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My 5 Best Tips to stay on target

 

No matter your journey, Stay positive! You will get there!

I am still on mine to get fitter, healthier, and happier!

Take each day as it comes. Somedays, it is a ~ take each hour as it comes. My life is translating into this as we speak.

Here are my 5 BEST TIPS to staying on top of the battle

1. MEAL PLAN – meal planning is two fold. It takes the guessing out of the day AND helps you save time and money in the grocery store.
2. Put your workout clothes on as SOON as you get home or get up. Depends on when you personally work out. This helps me SO much! If I put them on as soon as I get home, I ALWAYS work out. If I miss this step, it’s a struggle to get into workout mode.
3. EAT EVERY 2-3 HOURS. When you skip meals, your body goes into starvation mode. It doesn’t know when you will feed it again so it hangs on to what you just ate. Even if that meal is on the healthy side. If you aren’t feeding your body good clean food every 2-3 hours, you will have a difficult time reaching your weight loss goals permanently. Sure you can loose them temporarily but you WILL gain all that weight back and then some! Trust me. Been there! Done that!
4. BE CONSISTANT.  Life happens. We all know this. We get a curve ball and BAM, you are off track that quick. Remember that eating healthy and working out is something you should MAKE a permanent thing in your life so that the curve balls don’t disrupt anything. Sure you have a meal that doesn’t fit into your new way of eating BUT because you’ve incorporated all these new changes into your life, that ONE meal does NOT undo what you’ve worked hard for. Your metabolism is in a whole new zone. It will get burned off. You will not gain back ALL the weight you’ve fought off to loose. (Unless you continue to eat this way for weeks and weeks, well then its back to the starting line folks.)
5. MOST IMPORTANTLY ~ REMOVE THE WORD “DIET” FROM YOUR VOCABULARY! I cannot stress this enough! Once I stopped dieting – I started eating and enjoying my food!!!! I don’t diet I live! I enjoy everything I eat. I love food. I love to cook food and I’ve learned how to eat healthy, nutritious food that tastes SO GOOD! My food life before was fat, fried, processed, junk, frozen, fast, food. Now my food life is fresh, whole, natural, green, flavorful, robust, energy filled, carb loved, healthy fats filling, protein full, food! STOP DIETING AND STARTING OVER! START ENJOYING LIFE AND EATING AGAIN.   Eat what you love but with a healthy kick! Don’t deny yourself your favorite food either! If it is mac & cheese (mine is) eat it and enjoy it! Just don’t eat it everyday or find a way to make it healthier.

Here’s to hoping this helps someone! I know these things help me. As long as I stay consistent, I stay on top of the battle. Whenever, I loose sight of my goals, I tend to get a little off track. Work out with a friend or in a group helps keep me motivated and accountable for what I need to do and what I should do. Join a challenge group. Make it fun!

I am using the 21 Day fix to keep me on track with portion controls. Click here to learn more about it. I have a new group starting June 30th!

Happy Tuesday! Happy Week!

My weight loss journey from beginning to…… well, now

 

Being brutally honest makes me nervous – because it makes me vulnerable.

It makes me feel weak and exposed.

But I’m learning that sharing my journey is important. People relate to people. People relate to emotion and a story. My story is always on my blog but I’ve never continued it or shared it on any other social media platform.

Over the next few days, I plan to share my story. It is long but I hope that there is one person (or two) that can relate to it. I am where I am today because someone believed in me. Someone said “You can do this, let me show you”.

Today this is my story – this is me.

Part I

My journey began in 2008. I was at my heaviest ever in my life. I was pushing 180lbs and squeezing into a size 18 (yep that was me). I was depressed, emotionless, unmotivated to shop ~ even for shoes! I thought that skipping meals and eating less would solve my problem over the years but really, it only got worse. I also had two things against me: 1)I’m from the south so we fry everything. 2)I was also stuck in a food rut. You know that rut – you cook the SAME THING week in and week out. You always go to the same restaurants and order the same meals. I was bored with eating, honestly. I pretended I wasn’t as large as I was. I truly believed that I still had a size 8ish body with a big ole booty. It’s funny how we view ourselves in the mirror but the pictures tell the true story. It is true that a picture is worth 1000 words. For me, when I saw myself in pictures – I thought holy crap Sara! I immediately started analyzing what wasn’t THAT BAD so that I could rationalize the photo. I wanted to do something but didn’t have a clue of what to do! I tried Atkins, Slimfast, starvation, fruit only, detoxing and NOTHING – I mean NOTHING worked. Really how could it if I was taking my butt to eat rice, beans, fries, burgers, grease, grease and more grease.

