Don't forget your IFAK!

I know what your thinking my auto correct screwed up my title for this blog. Nope that didn't happen what I want to bring to your attention is do you have a weight loss IFAK? What is an IFAK? It stands for Individual First Aid Kit. So what should you carry in your weight loss IFAK? I have to say I can’t make that decision for you because I am not you and don’t know what will keep you from “bleeding out” when you pass by a fast food window or a ice cream shop. What I can tell you is what I keep in my IFAK. I have been eating healthy long enough that I know most of the time when I think I am hungry I am just dehydrated so I always have water on hand. If that doesn't cut it and I am still have cravings I have different bags depending on what cravings I am having. If I want something sweet I put a breath strip in my mouth. If I am feeling like I need protein I keep some almonds or some type of nuts to keep me going to the next meal. I also keep a small note pad and pen with me to write down what I am feeling in case I am feeling like I want to over eat for any reason other than hunger. I also have some apps on my phone that has some calming music if I just need to stop and do some breathing exercises and think about what my goals are and how I am getting there moment by moment. So I want you to stop reading this think about what you should be carrying on your person all the time and make your own personal IFAK! 

Dear Cookies,

Dear Cookie, 

We need to talk. Our on again, off again, relationship needs to come to an end. Our midnight meetings and secret rendezvous were indulgent to say the least. I am an addict to your sweetness and it’s time to call it like it is. It’s OVER. I’m sorry I can’t tell you this in person. You are just to convincing with that face that melts at the sight of me. It’s hard enough to see you at parties, but I know this is for the best. I have given myself over to meats, veggies, fruits, nuts and seed and unfortunately that doesn’t include you.

Till I’m healthy,

Beth

I thought that my excitement to start my healthy journey would last a little longer then just a few days, but with being sick for the last 4 days, it brought me pity for myself that I didn’t expect so soon. I guess its good, since I was ready with my battle plan but I wanted a little longer of a honeymoon period.

I want to explain a little more about my “addition” to food. 

Friday night, I had a huge craving for cookies. I know, I know… they are just cookie… say no, right? Well, I wish I could tell you I don’t have a “problem” with food, but that would be a lie. I was thinking about all the ways to get my “fix”.

I knew I didn’t have any in the house. But I also knew that Jake was going to be gone in the morning. So… I started thinking about how to get the cookies.

Go to the store? Nope, too sick to walk and no car.

Make them? Well, I think I have all the ingredients.

What ones would I make, mmm those sugar press cookies are the best.

I’ll make those.

I took a nap dreaming about them. When I woke up, I emailed Em (even though it felt like I was ratting myself out). I told her I wanted cookies and I was already thinking about my plan on how to get them in the morning. She was so supportive and loving. She gave me some tips on how to beat the cravings with actions (ie sending the ingredients with Jake, drinking a big glass of water or tea instead, clean something). I knew she was right. I needed a plan. I was really too sick to even think I could make them and not over do it, but I made a plan anyways, I planned what I was going to have for breakfast. The first thing I did when I woke up was I made coconut curry soup and went back to bed. Once I was hungry I was ready to eat. It was perfect. I managed to not make cookies and stayed within my calories all day.

In fact, even though I have been sick, I have stayed within since the start!

Progress!! I’m in the groove. 

“Do or do not… there is no try” –Yoda

It seems I always start out strong.

My motivation is high.

I can see my goals and know what it will take to accomplish them.

I'm determined to achieve success and understand hard times will come.

But what happens?

I lose motivation.

I lose site of my goals and the tasks to accomplish them seem blurred.

I feel achieving success isn't doable and the hard times seem to wipe me out.

I wish I could say this time was different, but I can't.

I cannot predict the future and honestly, what fun would the ride be if I knew what was always coming.

In light of these upsetting trends that I have found myself in time and time again, I plan to plan better. 

You may ask, what does that look like?

Well, first off. I am going to do something I have never done before.

It won't be an easy for me or I would have done it in 2008 when I realized my fate in being obese, death.

First I need a commitment that has 3 parts: My goal (specific - how much and when), my action plan on how to acheive my goal, and what I commit to. 

