Sometimes in life when we try to become "HEALTHIER" we measure it by what our outsides look like, when really it starts within......

Moving Strong

What a great few weeks! So last week we were handed out these bingo cards. Each square needed to be filled out (so black out). You had to go to one of the classes that is offered at the legacy center and then the teacher initials that square. The trick is that you don't get to pick what classes you go to, I mean there is different teachers and times but the style is the same. Turbo Kick, cycling, pump, muscle mix, yoga etc.  There are 20 squares.....my goal was to finish it in 7 days! So I could be the winner at this, WOW!!! That was a ROUGH goal (at the time I didn't realize I couldn't do that because of the time the classes are offered). I did 4 days of 3 classes a day-I was exhausted!!! The bad thing was I didn't lose ANY WEIGHT!!! Not 1 pound. So my amazing trainer Tiffany, advised that I took Saturday and Sunday off from my normal workout routine. I have learned two things from this.......Sleep is needed to have a successful weight loss and that classes are fun. I have enjoyed some of the classes before, but this bingo card has pushed me to do new classes. Cycling is a great work out, but my tush is always sore!! They should make plus size seats. Ha ha ha, but I feel GREAT after it!!
The scale has been good to me....I am not going to lie BUT i am not saying any numbers until I weigh in. The most important thing is how great I feel!! Eating healthier, and working out has given me a whole new life! I am able to keep up with my kids. We are enjoying new recipes, doing activities together that I would never do before, and I am more focused on them.  I have alot more to say but the duties of Motherhood is calling me!!!!
Until next time- Liz

PS pictures to come SOON!

Warning......

WARNING TO ALL MY READERS!!!  I am in the middle of a pity party! So this morning was our monthly weigh in.  I was so excited!! I have been working SO hard, going to the gym often, doing different types of work outs, eating healthy foods, low calories, vitamin taking daily EVERYTHING! And yet when I stood on that scale this morning it was not very nice. Yes I did lose weight, NINE pounds to be exact. This brings me to a total loss of 36 pounds. But yet let me explain that I gained 3 pounds since Monday!!!! So as I stepped off the scale, and walked upstairs to work out I pondered the things I have done this past month to try to say what more I could have done.....nothing came to my mind. I turned on my favorite music in hopes it would change my outlook but it only made things worse.....as I was warming up on the track tears filled my eyes! I was SO upset!!! I tried to pull things together but it didn't happen! So I left, Yes I didn't finish my workout in fact I really didn't even sweat. I came home and crawled back in to bed, crying myself asleep. I gave myself a time limit to have a pity party. At 10am it will end! Instead of turning to junk food I found many inspiring quotes that made me laugh and think 9pounds.....I am doing OK-
The 1st is a quote from the movie Heavy Weights   “Kids, at age 12, I weighed 319 pounds. I had bad skin, low self-esteem, and no self-respect. Now, I eat success for breakfast, with skim milk.” -Tony Perkis  I need to be a little MORE positive! I can't beat myself up!!! 36 pounds in 4 months is not bad. I am not only losing weight I am trying to change my life to become healthier. 
The second one is a picture of ONE pound of FAT........

I Had to stop and think about this......I have lost 36 of those! That's AMAZING! I am doing hard things, and I will see my reward! I have NOT quite, or given up! I just needed a few hours to feel bad for myself. (Maybe some extra sleep) I am even MORE determine to work HARDER!!!!

Thanks to my Amazing Team for supporting me, My incredible trainer Tiffany for pushing me, My Dad and his words of encouragement, and my Hubby and family for loving me for who I am!

Until next time......