In comes a study with Weight Watchers and UCF invitation. I took on the challenge because I am a sucker for a challenge (a good one) and went full force into it. I knew with my personality that I would be very careful to follow it to a T. I learned how to eat healthier and make better choices. The biggest part of this experience though was that I learned to eat every 2 hours. I was religious with it too. 7:30am – waffle in the car on the way to work, 10:00am snack (fruit or yogurt), 12:00pm – lunch (either leftovers or sandwich and occasional lunch out but rare), 3:00pm – snack (fruit or yogurt), 6:00pm dinner. This was EVA-RE-DAY like clockwork, even on the weekends. I had to learn a point value system and tracked my weekly points associated with the food I ate. I also had to go in a few times to be measured and weighed. My very first week I lost 8lbs! I seriously had to look on the scale 3 times to make sure. Back then I still had the dial scale so it was harder to read than digital. At the end of that study in December of 2008, I’d lost 40lbs! I did this by changing what I ate and how often I ate. My metabolism was through the roof! I was almost starving at my 2 hour intervals. I never stopped eating that way for the next 4 years. By April of the following year, I hit my goal weight of 124lbs and was so stoked. I was wearing a size 4 and feeling very confident. I must share here though that I did not work out as much as I should have. I walked about 4-5 times a week for 15 minute intervals and twice a day. I was skinny but not fit. I now know there is a difference. With 40 knocking on my door now, I wish I’d thought of that then.

Each year though I seemed to gain back about 4lbs in the course of that year. Fast forward to 2012 and I found myself teetering between 130-135 so I started running and training for a 5K. I participated in 4 or so but never really indulged in anything more than 5k’s. Running hurt my knees and in the summer, it’s just to dang hot outside. So I joined a gym and went up there to run. I was able to maintain 135lbs but my eating was going back to bad habits and I created a cycle of trying to keep up with the 135lbs but the food was out racing and winning that battle. I knew how to eat right. I knew what to eat but I began slipping back into a mindset of I still look good and I’m running so I’m good right? WRONG – so wrong.

Tomorrow the story continues with Part II ……..

See you then

I have a new obsession ~ and so will you! Beachbody’s 21 Day Fix ~ Get your fix now!

I don’t usually have obsessions that don’t include shoes (well I guess this one kinda does). I haven’t even tried this yet but I am over the top excited to get this thing crankin!

This is a combination of what I’ve done for years that originally helped me loose weight and what helped me keep it off AND amazing work out DVD’s that are only 30 minutes long! It is all planned out for you – there is no guess work at all.

If you’ve been struggling with trying to find the right combination of working out and eating right and have a hard time figuring out what to eat and how much to eat – I have a feeling that YOU need this program too!

WATCH THIS VIDEO!

Most people I come across don’t have a clue of what is considered healthy. I can personally attest to the food subject. I was amazed to originally discover what I can and cannot eat to maintain a healthy weight.

As far as the workouts go - I am an over extended busy person at the moment and but I will just have to find the time even if I workout sleep walking lol. The results from this have been like nothing I’ve ever seen (and I’ve seen a LOT).

I will be tracking my progress through the whole 21 days when I start. I will see my results just like you will. I don’t know what they will be but I think that if I am truly honest with myself and follow the plans and workouts – I’m gonna be overly impressed. That usually doesn't happen with me and working out.

This is not a diet. This is not a happen over night workout plan either. If you really want to see results you have to do it EVERYDAY.

• Change the way you think of food.
• Change the way you think of yourself
• Change the way you think of working out

You can do this with me too! Click on this link --------> 21 DAY FIX and order your own FIX! I am not kidding when I say this is trending everywhere and trending isn’t even the right word because its not a fad, its not temporary. Instagram ~ 94,246 current hashtags, Twitter and Facebook don’t give a count but look it up for yourself!

The results are permanent as long as you keep working hard and eating right. Who doesn’t want to look and feel great all the time! Anyone can do this! ANYONE! with a desire to be their best! Your results are just that YOURS!!!! You did this and in the end it will feel so amazing when you look back from where you started.

I can attest to these great feelings because I’ve come from a place of depression about weight. I need to move to the next level and I want you do to it with me.

I am passionate about helping and motivating. I am passionate about working at full capacity. I am passionate about challenges and success!

Take the leap with me.

Take the journey with me.

I will see you at the finish line!

Contact me if you have questions about the 21 day fix at skinnyonadime@yahoo.com

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop!