My Goal is to lose 2 lbs per week

My starting weight is 1/3/12 268 My 1st goal weight is 208 My calorie budget is 1,856 My goal date is August 02, 2012

My action plan (small things that help to avoid the pitfalls that have tripped me up in the past):

- Keeping foods that are NOT on my "ok" list out of the house.

- Have Whole30 approved apple cider on hand for those strong cravings I can't seem to shake (1- 8oz glass only)

- No alcohol. :-(

- Keep at least one snack ready to eat in my purse.

- Going to Crossfit in the morning, because it motivates good choices all day.

I recognize the benefits to my health and commit to:

Crossfit - four to five times a week.

Making better food choices –strict Whole30 foods.

Keeping a food journal – with Loseit! App.

Allowing Em to help me in ways I won't help myself. I'm asking for tough love.

Now that I have my commitments, I need to revamp how I plan to solve those stumbling blocks when they come up. This means doing what I am rebelling against most. Asking someone to help me. Some people say (especially me), "I don't need help, I can do it on my own, and if I can't then it's not meant to be." So. Not. True.

This is why I asked for a partner. Not just any old partner that will call when its convenient and tell me I am doing good even when I am doing bad. I am talking about a Food and Exercise Sponsor.  Its just like AA sponsorship, find someone who has been doing well on the program, and ask them to come along side to help. This will keep not only me in line but the person helping as well. I know, I know... super cheesy. But let me tell you this, if I have tried and tired without success before, I need to call in the troops and try something new. This is it!

I emailed a very good friend of mine and asked her to help. I explained I didn't want to scare her off with my needs and my attitude but I needed her to know, "...I am a master manipulator and want things MY way all the time. Especially when it comes to food and exercise – it seems to be a mental breakdown of me believing it's the only thing I can control. I will do anything to avoid having people tell me what to do. That being said, I am asking you to ignore my childish behavior. This is an addiction for me and I need help.  

Now, this is what I would like to ask of you:

1. I desire emails checking in (once a week or more) and telling me you have been looking at my loseit. Confirm I am doing well or ask me what's going on and why have I not done it. Again, I am a master manipulator and will tell you anything to get you off my case… don't listen to me. Only accept my willingness to do better.

2. Check to make sure I am working out at least 4 times a week. It can be ANY workout. Crossfit or at least 45min of any kind of cardio.

3. If I am not returning emails, texts, or any form of communication in a timely manner I need you to:
1. Get my core group of friends and Jake involved and ask them on board with helping me see, I need to be willing to do better. 
4. If I go away for the weekend or go to parties or BBQ's – please ask me if I drank and how I ate. I will easily tell you, "I didn't do well and I'll do better next time." But I need you to ask me:
1. Why did you choose to do that?
2. What were you feeling or thinking in the moments right before?
3. Was there anything you could have done in those moments to change the outcome?
4. How will you do better next time?

I probably will not be able to answer in that moment (because I write to process) but don't let it go unresolved for too long). You can even email me the questions if I have not answered them in a timely fasion and even include those core people on that email as well.

                                                               i.      Recommended homework: From my answers will you please pick a topic for me to write about. Something you feel I struggle with. I will then write a 500 word essay about it.

She accepted this challenge joyfully and I can't wait to keep my commitments long term. 

Get excited people, I am ready to do this!

Beth - Whole30 - 30 days Before and After Photos

        

 Before 250lbs                                         After 237lbs

Before and After

Weight       250    -  237  = total lost 13lbs

Neck       15  -  14.5  =  0.5

Chest       49.5   -  46.75   =  2.75

Waist       47   -  42   =  5

Hips        51.5  -   51.75   =  -0.25

Thigh        25.5   -  26   =  -0.5

Calf        18.5   -  20   =  -1.5

Bicep        16   -  16.5   =  -0.5

Forearm        11   -  10.75   =  0.25

Total inches lost = 5.75

Publicity

David Braun from Strength and Onoir posted a very genuine blog about and to us @ Click Here.

Since he posted about us and give us some attention through his blog, I wanted to return the act of kindness.

David's journey started with weight loss and is proving to be more about health and fitness then a small body. He will tell you a smaller body is just a result of the health he is achieving through the “original diet” and hitting the gym relentlessly and repeatedly. His story is filled with passion for people, commitment to the routine, and strength of mind to his transformation process.

David is also part of our Whole30 @ CrossFit Woodstock and is a force to be reckoned with. He has already lost 50lbs in 6 months and his motivation hasn’t waivered.