Update

Little Things

Hello my friends. I wish I had some great excuse why I haven't blogged lately and I don't have ANY! I could make one up, that is not really my style. March was tough for me-my loss wasn't as fabulous as I wanted it to be, BUT i didn't work as hard. It was a small reminder that your goal results are a reward for your hard work. Honestly I worked my butt off at the gym, but I didn't eat as well as I should have. I guess I really shouldn't complain but I lost 9 pounds for a total of 28 pounds in about 3month period. I still have a LONG way to go, but I am still moving forward-that my friends is what MATTERS! A few things that have happened in the last few weeks-

Small things matter-Every small ounce I loose it great, but I am doing this contest so I will feel good. A few things that I have noticed lately about my weight lose is:

• I can take my wedding ring on and off without soap or lotion
• When I park next to the trail at the legacy center I can walk between it and my car with feeling squished
• We went to the movie the other night when it was rainy and I ran with my kids to the doors without passing out or dying! (THIS WAS A BIG ONE FOR ME!!)
• Healthy eating really helps, I got a vitamix! SO in love with it!!! It's AWESOME! We do smoothie's, salsa, soup and CRUSH ICE! It's been so easy, and my kids love spinach in it!
• Eating after 7:30pm really makes a different. I try hard not after 7:00 but 7:30 is my limit.
• Make it fun! I hate mornings but once I am at the gym, I feel GREAT! I do my own work outs, but I have tried to find 3 classes that I love to change it up a bite. Its not only the workout you have to like, but it's the teacher too! I have about 4 classes that I try to make every week. Don't worry about what everyone else is doing or what they look like in a class. I struggled with this for a long time! When I work out in a class I feel like this

But in all honesty I know I look more like this.......

I sure hope you laughed out loud! Because I did, and I am still! One of the other things that I have learned is that there are MANY kinds of people that go to the gym. So like to workout alone, and have some time to themselves, others like to sweat with friends, and some even just come for social hour. The important thing is that they are ALL there! I know that my heart is healthier because and these habits that I am forming. I challenge you all to go, work out. It doesn't matter if it's a gym, something that you have in your houses, a Pilate's video, or for a walk with you kids. Do SOMETHING! Make it FUN!!!

Until next time.......

I am BACK!

I am not sure where time went, I have been suck a slacker!!! I have actually missed not being able to write. The reason why I haven't been on is I really haven't had things to write about. I then realized that it doesn't have to be really anything just whats going on.
Things are going good. The weight is slowly coming off. I sometimes get frustrated but I have to remember that I didn't gain it all over night, why would I loose it over night? I have to tell myself that often. When I say often I am talking about many times a day! This is not only a physical change for me its also a mental game. That's the part I am focusing on right now. Two weeks is when I weigh in again and I have high hopes!
I kind of took a break this weekend, my Hubby and I went out of town for our anniversary. My goal was to not OVER eat. I ate alot of my favorite foods, but I did NOT over eat!! That was a BIG step for me. We used the stairs at the hotel and walked the streets of Park City to help burn a few extra calories. But I am back on track and have big plans of eating right and working out HARD! To help me do this my totally amazing husband bought me a VITAMIX. I love it!! Green Smoothies, soups, salsa and shakes! I love that fact that I don't have to food process my food, then blend it. It's so nice!!
My goal for this next week is to update my blog at least 1x a week. More to come later!!!

Randomness 2

Wow......Sorry everyone that I have been reporting! Life has been super busy and I have tried to update for the last 3 days but haven't quite made it. So it's Saturday morning, my hubby is off to work and the kids have transformed the basement into their giant fort! There are chores to do, and laundry to fold but I love hearing them laugh and make up games. So I am going to listen to the sounds of laughter and write from my heart! Hopefully it's not too random. Today was the BIG day! Its been a month since we started and I feel GREAT! I will tell you later on what the scale told me, but first I want to share a few things that I learned this week.