Whew, I just did an amazing week of blog hopping last week with the Ultimate Blog hopping party and it was so much fun! For all of you that joined me either blogger, facebook, or twitter ~ THANK YOU (I am still working on following you all back, ha)! If you are back to the regular tuning in and are just joining me through Welcome Wednesday, I’m so glad you’ve found me! I hope you come back to visit again.

Click here to join in on the blog hop and find more interesting blogs!

I am so excited I have a success story from on of my clients that I can’t wait to tell you all about! Stay tuned.

Wonderful Wednesday!

Today is a wonderful day! Its Wednesday woohoo! The week is almost over and it is the day to find new blogs and make new blogger friends. If you are here for the first time, welcome and I hope you stay a while. Thank you to all of my returning readers, I love you more than brownies :)….

If you want to join in on the blog hop click here or on the image above.

Have an awesome day!

Ultimate Blog Party

I just did this the other day and decided to use this for a FUN Blog hop I just read about!

How fun is this! The Ultimate Blog Party! I love to find new blogs to read and get great tips and recipes.

If you are just joining me here are a few random things about me.

I hope you will click around and find a few things that interest you!

I saw this on another blog and thought “What a great idea?!?” A few years ago on facebook, this list went around for you to post 25 random things about you. I probably will be changing my mind in about 5.2 minutes but for now I love it. I love reminiscing on things past and am a lover of all things old fashioned! For those of you that know nothing about me except that I love to cook and eat…. and eat and cook, lol, here are a few, well 25 to be exact, random things about yours truly, with a few minor adjustments from the original list.

1. BirthdayAlarm.com was the greatest invention ever ~ until smart phones were invented!
2. I didn't realize how difficult it would be to live so far away from all of my family.
3. I never did like the invention of the Nextel radio. 
4. I am socially challenged when it comes to meeting new people and making small talk. 
5. I wish we would have spent more time looking for our first house.
6. I have two tattoos and they both hurt…..really really bad!
7. I love to cook anything and I love being the host of a party.
8. I am the sports fanatic in my family ~ GO HOGS!
9. I realize there are things that have happened in my life that I can't explain or change and have to work at accepting that everyday.
10. I always oversleep even with three alarms screeching in my ears!
11. I am the only girl in a family full of boys, even the dog is male!
12. I love fashion but I just can never relay those looks to my own style. They just don't turn out the same-lol!
13. My true passion is medicine. I started out my college years to get a degree in Physical Therapy but now I would just enjoy being a nurse and work with children.
14. I didn't like crab legs until I moved to Florida!
15. It takes a lot to make me think outside the box. My thought process is very black and white with very little room left for the grey areas.
16. The first time I flew on an airplane I was 26 years old and I was scared to death the whole time.
17. The first time I watched Lost I was a scared chicken! I gave it a second try and watched it faithfully all the way to the end.
18. I am a daddy's girl, always have been and always will be, no matter how old I get.
19. The only book I fully read in high school was The Catcher in the Rye. I wasn't much of a fan of reading then but now I can finish a good book in a day!
20. I have OCD about the strangest things like I can't eat bread crusts on regular sliced bread, I collect pencils and never sharpen them and if a guest fills my dishwasher I will readjust everything in it after they leave.
21. I thrive as a multi-tasker. An idle mind is a wasted mind in my opinion. I can’t even sit still to watch the football game, I have to be doing something.
22. Deep in my heart somewhere, I am a girly girl, I just know it!
23. I love watching old episodes of Will & Grace.
24. If macaroni and cheese were erased from the food chain, I would die-lol!!
25. I despise the word LULL-It should be removed from the dictionary!!!!!

Blog Hopping Wednesday!

I like Wednesdays!

I like them because there are only two days left in the work week after this day is finished.

I like them because it means Survivor comes on tonight!

I like them because I get to blog hop woohoo!

If you are here for the first time, Welcome and I hope you come back again and again.

If you want to join in on the blog hop, click on the image above or just click here.

Have a great day y’all!

Wednesday Blog hop day

When I woke up this morning, I didn’t expect today to be as busy as it has been. I am just now getting around to some fun blog hopping.

If you are here for the first time, I hope you stick around and thanks for stopping by. Click on the link to learn more about the blog hop!

Have a great afternoon!

Meet{me}on Monday

I’m trying something new.

Because it’s Monday

Because I need a good kick in tha ……

Because I like trying new things.

So here’s the deal. I generally only do blog hops on Wednesday but I ran across a different type of blog hop. It’s funny because most bloggers (including myself) blog about intimate things, personal things that we wouldn’t normally admit to face to face.

When we have the screen protector we are able to let it all out! So I’m gonna give this a whirl and invite you in a little deeper to my world. If you want to join in click on the image or just click here and here we go……

Five honest answers to five crazy questions!