I encourage you to check him out, drop him a line and cheer him on with us.

David is also in the video above from KATU. He is the "blogger" they talk about and also the one who said "well it's the original diet." Way to go, David! Keep it going! We believe in you!

As David says. “That’s all, folks! Enjoy the day and remember, ‘Change Is Inevitable!’”

You can view his full auto biography of his journey @ click here.

Salad, Salad, SALAD!

Cabbage, spinach, carrots, cucumbers, snow peas, and toasted almonds.
DRESSING: vinegar, olive oil, garlic, and coconut water.

Day 1 – Went GREAT! Food was good, I wasn’t hungry BUT… I sure was cranky.

Detoxing my body is proving to be annoying. In addition to a headache from cutting coffee (caffeine), my lymph nodes are swollen from the effects of my body trying to rid itself of all the junk I put in it the day before this challenge.

Let's Get Crackin'

Today is day one of the Whole30 challenge.

This morning we are going through our cupboards and tossing anything that doesn't "fit" into this selection of food.  Since so many of the "non-acceptable" items live in our home we plan to give our cupboards a facelift. This is really going to feel up so much space in our already crowded cupboard space. Love it!

This afternoon we have a BBQ with the other participants to talk about rules of the challenge and how to WIN the money. Each person is bringing a Whole30/Paleo food dish to share with 20 recipes to share with the other players.

Each person is giving $10 plus our gym manager Winslow is putting $100 of his own money in the pot to sweeten the win. This could mean a $250 prize (or more).

As Jake and I are extremely competitive we are going to hit the crossfit gym hard. Going no less then 3 times a week - hopin for five and on a good week 6 days.

I (Beth) is also committing to the new Whole30: Kill Your TV which means: "No watching, listening or “casually observing” television shows, movies, documentaries, music videos, music channels, exercise clips or YouTube videos on any form of “screen”… including your computer, iPhone or a portable DVD player. Resist the urge to replace one screen with another. If you find yourself surfing the internet every night for hours because you can’t watch TV, check yourself. The idea is to unplug - not switch plugs."
Let the LIFE CHANGING fun begin.

In Anticipation of Ultimate Fitness

Bruised Not Broken

Wow...am I black and blue... I went my first Muay Thai boxing class last night and boy is my ego beat up. I have been involved off and on with martial arts since I was a kid and I like to think that I can handle myself when it is necessary. I have been a bouncer for many years and have been in many hands on confrontations and have never had a problem with keeping myself safe. Yet trying to learn a new martial art when my brain is programed to block, kick, and punch in a different martial art style is proving to be very difficult as you can see. I must say I like the pain cause I know it is teaching me and the bruises are reminding me to stay focused and train harder. I wish I had all the time and money I need to train 24/7 so I could progress a lot faster. Once again martial arts is opening up my eyes to see that I not only need physical work but also need to be humble and patient.

PS doing Crossfit right before probably wasn't a good idea either.

Heres to learning slowly!

Replicated Pioneer Launch

Just last week we embarked on a new facet of our weight loss and health. We needed a change to our current weight gain rut.

We canceled our gym memberships, Beth cancelled weight watchers and we chose to change the game.

We joined Alive MMA which also houses Alive Boxing and CrossFit Woodstock. Since the recommended diet is Paleo we are planning to change everything about the way we eat.

This blog is just that.... Our journey.

Little back history: When Jake and I started dating we loved eachother through food. Everything we did and said was mostly about food. Jake was 440lbs and I was a stocky 286lbs. Once we got married we knew the way we lived needed to change. Jake started low carb and lost 140lbs the first year. I didn't quite get on the weight loss wagon till later that year but once I started weight watchers I lost 78lbs in 7 months.

It was hit and miss, on and off again, losing and gaining for the last 2+ years. This rut is deep and wide but we are putting on our cleats and starting this treck as if it were day one.

Jake @ 325lbs on 5/10/11
Beth @ 250lbs on 5/10/11

We attended 3 crossfit classes last week, backpacking over the weekend and this week plan to hit at least 5 crossfit classes.

Welcome to our journey. Lets do this together. Join us. Laugh with us (or at us). Read all about us as we push through our strongest addition.

Pictures to come!
~ Beth