• Again, I hate mornings but 4 days a week at 5am you will find me there! I love it-okay once I get there I love it! I have decided that the thing I love the most is the people I see! I am (so far) a solo gym goer. I like to do what I want, I can think and ponder about things that are going on. But I have old friends and new friends that I see there. They are AWESOME! They are continually giving me praises, and helping me along the way! I love it, I need IT! It's what keeps me going.
• I FEEL GREAT! I can't even tell how amazing I feel! I know I have a long road a head of me, but I am Happily on this journey. I am a better wife, a better mother etc. It's so funny to be that even though I am up early I feel so well rested-I feel like I am more focused on what needs to be done. Don't get me wrong-bad days still happen and they always will but I can face them better after a great workout.
• Trips can be fun but the 2 I had this week weren't. The first one was on Tuesday afternoon when it was snowing-I slipped on some ice on my back stairs and missed the last 4 stairs, (OUCH right) the bad part of this was I was holding a Max (a 2yr old I watch) He was fine-in fact I think he laughed. Luckily no major pain or damage just some good looking bruises. (They build character right?) The second Trip I took was Friday during the second storm-walking to my shed to get the shovel and fell flat on my BUTT! I was so pissed! But I got up, waived at my neighbors and went on my way. My sweet Aunt said it's because I am "lighter" on my feet! lol
• Many of you have been asking what I am eating/cooking. A few things that i have been addicted too. Spinach smooths-I know I am one of those people but its so healthy and yummy! I have one a day, depends on what is going on. Sometimes it breakfast or dinner or even just a snack. Roasted vegetables, seriously I can eat these all day long. I take whatever I have-(onions, peppers, squash, carrots, broccoli, asparagus anything) wash them, peel if need then I place on a cookie sheet drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil and sea salt on them and bake at 350 for about 20-25 minutes. SO YUMMY!!!! The last thing I like to eat is a cucumber sandwich. I take 2 slices of my 9 grain bread (from Bountiful Basket only 57 calories for 1 slice. If you don't know what Bountiful Baskets is GOOGLE it) and toast it, then spread 2 tablespoons of light cream cheese on, a little avocado, then I take some cucumbers that I have let set in vinegar over night, some onion and salt and pepper. YUMMY! I am still loving food but just different kinds and of course smaller portions!

Okay so as of today I have lost 18pounds!!! I can't believe it! I was so excited!!! Many inches off different parts of my body so I am HAPPY!! I can't remember my body fat% but I will get that this week! My goal I set at the beginning was to be down 37 pounds by my Emily's Birthday, which is April 25. So I am at a great start! I also want to say how awesome my Dad it! He lost 26 pounds. He was the Male winner for this month! He even went on a vacation and still lost! What an Amazing example to me!

Thanks for reading! Until next time- Healthy Living!

Randomness

Well I am not really sure where time went-I can't believe it's been so long since I have posted.

Things are going good! I am really enjoying this journey, don't get me wrong its hard and there are times that my body is so sore I could cry (maybe I have a little). But I feel so great!!! I am not really noticing a lot of difference (a little in my legs) but I have felt good so I am still moving forward. There are a few things that I have learned the last few weeks that I would like to share:

• Be Creative-Sometimes my hubby works on Saturday so if I don't go to the gym at 5am (YUCK) then I have to find a creative way to workout. I decided that it's important for all of us to be MORE active, so we love to go to the church parking lot. The kids have been really big into roller blading and I do my jogging. It's been a BLAST! Last week we had a picnic there too. The kids think its the coolest thing ever! In fact we decided to tun a 5k as a family. (June round-up days) I am excited to go hiking when it's warmer.
• The gym-I have enjoyed going to the gym and working out. It's my time-why is it that us women feel guilty about taking some time for yourself? It makes me be a better Mom yet I feel guilty about leaving my kids?? I know understand why so many Mom's go to the gym in the early morning hours-as NOW so do I!!!
• Speaking of early morning gym goers......I will NEVER be one of those ladies that look all dolled up! Make-up, hair done etc. I can't believe how many there are at the Legacy Center that look like they just stepped out a salon!
• Craving something sweet? Eat a piece of fruit and drink lots of water and MOST the time that craving is gone. My eating is going good-Valentines Day wasn't that bad. I did eat Chocolate Dipped Berries, No worries I enjoyed every bite. But I planned ahead by eating lower calorie foods that day and worked out extra hard that day! One thing I have learned is that I can still eat food that I enjoy. It's all about the way it's prepare and the serving size. This is something that I have been very good at, I have taught my children that serving size is something that needs to be looked at.

Many of you have asked how am i doing. I will report the 1st Sat. of every month on how much weight, inches, and body fat i have lost in the past month. I am trying hard not to get on the scale often.

Until next time!