1. What is your favorite way to eat potatoes?

Since we are being completely honest here, I could pretty much eat potatoes any shape, form or fashion! And to pick a favorite is complete and utter torture but I have a love/hate relationship with French fries. Once I start eating them I MUST finish them off. Then I run 500 miles so I can still fit in my skinny jeans.

2.  What was the last package that was delivered to your house?

I got my big box full of party stuff for my house party!!

If you’ve never heard of house party, its a company that you can sign up for the become a “host” and host a party for new products that a company is advertising. You get awesome stuff for free and to hand out. Click here to learn more if you are interested.

3.  What is your favorite scent that you love to smell?

Can I make a list? It would be ongoing!

No? Okay. Fine!

Food is my number one favorite smell. Since there are too many types of foods to list I will just make it general. I love to smell food cooking or baking. I love to eat it too!

4.  Do you smoke?

You know, funny thing about smoking. I went my entire teenage and young adult life, despising my parents for smoking until one devilish of a day I tried it and was hooked, line and sinker. But I am very proud to say that I am a non-smoker for almost 2 years now! Woohoo!

5.  Are your parents married or divorced?

My mom and dad are still hitched. After raising two daughters and fighting the up and down battles of marriage they still wake up next to each other every day. Now if you ask them if they are still happy, I cannot guarantee you that the answer would be pleasant but they seem to work it out somehow.

Welcome Wednesday Blog Hop ~ Yay!

Hi all! Today is a great day in blogger world. It’s the day I get to meet people and find new exciting blogs. It’s blog hopping Wednesday.
I join up with Take it From Me who does a great weekly blog hop.
If you are here for the first time, take a few minutes to look around and enjoy.
For all of you coming back again and again, I thank you and love you. Its because of you that I share everyday :) !
If you want to join in on the hopping click on the image above.
Have a great day everyone!

~Wednesday Blog Hop Day~

Woohoo its that time of the week again! Blog Hopping Wednesday. If you are here for the first time, thank you for stopping by. If you are a regular, I hope you are enjoying the recipes :-)!!
If you would like to join in on the blog hopping or just want to learn what it is, click on the picture and it will take you straight there!
Have a great day all!

Wonderful Wednesday ~ Blog hop day

Welcome to Wednesday Blog Hop Day! If you are here for the first time, thanks for stopping by and joining. If you are a regular, Thank You!
If you are interested in joining the blog hop click here or on the picture above.
Have a wonderful day!

Wednesday~Blog hopping day

Welcome to Blog Hop Wednesday. Honestly I almost forgot today was blog hop day. My morning was thrown off by a sick kiddo who is now doing much better and I was late coming to work. My whole day is off!
Anyway, if you are here for the first time, thank you for stopping by and if you are coming back for seconds, Thank you very much!
If you want to join in on the blog hopping, click on the picture above or click here.
Have an awesome HUMP DAY!!

Blog Hop Day!

Today is one of my favorite days! If you are new to my blog, welcome. If you are coming back again and again, thank you for sticking with me :-)!
If you want to join in on the fun of a blog hop or you’ve never participated, its a great way to gain new followers and find really cool blogs! Click on the picture above to join and and I’ll see you there!
Have an awesome day!

Hump day! Hop Day!

Woohoo ~~ two great things in one day. Its Hump day and its Blog Hop day! If you are here for the first time, thank you so much for taking the time to stop by. If you are coming back again and again, well I love you for reading the madness of my mind :-)!
Click on the picture above if you want to jump in on the fun!

Its blog hop day! Woop Woop!

Hooray for blog hop days! Wednesday has been designated my official blog hopping day. If you are here for the first time Welcome, I hope you find something of interest to you. If you are coming back again and again, I love you for that!
If you want to join in on the blog hop, click on the picture above or just click here.

Bloghop Wednesday

I am going to just pick one day to do blog hops because there are so many and Wednesday seems like a great day for a boost! If your here for the first time, welcome and I hope you like what you find.

Today’s Blog hop!

 Its Tuesday and that means there is a blog hop going on somewhere :0)! Click on the image above if you want to link up.
If your here for the first time, Welcome and I hope you come back for some awesome recipes and tips on staying healthy on a budget.

100~~Almost there!

 I know in the blog world many people have surpassed me but today is my adventure. I am almost to 100 followers woohoo!!! It is a major milestone in my blogging extravaganza. So please link up and join me today to blast through this number.
If you are here for the first time, Welcome and come back soon for some amazing recipes and tips on losing weight and saving money!