  I was a little lost.  Looking back to a month ago, I think I was depressed.  Not in the Cymbalta commercial way (with the sad dog and the lady that doesn't leave the house), but in the I forgot about what makes me feel good about myself way.  So, during this little journey, I have realized that I need to take care of me first, then everyone else will be happier and better taken care of.  Here are some things that I have done to make myself healthier and happier during this time:

• I went to the dentist for the first time in 2 1/2 years.  It sucked, but I got my teeth in check and I feel better for it.
• Got the free Zoom whitening that came with that visit.  Pure awesomeness!!!
• Got some clip in hair extensions.  I actually bought the hair and sewed in the clips myself.  I always try to grow out my hair and then end up cutting it.  I love them and they make me happy.
• Went to the doctor for the first time since the kid was born.  They asked if my medical history had changed.  I said yes.  I had the baby.  It's a boy!!!  (just a reminder- he's two now).
• Worked out more and didn't feel bad leaving my kiddo in the child watch.  He loves it there and I love getting my swole on.  Happy momma, happy kid  :)
• Changed my flooring and painted my bathroom...these were big on my to-do list for years and just got done.  It feels good to get the house in order.
• Spent some time in the kitchen on Sunday getting meals ready for the week.  Prepare to prepare!!!
• Committed to time with my friends, at least once a week, without my little person.  This has been immensely good for the soul.

I know a lot of these seem like little things, but they get lost in the shuffle of day to day life, and as I cleaned out my body, I sort of cleaned out my mind, too.  Balance has been huge for me and I feel like I am just a more well rounded person.  I'm no less cynical or quick to speak my mind, but just more balanced.  :)

So, let's get to the good stuff- the before and after pics.  They speak volumes that my silly words could never compare to!

 

 

I have lost 12 pounds, 9 inches, and 5% body fat. I now weight 165.4 pounds. I went from obese to normal in 24 days.  That's it.  1/2 pound a day.  Most weight loss companies promise 2 pounds a week.  At that rate, I would have been at 6.857 pounds lost by today. I (Almost) doubled that.  Unreal.  And, I truly believe that the supplements I have been taking are filling in the holes in my nutrition and helping to keep me fuller and more satisfied through the whole process.  I am also lifting heavier than I have ever been able to before, so I know that while I am losing fat, I am truly gaining muscle. I only lost 2 additional pounds after the 10 day cleanse, but I lost 5 additional inches!  The proof is in the puddin and I certainly have less puddin.  And got my squat press to 240.  Decent :).

 

I am committed to Advocare and am truly a believer in the process and the product.  My journey is not over, as I want to get down at least another 15 pounds and continue to work on my total wellness.  If anyone wants to ask a question or join me, please don't hesitate to reach out- my email is jcal10329@gmail.com.

 

Also, if these B and A pics have motivated you to give this thing a shot, please visit my website and order yourself a 24 day challenge.  I will help you as much as possible through your own journey!

 

Jessica's Advocare Website

 

Thanks for following me- and I'll be back to update you on my progress :)

 

 



 

 

 

The "P" Word

Mountains are lovely.  The peaks and valleys are awe inspiring, but to anyone that has ever tried to lose weight, the worst part of a mountain is the "Plateau".  It is nauseating and no one wants it and everyone has dealt with it.  I used to manage a weight loss center, so I said it a million times to clients.  "You are still doing a great job, your body just can't keep losing weight at this pace.  And you will find that your body settles in to familiar weights (like, where you were right before you were pregnant, or for the five years before you put on another twenty pounds...etc).  It is just a plateau. Drink more water.  Eat a light dinner and lower calorie foods.  Increase your fiber intake."  

I know it.  I preached it.  It doesn't make me hate it any less.  I got depressed and stopped blogging, but I stuck with the plan and took my own advice.  And truly, 10 pounds in 12 days was super impressive!!!  Nothing to complain about.  But still, I wanted more.  And finally!  Finally- after spending over a week camped out on this unhappy, joy sucking, anger inducing plateau, I am down another pound.  My 24 Day Challenge is over on Wednesday, and I am more motivated than ever. I went up a girl and came down a woman!  No, not really, but I sure do feel better and will probably be much nicer to my husband for a least a day (since he doesn't hit plateaus and just keeps losing pound after pound).   

I plan to continue this journey with Advocare.  I want to lose more fat, gain more muscle, and jiggle waaayyyy less this summer at the pool.  I post new pics on Thursday- my first official day off of the Challenge and on my new way of thinking about food permantely.  I will absolutely keep this up and can't wait to see (and share)  my final body fat and measurements!!!  Picture day is coming!!!!!

Day 16- Down a size

I'm officially down a size.  Don't be confused.  I am not in the size I would like to be in, but, I am one size closer!!  My weight is down 10 lbs, and although inches mean more to me than pounds, it still feels extra good.  My belly isn't as bloated and jiggly, my butt isn't quite so low and wide, and my hips are a little smaller.  We are on our way to beach ready (19 days until we leave...I have my work cut out for me!)

I totally cheated Sunday night, too.  I had wine.  A couple glasses.  And by a couple, I mean three.  It was amazing and I didn't gain any weight, but I certainly didn't feel as good the next day as I have in the past two weeks.  Lesson learned.  Don't do that again.  (It was just so delicious!!!).  It was a social situation and Cabernet was calling my name!  If I just drink a bit (not three glasses) when we go out, I won't drink often at all.  Which is good. 

I am getting bored with our food situation, so I experimented a bit yesterday.  I made sweet potato chips, but they didn't ever get crispy, so they were more like sliced sweet potatoes.  I also have incorporated hummus into the ole diet, which I love (with carrots, cucumbers, and or peppers).  Tonight we are having ground turkey chili to switch things up, too. I think I am going to try some peanut butter banana ice cream in the blender tomorrow.  I need something kind of sweet and delicious without binging on cookie dough ice cream or something.  Clearly, that behavior got me into this mess :).  Now to keep it going!!!