Relationship

I want to talk about a relationship that I have. It's between FOOD and I. Yes you heard me, I said FOOD! I love FOOD!! I have always loved food, especially sweet treats and that's why I weigh 340 pounds. I believe that loosing weight is a mental game for most people. A very inspiring lady told me the other day this quote, its a motto I say to myself at least 6x a day! "I eat food because I need it to live, NOT because I love it!" (Thanks Aunt Chris) Today, on February 8, 2012 I am ended my relationship with food. I need food to live, I will no longer live for food. Thats a strong statement and I know that I will become a healthier person because of living up to that motto. I few things that I am doing that maybe will help someone else-

• Counting Calories-I have NEVER DONE this before. There is a great site/app for this its is http://www.livestrong.com/myplate/ AWESOME! It does all the work for me. So user friendly. (Thanks Aunt Chris and Kenzi) I can't believe what kind of junk I have been putting in my body!!! It's great to feel good!
• Sugar-this is so hard for me! I love my sweet treats. So instead of giving up all the way I am going to do 6 days with none and 1 free day. Okay maybe free day isn't the best word, I can't not eat crap all day and gorge until I puke-but I will enjoy a small amount of some of my favorite things. (Cupcakes, ice cream, Creme Brulee a few to mention) again moderation is the key here. I haven't had candy/junk food since Sunday and I won't until Valentines Day when I hope my hubby buys me a few chocolate dipped strawberries and raspberries from Dippidee. (Danaca or Marcee can you make that happen)
• Being Prepared-I ALWAYS have something healthy in the fridge and in the pantry that's ready for me to snack on. When I get my lettuce I cut it all up and bag it, veggies cut up and ready for a salad or a snack. If I am hungry and have nothing to snack on, then I go for the kids treat bags.
• Gum-It is a must have! When I feel "Bored" and I need a snack I just chew on some gum!

I hope that this can help someone! I have some fun recipes that I will post soon and some more things. With the contest I only weigh in once a month. I will weigh myself every Saturday and report on how I do. Please remember that numbers aren't everything! I am really wanting to feel good in my "tight" jeans! Until next time-

It's ON!

Saturday was the BIG DAY! As 47 strangers fill into the room, I noticed how different we are. Some of us of lots of weight to lose, some women, some men, full time moms, working dads, business owner even the Mayor of Lehi is competing in the competition. But when it comes down to it we are all the same. Normal people trying to make it through life. It's struggle for everyone. They too are ready to let go of this heavy weight that they are carry around. That's what we have in common, it doesn't matter if it's only 30 pds they want to lose we are all in the same boat. As I have started this blog mainly for me, many people have expressed their gratitude to me for being brave enough to write my story. Thank you all for your kind words, great advice and moral support-I need it all It's hard! I feel like I can do so much, but my body is too slow because its heavy. It's time that I peel of my "normal" person and become someone Extraordinary! My team is AMAZING! On Tuesday night, our first session together we did a basic fitness test. As I was running a mile every time I completed a lap, half the team was there cheering me on-it was great. The best part about it was that my Dad was cheering the loudest. Yes folks, my amazing 63 yr old father is in the competition and better yet on my team! My Dad has been such an example to me. I am so excited to be on this journey with him!!!! More to come........

Prep

On January 10, 2012 I decided to give up junk food and soda. I love a fresh Dr. Pepper with lots of ice. In fact one day while I was at Harts with my 5 yr old, filling up my 44 ounce cup. I saw a light click on in his little head. "I get it!" he exclaimed! "You have a Dr. Pepper everyday so when Daddy comes home from work he still has a wife and 4 kids." I laughed so hard. It was true, he got it! This phase has been in my head for about 4 months. Although it was funny, there was definitely some truth behind it. So I gave it up. It's been 3 weeks since I have sipped caffeine OR carbonation. I feel fine, honestly I don't feel much difference. I know when I start working out I will. When I knew I was going to do this contest I decided to start Prepping. Prepping for a weight loss contest.....I know it sound so funny. But here are a few things that I have been working on

• Buy new shoes. Do you know how many types of different shoes there are? Running shoes, aerobic shoes, cross trainers, toner shoes, weight lifter shoes.....i could go on and on. Which ones to get? I want my feet to good, I know that good shoes can work the world of difference. Helps with sore feet, charlie horses, shin splits and back pains. Well after many hours on line of information over load I gave up. Thanks to my friend Jenn I know to buy cross trainers. (Friday's to do list)
• Clothes-what do you work out in? Sweats right? Who wears sweats? Yoga pants? That's an idea but for a 340 pound woman? Every roll and dimple would be showing, not comfortable with that. I honestly don't have anything, pants that is. I have lots of PJ's but its pretty obvious they are PJ's. So what do I get and where to I buy them without spending a lot of money?
• This last week I have been enjoying, you know like the "Last Supper". I don't want to say I have been pigging out but I have been making my favorite things that I am about to give up. You know homemade pie, cinnamon rolls, ice cream, etc. As of Saturday it will be replaced with vegetable stick and popcorn. (with no butter of course)

These are a few of things that I am doing to get ready! There are 46 other constants, I am sure they are all amazing and all have their own stories but I am ready to loose weight and feel great!! Thanks so much for the comments, advice and support I am truly blessed with so many great friends to help me along this Road 2 Me!!

The Beginning

I just want to say Thanks for taking the time to read my blog. I am not very good with words, and I am a horrible speller. But I will tell you this, I will be writing from the Heart. Being overweight has been me my whole life. I have covered it up many times, and very little to I talk about my honest feelings about obesity. Many are thinking where did this come from? I am participating in a contest hosted by Lehi City, "Slim to Win" (set-up like biggest loser). It starts on Saturday and goes until August 4, 2012. Six months, I will be striving to live a healthier life and drop a few pounds on the way. (115 pounds is my goal) Again, all of my words will be from my heart! I would 1st like to share the paper I wrote for the judges. It reads the following:

I am from Lehi, born and raised. I love Lehi and have had a wonderful life growing up here and being involved in my community. However, it has not always been easy! As a young girl I was always the biggest one of my friends. I have been called fat, lardo, chunky, chubby, overweight, big boned, a whale etc. I learned at a young age that kids can be very mean! In my childhood, I spent hours crying because I was fat and then I would turn to food to make me feel better. I quickly learned that I needed to have a LARGE personality to help others see passed my large body. Once, while living in NYC, a man at a stand in central park wouldn’t sell me a pretzel because I didn’t need it. It hurt! No matter how old I get, it always hurts!
While I was developing my large personality for others to like me, I quickly discovered that if others have what they want, they are happy. When they are happy, they are nice. I then became a person who was always seeking out ways I can serve others. I would do whatever they needed to help them out. I loved this, I felt good and others liked me! This was it, the way that I would mask myself. After years of doing this I am exhausted and still do not feel completely fulfilled. I know it’s time for a change!
You are probably wondering why I never did anything about it before. I did, I tried--
but eventually just fell back into old habits. I love the gym, but I feel guilty about giving up time with my family to take time for me. I lost some weight doing Weight Watchers and working-out but for one reason or another I gave up. This is my time to do it!
My husband and I have been married for a short time and would like to have children together. When we were married, I was lucky to gain 4 children and I am very grateful to have full-custody of them. We all want to add on to our family. My doctor has put me on medication that would help us but it has been a struggle. So far, we have not had a successful pregnancy. My doctor has told me over and over if I lost weight that would help a lot.
I need to be healthy for my sake and the sake of my children! I don’t ever want them to feel like they can’t do something in life because of their size, like me. I want to go to water parks, take my kids to amusement parks and not worry about whether I will fit in the seat or not. I want to hike, bike ride, and roller blade with my family. These things seem so simple but to someone who weighs 335 pounds, they are impossible.
My body is wearing down. I am only 33 years old and I need to have a nap everyday to make it through the day. Sleep has been a struggle. Because of my weight, if I sleep on my side my hands fall asleep quickly causing me to wake up in pain.
I want to be involved in this contest. I am sure if I was selected there will be many tears, sore body parts and a lot of questioning “Why did I do this?!” But I am ready to get the help and support I need to do hard things and I know I will be a committed contestant. I know it will be hard, but I know that it will give me the help I need to lose weight, educate me on how to be healthy and it will help me teach my children to be healthy as well. I feel that I deserve a chance to be a constant for “Slim to Win” contest because it’s MY time! I have been serving and caring for everyone else around me. I deserve to be healthy, happy and be able to enjoy my family.

I will write more, I also have some before pictures that I will post. (I am not sure if I am ready for that yet)